The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (Dip Nutraceuticals) is a specialised qualification designed for learners seeking to expand their knowledge and expertise in the science, development, and application of nutraceuticals and functional foods. This diploma offers a comprehensive understanding of bioactive compounds, their health benefits, regulatory considerations, and practical applications in promoting wellness and preventing disease. Learners gain the skills to evaluate scientific research, analyse functional food products, and apply evidence-based strategies to support health and nutrition outcomes.
This qualification is aimed at professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It is particularly suited for health and nutrition practitioners, wellness consultants, dietary advisors, food industry professionals, and anyone interested in the growing fields of functional foods and nutraceutical development. Learners will be equipped to contribute to product development, research, education, and consultancy roles where expertise in nutraceuticals and functional foods is required.
Centres delivering this qualification must uphold the highest standards of teaching and learning. They are expected to provide learners with competent and qualified staff, access to up-to-date learning materials, research resources, and practical tools that facilitate effective study and assessment. This ensures that learners achieve both theoretical understanding and practical competence, preparing them for professional success in the evolving field of nutraceuticals and functional foods.
With a strong emphasis on applied science, professional development, and evidence-based practice, the Level 3 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods is an ideal choice for learners committed to advancing their careers and making a meaningful impact on health and wellness through innovative nutrition solutions.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (Dip Nutraceuticals)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201058
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (Dip Nutraceuticals), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201058-1 |
Fundamentals of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201058-2 |
Human Physiology and Nutraceutical Mechanisms |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201058-3 |
Nutritional Assessment and Functional Food Evaluation |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201058-4 |
Nutraceuticals in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201058-5 |
Product Development, Regulation, and Quality Control |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201058-6 |
Professional Practice and Continuing Development in Nutraceuticals |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the definition, classification, and types of nutraceuticals and functional foods
- Describe the bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action in promoting health
- Analyse scientific evidence supporting the use of nutraceuticals and functional foods
- Evaluate the potential health benefits and limitations of functional food products
Unit 2: Human Physiology and Nutraceutical Mechanisms
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain how nutraceuticals and functional foods interact with human physiology and metabolism
- Assess the effects of bioactive compounds on cellular processes, organ systems, and metabolic pathways
- Analyse the role of nutraceuticals in maintaining homeostasis and promoting wellbeing
- Apply knowledge of physiology to evaluate the effectiveness of functional foods
Unit 3: Nutritional Assessment and Functional Food Evaluation
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Conduct dietary assessments using food diaries, recalls, and other evaluation tools
- Analyse functional food products for nutrient content, bioactive compounds, and safety
- Interpret assessment data to identify nutritional deficiencies or risks
- Apply findings to inform evidence-based recommendations for functional food use
Unit 4: Nutraceuticals in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the role of functional foods and nutraceuticals in preventing chronic diseases and promoting health
- Analyse dietary and lifestyle factors influencing disease risk
- Evaluate evidence-based strategies for incorporating nutraceuticals into health promotion programmes
- Recommend appropriate functional food interventions to support individual or population health
Unit 5: Product Development, Regulation, and Quality Control
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Describe the stages of functional food and nutraceutical product development
- Explain regulatory requirements, labelling standards, and quality assurance processes
- Assess the safety, efficacy, and compliance of nutraceutical products
- Apply best practices in quality control to ensure product integrity and consumer safety
Unit 6: Professional Practice and Continuing Development in Nutraceuticals
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of ethical and professional responsibilities in the nutraceutical field
- Apply reflective practice to identify strengths and areas for professional growth
- Develop a personal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plan aligned with career objectives
- Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders in a professional and ethical manner
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods is perfect for anyone passionate about health, nutrition, and wellness. Whether you are looking to start a career in the nutraceuticals industry, enhance your existing skills, or gain internationally recognized qualifications, this course provides the knowledge and practical expertise to excel.
Aspiring Nutrition Professionals
- Gain foundational knowledge of nutraceuticals and functional foods
- Understand dietary supplements and their applications in health
- Develop skills to assess functional ingredients scientifically
- Learn to design wellness programs incorporating nutraceuticals
- Prepare for further advanced nutrition and wellness studies
- Acquire practical knowledge relevant to health consultancy
Health and Wellness Practitioners
- Enhance professional credibility with a recognized Level 3 qualification
- Learn the latest trends in nutraceuticals and functional foods
- Understand the science behind bioactive compounds
- Apply nutraceutical knowledge in clinical or wellness settings
- Integrate functional foods into personalized nutrition plans
- Improve client health outcomes through evidence-based interventions
Food and Beverage Industry Professionals
- Gain insight into functional food development and formulation
- Learn regulatory and safety requirements for nutraceutical products
- Understand labeling, quality control, and product efficacy
- Apply scientific knowledge to product innovation
- Expand career opportunities in food, supplement, and health industries
- Strengthen understanding of market-driven nutraceutical trends
Students and Career Starters in Nutrition
- Acquire a recognized diploma to boost employability
- Build foundational knowledge for further studies in nutrition science
- Learn practical applications of nutraceuticals in daily diet and wellness
- Gain confidence in understanding functional food concepts
- Prepare for roles in dietetics, nutrition consultancy, or wellness coaching
- Access opportunities in growing health and dietary supplement markets
Entrepreneurs and Business Professionals
- Understand the nutraceuticals market and business opportunities
- Develop skills to launch health or wellness-related products
- Learn evidence-based approaches for product formulation
- Enhance knowledge to provide reliable health advice
- Understand trends in functional foods and dietary supplements
- Strengthen credibility for business ventures in health and wellness
Fitness and Lifestyle Coaches
- Learn how nutraceuticals support fitness and performance
- Incorporate functional foods into client wellness programs
- Understand the role of bioactive compounds in energy and recovery
- Advise clients using evidence-based nutrition strategies
- Enhance professional qualifications for coaching and wellness roles
- Stay updated with emerging health and nutrition trends
Health-Conscious Individuals
- Gain practical knowledge to improve personal health
- Learn to select effective nutraceutical products
- Understand functional foods for preventive health
- Apply dietary strategies to support wellbeing
- Make informed choices for daily nutrition and supplementation
- Stay informed about scientifically-backed health solutions
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods must meet the following standards to ensure high-quality training, assessment, and learner success:
- Qualified and Competent Staff
Trainers, assessors, and internal quality assurers must be appropriately qualified, experienced, and competent in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and professional training delivery. - Access to Learning Resources
Centres must provide learners with up-to-date textbooks, scientific journals, research databases, digital platforms, and practical resources to support effective learning and independent study. - Robust Assessment and Quality Assurance Systems
Centres should have clear procedures for assessment, internal moderation, and quality assurance to maintain fairness, consistency, and compliance with awarding body standards. - Suitable Facilities and Learning Environment
Centres must provide a safe, supportive, and well-equipped environment for classroom-based, blended, or online delivery, ensuring high engagement and learning outcomes. - Learner Support Services
Centres must offer guidance, academic support, and access to professional development resources to enable learners to achieve their qualification goals. - Commitment to CPD
Teaching and support staff should actively participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain expertise and deliver high-quality training experiences. - Technology and Digital Access
For online or blended learning, centres must ensure learners have reliable access to e-learning platforms, digital resources, and technical support.
By meeting these requirements, centres can deliver the Level 3 Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods to the highest standards, ensuring learners gain both theoretical knowledge and practical competence.
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.
