The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (D Natural Products and Herbal Medicine) is a comprehensive qualification designed for both fresh and experienced professionals who wish to develop expertise in the study, application, and research of natural products and herbal medicine. This advanced-level diploma is tailored for learners seeking to enhance their career prospects, broaden their professional knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) within the field of complementary healthcare.
Natural products and herbal medicines are integral to modern healthcare, wellness, and pharmaceutical practice. This diploma provides learners with a detailed understanding of medicinal plant properties, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality assurance, and safety standards. Participants will explore evidence-based approaches to herbal therapy, formulation techniques, sustainable sourcing, and regulatory frameworks, equipping them with the skills to make informed, professional decisions in clinical, research, or product development contexts.
Centres delivering the Level 6 Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine must maintain the highest standards of training excellence. This includes employing competent and qualified staff with expertise in herbal medicine, pharmacognosy, and complementary therapies, as well as providing access to up-to-date study materials, laboratories, practical resources, and digital learning platforms. These provisions ensure learners receive a high-quality, engaging, and professional learning experience.
By completing this diploma, learners will acquire advanced scientific knowledge, practical competencies, and professional skills, empowering them to contribute effectively to herbal medicine practice, research, product development, and consultancy. The programme ensures learners are equipped to apply safe, evidence-based practices while advancing their careers in the dynamic field of natural products and complementary healthcare.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (D Natural Products and Herbal Medicine)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
480
Qualification #
LICQ2201213
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (D Natural Products and Herbal Medicine), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201213-1 |
Foundations of Natural Products and Herbal Medicine |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201213-2 |
Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201213-3 |
Herbal Formulation and Product Development |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201213-4 |
Clinical Applications and Evidence-Based Practice |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201213-5 |
Sustainability, Sourcing, and Ethical Considerations |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201213-6 |
Research, Innovation, and Professional Practice |
20 |
80 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Foundations of Natural Products and Herbal Medicine
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the historical, cultural, and scientific foundations of herbal medicine and natural products
- Evaluate traditional and modern approaches to herbal therapy
- Apply foundational knowledge to support safe and effective herbal practice
Unit 2: Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify bioactive compounds and understand their therapeutic effects
- Analyse pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of action, and potential interactions with conventional medicines
- Assess safety, toxicity, and risk factors in the use of herbal products
Unit 3: Herbal Formulation and Product Development
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Develop herbal formulations in line with quality standards and best practice
- Apply principles of standardisation, stability testing, and quality assurance
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for herbal products and nutraceuticals
Unit 4: Clinical Applications and Evidence-Based Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Integrate herbal medicine into patient care and complementary therapy effectively
- Critically evaluate clinical research and evidence supporting herbal interventions
- Apply evidence-based decision-making in professional healthcare practice
Unit 5: Sustainability, Sourcing, and Ethical Considerations
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of sustainable cultivation, harvesting, and sourcing practices
- Apply ethical principles in herbal medicine practice, considering environmental and social impact
- Understand global regulations and intellectual property considerations in herbal product development
Unit 6: Research, Innovation, and Professional Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Design and conduct research in natural products and herbal medicine
- Promote innovation and continuous improvement in professional practice
- Communicate research findings effectively and contribute to the advancement of herbal medicine and complementary healthcare
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine is designed for both fresh and experienced professionals seeking to expand their expertise in herbal medicine, natural products, and complementary healthcare. This advanced diploma is ideal for learners who wish to enhance their career prospects, strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and apply evidence-based practices within healthcare, research, or product development settings.
This course is suitable for:
- Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and healthcare practitioners aiming to specialise in herbal medicine and natural product therapies
- Herbalists and complementary therapy professionals seeking advanced knowledge of formulation, clinical applications, and safety standards
- Researchers and academics looking to develop expertise in herbal medicine research, innovation, and evidence-based practice
- Product developers and quality assurance specialists involved in the formulation, production, and regulation of natural products and nutraceuticals
- CPD-focused professionals committed to advancing their skills, professional credibility, and contribution to patient care and the healthcare industry
By enrolling in this diploma, learners will gain the knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies necessary to confidently integrate herbal medicine into practice, conduct research, develop products, and make informed, evidence-based decisions. The programme ensures learners are fully equipped to excel in the evolving field of natural products and complementary healthcare.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine must meet specific standards to ensure learners receive high-quality education, professional guidance, and practical skills development. These requirements guarantee that learners have access to the resources, expertise, and support needed to succeed.
- Qualified and Experienced Staff – Tutors, trainers, and assessors must hold relevant qualifications and professional experience in herbal medicine, pharmacognosy, complementary healthcare, or life sciences. Staff should demonstrate ongoing professional development to maintain current knowledge of herbal research, formulation, and regulatory standards.
- Access to Learning and Research Resources – Centres must provide learners with up-to-date study materials, research databases, herbal product samples, laboratory facilities, and digital platforms to support both theoretical and practical learning.
- Specialised Facilities – Centres should ensure access to laboratories, formulation tools, and resources for hands-on practical work in herbal medicine, product development, and quality testing.
- Robust Quality Assurance Systems – Centres must implement internal quality assurance processes, including assessment verification, learner progress monitoring, and compliance with LICQual standards.
- Comprehensive Learner Support – Learners should receive academic guidance, mentorship, and career support to enhance professional growth and CPD outcomes.
- Commitment to Professional Excellence – Centres must uphold high standards of teaching, practical training, and assessment to ensure learners acquire the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies necessary for success in herbal medicine practice, research, and product development.
By meeting these requirements, centres can deliver a world-class learning experience, ensuring learners are fully equipped to excel in herbal medicine, natural product therapies, and complementary healthcare.
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.
