LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG) 

The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG) is an advanced qualification designed for experienced healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. This course is not intended for fresh entrants but is ideal for medical practitioners, gastroenterologists, hepatologists, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Learners will gain comprehensive knowledge of digestive system anatomy and physiology, advanced diagnostic procedures, endoscopic techniques, management of gastrointestinal diseases, and the integration of evidence-based clinical practice. The curriculum emphasises the practical application of knowledge in complex clinical scenarios, enabling learners to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary healthcare teams and improve patient outcomes.

Centres delivering this qualification are required to employ competent and qualified staff, supported by modern facilities, laboratories, and extensive learning resources. This ensures learners receive expert guidance, hands-on experience, and the academic support necessary to succeed in this advanced programme.

Upon completion, learners will be equipped to assume leadership roles within gastroenterology services, contribute to clinical research, and implement best practices in patient care. This qualification represents a significant step for professionals committed to excellence, advanced clinical practice, and career progression in gastroenterology.

Course Overview

Qualification Title

LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG) 

Total Units

6

Total Credits

120

GLH

600

Qualification #

LICQ2200978

Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG) , applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment.
  • Educational Requirements: Applicants should hold a recognised undergraduate degree in medicine, nursing, or a related healthcare discipline from an accredited institution. Equivalent professional qualifications may also be considered.
  • Experience: Learners are expected to have practical experience in gastroenterology, hepatology, internal medicine, or clinical care settings, demonstrating familiarity with patient management and healthcare procedures.
  • English Language Proficiency:Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English, including reading, writing, and communication skills. Evidence may be required through IELTS, TOEFL, or previous academic study in English.
  • Commitment to CPD: Learners must show dedication to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and a willingness to integrate advanced gastroenterology knowledge into their professional practice.
  • Access to Required Resources: Learners should have access to clinical environments, laboratories, academic libraries, and digital learning platforms, enabling participation in practical exercises, case studies, and research activities.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200978-1

Advanced Gastrointestinal Physiology and Anatomy

20

100

LICQ2200978-2

Diagnostic Techniques in Gastroenterology

20

100

LICQ2200978-3

Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders

20

100

LICQ2200978-4

Advanced Endoscopy and Interventional Procedures

20

100

LICQ2200978-5

Gastroenterology Research and Evidence-Based Practice

20

100

LICQ2200978-6

Professional Practice, Ethics, and Continuing Development

20

100

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Unit 1: Advanced Gastrointestinal Physiology and Anatomy

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Analyse the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract and associated organs.
  • Evaluate digestive processes, nutrient absorption, and metabolic regulation.
  • Assess gastrointestinal motility and neuroendocrine control mechanisms.
  • Critically appraise pathophysiological mechanisms underlying common gastrointestinal disorders.

Unit 2: Diagnostic Techniques in Gastroenterology

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of endoscopic, imaging, and laboratory diagnostic techniques.
  • Interpret functional tests, biomarkers, and clinical findings in gastrointestinal practice.
  • Apply diagnostic data to inform patient assessment and treatment planning.
  • Critically evaluate emerging diagnostic technologies and their clinical applications.

Unit 3: Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Develop evidence-based management plans for a range of gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Apply clinical reasoning to complex cases involving liver, pancreatic, and biliary diseases.
  • Integrate pharmacological, procedural, and lifestyle interventions in patient care.
  • Critically evaluate current clinical guidelines and research to optimise treatment outcomes.

Unit 4: Advanced Endoscopy and Interventional Procedures

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of therapeutic endoscopy and interventional procedures.
  • Perform risk assessment and apply safety protocols in endoscopic practice.
  • Evaluate the indications, outcomes, and complications of advanced procedures such as ERCP and stenting.
  • Integrate procedural expertise into multidisciplinary gastrointestinal care.

Unit 5: Gastroenterology Research and Evidence-Based Practice

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Design, conduct, and critically appraise clinical research in gastroenterology.
  • Apply statistical analysis and research methodology to evaluate study findings.
  • Integrate evidence-based research into clinical decision-making.
  • Demonstrate ethical and patient-centred approaches in research practice.

Unit 6: Professional Practice, Ethics, and Continuing Development

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Demonstrate professional and ethical responsibilities in gastroenterology practice.
  • Apply legal frameworks and clinical governance standards in patient care.
  • Lead and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Develop strategies for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and reflective practice.

The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG) is designed for experienced healthcare professionals seeking advanced expertise in gastroenterology. This course is ideal for:

  • Medical practitioners and gastroenterologists aiming to deepen clinical knowledge in digestive health.
  • Hepatologists and liver specialists seeking advanced skills in patient management and disease treatment.
  • Nurses and allied healthcare professionals specialising in gastroenterology or internal medicine.
  • Healthcare professionals involved in diagnostic procedures, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal research.
  • Clinical researchers and academics focused on gastroenterology and evidence-based practice.
  • Practitioners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and advanced clinical competencies.
  • Healthcare leaders and professionals aspiring to take on advanced roles in gastroenterology services.

This course is specifically tailored for learners who are already established in their careers and wish to enhance professional credibility, leadership skills, and advanced clinical competencies in gastroenterology.

Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology must meet high standards to ensure exceptional learning experiences and learner success. Key requirements include:

  • Qualified and Experienced Staff: All teaching and assessment personnel must be highly qualified in gastroenterology, hepatology, internal medicine, or related healthcare disciplines, with extensive professional and academic experience.
  • Modern Facilities: Centres must provide access to clinical environments, endoscopy suites, laboratories, and practical training areas essential for advanced gastroenterology study.
  • Comprehensive Learning Resources: Learners should have access to textbooks, academic journals, case studies, online platforms, and digital resources supporting in-depth learning and research.
  • Practical Training Opportunities: Centres must enable learners to engage in hands-on exercises, simulations, clinical rotations, and case-based learning relevant to gastrointestinal care and advanced procedures.
  • Robust Assessment and Evaluation: Centres must implement rigorous assessment strategies, including written assignments, research projects, and practical evaluations, to ensure learners meet all learning outcomes.
  • Ethical and Legal Compliance: Centres must adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards in gastroenterology education and clinical practice.
  • Support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Centres should provide guidance for ongoing CPD, reflective practice, and professional development, enabling learners to apply advanced knowledge in clinical settings.

Meeting these requirements ensures learners receive world-class instruction, practical experience, and academic support, preparing them for leadership and advanced practice in gastroenterology.

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.

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