The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology (PgDCD) is a prestigious qualification specifically designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in dermatology. This programme is not intended for fresh entrants but targets experienced practitioners who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their clinical knowledge, and actively engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners undertaking this Level 7 postgraduate diploma will gain a comprehensive understanding of advanced dermatological concepts, clinical assessment techniques, diagnostic methods, and evidence-based treatment strategies. The course equips learners with the practical and theoretical skills necessary to manage complex dermatological conditions, ensuring improved patient outcomes and enhanced professional credibility.
Centres delivering the PgDCD in Clinical Dermatology are required to meet rigorous standards to maintain the highest quality of training. This includes employing competent and qualified staff with extensive clinical experience, as well as providing learners with access to all necessary materials, resources, and state-of-the-art facilities. Such standards ensure that every learner receives an enriching educational experience and the support needed to achieve academic and professional success.
This qualification is ideal for medical practitioners, dermatology specialists, and healthcare professionals who are committed to elevating their clinical practice and staying at the forefront of dermatological care. By completing the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology, learners position themselves for career progression, increased professional recognition, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to patient care and the wider medical community.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology (PgDCD)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2200955
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgDCN), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200955-1 |
Advanced Principles of Dermatology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200955-2 |
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis in Dermatology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200955-3 |
Therapeutic Interventions and Dermatological Treatments |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200955-4 |
Dermatological Surgery and Procedural Skills |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200955-5 |
Dermatopathology and Laboratory Interpretation |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200955-6 |
Professional Practice, Research, and Continuing Development |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Dermatology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the structure, function, and physiology of skin in health and disease
- Analyse the pathophysiology of common, complex, and rare dermatological conditions
- Assess and interpret recent advances in dermatological research and their clinical applications
- Apply evidence-based principles to support decision-making in dermatology practice
Unit 2: Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis in Dermatology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive dermatological assessments, including patient history and physical examination
- Apply differential diagnostic techniques to identify a range of dermatological conditions
- Critically interpret diagnostic tests, laboratory results, and imaging to support clinical decisions
- Formulate accurate, evidence-based diagnoses in complex dermatology cases
Unit 3: Therapeutic Interventions and Dermatological Treatments
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and advanced dermatological therapies
- Design personalised treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs and conditions
- Monitor and assess patient response to treatments, including identifying adverse effects
- Apply evidence-based strategies to optimise treatment outcomes and patient care
Unit 4: Dermatological Surgery and Procedural Skills
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of dermatological surgical procedures, including biopsies and excisions
- Apply patient safety, aseptic techniques, and ethical considerations in clinical procedures
- Plan, execute, and evaluate dermatological procedures in a clinical setting
- Critically assess procedural outcomes and manage potential complications effectively
Unit 5: Dermatopathology and Laboratory Interpretation
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse and interpret histopathological and laboratory findings in dermatology
- Integrate clinical and laboratory data to inform diagnosis and treatment planning
- Evaluate the quality and reliability of dermatopathology investigations
- Apply critical thinking to support evidence-based clinical decision-making
Unit 6: Professional Practice, Research, and Continuing Development
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply ethical, legal, and professional standards in dermatology practice
- Critically appraise clinical research, audits, and evidence-based practice in dermatology
- Develop a personalised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plan for ongoing competence
- Analyse emerging trends and innovations in dermatology to enhance professional practice
This course is specifically designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced expertise in dermatology. Learners who will benefit from this programme include:
- Medical Practitioners and Physicians seeking to specialise or update their knowledge in clinical dermatology.
- Dermatology Specialists and Consultants aiming to expand their understanding of complex skin conditions and evidence-based treatments.
- Nurses and Advanced Practice Nurses working in dermatology or primary care who wish to enhance clinical assessment and treatment skills.
- Healthcare Professionals in Related Fields such as aesthetic medicine, cosmetic dermatology, or general practice with a focus on skin health.
- Professionals Committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who want to maintain and enhance their professional competence in dermatology.
- Clinicians Aspiring for Career Progression who wish to gain a recognised Level 7 qualification to strengthen their professional credibility.
This course is ideal for learners who are motivated to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, improve patient outcomes, and stay at the forefront of dermatological practice.
To ensure high-quality delivery and learner success, centres offering the PgDCD in Clinical Dermatology must meet the following standards:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ staff with recognised qualifications, substantial clinical experience in dermatology, and proven teaching expertise to deliver Level 7 content effectively.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Access to up-to-date textbooks, journals, digital learning platforms, and clinical guidelines is essential to support evidence-based learning.
- Clinical Facilities and Equipment: Centres must provide appropriate clinical environments and equipment for practical training, including dermatology examination tools, procedural setups, and diagnostic equipment.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance Systems: Centres should have robust systems for assessing learner progress, providing feedback, and ensuring standards align with international postgraduate requirements.
- Compliance with Legal and Ethical Standards: Centres must operate in accordance with relevant health, safety, and data protection regulations, maintaining ethical standards in all teaching and clinical practice activities.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Learners should have access to academic support, mentoring, and guidance to enhance learning outcomes and promote professional development.
By meeting these requirements, centres ensure that learners receive a comprehensive, high-quality educational experience, equipping them with the advanced knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competence necessary for success in dermatology practice.
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.
