The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition (PgD Food Policy and Nutrition) is an advanced qualification specifically designed for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in food policy, nutrition strategy, and public health. This programme is not intended for fresh entrants but is aimed at learners who are already established in their careers and wish to enhance their professional knowledge, refine their skills, and further their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
This Level 7 postgraduate diploma provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between nutrition science, food policy, and public health planning. Learners will critically examine the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of national and international food policies, as well as their impact on public health outcomes. The course equips learners with the analytical and strategic skills required to influence policy decisions, develop evidence-based nutrition programmes, and contribute to sustainable food systems.
Centres delivering this prestigious qualification are expected to maintain the highest standards of teaching and learning. They must employ competent and qualified staff and provide all necessary resources, including up-to-date study materials, access to research databases, and practical tools, to ensure learners receive a high-quality educational experience. This ensures that learners are fully supported in achieving their learning objectives and can maximise the professional benefits of the qualification.
By completing the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition, learners can expect to enhance their career prospects, gain recognized professional credibility, and develop the specialized expertise required to lead and innovate in the fields of food policy, nutrition strategy, and public health.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition (PgD Food Policy and Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201118
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition (PgD Food Policy and Nutrition), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201118-1 |
Advanced Principles of Nutrition and Public Health |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201118-2 |
Food Policy Development and Governance |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201118-3 |
Nutritional Epidemiology and Data Analysis |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201118-4 |
Food Systems, Sustainability, and Policy Implications |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201118-5 |
Functional Foods, Food Innovation, and Policy Impact |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201118-6 |
Advanced Professional Practice and Leadership in Food Policy |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Nutrition and Public Health
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse the biochemical, physiological, and molecular mechanisms underlying human nutrition
- Evaluate the role of nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention
- Assess public health strategies and interventions based on evidence from nutritional science
Unit 2: Food Policy Development and Governance
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Examine the processes involved in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of food policies
- Analyse the roles of government, regulatory agencies, and international bodies in shaping food systems
- Evaluate the impact of policy decisions on population health, food security, and sustainability
Unit 3: Nutritional Epidemiology and Data Analysis
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply advanced research methods to assess dietary patterns and associated health outcomes
- Interpret statistical and analytical data relating to nutrition, food consumption, and public health trends
- Critically appraise scientific literature to inform evidence-based policy recommendations
Unit 4: Food Systems, Sustainability, and Policy Implications
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Examine the relationship between food systems, environmental sustainability, and public health outcomes
- Analyse the effects of food production, distribution, and consumption on nutritional status
- Develop strategies to promote sustainable food policies and interventions
Unit 5: Functional Foods, Food Innovation, and Policy Impact
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Investigate the role of functional foods and innovative dietary interventions in improving public health
- Evaluate regulatory, ethical, and safety considerations related to food innovation
- Integrate functional foods and innovation into effective food policy strategies
Unit 6: Advanced Professional Practice and Leadership in Food Policy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills in food policy and public health nutrition
- Apply professional, ethical, and evidence-based practice in policy development and implementation
- Critically analyse and influence policy and practice at organisational, national, and international levels
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition (PgD Food Policy and Nutrition) is designed for professionals, dietitians, nutritionists, and public health practitioners who want to specialize in food policy, nutrition strategy, and public health nutrition initiatives. This course is ideal for those aiming to advance their career, influence food policy, and implement evidence-based nutrition programs, without necessarily pursuing further academic study.
Dietitians and Nutritionists
• Dietitians seeking expertise in food policy and nutrition strategy
• Nutritionists aiming to develop practical public health nutrition interventions
• Professionals analyzing population dietary patterns and nutritional needs
• Practitioners enhancing credibility in food policy and public health
• Individuals preparing for advisory or leadership roles in nutrition
• Professionals focused on career advancement rather than further study
Healthcare and Public Health Professionals
• Doctors integrating nutrition policy into health programs
• Nurses and allied health staff supporting public health initiatives
• Public health practitioners designing population nutrition interventions
• Professionals applying evidence-based strategies to improve nutrition outcomes
• Practitioners influencing local or national nutrition policy
• Staff seeking practical skills to advance their careers
Policy Makers and Government Officials
• Policy makers developing evidence-based nutrition and food policy
• Government advisors creating sustainable food systems strategies
• Professionals evaluating nutrition program effectiveness
• Staff contributing to actionable public health policies
• Consultants guiding community or national nutrition initiatives
• Individuals aiming to lead policy change and nutrition strategy
Researchers and Academics
• Professionals analyzing nutrition and food policy data
• Staff applying research insights to real-world policy or program decisions
• Individuals developing evidence-based interventions
• Scholars enhancing knowledge in food systems and public health
• Professionals focusing on applied research rather than further qualifications
• Experts aiming to influence policy and nutrition practices
Career Changers and International Learners
• Professionals transitioning into nutrition policy or public health roles
• Individuals seeking internationally recognized Level 7 qualification for career growth
• Learners targeting applied skills for immediate workplace impact
• Professionals aiming for leadership and consultancy roles
• Individuals committed to evidence-based food policy and nutrition practice
• Learners seeking to improve community health outcomes professionally
NGO and Program Developers
• NGO staff designing and implementing nutrition programs
• Program coordinators managing public health initiatives
• Professionals delivering evidence-based interventions
• Staff monitoring and evaluating program outcomes
• Consultants supporting sustainable nutrition projects
• Leaders creating measurable impact in community nutrition
To ensure high-quality delivery and learner success, centres offering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff: Centres must employ instructors with recognised qualifications in nutrition, food policy, public health, or related disciplines. Staff should have significant professional experience and the ability to deliver advanced Level 7 content effectively.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with access to essential study materials, including textbooks, research journals, policy databases, and any specialised tools required for analysis, research, and practical learning.
- Adequate Facilities: Centres should maintain appropriate teaching environments, seminar spaces, and practical areas equipped to support advanced learning, research, and policy analysis activities.
- Robust Assessment and Support Systems: Centres must implement reliable assessment procedures and provide academic support to monitor learner progress, offer constructive feedback, and ensure successful course completion.
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development: Centres should actively encourage CPD for both learners and staff, fostering continuous learning and keeping up to date with the latest developments in nutrition, food policy, and public health.
- Compliance with Quality Standards: Centres must adhere to LICQual quality assurance policies and maintain high standards of teaching, learning, and administration to ensure an exceptional learner experience and outcome.
By meeting these requirements, centres can deliver a premium educational experience, fully supporting learners to achieve their learning objectives and develop the advanced skills needed for professional success in food policy and 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.
