The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Pharmacology (Dip Nutritional Pharmacology) is an advanced qualification designed for healthcare and nutrition professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the interactions between nutrients, dietary supplements, and pharmacological agents.
This Level 6 diploma equips learners with the knowledge and skills to optimise patient care, manage nutrient-drug interactions safely, and apply evidence-based nutritional pharmacology in clinical and professional practice. It is ideal for dietitians, nutritionists, pharmacists, healthcare practitioners, and researchers aiming to enhance their career prospects, expand their expertise, and engage in recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners will explore the principles of pharmacology, including drug action, metabolism, and mechanisms of interaction with nutrients. The programme emphasises critical thinking, enabling learners to evaluate scientific research, interpret clinical data, and make informed decisions regarding nutritional interventions alongside pharmacological treatments. Learners will gain practical skills to assess risks, monitor outcomes, and implement personalised nutrition plans that complement medical therapies.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Pharmacology must uphold the highest standards of teaching. This includes employing competent and qualified staff, providing comprehensive learning materials, and ensuring access to all necessary resources and facilities. These measures create a supportive and engaging learning environment, enabling learners to fully interact with course content and achieve their learning objectives.
Upon completion, learners will possess advanced knowledge, applied skills, and professional competence to integrate nutritional pharmacology principles into practice, improve patient outcomes, and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Pharmacology (Dip Nutritional Pharmacology)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
480
Qualification #
LICQ2201084
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Pharmacology (Dip Nutritional Pharmacology), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201084-1 |
Principles of Pharmacology |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201084-2 |
Nutrient-Drug Interactions |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201084-3 |
Clinical Applications of Nutritional Pharmacology |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201084-4 |
Research Methods in Nutritional Pharmacology |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201084-5 |
Evidence-Based Practice and Critical Appraisal |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201084-6 |
Professional Practice, Ethics, and CPD |
20 |
80 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles of Pharmacology
Learners will be able to:
- Explain fundamental concepts of pharmacology, including drug action, metabolism, and mechanisms of effect
- Analyse pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles and their relevance to clinical practice
- Evaluate how drugs interact with biological systems and the implications for therapeutic outcomes
- Apply pharmacological knowledge to support evidence-based nutritional and healthcare decisions
Unit 2: Nutrient-Drug Interactions
Learners will be able to:
- Identify and explain common interactions between nutrients, supplements, and pharmacological agents
- Assess the impact of nutrient-drug interactions on absorption, metabolism, and efficacy
- Develop strategies to mitigate adverse interactions and optimise therapeutic outcomes
- Apply knowledge of interactions to inform personalised patient care and clinical recommendations
Unit 3: Clinical Applications of Nutritional Pharmacology
Learners will be able to:
- Design safe and effective nutritional interventions in combination with pharmacological treatments
- Monitor and evaluate patient outcomes to ensure optimal clinical effectiveness
- Integrate nutritional pharmacology principles into clinical decision-making
- Demonstrate practical competence in applying theory to real-world healthcare settings
Unit 4: Research Methods in Nutritional Pharmacology
Learners will be able to:
- Design research studies relevant to nutrient-drug interactions and clinical practice
- Apply appropriate data collection, analysis, and interpretation methods
- Critically evaluate research methodologies and identify potential biases or limitations
- Use research findings to inform evidence-based practice in nutritional pharmacology
Unit 5: Evidence-Based Practice and Critical Appraisal
Learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise scientific literature and research studies related to nutritional pharmacology
- Integrate evidence-based findings into clinical practice and policy recommendations
- Assess the validity, reliability, and applicability of research outcomes
- Apply critical thinking skills to support informed professional decisions
Unit 6: Professional Practice, Ethics, and CPD
Learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional, ethical, and legal conduct in nutritional pharmacology practice
- Apply regulatory and professional standards to all aspects of practice
- Develop and implement a structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plan
- Reflect critically on personal and professional practice to enhance competence and effectiveness
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Pharmacology is designed for healthcare and nutrition professionals seeking advanced knowledge in nutrient-drug interactions and clinical applications. This course is ideal for:
- Dietitians and Nutritionists aiming to specialise in nutritional pharmacology and optimise patient care
- Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians interested in understanding nutrient-drug interactions
- Healthcare Practitioners and Clinicians who work with patients receiving medication and nutritional interventions
- Medical Researchers and Academics in nutrition, pharmacology, or health sciences seeking to expand research expertise
- Professionals Committed to CPD who wish to enhance their qualifications and career prospects
- Learners Involved in Clinical or Research Settings requiring advanced analytical and evidence-based practice skills
- Multidisciplinary Healthcare Teams seeking to integrate nutritional pharmacology principles into patient management
This course ensures learners develop advanced clinical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence to safely apply nutritional pharmacology principles, improve patient outcomes, and contribute effectively within healthcare teams.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Pharmacology must meet high standards to ensure effective training and learner success. Key requirements include:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Employ trainers with recognised qualifications and practical experience in nutrition, pharmacology, healthcare, or research.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Provide access to up-to-date course materials, scientific literature, clinical references, and digital tools to support both theoretical and practical learning.
- Suitable Learning Facilities: Maintain safe, well-equipped environments for face-to-face or blended delivery, including access to labs, clinical resources, or simulation tools where applicable.
- Assessment and Feedback Systems: Implement robust procedures for evaluating learner progress, providing constructive feedback, and ensuring achievement of learning outcomes.
- Commitment to CPD: Encourage Continuing Professional Development for both learners and staff to maintain current knowledge in nutritional pharmacology and healthcare practice.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Adhere to relevant health and safety regulations to maintain a secure learning environment.
- Technology and Online Access: For blended or online learning, provide reliable digital platforms, internet access, and technical support to facilitate interactive learning, data analysis, and research activities.
Meeting these requirements ensures centres deliver high-quality, internationally aligned training, enabling learners to gain advanced knowledge and skills in nutritional pharmacology, critically appraise evidence, and confidently apply their expertise in clinical and research 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.
