The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Sports Nutrition (Cert Sports Nutrition) is a comprehensive qualification designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge and skills required to optimise nutrition for athletic performance and overall wellbeing. This course focuses on the principles of sports nutrition, including energy metabolism, nutrient timing, hydration, supplementation, and dietary strategies for different types of athletes and active individuals.
Ideal for professionals aiming to advance their career in sports, fitness, health, or wellness sectors, this qualification enhances practical knowledge, supports career progression, and contributes to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners will gain the ability to assess nutritional needs, design personalised nutrition plans, and apply evidence-based strategies to improve performance and recovery in various sporting contexts.
The programme balances theoretical understanding with practical application, ensuring learners can confidently translate nutritional science into real-world practice. By completing this qualification, learners not only strengthen their expertise but also increase their professional credibility in the fields of sports science, fitness coaching, and performance nutrition.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure that competent and qualified staff are available to provide high-quality instruction, supported by all necessary learning materials, facilities, and resources. This commitment guarantees effective learner engagement, knowledge retention, and successful achievement of course outcomes.
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Sports Nutrition is an ideal pathway for learners seeking to build a strong foundation in sports nutrition while enhancing their professional development and career prospects in the health and fitness industry.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Sports Nutrition (Cert Sports Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2200999
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Sports Nutrition (Cert Sports Nutrition), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200999-1 |
Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Nutrition |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200999-2 |
Principles of Sports Nutrition and Energy Metabolism |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200999-3 |
Macronutrients and Micronutrients in Athletic Performance |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200999-4 |
Hydration, Supplementation, and Ergogenic Aids |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200999-5 |
Dietary Planning and Performance Optimisation |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200999-6 |
Professional Practice, Ethics, and CPD in Sports Nutrition |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology for Nutrition
Learners will be able to:
- Explain the structure and function of major body systems relevant to nutrition, including digestive, circulatory, and endocrine systems.
- Describe how body systems interact to maintain homeostasis and overall health.
- Analyse the physiological processes affecting nutrient absorption, metabolism, and utilisation.
- Apply anatomical and physiological knowledge to assess nutritional needs in different populations.
Unit 2: Principles of Nutrition Science and Macronutrients
Learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and their roles in energy production and body function.
- Evaluate dietary intake in relation to recommended nutrient guidelines.
- Explain energy balance and factors affecting caloric requirements.
- Apply macronutrient principles to develop appropriate dietary plans.
Unit 3: Micronutrients and Their Role in Health and Disease
Learners will be able to:
- Identify essential vitamins and minerals and describe their physiological functions.
- Recognise signs and symptoms of micronutrient deficiencies and excesses.
- Analyse the impact of micronutrients on disease prevention and health maintenance.
- Apply knowledge of micronutrients to support evidence-based dietary recommendations.
Unit 4: Dietary Planning and Nutritional Assessment
Learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Develop personalised dietary plans for individuals with varying health needs.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of dietary interventions using scientific evidence.
- Apply critical thinking to modify diets based on lifestyle, health status, and clinical requirements.
Unit 5: Clinical Nutrition in Health and Disease Management
Learners will be able to:
- Explain the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of common medical conditions.
- Interpret clinical data to inform nutritional interventions.
- Design dietary strategies to support health outcomes in clinical populations.
- Critically evaluate current research and guidelines in clinical nutrition practice.
Unit 6: Professional Practice, Ethics, and CPD in Nutrition
Learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional conduct, ethical decision-making, and confidentiality in nutritional practice.
- Reflect on personal development and engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Communicate nutritional information clearly and effectively to clients and colleagues.
- Apply legal, regulatory, and professional standards to ensure safe and effective practice.
This course is designed for learners aiming to enhance their knowledge, skills, and career prospects in sports nutrition and related fields. Ideal candidates include:
- Aspiring Sports Nutritionists: Individuals looking to start a career in sports nutrition, fitness, or performance coaching.
- Fitness Professionals: Personal trainers, gym instructors, and coaches seeking to provide evidence-based nutrition guidance to clients.
- Athletes and Active Individuals: Those wishing to optimise performance, recovery, and overall health through proper nutrition.
- Healthcare Practitioners: Nurses, physiotherapists, or wellness advisors who want to expand their expertise in diet and athletic performance.
- Career Changers: Professionals transitioning into health, fitness, or nutrition industries who want a recognised qualification.
- Adult Learners Focused on CPD: Individuals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and professional growth in sports, health, or wellness sectors.
- Students of Health or Sports Science: Learners looking to strengthen their understanding of sports nutrition for further study or specialised practice.
This course is perfect for learners who want to apply evidence-based nutrition strategies, improve athletic performance, and advance their professional development in the health, fitness, and sports industry.
To effectively deliver the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Sports Nutrition (Cert Sports Nutrition), centres must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ experienced trainers with appropriate qualifications in sports nutrition, health, fitness, or related fields to ensure high-quality teaching and learner support.
- Adequate Learning Materials: Centres should provide comprehensive teaching resources, including textbooks, digital content, case studies, and assessment tools to support learner engagement and understanding.
- Access to Facilities and Equipment: Appropriate classrooms, practical training areas, or online learning platforms with reliable technology must be available to facilitate both theoretical and practical learning.
- Compliance with International Standards: Teaching, assessment, and learning activities must adhere to recognised international best practices and quality assurance standards.
- Robust Assessment and Feedback Systems: Centres must implement effective assessment procedures and provide timely feedback to monitor learner progress and support achievement of learning outcomes.
- Support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Centres should encourage and facilitate CPD for learners and staff, promoting ongoing professional growth and skill development.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Centres must ensure a safe learning environment, particularly for practical nutrition or sports-related activities, in accordance with relevant regulations.
Meeting these requirements ensures that learners receive high-quality training, achieve their learning outcomes successfully, and gain practical skills for a professional career in sports 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.
