The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition (PgD Oncology Nutrition) is a highly specialized qualification designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their expertise in the nutritional management of oncology patients. This postgraduate diploma is not intended for fresh entrants; it is aimed at practitioners, researchers, and healthcare professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, deepen their scientific knowledge, and further their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners undertaking this programme will explore the complex interactions between nutrition, cancer progression, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes. The curriculum integrates advanced scientific theory with practical application, enabling learners to critically evaluate emerging research, design evidence-based nutritional interventions, and contribute to improved clinical outcomes in oncology care.
LICQual ensures that centres delivering this qualification maintain the highest standards of training excellence. Centres must employ competent, qualified staff and provide learners with access to all necessary resources, including up-to-date scientific literature, research databases, and practical facilities, to support effective learning and ensure learner success.
Completing the PgD in Clinical Oncology Nutrition equips learners with the expertise and professional credibility to make a meaningful impact in clinical practice, research, consultancy, or multidisciplinary oncology teams. This qualification represents a strategic step for professionals committed to lifelong learning, career progression, and achieving excellence in oncology nutrition and patient care.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition (PgD Oncology Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201106
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition (PgD Oncology Nutrition) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201106-1 |
Advanced Oncology Biology and Pathophysiology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201106-2 |
Clinical Nutrition in Oncology Care |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201106-3 |
Nutritional Assessment and Intervention in Oncology Patients |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201106-4 |
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Oncology Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201106-5 |
Ethics, Regulation, and Professional Practice in Oncology Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201106-6 |
Applied Clinical Oncology Nutrition Project |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Oncology Biology and Pathophysiology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression
- Evaluate the impact of tumour biology on metabolism, nutritional requirements, and treatment response
- Assess the interactions between cancer therapies and physiological systems in clinical practice
Unit 2: Clinical Nutrition in Oncology Care
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Examine the role of nutrition in supporting cancer patients throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery
- Develop evidence-based nutritional strategies to manage treatment-related complications, including cachexia, malnutrition, and gastrointestinal issues
- Critically appraise interventions aimed at optimising patient outcomes and quality of life
Unit 3: Nutritional Assessment and Intervention in Oncology Patients
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments for patients at different stages of cancer and treatment
- Design personalised nutrition plans tailored to individual patient needs, clinical status, and treatment protocols
- Apply advanced monitoring techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions
Unit 4: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Oncology Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of research design, clinical trial methodology, and statistical analysis relevant to oncology nutrition
- Critically appraise and interpret scientific literature to inform clinical decision-making
- Apply evidence-based practice principles to develop and implement effective nutritional interventions
Unit 5: Ethics, Regulation, and Professional Practice in Oncology Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically assess ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks relevant to clinical oncology nutrition
- Apply professional standards to ensure safe, effective, and ethical practice in patient care
- Demonstrate understanding of consent, safeguarding, and professional accountability in clinical settings
Unit 6: Applied Clinical Oncology Nutrition Project
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Plan, implement, and critically evaluate a research or clinical project focused on oncology nutrition
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world clinical scenarios and case studies
- Demonstrate advanced problem-solving, analytical thinking, and professional communication skills in project delivery
This advanced postgraduate diploma is specifically designed for professionals seeking to specialise in the nutritional management of oncology patients and enhance their expertise in clinical oncology nutrition. Learners who should consider enrolling include:
- Registered nutritionists, dietitians, and healthcare practitioners aiming to develop advanced skills in oncology nutrition
- Clinical researchers and scientists focused on cancer, nutrition, and related healthcare studies
- Medical and allied health professionals seeking to apply evidence-based nutritional strategies to support oncology patients during treatment and recovery
- Consultants, public health professionals, and wellness practitioners who wish to integrate advanced oncology nutrition knowledge into their practice
- Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and looking to advance their careers in healthcare, nutrition, or clinical research
- Individuals with prior experience and qualifications in nutrition, healthcare, or related fields who are prepared to engage with advanced scientific and clinical concepts
This course is not suitable for beginners; it is intended for learners with relevant professional experience and academic qualifications, ready to tackle complex content and apply it in clinical practice.
To ensure high-quality delivery and learner success, centres offering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ educators and trainers with advanced qualifications and proven expertise in oncology nutrition, clinical nutrition, or related healthcare fields to provide professional and evidence-based instruction.
- Access to Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with access to up-to-date scientific literature, research journals, databases, and digital learning platforms to support study, assignments, and practical applications.
- Practical and Clinical Facilities: For programmes including practical components, centres must have access to appropriate clinical or laboratory facilities where learners can safely apply theoretical knowledge and research skills.
- Ethical and Regulatory Compliance: Centres must adhere to all relevant ethical, legal, and data protection standards, particularly when handling sensitive clinical or patient information.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Centres should offer structured guidance, mentoring, and feedback to support learners’ progression, critical thinking, and application of advanced knowledge.
- Assessment and Evaluation Systems: Centres must implement robust assessment and evaluation frameworks, including research projects, assignments, and practical assessments, aligned with Level 7 academic standards.
Meeting these requirements ensures learners receive a high-quality, professional, and fully supported educational experience, enabling them to successfully complete the diploma and advance their careers in clinical oncology nutrition and related healthcare sectors.
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.
