The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (PgD Gerontological Nutrition) is a specialized qualification designed for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in the nutrition and care of ageing populations. This postgraduate diploma is not intended for fresh entrants but is tailored for practitioners, researchers, and healthcare professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their scientific knowledge, and further their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners undertaking this qualification will gain advanced insights into the physiological, biochemical, and social aspects of ageing, and how these factors influence nutritional requirements and overall health. The programme equips learners with the skills to critically evaluate emerging research, design evidence-based nutritional strategies, and implement interventions that support healthy ageing and improve quality of life for older adults.
LICQual ensures that centres delivering this qualification maintain the highest standards of training excellence. Only centres with competent, qualified staff and access to all necessary resources and materials are approved to offer this programme, guaranteeing that learners receive comprehensive guidance and support throughout their studies.
By completing the PgD in Gerontological Nutrition, learners position themselves at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field, prepared to make meaningful contributions in clinical practice, research, or consultancy roles focused on older populations. This qualification represents a strategic step for professionals committed to lifelong learning, career progression, and achieving excellence within the nutrition and healthcare sectors.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (PgD Gerontological Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201104
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (PgD Gerontological Nutrition) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201104-1 |
Advanced Human Ageing and Physiology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201104-2 |
Nutritional Assessment and Intervention in Older Adults |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201104-3 |
Clinical Nutrition and Age-Related Diseases |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201104-4 |
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Gerontological Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201104-5 |
Ethics, Regulation, and Professional Practice in Gerontological Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201104-6 |
Applied Gerontological Nutrition Project |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Human Ageing and Physiology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse the biological and physiological processes of ageing and their impact on health
- Evaluate age-related changes in organ systems, metabolism, and nutritional requirements
- Assess factors influencing longevity, functional capacity, and overall wellbeing in older adults
Unit 2: Nutritional Assessment and Intervention in Older Adults
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct advanced nutritional assessments for elderly populations using validated tools and techniques
- Design personalised nutrition strategies to prevent or manage age-related conditions
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of intervention approaches in promoting healthy ageing
Unit 3: Clinical Nutrition and Age-Related Diseases
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of chronic diseases in older adults
- Develop evidence-based dietary plans for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline
- Apply clinical nutrition principles to optimise health outcomes and quality of life in ageing populations
Unit 4: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Gerontological Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of research design, statistical analysis, and critical appraisal methods
- Interpret and evaluate scientific research in gerontology and clinical nutrition
- Apply evidence-based practice principles to inform nutritional interventions and clinical decision-making
Unit 5: Ethics, Regulation, and Professional Practice in Gerontological Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically assess ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations in the nutritional care of older adults
- Apply professional standards to ensure safe, effective, and ethical practice
- Demonstrate understanding of issues related to consent, data protection, and professional accountability
Unit 6: Applied Gerontological Nutrition Project
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Plan, implement, and critically evaluate a research or clinical project focusing on older populations
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical case studies and real-world scenarios
- Demonstrate advanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and professional communication skills in project delivery
This course is designed for healthcare professionals, dietitians, nutritionists, and career changers who want to specialise in nutrition for older adults. The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (PgD Gerontological Nutrition) equips learners with practical skills and advanced knowledge to apply gerontological nutrition principles in clinical, community, and care home settings, enhancing their professional capabilities and career prospects.
Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Professionals aiming to improve nutritional care for older adults
- Nutritionists managing diet plans for ageing populations
- Dietitians implementing evidence-based dietary interventions
- Professionals assessing nutrient requirements in elderly clients
- Practitioners enhancing practical skills in gerontological nutrition
- Staff aiming to provide specialised dietary guidance for seniors
Healthcare and Allied Health Professionals
- Nurses integrating nutrition strategies into elder care
- Allied health staff managing dietary interventions for older patients
- Professionals supporting chronic disease management in elderly populations
- Staff improving patient outcomes through nutrition-focused care
- Practitioners applying evidence-based nutrition in clinical practice
- Professionals enhancing practical skills for senior care services
Clinical and Community Care Practitioners
- Professionals working in care homes or community health programmes
- Staff delivering tailored nutrition plans to elderly clients
- Practitioners monitoring health outcomes and dietary adherence
- Professionals supporting independence and wellbeing of older adults
- Staff developing strategies for malnutrition prevention in seniors
- Practitioners applying gerontological nutrition knowledge to real-world settings
Career Changers into Elderly Nutrition
- Individuals transitioning from general nutrition or healthcare roles
- Professionals seeking practical skills for senior care nutrition
- Learners specialising in diet and health for ageing populations
- Career changers enhancing professional credibility in gerontological nutrition
- Individuals aiming to enter clinical, community, or care home settings
- Learners gaining applied skills for immediate workplace impact
Researchers and Data-Focused Professionals
- Staff analysing nutritional needs of ageing populations
- Professionals conducting research on diet and age-related health outcomes
- Practitioners applying evidence-based interventions in clinical settings
- Professionals evaluating programmes to improve elderly nutrition
- Staff developing analytical and critical thinking skills
- Practitioners supporting data-driven decision-making in gerontological nutrition
Professionals Seeking Leadership and Specialisation
- Individuals leading nutrition programmes for older adults
- Practitioners guiding teams in senior care nutrition services
- Professionals developing strategic approaches to elderly diet interventions
- Staff enhancing management skills in clinical and community settings
- Professionals increasing credibility and professional recognition
- Practitioners aiming for advanced roles in gerontological nutrition
Public Health and Community Practitioners
- Professionals designing elderly nutrition interventions at population level
- Staff developing community-focused dietary programmes for seniors
- Practitioners bridging research to practical public health nutrition applications
- Professionals promoting healthy ageing and disease prevention
- Staff supporting wellness initiatives for older adults
- Practitioners enhancing community nutrition outcomes for ageing populations
To ensure high-quality delivery and learner success, centres offering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ educators and trainers with advanced qualifications and proven expertise in gerontological nutrition, clinical nutrition, or related healthcare fields to deliver professional and evidence-based instruction.
- Access to Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with comprehensive access to up-to-date scientific literature, journals, research databases, and digital learning platforms to support study, assignments, and research activities.
- 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 and research skills.
- Ethical and Regulatory Compliance: Centres must comply with all relevant ethical, legal, and data protection standards, particularly when handling sensitive clinical or personal 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 evaluations, 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 gerontological 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.
