The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pathology (PgDCP) is a prestigious qualification designed for experienced healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in diagnostic medicine, laboratory practices, and clinical investigation. This programme is not intended for beginners but is tailored to support learners who already possess substantial knowledge and professional experience, enabling them to progress in their careers, broaden their clinical understanding, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Clinical pathology plays a critical role in modern healthcare, supporting the accurate diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases. This advanced diploma equips learners with in-depth knowledge of laboratory sciences, diagnostic methodologies, disease mechanisms, and evidence-based approaches to patient care. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications, the qualification prepares learners for senior roles in healthcare institutions, laboratories, research organisations, and academia.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure they have competent and qualified staff with the relevant expertise, alongside access to appropriate laboratory facilities, learning materials, and modern resources. This commitment ensures a high-quality learning experience that supports academic excellence and professional growth.
The PgDCP is internationally recognised and valued for its rigorous academic standards and industry relevance. Learners completing this diploma will enhance their professional credibility, expand career opportunities in clinical and diagnostic sciences, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of healthcare services.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pathology (PgDCP)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2200970
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Disease Medicine (PgD IDM), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200970-1 |
Advanced Principles of Clinical Pathology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200970-2 |
Laboratory Management and Quality Assurance |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200970-3 |
Haematology and Blood Disorders |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200970-4 |
Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200970-5 |
Histopathology and Cytopathology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200970-6 |
Research Methods in Clinical Pathology |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Clinical Pathology
Learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the fundamental principles and scope of clinical pathology.
- Analyse disease mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level.
- Assess the clinical significance of laboratory findings in diagnostic medicine.
- Apply advanced theoretical knowledge to real-world diagnostic and treatment scenarios.
Unit 2: Laboratory Management and Quality Assurance
Learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory governance, safety, and ethical considerations.
- Apply quality assurance frameworks and international accreditation standards.
- Evaluate laboratory workflows for efficiency and accuracy.
- Implement strategies for continuous improvement and error reduction in laboratory practice.
Unit 3: Haematology and Blood Disorders
Learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse the pathophysiology of common and rare blood disorders.
- Interpret laboratory tests for accurate diagnosis of haematological conditions.
- Assess clinical management strategies for blood disorders, including transfusion medicine.
- Apply evidence-based approaches in haematological investigations and treatment.
Unit 4: Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Learners will be able to:
- Identify and classify microbial pathogens relevant to human disease.
- Critically assess diagnostic methods for bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.
- Evaluate antimicrobial resistance and its implications for public health.
- Apply infection control measures and laboratory strategies for outbreak management.
Unit 5: Histopathology and Cytopathology
Learners will be able to:
- Interpret histological and cytological findings for diagnostic accuracy.
- Critically evaluate tissue and cell changes in relation to disease progression.
- Apply advanced diagnostic techniques in cancer pathology and related fields.
- Integrate laboratory evidence into clinical decision-making.
Unit 6: Research Methods in Clinical Pathology
Learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced research skills in clinical and diagnostic sciences.
- Critically evaluate scientific literature and evidence-based practice.
- Design and develop research projects relevant to clinical pathology.
- Apply statistical and analytical methods to interpret research data effectively.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pathology (PgDCP) is designed for experienced professionals who wish to enhance their expertise, expand career opportunities, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This qualification is ideal for:
- Medical doctors specialising in diagnostic medicine, pathology, or related clinical disciplines.
- Clinical pathologists seeking advanced knowledge and career progression in laboratory sciences.
- Biomedical and medical laboratory scientists aiming to expand their expertise in diagnostic testing and research.
- Healthcare professionals involved in patient diagnosis, treatment planning, and evidence-based decision-making.
- Researchers in clinical and diagnostic sciences who wish to strengthen their analytical and investigative skills.
- Senior healthcare managers and laboratory leaders responsible for quality assurance, laboratory governance, and operational excellence.
- Academics and educators in medical and biomedical sciences aiming to advance their knowledge and teaching practice.
- Experienced practitioners committed to lifelong learning, professional development, and contributing to improved healthcare outcomes.
Approved centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pathology (PgDCP) must ensure they meet the highest academic and professional standards. To provide learners with a high-quality educational experience, centres are required to have the following:
- Qualified Academic Staff
- Tutors, assessors, and trainers must hold relevant postgraduate qualifications in clinical pathology, medical sciences, or related fields.
- Staff should demonstrate significant professional experience in laboratory sciences, diagnostics, or healthcare.
- Laboratory and Learning Facilities
- Access to modern, fully equipped laboratories with the latest diagnostic and testing equipment.
- Availability of safe, hygienic, and compliant laboratory environments adhering to international quality and safety standards.
- Learning Resources
- Comprehensive teaching materials, case studies, and updated reference texts.
- Access to digital learning platforms, e-libraries, and research databases to support advanced study.
- Quality Assurance Systems
- Centres must have effective policies for internal quality assurance and assessment.
- Regular monitoring, feedback, and evaluation processes should be in place to maintain academic integrity.
- Support Services for Learners
- Guidance and mentoring from qualified staff throughout the programme.
- Administrative and academic support to ensure learners successfully achieve their qualification.
- Commitment to CPD and Professional Standards
- Centres must encourage staff and learners to engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Regular updates to course materials and practices to reflect the latest developments in clinical pathology and healthcare.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
