The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgDCN) is a specialised programme designed for healthcare and allied health professionals who wish to advance their expertise in nutrition, dietetics, and metabolic health. This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates but for experienced practitioners seeking to enhance their career prospects, broaden their clinical knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgDCN) plays a crucial role in the prevention, management, and treatment of a wide range of health conditions, from metabolic disorders and gastrointestinal diseases to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses. This postgraduate diploma provides learners with advanced theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practical skills required to integrate nutrition effectively into patient care.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgDCN) covers key areas such as nutritional assessment, therapeutic diet planning, clinical intervention strategies, and research in nutritional science. By completing this qualification, learners will be equipped with the competence to evaluate complex nutritional needs, implement tailored interventions, and contribute to improved patient outcomes in various clinical and community settings.
Centres delivering this diploma must ensure the highest standards of academic and professional training. They are required to have competent and qualified staff, as well as access to the necessary materials, facilities, and learning resources to provide comprehensive support. This ensures learners gain not only academic knowledge but also practical insights aligned with international healthcare standards.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgDCN) is ideal for professionals dedicated to advancing their expertise in clinical nutrition, driving innovation in healthcare, and achieving excellence in their careers while contributing meaningfully to patient wellbeing and public health.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgDCN)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2200987
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200987-1 |
Advanced Principles of Clinical Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200987-2 |
Nutritional Assessment and Diagnosis |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200987-3 |
Therapeutic Diet Planning and Intervention |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200987-4 |
Metabolic and Chronic Disease Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200987-5 |
Research Methods, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Innovation |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200987-6 |
Public Health, Policy, and Global Perspectives in Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Clinical Nutrition
Learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse human metabolism, nutrient requirements, and physiological adaptations across the lifespan.
- Evaluate the role of macro- and micronutrients in health, disease prevention, and therapeutic intervention.
- Integrate scientific principles into advanced nutritional planning for diverse patient populations.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to clinical scenarios for optimal nutritional management.
Unit 2: Nutritional Assessment and Diagnosis
Learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments using advanced anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary evaluation methods.
- Apply clinical reasoning to interpret assessment data and formulate accurate nutritional diagnoses.
- Critically appraise the validity and reliability of different assessment tools and methods.
- Develop individualised nutrition care plans based on evidence and patient-specific needs.
Unit 3: Therapeutic Diet Planning and Intervention
Learners will be able to:
- Design and implement personalised dietary interventions for acute and chronic health conditions.
- Evaluate and apply evidence-based strategies for medical nutrition therapy across clinical contexts.
- Integrate lifestyle, behavioural, and psychosocial factors into diet planning and patient care.
- Monitor, adjust, and optimise therapeutic interventions to achieve desired health outcomes.
Unit 4: Metabolic and Chronic Disease Nutrition
Learners will be able to:
- Analyse nutritional requirements and interventions for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and other metabolic conditions.
- Apply advanced knowledge to support disease management, prevention, and recovery.
- Critically evaluate clinical guidelines and emerging research in chronic disease nutrition.
- Develop comprehensive, patient-centred care strategies for complex metabolic cases.
Unit 5: Research Methods, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Innovation
Learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise current research and scientific literature in clinical nutrition.
- Design, conduct, and evaluate research projects with methodological and ethical rigour.
- Apply evidence-based strategies to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.
- Translate research findings into innovative nutritional interventions and programmes.
Unit 6: Public Health, Policy, and Global Perspectives in Nutrition
Learners will be able to:
- Evaluate community nutrition programmes, public health initiatives, and global nutrition policies.
- Analyse the impact of social, cultural, and environmental factors on population health and nutritional status.
- Develop and implement nutrition education and prevention strategies for diverse populations.
- Critically assess international standards and best practices for clinical and community nutrition.
This postgraduate diploma is ideal for:
- Medical doctors, dietitians, nutritionists, and allied health professionals seeking advanced expertise in clinical nutrition.
- Healthcare practitioners working in hospitals, community health services, or specialised nutrition clinics who wish to enhance their skills.
- Researchers and academics focusing on nutrition science, dietetics, or public health nutrition.
- Senior clinicians aiming to progress into leadership, consultancy, or specialist roles within healthcare and nutrition.
- Public health professionals involved in developing nutrition policies, community programmes, and health promotion initiatives.
- Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who want to expand their clinical, research, and public health competencies in nutrition.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgDCN) must maintain the highest standards to ensure effective learner development and successful outcomes. Essential requirements include:
- Qualified and Experienced Faculty: Centres must employ trainers, assessors, and academic staff with relevant postgraduate qualifications and substantial clinical experience in nutrition, dietetics, or related healthcare fields.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Learners should have access to up-to-date textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, case studies, and digital learning platforms to support both theoretical and practical learning.
- Clinical and Practical Facilities: Provision of clinical practice environments, laboratories, and simulation facilities that allow learners to apply advanced nutritional knowledge in real-world scenarios.
- Robust Assessment and Quality Assurance: Centres must implement structured assessment processes, internal verification, and quality assurance measures to maintain academic standards and ensure consistent learner outcomes.
- Technology and E-Learning Infrastructure: Reliable digital platforms, virtual classrooms, and online resources should be available to facilitate blended and flexible learning.
- Learner Support Services: Academic mentoring, CPD guidance, and personal support should be provided to ensure learners achieve their full potential.
- Compliance with LICQual Standards: Centres must adhere to LICQual regulations and deliver programmes in line with international Level 7 postgraduate benchmarks.
- Commitment to Research and Innovation: Centres should encourage the integration of research, evidence-based practice, and innovative approaches in clinical 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.
