The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition (Dip Oncology Nutrition) is a specialised qualification designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in the nutritional care of individuals affected by cancer. This diploma equips learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and evidence-based understanding required to support patients through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, enhancing their overall health outcomes and quality of life.
This Level 6 Diploma is ideal for learners who wish to enhance their career prospects, deepen their knowledge in clinical oncology nutrition, and expand their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Through comprehensive study, learners will explore topics such as cancer-related metabolic changes, nutritional assessment and intervention strategies, management of treatment-related side effects, and approaches to optimise patient wellbeing during and after therapy.
Centres delivering this qualification are expected to uphold the highest standards of education, ensuring learners have access to competent and qualified staff, structured learning materials, and the necessary resources to facilitate effective learning. This guarantees a supportive and enriching environment where learners can achieve their full potential and acquire practical, career-ready skills.
By completing the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition, learners will strengthen their professional credibility, develop specialist knowledge in oncology nutrition, and gain the expertise needed to contribute effectively to clinical practice, patient care, and healthcare teams. This qualification is an essential step for those aspiring to become leaders, advisors, or specialists in the field of clinical oncology nutrition.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition (Dip Oncology Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
480
Qualification #
LICQ2201074
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition (Dip Oncology Nutrition) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201074-1 |
Advanced Principles of Clinical Oncology Nutrition |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201074-2 |
Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring in Oncology |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201074-3 |
Nutritional Intervention and Therapeutic Planning |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201074-4 |
Psychological, Social, and Cultural Considerations |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201074-5 |
Public Health, Policy, and Oncology Nutrition Guidelines |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201074-6 |
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development |
20 |
80 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Clinical Oncology Nutrition
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the biology and pathophysiology of cancer and its impact on nutrition
- Analyse metabolic changes associated with cancer and their nutritional implications
- Evaluate the influence of tumour type and stage on nutritional requirements
- Critically assess the role of nutrition in cancer prevention, treatment support, and survivorship
Unit 2: Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring in Oncology
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply methods to assess the nutritional status of cancer patients effectively
- Interpret anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical assessment data
- Monitor weight, muscle mass, and functional outcomes in oncology patients
- Identify and develop strategies to manage malnutrition and cancer-related cachexia
Unit 3: Nutritional Intervention and Therapeutic Planning
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Design individualised nutrition care plans for oncology patients
- Develop strategies to manage treatment-related side effects such as nausea, mucositis, and taste changes
- Assess the suitability and application of supplements, enteral, and parenteral nutrition
- Optimise energy, protein, and micronutrient intake to support treatment and recovery
Unit 4: Psychological, Social, and Cultural Considerations
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Analyse psychological factors affecting dietary intake in oncology patients
- Evaluate social determinants of nutrition and access to food
- Integrate cultural, ethical, and religious considerations into care planning
- Develop strategies to improve patient adherence and engagement in nutrition interventions
Unit 5: Public Health, Policy, and Oncology Nutrition Guidelines
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Critically evaluate national and international nutrition guidelines for oncology care
- Analyse the role of public health initiatives in cancer prevention and survivorship
- Assess the effectiveness of oncology nutrition programmes and policy implementation
- Develop strategies to improve nutrition outcomes at community and population levels
Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Critically appraise research in clinical oncology nutrition and apply findings to practice
- Conduct small-scale research or audits to support evidence-based practice
- Integrate professional ethics and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) principles into practice
- Develop leadership, monitoring, and evaluation strategies to enhance oncology nutrition services
This qualification is designed for professionals who wish to specialise in clinical oncology nutrition and enhance their expertise in supporting patients affected by cancer. It is ideal for:
- Learners working in healthcare, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or oncology care services
- Professionals in hospitals, cancer treatment centres, community health, or palliative care settings
- Nutritionists, dietitians, and allied health practitioners seeking to expand their career prospects and professional credentials
- Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and evidence-based practice in oncology nutrition
- Professionals aspiring to take on leadership, advisory, or specialist roles in clinical nutrition services for cancer patients
- Learners seeking practical skills in nutritional assessment, dietary planning, and management of treatment-related side effects
- Individuals interested in contributing to public health initiatives, policy development, and research focused on oncology nutrition
To ensure the high-quality delivery of the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition, centres must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ experienced and qualified trainers with expertise in nutrition, clinical oncology, and healthcare practice. Staff should provide guidance, mentorship, and support to learners throughout the course.
- Comprehensive Learning Materials: Centres should provide learners with access to up-to-date study materials, textbooks, research articles, and digital resources relevant to oncology nutrition.
- Practical Training Facilities: Centres must have the necessary equipment and facilities to allow learners to practise nutritional assessments, dietary planning, and intervention strategies safely and effectively.
- Assessment and Feedback Systems: Centres should implement structured assessment methods, including formative and summative evaluations, to monitor learner progress and provide timely, constructive feedback.
- Support for CPD and Professional Development: Centres should encourage learners to engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and provide opportunities to apply knowledge in professional practice.
- Compliance with Educational Standards: Centres must adhere to LICQual policies, quality assurance procedures, and international standards to ensure effective teaching and learner success.
- Access to Technology and Research Tools: Centres should ensure learners have access to computers, online databases, software, and other tools necessary for research, assignments, and evidence-based practice.
These requirements ensure learners receive a comprehensive, practical, and professionally relevant education, preparing them for advanced roles in clinical oncology 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.
