The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (PgD Natural Products and Herbal Medicine) is a specialized qualification designed for experienced professionals who wish to deepen their expertise in natural products, phytotherapy, and herbal medicine. This advanced programme is tailored for learners seeking to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and actively engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It provides a comprehensive understanding of herbal pharmacology, therapeutic applications, quality assurance, and the latest research methodologies in natural medicine.
This postgraduate diploma is ideal for healthcare practitioners, pharmacists, herbalists, and researchers committed to developing their professional competencies and contributing to evidence-based practice in natural products and herbal medicine. By undertaking this course, learners will gain the knowledge and practical skills required to critically evaluate herbal products, design research studies, and implement safe and effective therapeutic interventions in clinical or commercial settings.
LICQual ensures that centres delivering this Level 7 qualification maintain the highest standards of education. Centres are required to employ competent and qualified staff with extensive experience in herbal medicine and natural product research, alongside providing access to essential materials, laboratory facilities, and learning resources. This guarantees that learners receive a rigorous, supportive, and engaging learning experience, fostering successful outcomes and professional growth.
By completing this diploma, learners will achieve a prestigious Level 7 qualification, positioning themselves as leaders in the field of natural products and herbal medicine, ready to contribute to healthcare innovation, research, and professional practice advancements.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (PgD Natural Products and Herbal Medicine)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201245
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (PgD Natural Products and Herbal Medicine) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201245-1 |
Phytochemistry and Active Compounds |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201245-2 |
Therapeutic Applications of Herbal Medicine |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201245-3 |
Research Methodologies in Natural Products |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201245-4 |
Quality Assurance, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201245-5 |
Clinical and Applied Herbal Research |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201245-6 |
Advanced Project Management and Research Dissemination |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Phytochemistry and Active Compounds
Learners will be able to
- Critically analyse the chemical composition of natural products and herbal medicines
- Identify, extract, and characterise bioactive compounds effectively
- Evaluate the quality, potency, and efficacy of herbal products
- Apply phytochemical knowledge to support evidence-based herbal practice
Unit 2: Therapeutic Applications of Herbal Medicine
Learners will be able to
- Integrate evidence-based herbal interventions into professional practice
- Assess mechanisms of action, appropriate dosage, and safety considerations
- Evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of herbal medicines for various health conditions
- Develop strategies to enhance patient care using herbal therapies
Unit 3: Research Methodologies in Natural Products
Learners will be able to
- Apply quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research approaches to herbal medicine studies
- Design robust research projects with appropriate ethical and methodological standards
- Critically appraise research literature, clinical trials, and systematic reviews in natural products
- Utilise research findings to inform professional practice and policy
Unit 4: Quality Assurance, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance
Learners will be able to
- Apply regulatory frameworks and quality standards in herbal medicine practice
- Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols for natural products
- Ensure compliance with pharmacovigilance and professional guidelines
- Evaluate processes to maintain high standards in product development and clinical use
Unit 5: Clinical and Applied Herbal Research
Learners will be able to
- Design and implement clinical and applied research studies in herbal medicine
- Assess patient outcomes and monitor the effectiveness of herbal interventions
- Translate research findings into evidence-based practice strategies
- Critically evaluate the impact of research on professional practice and patient care
Unit 6: Advanced Project Management and Research Dissemination
Learners will be able to
- Plan, manage, and evaluate research projects in natural products and herbal medicine
- Prepare professional research reports, manuscripts, and presentations
- Communicate research findings effectively to peers, stakeholders, and professional audiences
- Demonstrate reflective practice and continuous professional development in research activities
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine is specifically designed for experienced professionals who wish to advance their expertise in herbal medicine, natural products, and related research. This course is ideal for:
- Pharmacists and Healthcare Practitioners seeking to integrate natural products and herbal therapies into clinical practice
- Herbalists and Complementary Medicine Practitioners aiming to enhance their professional knowledge and research capabilities
- Researchers and Academics looking to develop advanced skills in designing, conducting, and analysing herbal medicine studies
- Pharmacy Managers and Clinical Leaders interested in improving patient care, policy development, and professional standards in herbal medicine
- Professionals Committed to CPD and lifelong learning, wishing to achieve a prestigious Level 7 qualification for career progression
This course is suitable for learners with substantial experience in pharmacy, healthcare, or natural medicine who are motivated to apply advanced research methods, improve patient outcomes, and make a meaningful contribution to the field of herbal medicine and natural products.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine must meet high standards to ensure learners receive an exceptional and effective learning experience. To deliver this advanced programme successfully, centres are required to:
- Employ Competent and Qualified Staff: Tutors and facilitators must have extensive experience and relevant qualifications in herbal medicine, natural products, pharmacy, and research to provide expert guidance to learners
- Provide Access to Essential Learning Resources: Centres must ensure learners have access to up-to-date academic journals, research databases, laboratory facilities, and computing equipment necessary for completing research projects and assessments
- Maintain Suitable Learning Facilities: Classrooms, seminar rooms, and practical spaces should be equipped with modern technology to support interactive teaching, group work, and independent study
- Ensure Compliance with Ethical and Professional Standards: Centres must adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards in herbal medicine research, including data protection and safety protocols
- Support Learner Progress and Development: Centres should implement robust assessment, monitoring, and feedback systems to guide learners through the programme successfully and enhance professional skills
- Encourage Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Centres should provide opportunities for learners to engage in workshops, seminars, and additional research activities to promote ongoing professional growth
By meeting these requirements, centres guarantee that learners enrolled in the PgD Natural Products and Herbal Medicine programme receive a comprehensive, high-quality education that supports career advancement, professional development, and excellence in herbal medicine and natural product research.
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.
