The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (Dip Clinical Nutrition) is a comprehensive qualification designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in clinical nutrition and dietetics. This course equips learners with in-depth knowledge of nutritional science, clinical assessment, dietary management, and evidence-based strategies to support health and wellbeing in diverse patient populations. It is particularly suited for healthcare practitioners, nutritionists, dietitians, and allied health professionals who aim to enhance their skills and deliver improved nutritional care.
By completing this qualification, learners will expand their professional knowledge, strengthen their practical competencies, and enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), improving career prospects in healthcare, clinical nutrition, and allied fields. The curriculum covers essential areas such as nutritional biochemistry, clinical assessment techniques, dietary planning for health conditions, and the role of nutrition in disease prevention and management, ensuring learners are well-prepared to apply best practices in clinical settings.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition are required to maintain the highest standards of training. This includes employing competent and qualified staff, providing comprehensive learning resources, and ensuring access to all necessary materials for effective learning and assessment. By adhering to these standards, centres ensure that learners receive a high-quality educational experience that maximises knowledge acquisition, skill development, and professional success.
This qualification offers learners the opportunity to gain practical, evidence-based skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact on patient care, clinical outcomes, and overall health through informed nutritional practices.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (Dip Clinical Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201030
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (Dip Clinical Nutrition) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201030-1 |
Fundamentals of Clinical Nutrition |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201030-2 |
Nutritional Assessment and Analysis |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201030-3 |
Diet Planning and Therapeutic Interventions |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201030-4 |
Nutrition and Disease Prevention |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201030-5 |
Professional Practice in Clinical Nutrition |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201030-6 |
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and CPD |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Clinical Nutrition
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the principles of clinical nutrition and its significance in health and disease management
- Identify essential macro- and micronutrients and describe their functions in the human body
- Analyse the effects of nutritional imbalances on physical and mental health
- Discuss the role of nutrition in promoting overall patient wellbeing
Unit 2: Nutritional Assessment and Analysis
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply appropriate methods to assess nutritional status, including dietary analysis, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical markers
- Interpret clinical data to identify nutrient deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances
- Evaluate the nutritional requirements of patients across different age groups and clinical conditions
- Make evidence-based recommendations to address identified nutritional needs
Unit 3: Diet Planning and Therapeutic Interventions
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Develop individualised dietary plans tailored to patient needs and medical conditions
- Explain therapeutic nutrition strategies for managing chronic and acute health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disorders
- Monitor and adjust dietary interventions based on patient progress and clinical outcomes
- Demonstrate practical application of diet planning in clinical scenarios
Unit 4: Nutrition and Disease Prevention
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Analyse the role of nutrition in preventing chronic and acute diseases
- Identify evidence-based dietary strategies to reduce risk factors for common health conditions
- Advise patients on healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, hydration, and physical activity
- Promote nutrition education to support long-term health and disease prevention
Unit 5: Professional Practice in Clinical Nutrition
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Understand ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities in clinical nutrition practice
- Communicate nutritional guidance effectively to patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams
- Apply evidence-based guidelines and best practices in clinical settings
- Reflect on professional conduct and maintain standards in practice
Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and CPD
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply research methods and critically appraise clinical nutrition studies
- Integrate evidence-based research into clinical decision-making and practice
- Identify areas for professional development and plan Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities
- Evaluate current trends, guidelines, and innovations in clinical nutrition to enhance professional competence
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition is ideal for learners who want to enhance their expertise in clinical nutrition and dietary management. This course is particularly suitable for:
- Healthcare professionals, including nurses, dietitians, and nutritionists, seeking to expand their clinical nutrition knowledge
- Allied health professionals involved in patient care who wish to incorporate evidence-based nutritional strategies
- Care home and community health staff supporting older adults or individuals with medical conditions
- Professionals aiming to advance their career prospects in healthcare, nutrition, and dietetics sectors
- Learners seeking to enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and professional competencies
- Individuals wanting to develop practical skills to assess, plan, and implement nutritional interventions for diverse patient populations
This course equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and professional competence required to make a meaningful impact on patient health, clinical outcomes, and overall wellbeing through informed nutritional practices.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition must meet high standards to ensure learners receive quality training and achieve successful outcomes. Key requirements include:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ instructors with relevant qualifications and professional experience in clinical nutrition, healthcare, or dietetics, capable of delivering evidence-based teaching.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres should provide learners with access to textbooks, digital materials, assessment tools, and practical resources to support effective learning.
- Safe and Suitable Training Environment: Training facilities must comply with health and safety standards and provide appropriate spaces for both theoretical instruction and practical activities.
- Assessment and Feedback Systems: Centres must implement robust procedures for monitoring learner progress, conducting assessments, and providing constructive feedback.
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Staff should engage in ongoing CPD to maintain up-to-date knowledge and deliver high-quality training.
- Supportive Learner Experience: Centres should provide mentoring, guidance, and pastoral support to help learners achieve their full potential.
- Compliance with LICQual Standards: Centres must adhere to LICQual’s quality assurance, governance, and operational requirements to ensure excellence in course delivery.
By meeting these requirements, centres ensure learners gain comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence in clinical nutrition, preparing them for successful careers and improved patient outcomes.
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.
