The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (PgD Gerontological Nutrition) is a specialized qualification designed for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in the nutrition and care of ageing populations. This postgraduate diploma is not intended for fresh entrants but is tailored for practitioners, researchers, and healthcare professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their scientific knowledge, and further their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners undertaking this qualification will gain advanced insights into the physiological, biochemical, and social aspects of ageing, and how these factors influence nutritional requirements and overall health. The programme equips learners with the skills to critically evaluate emerging research, design evidence-based nutritional strategies, and implement interventions that support healthy ageing and improve quality of life for older adults.
LICQual ensures that centres delivering this qualification maintain the highest standards of training excellence. Only centres with competent, qualified staff and access to all necessary resources and materials are approved to offer this programme, guaranteeing that learners receive comprehensive guidance and support throughout their studies.
By completing the PgD in Gerontological Nutrition, learners position themselves at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field, prepared to make meaningful contributions in clinical practice, research, or consultancy roles focused on older populations. This qualification represents a strategic step for professionals committed to lifelong learning, career progression, and achieving excellence within the nutrition and healthcare sectors.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (PgD Gerontological Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201104
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (PgD Gerontological Nutrition) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201104-1 |
Advanced Human Ageing and Physiology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201104-2 |
Nutritional Assessment and Intervention in Older Adults |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201104-3 |
Clinical Nutrition and Age-Related Diseases |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201104-4 |
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Gerontological Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201104-5 |
Ethics, Regulation, and Professional Practice in Gerontological Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201104-6 |
Applied Gerontological Nutrition Project |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Human Ageing and Physiology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse the biological and physiological processes of ageing and their impact on health
- Evaluate age-related changes in organ systems, metabolism, and nutritional requirements
- Assess factors influencing longevity, functional capacity, and overall wellbeing in older adults
Unit 2: Nutritional Assessment and Intervention in Older Adults
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct advanced nutritional assessments for elderly populations using validated tools and techniques
- Design personalised nutrition strategies to prevent or manage age-related conditions
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of intervention approaches in promoting healthy ageing
Unit 3: Clinical Nutrition and Age-Related Diseases
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of chronic diseases in older adults
- Develop evidence-based dietary plans for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline
- Apply clinical nutrition principles to optimise health outcomes and quality of life in ageing populations
Unit 4: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Gerontological Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of research design, statistical analysis, and critical appraisal methods
- Interpret and evaluate scientific research in gerontology and clinical nutrition
- Apply evidence-based practice principles to inform nutritional interventions and clinical decision-making
Unit 5: Ethics, Regulation, and Professional Practice in Gerontological Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically assess ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations in the nutritional care of older adults
- Apply professional standards to ensure safe, effective, and ethical practice
- Demonstrate understanding of issues related to consent, data protection, and professional accountability
Unit 6: Applied Gerontological Nutrition Project
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Plan, implement, and critically evaluate a research or clinical project focusing on older populations
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical case studies and real-world scenarios
- Demonstrate advanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and professional communication skills in project delivery
This advanced postgraduate diploma is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge and expertise in gerontological nutrition and the care of ageing populations. Learners who should consider enrolling include:
- Registered nutritionists, dietitians, and healthcare practitioners aiming to specialize in nutrition for older adults
- Clinical researchers and scientists interested in gerontology and nutrition-related research
- Medical and allied health professionals seeking to apply evidence-based nutritional strategies to improve health outcomes for elderly populations
- Consultants and wellness professionals who want to integrate advanced gerontological nutrition into their services
- Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and looking to advance their careers in healthcare, nutrition, or research sectors
- Individuals with prior experience and qualifications in nutrition, healthcare, or related fields who are ready to engage with advanced scientific and clinical concepts
This course is not suitable for beginners; it is specifically intended for learners with relevant professional experience and academic background who are prepared to tackle advanced content and apply it in professional practice.
To ensure high-quality delivery and learner success, centres offering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ educators and trainers with advanced qualifications and proven expertise in gerontological nutrition, clinical nutrition, or related healthcare fields to deliver professional and evidence-based instruction.
- Access to Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with comprehensive access to up-to-date scientific literature, journals, research databases, and digital learning platforms to support study, assignments, and research activities.
- Practical and Clinical Facilities: For programmes including practical components, centres must have access to appropriate clinical or laboratory facilities where learners can safely apply theoretical and research skills.
- Ethical and Regulatory Compliance: Centres must comply with all relevant ethical, legal, and data protection standards, particularly when handling sensitive clinical or personal information.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Centres should offer structured guidance, mentoring, and feedback to support learners’ progression, critical thinking, and application of advanced knowledge.
- Assessment and Evaluation Systems: Centres must implement robust assessment and evaluation frameworks, including research projects, assignments, and practical evaluations, aligned with Level 7 academic standards.
Meeting these requirements ensures learners receive a high-quality, professional, and fully supported educational experience, enabling them to successfully complete the diploma and advance their careers in gerontological nutrition and related healthcare sectors.
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.
