The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (Dip Gerontological Nutrition) is a comprehensive and advanced qualification designed for professionals seeking to specialise in the nutritional care and wellbeing of older adults. This diploma provides learners with the knowledge, skills, and practical understanding required to support the dietary and health needs of ageing populations, equipping them to make a meaningful impact in clinical, community, and care settings.
This Level 6 Diploma is ideal for learners who wish to enhance their career prospects, deepen their expertise in gerontological nutrition, and expand their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Through a combination of theoretical study and practical application, learners will explore topics such as age-related nutritional requirements, the management of chronic conditions, dietary planning for older adults, and strategies to promote healthy ageing.
Centres delivering this qualification are expected to maintain the highest standards of education, providing learners with access to competent and qualified staff, well-structured learning materials, and the necessary resources to facilitate effective training and learner success. This ensures that learners receive a supportive and enriching learning experience that aligns with professional best practices and international standards.
By completing the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition, learners will not only strengthen their professional credibility but also gain the expertise needed to contribute positively to the health and wellbeing of older adults in various care and healthcare environments. This qualification is an essential step for those aspiring to become leaders and specialists in the field of gerontological nutrition.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (Dip Gerontological Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
480
Qualification #
LICQ2201072
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (Dip Gerontological Nutrition) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201072-1 |
Advanced Principles of Gerontological Nutrition |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201072-2 |
Assessment and Monitoring of Nutritional Status |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201072-3 |
Diet Planning and Therapeutic Nutrition |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201072-4 |
Psychological, Social, and Cultural Considerations |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201072-5 |
Public Health and Policy in Gerontological Nutrition |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201072-6 |
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development |
20 |
80 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Gerontological Nutrition
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Analyse physiological changes associated with ageing and their impact on nutritional needs
- Evaluate macronutrient and micronutrient requirements for older adults
- Assess energy metabolism variations in ageing populations
- Critically appraise the role of nutrition in healthy ageing and disease prevention
Unit 2: Assessment and Monitoring of Nutritional Status
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply appropriate methods to assess nutritional status in older adults
- Interpret anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical data accurately
- Evaluate the effectiveness of dietary interventions through monitoring
- Develop evidence-based strategies to identify and prevent malnutrition
Unit 3: Diet Planning and Therapeutic Nutrition
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Design individualised nutrition plans tailored to older adults with specific health conditions
- Integrate clinical guidelines to manage chronic diseases through diet
- Assess the suitability and efficacy of supplements and functional foods
- Critically evaluate therapeutic nutrition strategies for frailty, malnutrition, and comorbidities
Unit 4: Psychological, Social, and Cultural Considerations
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Analyse psychological factors influencing eating behaviour in older adults
- Evaluate social determinants that affect nutrition and dietary habits
- Integrate cultural, ethical, and religious considerations into nutrition planning
- Develop interventions to improve adherence to dietary recommendations and promote overall wellbeing
Unit 5: Public Health and Policy in Gerontological Nutrition
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Critically evaluate national and international nutrition guidelines for older adults
- Analyse the role of public health initiatives in promoting healthy ageing
- Assess the effectiveness of community nutrition programmes for older populations
- Develop strategies to implement evidence-based nutrition policies in practice
Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Critically appraise research in gerontological nutrition and apply findings to practice
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct small-scale research or audits
- Integrate professional ethics and CPD principles into practice
- Develop leadership and management strategies to enhance nutrition services for older adults
This qualification is designed for professionals who wish to specialise in gerontological nutrition and enhance their expertise in supporting the dietary needs of older adults. It is ideal for:
- Learners working in healthcare, clinical nutrition, or dietetics seeking advanced knowledge of nutrition for older adults
- Professionals in care homes, community health services, or rehabilitation settings aiming to improve the nutritional wellbeing of elderly populations
- Nutritionists, dietitians, and allied health practitioners looking to expand their career prospects and professional credentials
- Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and evidence-based practice in gerontological nutrition
- Professionals aspiring to take on leadership, advisory, or specialist roles in nutrition services for ageing populations
- Learners aiming to develop practical skills for assessment, dietary planning, and therapeutic interventions in older adults
- Individuals interested in contributing to public health initiatives, policy development, and research focused on nutrition and healthy ageing
To ensure high-quality delivery of the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (Dip Gerontological Nutrition), centres must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ experienced and qualified trainers with expertise in nutrition, gerontology, and healthcare. Staff should be able to provide guidance, mentorship, and support throughout the course.
- Learning Materials and Resources: Centres should provide learners with access to up-to-date study materials, textbooks, research articles, and digital resources relevant to gerontological nutrition.
- Practical Training Facilities: Centres must have the necessary equipment and facilities to allow learners to practice assessment techniques, dietary planning, and nutrition interventions safely and effectively.
- Assessment and Feedback Systems: Centres should implement structured assessment processes, including formative and summative evaluations, to monitor learner progress and provide timely, constructive feedback.
- Support for CPD and Professional Development: Centres must encourage learners to engage in Continuing Professional Development and provide opportunities to apply knowledge in professional settings.
- Compliance with Educational Standards: Centres must maintain adherence to LICQual’s policies, quality assurance procedures, and international standards to ensure effective teaching and learner success.
- Access to Technology and Research Tools: Centres should provide learners with access to computers, software, and online research databases to support learning, assignments, and evidence-based practice.
These requirements ensure that learners receive a comprehensive, practical, and professionally relevant education, preparing them for advanced roles in gerontological nutrition.
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.
