The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition (PgD Food Science and Nutrition) is a prestigious qualification designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their expertise in the dynamic fields of food science, nutrition, and health. This programme is not intended for fresh candidates; instead, it is tailored for learners with prior academic or professional experience who wish to elevate their career prospects, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and expand their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The course provides a comprehensive understanding of advanced food science principles, nutritional biochemistry, food safety, innovation in product development, and global food systems. Learners will critically engage with the latest research and industry practices, enabling them to apply evidence-based knowledge in real-world professional contexts. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and public health, the diploma equips learners with the ability to address complex challenges within food industries, healthcare organisations, and research environments.
Centres delivering this qualification must demonstrate a commitment to excellence by employing highly qualified and competent staff. They are required to provide access to the necessary learning materials, research resources, and teaching facilities to ensure a high-quality academic experience. In doing so, centres enable learners to develop both the advanced technical knowledge and the strategic management skills required to succeed in senior professional roles.
The Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition is therefore an ideal pathway for professionals aspiring to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of nutrition and food sciences.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition (PgD Food Science and Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201102
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition (PgD Food Science and Nutrition) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201102-1 |
Advanced Principles of Food Science and Nutritional Biochemistry |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201102-2 |
Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Risk Management |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201102-3 |
Innovation and Technology in Food Product Development |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201102-4 |
Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201102-5 |
Sustainable Food Systems and Global Nutrition Policies |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201102-6 |
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Food Science and Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Food Science and Nutritional Biochemistry
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the biochemical processes involved in human nutrition and metabolism
- Analyse the interactions between nutrients, bioactive compounds, and human health
- Apply advanced knowledge of nutritional biochemistry to professional practice
- Assess the role of molecular nutrition in disease prevention and management
Unit 2: Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Risk Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Evaluate international food safety standards and regulatory frameworks
- Implement quality control and assurance systems within food production processes
- Apply risk assessment models to ensure safe and sustainable food supply chains
- Critically assess strategies for managing hazards in food science and nutrition industries
Unit 3: Innovation and Technology in Food Product Development
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the role of innovation in developing functional and sustainable food products
- Apply advanced technologies in food processing and sensory evaluation
- Evaluate consumer trends and their influence on product development strategies
- Design innovative food products that align with nutritional, safety, and industry standards
Unit 4: Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically assess epidemiological methods used in nutritional research
- Interpret and analyse population-based dietary data to inform public health strategies
- Evaluate the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and chronic disease outcomes
- Apply evidence-based nutrition approaches to improve public health initiatives
Unit 5: Sustainable Food Systems and Global Nutrition Policies
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Examine the role of sustainability in modern food systems
- Critically evaluate global nutrition policies and their impact on health outcomes
- Assess challenges related to food security and strategies to overcome them
- Recommend sustainable approaches to improve nutrition at local, national, and global levels
Unit 6: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Food Science and Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Design and conduct advanced research projects in food science and nutrition
- Critically appraise scientific literature to support evidence-based practice
- Apply quantitative and qualitative research methodologies effectively
- Interpret data and present research findings in line with postgraduate academic standards
This course is designed for professionals and career changers who want to advance their expertise in food science, nutrition, and health, and apply practical knowledge to real-world roles. The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition (PgD Food Science and Nutrition) equips learners with advanced skills, industry-relevant knowledge, and the confidence to take on senior or specialised roles in nutrition, food, and health sectors.
Food Scientists and Nutritionists
- Professionals seeking to improve knowledge in food science and nutrition
- Nutritionists aiming to implement evidence-based dietary solutions
- Experts developing skills in food safety and quality assurance
- Professionals applying nutrition principles in clinical or community settings
- Practitioners enhancing practical analytical and problem-solving skills
- Individuals aiming for senior or specialised roles in nutrition-related fields
Healthcare and Allied Health Professionals
- Dietitians and clinical nutritionists working in healthcare services
- Nurses and allied health staff integrating nutrition into patient care
- Professionals managing dietary interventions for patients or communities
- Staff seeking to improve practical application of nutrition knowledge
- Practitioners strengthening team coordination and project management skills
- Professionals enhancing effectiveness in clinical and public health roles
Public Health and Community Nutrition Professionals
- Staff managing community health and nutrition programmes
- Professionals designing and implementing dietary initiatives
- Practitioners assessing nutrition outcomes and impact at population level
- Individuals developing practical solutions for community nutrition challenges
- Professionals improving public health through nutrition strategies
- Staff building skills in programme management and implementation
Food Industry and Product Development Professionals
- Food technologists and quality assurance specialists
- Professionals developing functional or fortified food products
- Staff improving food safety, labelling, and compliance practices
- Experts analysing nutritional content and product innovation
- Professionals leading nutrition-focused projects in food businesses
- Individuals enhancing practical skills for industry application
Career Changers into Food Science and Nutrition
- Individuals transitioning into nutrition or food-related roles
- Professionals seeking practical skills to enter food science or nutrition sectors
- Learners aiming to specialise in nutrition application and food technology
- Career changers looking for recognised Level 7 professional skills
- Professionals preparing for hands-on roles in nutrition and food services
- Individuals building confidence and expertise for immediate industry application
Professionals Seeking Leadership and Practical Advancement
- Staff developing leadership skills in nutrition and food services
- Professionals enhancing project and team management capabilities
- Practitioners aiming to take on senior operational roles
- Individuals improving practical decision-making in food and nutrition projects
- Professionals strengthening their profile with advanced industry skills
- Learners focused on applied outcomes and workplace impact
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition must meet rigorous academic and professional standards to ensure high-quality teaching, assessment, and learner success. Approved centres are required to demonstrate the following:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Tutors and assessors must hold relevant postgraduate qualifications in food science, nutrition, dietetics, or related disciplines, along with proven professional or academic experience.
- Access to Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with up-to-date academic journals, research databases, textbooks, digital learning platforms, and laboratory facilities where applicable.
- Robust Quality Assurance Systems: Effective internal quality assurance procedures must be in place to monitor teaching standards, assessment quality, and learner outcomes in line with international academic standards.
- Suitable Learning Facilities: Centres should have well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, or high-quality online platforms that support interactive, practical, and blended learning experiences.
- Learner Support Services: Centres must offer academic guidance, career advice, research support, and mentoring to enhance learner achievement and professional progression.
- Commitment to CPD: Teaching staff should demonstrate ongoing professional development to ensure they remain current with advances in food science, nutrition, and related regulatory frameworks.
- Assessment and Feedback: Centres must provide timely, constructive, and transparent assessment processes that allow learners to achieve their full potential and meet postgraduate-level expectations.
These requirements ensure that centres provide a professional and supportive learning environment that equips learners with advanced knowledge, research skills, and leadership capabilities in food science 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.
