The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (Dip Gerontological Nutrition) is a specialised qualification designed for learners seeking to develop advanced expertise in nutrition for older adults. This diploma provides comprehensive knowledge of age-related physiological changes, nutritional requirements, and dietary strategies to support healthy ageing, prevent malnutrition, and enhance quality of life in elderly populations.
Ideal for healthcare professionals, dietitians, nutritionists, wellness practitioners, and caregivers, this qualification helps learners expand their understanding of gerontological nutrition and apply evidence-based interventions in professional practice. Learners gain the skills to assess nutritional needs, design personalised meal plans, and implement dietary strategies tailored to the specific health conditions and requirements of older adults.
LICQual ensures that all centres delivering this diploma uphold the highest standards of education and training. Centres must employ competent and qualified staff and provide access to the essential learning materials, facilities, and resources required for effective teaching and practical learning. This ensures learners receive a high-quality, engaging educational experience that combines theoretical knowledge with real-world application.
By completing this diploma, learners not only achieve a recognised qualification but also enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and professional credibility. The programme is structured to equip learners with both the scientific understanding and practical skills needed to deliver effective nutrition care and support healthy ageing in a variety of professional settings.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (Dip Gerontological Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201040
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (Dip Gerontological Nutrition), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201040-1 |
Fundamentals of Gerontology and Ageing |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201040-2 |
Principles of Human Nutrition for Older Adults |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201040-3 |
Health Conditions and Nutritional Needs in Older Adults |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201040-4 |
Assessment and Planning of Diets for Older Adults |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201040-5 |
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Gerontological Nutrition |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201040-6 |
Practical Applications of Gerontological Nutrition |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Gerontology and Ageing
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the biological, physiological, and psychological processes of ageing
- Identify age-related changes and their impact on health and wellbeing
- Analyse the influence of ageing on nutritional requirements
- Evaluate factors that affect healthy ageing in older adults
Unit 2: Principles of Human Nutrition for Older Adults
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the roles of macronutrients, micronutrients, and hydration in older adults
- Assess dietary requirements specific to elderly populations
- Identify risks of malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies in older adults
- Apply nutritional principles to support overall health and wellbeing in ageing populations
Unit 3: Health Conditions and Nutritional Needs in Older Adults
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Identify common age-related health conditions and their nutritional implications
- Analyse dietary strategies for managing conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline
- Evaluate the role of nutrition in preventing and managing chronic diseases in older adults
- Develop evidence-based dietary recommendations for specific health conditions
Unit 4: Assessment and Planning of Diets for Older Adults
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Conduct nutritional assessments for older adults using standard tools and methods
- Develop personalised meal plans based on individual needs and health conditions
- Implement dietary interventions to improve nutritional status and support healthy ageing
- Monitor and adjust dietary plans according to feedback and outcomes
Unit 5: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Gerontological Nutrition
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain research methodologies relevant to gerontological nutrition studies
- Collect, analyse, and interpret data from research and clinical practice
- Critically evaluate scientific literature and evidence-based interventions
- Apply research findings to improve nutritional care and dietary outcomes for older adults
Unit 6: Practical Applications of Gerontological Nutrition
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply theoretical knowledge to plan and evaluate diets for older adults
- Conduct dietary assessments and provide nutrition guidance in practical settings
- Develop and implement meal strategies that promote healthy ageing
- Demonstrate professional practice in supporting nutrition and wellbeing for elderly populations
This diploma is ideal for:
- Healthcare professionals, nutritionists, and dietitians seeking to specialise in nutrition for older adults
- Individuals working in elderly care, community health, or wellness sectors aiming to enhance their expertise
- Learners interested in age-specific dietary planning, malnutrition prevention, and healthy ageing strategies
- Professionals looking to expand knowledge of nutrition-related health conditions common in older adults
- Graduates or practitioners aiming to boost career prospects and professional credibility
- Those committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and evidence-based practice in gerontological nutrition
- Individuals aspiring to work in clinical, residential, or community-based care settings focused on elderly nutrition
- Professionals seeking to integrate scientific and practical knowledge of nutrition into support for older adults
To deliver the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition effectively, centres must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: All teaching and assessment personnel must hold relevant qualifications and demonstrate expertise in nutrition, gerontology, or related healthcare fields.
- Access to Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with up-to-date textbooks, digital learning materials, journals, and practical tools to support effective study and research.
- Facilities for Practical Learning: Centres should have suitable facilities, including kitchens, laboratories, or simulation spaces, to allow learners to apply nutrition principles in practical settings.
- Assessment and Monitoring Systems: Centres must implement structured assessment procedures, track learner progress, and provide timely, constructive feedback in line with LICQual standards.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Learning environments must adhere to local health and safety regulations to ensure the safety of learners during practical activities.
- Quality Assurance Processes: Centres must have robust quality assurance mechanisms to maintain high standards of teaching, learning, and assessment.
- Learner Support: Centres should provide guidance, mentorship, and access to additional resources to support learner success and professional development.
These requirements ensure that learners receive high-quality, internationally-standardised training, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills needed to deliver effective nutritional care and support healthy ageing in professional settings.
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.
