The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Sciences (Dip Nutritional Sciences) is a comprehensive qualification designed for learners seeking to deepen their understanding of human nutrition, dietary science, and health management. This diploma provides an in-depth exploration of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular principles that underpin nutrition, enabling learners to analyse dietary requirements, evaluate nutritional status, and apply evidence-based strategies to support health and wellbeing.
This qualification is aimed at professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners will gain the skills needed to assess nutritional intake, interpret scientific research, and develop practical interventions that promote optimal health outcomes. It is particularly suitable for health practitioners, nutrition advisors, wellness professionals, dietitians, and anyone seeking to progress in the fields of nutrition, health sciences, or dietary consultancy.
Centres delivering this qualification are required to uphold the highest standards of training and learning. They must ensure that learners are supported by competent and qualified staff with relevant expertise, and that they have access to up-to-date learning materials, practical resources, and facilities that facilitate effective study and assessment. This ensures learners achieve both theoretical knowledge and practical competence, preparing them for professional success in nutritional sciences.
With its emphasis on scientific understanding, applied practice, and professional development, the Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Sciences is an ideal choice for learners committed to advancing their careers while making a meaningful impact on individual and community health.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Sciences (Dip Nutritional Sciences)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201057
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Sciences (Dip Nutritional Sciences), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201057-1 |
Foundations of Nutritional Science |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201057-2 |
Human Physiology and Biochemistry in Nutrition |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201057-3 |
Nutritional Assessment and Dietary Analysis |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201057-4 |
Nutrition and Health Across the Lifespan |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201057-5 |
Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Disease Prevention |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201057-6 |
Professional Practice and Continuing Development in Nutrition |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Foundations of Nutritional Science
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the structure, function, and dietary roles of macronutrients and micronutrients
- Describe digestion, absorption, and nutrient transport in the human body
- Analyse the impact of nutrition on growth, development, and overall health
- Apply basic nutritional principles to evaluate balanced diets
Unit 2: Human Physiology and Biochemistry in Nutrition
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Describe key physiological systems involved in nutrition and metabolism
- Explain biochemical pathways of energy production and nutrient utilisation
- Assess the role of hormones and enzymes in metabolic regulation
- Analyse how physiological and biochemical processes influence dietary requirements
Unit 3: Nutritional Assessment and Dietary Analysis
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Conduct dietary assessments using food diaries, recalls, and other tools
- Interpret anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical data to evaluate nutritional status
- Analyse dietary intake to identify deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances
- Apply assessment results to inform evidence-based nutritional recommendations
Unit 4: Nutrition and Health Across the Lifespan
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain nutritional requirements for different life stages, including infancy, adolescence, adulthood, and older age
- Assess the impact of nutrition on growth, development, and ageing
- Evaluate dietary strategies to support health at each stage of life
- Recommend appropriate nutritional interventions for diverse population groups
Unit 5: Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Disease Prevention
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions
- Analyse dietary and lifestyle risk factors contributing to non-communicable diseases
- Assess evidence-based nutritional strategies for disease prevention
- Recommend interventions to promote healthier eating habits and improve public health outcomes
Unit 6: Professional Practice and Continuing Development in Nutrition
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of ethical and professional responsibilities in nutrition
- Apply reflective practice to identify personal strengths and areas for professional growth
- Develop a personal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plan aligned with career goals
- Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders in a professional and ethical manner
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Sciences is designed for learners who want to advance their careers, enhance their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in nutrition, health, and wellbeing. This qualification is suitable for:
- Health and nutrition professionals seeking to deepen understanding of dietary science, metabolic processes, and evidence-based nutrition
- Healthcare practitioners and support staff aiming to integrate nutritional knowledge into patient care and health management
- Dietary advisors, wellness consultants, and health educators wishing to enhance professional practice with applied nutritional science
- Fitness trainers and lifestyle coaches who want to incorporate nutritional insights into client programmes
- Individuals working in food, health, or wellness sectors seeking recognised qualifications to support career progression
- Learners committed to CPD and ongoing professional growth in nutrition and health sciences
- Those with a strong interest in applied nutrition, public health, and metabolic health who want practical, career-focused skills
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Sciences must meet the following standards to ensure high-quality training, assessment, and learner success:
- Qualified and Competent Staff
Trainers, assessors, and internal quality assurers must be appropriately qualified, experienced, and competent in nutritional sciences, health, and professional training delivery. - Access to Learning Resources
Centres must provide learners with up-to-date textbooks, research journals, digital platforms, and practical resources to support effective teaching, learning, and independent study. - Robust Assessment and Quality Assurance Systems
Centres should have clear procedures for assessment, internal moderation, and quality assurance to maintain fairness, consistency, and compliance with awarding body standards. - Suitable Facilities and Learning Environment
Centres must offer a safe, supportive, and well-equipped environment for classroom-based, blended, or online delivery, ensuring learner engagement and high-quality outcomes. - Learner Support Services
Centres must provide guidance, academic support, and access to professional development resources to enable learners to achieve their qualification goals. - Commitment to CPD
Teaching and support staff should actively participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain expertise and deliver high-quality training experiences. - Technology and Digital Access
For online or blended learning, centres must ensure learners have reliable access to e-learning platforms, digital resources, and technical support.
By meeting these requirements, centres can deliver the Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Sciences to the highest standards, ensuring learners gain both theoretical knowledge and practical competence.
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.
