The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgD Clinical Nutrition) is an advanced, specialist qualification designed for healthcare and nutrition professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in clinical nutrition. This postgraduate diploma provides learners with comprehensive knowledge of advanced nutritional science, clinical assessment, dietary intervention, and evidence-based practice, enabling them to make informed decisions in complex clinical settings.
This qualification is not intended for beginners. It is specifically tailored for learners who already possess substantial professional experience in nutrition, dietetics, healthcare, or allied disciplines and who are committed to expanding their knowledge, improving their professional practice, and advancing their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners will gain the skills to assess patient needs, develop and implement personalised nutrition plans, and critically evaluate current research and guidelines to support optimal clinical outcomes.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition must uphold the highest standards of teaching and learning. This includes employing competent and qualified staff, providing access to comprehensive and up-to-date learning resources, and maintaining a structured and supportive learning environment. By meeting these standards, centres ensure that learners achieve their professional goals and acquire the advanced skills required to excel in clinical nutrition roles.
Ideal for experienced practitioners aiming to specialize or assume leadership positions in clinical nutrition, this postgraduate diploma equips learners with the knowledge, analytical skills, and confidence to deliver high-quality, evidence-based nutritional care across a range of healthcare settings.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgD Clinical Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201094
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgD Clinical Nutrition), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201094-1 |
Advanced Clinical Nutritional Science |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201094-2 |
Nutritional Assessment and Diagnostics in Clinical Practice |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201094-3 |
Therapeutic Nutrition and Dietary Interventions |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201094-4 |
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Guidelines |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201094-5 |
Nutrition in Special Populations |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201094-6 |
Leadership, Management, and Professional Development in Clinical Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Clinical Nutritional Science
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the physiological, biochemical, and molecular principles of nutrition in health and disease.
- Analyse macro- and micronutrient metabolism and their impact on clinical outcomes.
- Assess nutrient-gene interactions and their implications for personalised nutrition.
- Apply advanced nutritional science principles to inform clinical decision-making.
Unit 2: Nutritional Assessment and Diagnostics in Clinical Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments using anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical indicators.
- Interpret diagnostic data to identify malnutrition, metabolic disorders, and disease-related nutritional requirements.
- Develop evidence-based care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Monitor and evaluate patient progress to optimise nutritional interventions.
Unit 3: Therapeutic Nutrition and Dietary Interventions
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Design and implement specialised diets for patients with chronic illnesses, metabolic disorders, and complex health conditions.
- Apply medical nutrition therapy principles to manage disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
- Evaluate the effectiveness and safety of therapeutic nutrition interventions.
- Integrate dietary strategies with pharmacological and lifestyle treatments.
Unit 4: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Guidelines
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse current research and clinical guidelines in nutrition and dietetics.
- Apply evidence-based practice to inform patient care and clinical decision-making.
- Evaluate national and international standards and policies for clinical nutrition.
- Conduct research to support innovation and continuous improvement in clinical practice.
Unit 5: Nutrition in Special Populations
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the unique nutritional needs of vulnerable populations, including paediatric, geriatric, and critically ill patients.
- Develop and implement specialised nutritional care plans for patients with allergies, metabolic disorders, or co-morbidities.
- Evaluate ethical and professional responsibilities in providing high-risk nutritional care.
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to optimise patient outcomes.
Unit 6: Leadership, Management, and Professional Development in Clinical Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate leadership and management skills within clinical nutrition services.
- Implement quality assurance, risk management, and service improvement strategies.
- Engage in reflective practice and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to enhance professional competence.
- Lead initiatives that ensure safe, effective, and high-quality nutritional care in healthcare settings.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition is designed for experienced professionals seeking advanced expertise in clinical nutrition. This course is ideal for:
- Healthcare practitioners, including dietitians, nutritionists, nurses, and allied health professionals, aiming to specialise in clinical nutrition.
- Professionals responsible for planning, implementing, or managing nutrition care programmes for patients with complex health conditions.
- Practitioners seeking to enhance evidence-based practice and apply advanced clinical nutrition strategies in healthcare settings.
- Specialists looking to manage patients with chronic illnesses, metabolic disorders, or specific dietary requirements.
- Individuals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and lifelong learning in nutrition and healthcare.
- Professionals aspiring to take leadership, advisory, or consultancy roles within clinical nutrition services.
This course is not intended for beginners. It is tailored for learners who already have substantial professional experience in nutrition, dietetics, healthcare, or related sectors and are seeking to advance their knowledge, leadership skills, and ability to improve patient care outcomes.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition must meet the following standards to ensure high-quality training and learner success:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Trainers and assessors must hold advanced professional qualifications and have substantial experience in clinical nutrition, dietetics, or healthcare.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres should provide up-to-date textbooks, research papers, case studies, and digital learning materials relevant to clinical nutrition and healthcare practice.
- Suitable Learning Environment: Classrooms, laboratories, or online platforms must be safe, accessible, and conducive to effective learning.
- Practical Facilities: Learners should have access to clinical settings, simulated environments, or professional practice opportunities to apply advanced nutritional skills.
- Assessment and Monitoring: Centres must implement structured assessment procedures, regular progress monitoring, and timely feedback to support learner achievement.
- Compliance and Safeguarding: Centres must adhere to all relevant health, safety, and safeguarding regulations to ensure a secure learning experience.
- Support for CPD: Centres should facilitate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities to enhance learners’ professional growth.
- Technology and IT Access: Reliable access to computers, internet, and relevant software is essential to support research, assignments, and digital learning activities.
Meeting these centre requirements ensures that learners receive internationally standardized, high-quality training, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to excel in advanced clinical nutrition 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.
