The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (Dip Clinical Dietetics) is a specialised qualification designed for professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and expertise in clinical nutrition and dietetic practice. This course provides learners with comprehensive insight into the principles of dietetics, medical nutrition therapy, and the management of nutrition-related conditions in healthcare settings. It is particularly suitable for dietitians, nutritionists, healthcare practitioners, and allied health professionals who wish to enhance their professional skills and career prospects.
By completing this qualification, learners will develop a deep understanding of clinical nutrition assessment, dietary planning, therapeutic interventions, and evidence-based strategies to support patient health and recovery. The curriculum covers essential areas such as nutritional requirements for different patient populations, managing diet-related medical conditions, clinical assessment techniques, and effective communication of dietary guidance. Learners will gain the skills to make informed, practical decisions that improve patient outcomes and contribute to high-quality healthcare delivery.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Dietetics 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 materials necessary for effective teaching and assessment. By upholding these standards, centres guarantee that learners receive a high-quality educational experience that maximises knowledge acquisition, practical skill development, and professional success.
This qualification equips learners with the practical, evidence-based skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in clinical dietetics, supporting improved patient care while advancing professional careers in healthcare and nutrition.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (Dip Clinical Dietetics)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201034
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (Dip Clinical Dietetics), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201034-1 |
Principles of Clinical Dietetics |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201034-2 |
Nutritional Assessment and Screening |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201034-3 |
Medical Nutrition Therapy |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201034-4 |
Feeding Methods and Therapeutic Diets |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201034-5 |
Communication and Multidisciplinary Practice |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201034-6 |
Professional Practice and Evidence-Based Clinical Dietetics |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles of Clinical Dietetics
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the role and scope of clinical dietetics in healthcare practice
- Identify macro- and micronutrient requirements for different patient populations
- Analyse the impact of nutrition-related conditions on patient health and recovery
- Discuss the importance of nutrition in the prevention and management of disease
Unit 2: Nutritional Assessment and Screening
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply appropriate methods for nutritional assessment and screening in clinical settings
- Interpret anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, and dietary intake data
- Identify patients at risk of malnutrition or nutrition-related complications
- Make evidence-based recommendations to improve patient nutritional status
Unit 3: Medical Nutrition Therapy
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Develop personalised dietary plans for patients with acute and chronic conditions
- Apply evidence-based strategies for managing common medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disorders
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions
- Adjust dietary plans according to patient response and clinical guidelines
Unit 4: Feeding Methods and Therapeutic Diets
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the principles of enteral and parenteral feeding
- Plan and implement specialised therapeutic diets safely and effectively
- Ensure patient safety and adherence to prescribed nutritional regimens
- Evaluate outcomes of feeding interventions and make necessary adjustments
Unit 5: Communication and Multidisciplinary Practice
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Communicate nutritional guidance effectively to patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams
- Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated patient care
- Apply counselling techniques to support patient adherence and positive behaviour change
- Demonstrate professional and empathetic communication in clinical practice
Unit 6: Professional Practice and Evidence-Based Clinical Dietetics
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply research and evidence-based practice in clinical dietetic interventions
- Understand ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities in healthcare settings
- Communicate complex nutritional information in a professional and accurate manner
- Plan and engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain and enhance professional competence
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Dietetics is designed for learners who wish to develop advanced skills and expertise in clinical nutrition and dietetic practice. This course is particularly suitable for:
- Dietitians, nutritionists, and healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their clinical practice
- Allied health professionals supporting patient care in hospitals, clinics, or community settings
- Learners working with patients who have acute or chronic medical conditions requiring nutritional management
- Professionals involved in planning and delivering medical nutrition therapy and therapeutic diets
- Individuals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and advancing their professional skills in clinical dietetics
- Those aiming to improve career prospects in healthcare, clinical nutrition, or dietetic services
This course equips learners with evidence-based knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence to improve patient outcomes through effective clinical nutrition practice.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Dietetics must maintain 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 dietetics, nutrition, or healthcare, capable of delivering evidence-based teaching.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres should provide learners with access to textbooks, digital learning materials, assessment tools, and practical resources to support effective learning.
- Safe and Suitable Training Environment: Training facilities must meet 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 current 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 dietetics, preparing them for successful careers and improved patient care 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.
