The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics) is a specialized qualification designed for experienced professionals in dietetics, nutrition, and healthcare who wish to advance their expertise and career prospects. This advanced programme provides learners with a deep understanding of clinical nutrition, therapeutic diet planning, and the role of dietetics in managing complex medical conditions. It is particularly suited for professionals who aim to integrate evidence-based nutritional strategies into clinical practice and enhance patient outcomes.
This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates. Instead, it is tailored for practitioners with prior experience in healthcare or nutrition who wish to expand their knowledge base, strengthen their practical skills, and achieve excellence in their professional field. The programme also supports Continuing Professional Development (CPD), enabling learners to remain current with industry standards and advance their leadership potential in clinical dietetics.
Centres offering this diploma must ensure that delivery is managed by highly competent and qualified staff with relevant subject expertise. They must also provide learners with access to appropriate facilities, resources, and learning materials, including up-to-date research, case studies, and clinical tools. These requirements ensure that learners benefit from high-quality training and the support needed to achieve success.
The PgD in Clinical Dietetics is an ideal choice for dietitians, nutritionists, healthcare practitioners, and allied health professionals who are committed to enhancing their expertise and contributing to improved patient care through advanced clinical nutrition practice.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201098
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201098-1 |
Advanced Principles of Clinical Dietetics |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201098-2 |
Nutritional Assessment and Clinical Diagnosis |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201098-3 |
Food Policy, Sustainability, and Global Nutrition Challenges |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201098-4 |
Nutrition Support and Therapeutic Diet Planning |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201098-5 |
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Dietetics |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201098-6 |
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Continuing Development in Clinical Dietetics |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Clinical Dietetics
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the scientific foundations of clinical dietetics and their application in healthcare.
- Analyse the role of metabolism, macronutrients, and micronutrients in health and disease management.
- Apply advanced nutritional science to clinical dietetic practice.
- Assess the effectiveness of diet in the prevention and management of complex medical conditions.
Unit 2: Nutritional Assessment and Clinical Diagnosis
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct advanced nutritional assessments using anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary evaluation techniques.
- Interpret clinical data to diagnose nutritional imbalances and deficiencies.
- Integrate diagnostic findings into comprehensive nutrition care plans.
- Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of nutritional assessment tools in clinical practice.
Unit 3: Dietetic Interventions in Complex Medical Conditions
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Design evidence-based dietetic interventions for patients with chronic and complex diseases.
- Critically appraise clinical guidelines and apply them to dietetic practice.
- Evaluate the impact of nutrition interventions on patient outcomes in various medical conditions.
- Integrate interdisciplinary approaches into the management of complex health cases.
Unit 4: Nutrition Support and Therapeutic Diet Planning
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Formulate advanced therapeutic diet plans tailored to individual clinical needs.
- Apply specialised knowledge in enteral and parenteral nutrition support.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition support strategies for critically ill patients.
- Adapt therapeutic diets to meet the nutritional needs of patients across different clinical scenarios.
Unit 5: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Dietetics
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Design and conduct research projects relevant to clinical dietetics.
- Critically evaluate scientific literature and apply findings to evidence-based practice.
- Use appropriate statistical and analytical tools to interpret clinical nutrition data.
- Translate research outcomes into practical applications for clinical dietetic practice.
Unit 6: Professional Practice, Ethics, and Continuing Development in Clinical Dietetics
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards in clinical dietetic practice.
- Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and advanced communication skills in healthcare settings.
- Critically reflect on personal practice to identify strengths and areas for development.
- Develop a structured plan for lifelong learning and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
This course is designed for individuals who want to build advanced expertise in clinical nutrition and dietetics and progress into senior, specialist, or leadership roles within healthcare settings. The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics) is ideal for qualified professionals and graduates seeking a globally recognised Level 7 clinical dietetics qualification aligned with international healthcare standards.
Qualified Nutritionists and Dietitians
- Graduates in nutrition, dietetics, or clinical nutrition seeking advanced clinical specialisation
- Professionals aiming to strengthen patient-centred dietetic practice
- Individuals applying evidence-based nutrition in clinical settings
- Nutritionists progressing toward senior or specialist roles
- Practitioners seeking an internationally recognised postgraduate diploma
- Professionals planning long-term career growth in healthcare
Healthcare and Allied Health Professionals
- Nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and allied healthcare practitioners
- Professionals involved in direct patient care requiring advanced nutrition knowledge
- Healthcare staff supporting dietary and nutritional interventions
- Clinicians working within multidisciplinary healthcare teams
- Professionals seeking a clinical nutrition and dietetics Level 7 qualification
- Practitioners enhancing clinical assessment and decision-making skills
Medical and Clinical Support Staff
- Clinical assistants and healthcare support professionals
- Staff working in hospitals, clinics, or community healthcare environments
- Professionals supporting patients with chronic and metabolic conditions
- Individuals involved in therapeutic diet planning and monitoring
- Clinical staff aiming to upskill in applied clinical dietetics practice
- Professionals seeking formal postgraduate recognition
Career Changers into Clinical Nutrition
- Graduates from life sciences or health-related academic backgrounds
- Professionals transitioning into clinical nutrition and dietetics careers
- Individuals seeking a structured pathway into healthcare nutrition roles
- Career changers aiming to specialise in clinical dietetics
- Learners pursuing a recognised Level 7 postgraduate diploma
- Professionals seeking stable and rewarding healthcare careers
Public Health and Community Nutrition Professionals
- Nutrition professionals working in public health or community-based roles
- Individuals involved in population-level nutrition and wellness programmes
- Professionals addressing nutrition-related public health challenges
- Staff supporting preventative healthcare and lifestyle interventions
- Practitioners expanding expertise into clinical nutrition
- Professionals bridging community nutrition and clinical dietetics
Professionals Seeking Academic and Career Progression
- Professionals strengthening academic and research foundations
- Individuals targeting leadership roles in clinical nutrition services
- Practitioners seeking senior or specialist dietetics positions
- Professionals requiring a globally recognised Level 7 qualification
- Learners committed to long-term professional development in dietetics
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics must demonstrate strong capability and high standards to ensure effective learning, assessment, and learner success. The following requirements are essential:
- Qualified and Competent Staff:
Delivery and assessment must be carried out by tutors, trainers, and assessors with recognised qualifications and significant professional experience in clinical dietetics, nutrition, or healthcare. All staff must maintain up-to-date knowledge through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). - Access to Specialist Learning Resources:
Centres must provide access to current textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, clinical case studies, and research materials. Digital learning platforms and nutrition assessment tools should also be available to support advanced study. - Facilities and Infrastructure:
Suitable classrooms, clinical learning environments, and online delivery platforms must be available. Where practical components are included, centres should provide appropriate equipment to simulate clinical dietetic practice. - Assessment and Quality Assurance:
Robust systems must be in place for learner assessment, internal verification, and quality assurance. Assessors must be fully trained to evaluate postgraduate-level knowledge and clinical competencies. - Learner Support Services:
Centres must offer comprehensive academic guidance, pastoral support, and career development advice. Dedicated support should also be provided for learners studying through blended or distance learning modes. - Commitment to Ethical and Inclusive Practice:
Centres must uphold professionalism, inclusivity, and fairness in recruitment, delivery, and assessment to ensure equal opportunities for all learners.
By fulfilling these requirements, centres will provide a high-quality learning environment that empowers learners to achieve excellence in clinical dietetics and advance their professional careers.
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.
