The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (Dip Nutraceuticals) is an advanced qualification designed for professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise in the rapidly evolving field of nutraceuticals and functional foods. This comprehensive diploma provides learners with in-depth knowledge of bioactive compounds, functional ingredients, and their applications in promoting health and preventing disease, enabling them to make informed decisions in professional settings. The course is ideal for individuals aiming to enhance their career prospects, broaden their scientific understanding, and advance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners completing this qualification will develop the skills to critically evaluate the efficacy, safety, and regulatory considerations of nutraceuticals and functional foods. The programme covers key areas including the science of bioactive compounds, functional food formulation, clinical applications, quality control, and consumer health benefits. Learners will also gain practical insights into research methodologies and evidence-based practice, preparing them to contribute effectively to product development, health consultancy, and professional advisory roles.
LICQual ensures that all centres delivering this Level 6 Diploma maintain the highest standards of training. Centres are required to employ competent and qualified staff, provide access to up-to-date learning materials, and maintain all necessary resources to support learner success. This guarantees learners receive high-quality, engaging, and practical training, equipping them with the confidence and expertise to excel in their professional careers.
By undertaking the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, learners position themselves as specialists in the field, equipped with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional credibility to advance their careers, contribute to industry innovation, and achieve long-term professional growth.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (Dip Nutraceuticals)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
480
Qualification #
LICQ2201091
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (Dip Nutraceuticals) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201091-1 |
Advanced Nutraceutical Science |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201091-2 |
Functional Food Formulation and Development |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201091-3 |
Regulatory Frameworks and Compliance in Nutraceuticals |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201091-4 |
Clinical Applications and Evidence-Based Practice |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201091-5 |
Quality Assurance, Safety, and Risk Management |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201091-6 |
Professional Practice, Research, and Innovation |
20 |
80 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Nutraceutical Science
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse the role and mechanisms of bioactive compounds in promoting human health and preventing disease
- Evaluate the scientific principles underlying functional ingredients and their effects on physiological processes
- Assess current research and emerging trends in nutraceutical science to inform professional practice
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for the use of nutraceuticals in professional or clinical contexts
Unit 2: Functional Food Formulation and Development
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply scientific principles to design and formulate functional foods that deliver specific health benefits
- Evaluate ingredient selection, stability, and bioavailability to ensure efficacy and safety
- Assess formulation techniques and technological processes used in the development of functional foods
- Critically analyse product development strategies to optimise consumer health outcomes
Unit 3: Regulatory Frameworks and Compliance in Nutraceuticals
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate national and international regulatory frameworks governing nutraceuticals and functional foods
- Interpret legal and compliance requirements for product labelling, marketing, and safety
- Assess organisational adherence to regulatory standards and propose corrective actions when necessary
- Develop strategies to ensure ongoing compliance and ethical practice within the nutraceutical sector
Unit 4: Clinical Applications and Evidence-Based Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse clinical evidence and research methodologies relevant to functional foods and nutraceuticals
- Evaluate the efficacy, safety, and application of nutraceutical interventions in different population groups
- Apply evidence-based decision-making to professional practice in nutrition and health-related fields
- Critically assess scientific literature to support informed recommendations and best practice
Unit 5: Quality Assurance, Safety, and Risk Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and implement quality assurance procedures in nutraceutical production
- Analyse hazards and develop control measures to ensure consumer safety and product integrity
- Evaluate quality management systems and propose improvements to optimise operational standards
- Apply professional judgement to maintain compliance with industry best practices and safety regulations
Unit 6: Professional Practice, Research, and Innovation
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct research and critically analyse current practices in nutraceutical and functional food development
- Apply professional judgement to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions
- Demonstrate leadership, communication, and ethical decision-making in professional practice
- Reflect on personal development and CPD to enhance long-term career growth and industry contribution
This advanced qualification is designed for professionals who wish to develop expertise and advance their careers in the growing field of nutraceuticals, functional foods, and health science. The course is ideal for:
- Nutritionists, dietitians, and health professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of nutraceuticals and functional foods
- Food scientists and technologists involved in the formulation, development, or testing of functional food products
- Professionals working in the nutraceutical, dietary supplement, or functional food industries aiming for career progression
- Quality assurance and regulatory compliance specialists responsible for ensuring product safety and adherence to industry standards
- Health consultants and wellness advisors who wish to provide evidence-based nutritional guidance
- Individuals seeking to strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and remain up-to-date with emerging research and industry trends
- Professionals aspiring to leadership or specialist roles within food, health, or nutrition organisations
By completing the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, learners position themselves as highly skilled professionals, equipped with the knowledge, practical skills, and credibility required to excel in their careers and contribute effectively to industry innovation.
To ensure high-quality delivery and learner success, centres offering the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ experienced tutors and assessors who are fully qualified in nutraceuticals, functional foods, nutrition, and related fields, with expertise in Level 6 learning outcomes and assessment methods.
- Comprehensive Learning Materials: Centres must provide access to current, evidence-based resources including textbooks, research papers, case studies, and digital learning tools to support both theoretical and practical learning.
- Practical Facilities and Equipment: Centres should have industry-standard laboratory, formulation, or food preparation facilities, alongside necessary safety equipment, to enable learners to gain hands-on experience.
- Assessment and Support Resources: Centres must maintain robust assessment tools, guidance documentation, and learner support mechanisms to ensure consistent evaluation, feedback, and successful course completion.
- Health, Safety, and Compliance: Centres must adhere to all relevant health and safety regulations, creating a safe learning environment that complies with statutory and industry standards.
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Centres should promote CPD opportunities for staff and learners to maintain knowledge of emerging trends, research, and best practices in nutraceuticals and functional foods.
- Administrative and Technical Infrastructure: Centres must have effective administrative systems and technology to manage enrolments, monitor learner progress, and maintain records in line with LICQual standards.
Meeting these requirements ensures learners receive high-quality, engaging, and practical training, equipping them with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to excel in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and related professional roles.
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.
