LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nephrology (PgDN

The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nephrology (PgDN) is an advanced qualification designed for experienced healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in kidney diseases, renal care, and advanced clinical management. This course is not intended for fresh entrants but is ideal for nephrologists, physicians, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals who wish to expand their knowledge, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Learners will gain comprehensive knowledge of renal physiology, pathophysiology of kidney disorders, advanced diagnostic techniques, renal replacement therapies, and evidence-based management of complex nephrological conditions. The curriculum emphasises the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience, enabling learners to assess complex renal cases, implement effective treatment plans, and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

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

Upon completion, learners will be equipped to assume leadership roles in nephrology services, participate in 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 nephrology.

Course Overview

Qualification Title

LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nephrology (PgDN 

Total Units

6

Total Credits

120

GLH

600

Qualification #

LICQ2200982

Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nephrology (PgDN, 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 nephrology, internal medicine, or clinical healthcare settings, demonstrating familiarity with patient management, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions.
  • 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 nephrology knowledge into professional practice.
  • Access to Required Resources: Learners should have access to clinical environments, laboratories, diagnostic equipment, and digital learning platforms, enabling participation in practical exercises, case studies, and research activities.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200982-1

Advanced Renal Anatomy and Physiology

20

100

LICQ2200982-2

Diagnostic Techniques in Nephrology

20

100

LICQ2200982-3

Medical Management of Kidney Disorders

20

100

LICQ2200982-4

Renal Replacement Therapy and Advanced Interventions

20

100

LICQ2200982-5

Research Methods and Evidence-Based Nephrology

20

100

LICQ2200982-6

Professional Practice, Ethics, and Continuing Development

20

100

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

Unit 1: Advanced Renal Anatomy and Physiology

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

  • Analyse the structure and function of the kidneys, urinary tract, and associated systems.
  • Evaluate renal physiology, including glomerular filtration, tubular function, and electrolyte balance.
  • Assess the pathophysiology of acute and chronic kidney disease.
  • Apply anatomical and physiological knowledge to clinical assessment and decision-making in nephrology.

Unit 2: Diagnostic Techniques in Nephrology

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

  • Demonstrate expertise in laboratory investigations including renal function tests, urinalysis, and biomarkers.
  • Interpret imaging modalities such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine in renal diagnostics.
  • Conduct functional assessments and apply clinical scoring systems for renal disease.
  • Integrate diagnostic findings into patient management and care planning.

Unit 3: Medical Management of Kidney Disorders

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

  • Develop evidence-based treatment plans for acute and chronic kidney disease.
  • Manage hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, and renal complications effectively.
  • Apply systemic disease management in conjunction with nephrology care.
  • Critically evaluate treatment outcomes and adjust management plans accordingly.

Unit 4: Renal Replacement Therapy and Advanced Interventions

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

  • Demonstrate understanding of haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplantation procedures.
  • Plan, implement, and monitor renal replacement therapies safely and effectively.
  • Apply minimally invasive procedures and advanced interventions in nephrology practice.
  • Integrate safety protocols and multidisciplinary care in advanced renal therapies.

Unit 5: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Nephrology

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

  • Design and conduct advanced research projects in nephrology.
  • Critically appraise clinical literature and integrate evidence-based findings into patient care.
  • Apply statistical tools and research methodology to interpret study outcomes.
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct in nephrology research.

Unit 6: Professional Practice, Ethics, and Continuing Development

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

  • Demonstrate professional responsibilities and adherence to clinical governance standards.
  • Apply ethical and legal frameworks in nephrology practice and research.
  • Lead and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Develop strategies for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and reflective practice.

The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nephrology (PgDN) is designed for experienced healthcare professionals seeking advanced expertise in kidney diseases and renal care. This course is ideal for:

  • Nephrologists and physicians aiming to enhance clinical knowledge and patient management skills.
  • Nurses, physician assistants, and allied healthcare professionals specialising in renal care or internal medicine.
  • Healthcare professionals involved in renal diagnostics, treatment, and patient rehabilitation.
  • Clinical researchers and academics focusing on nephrology and evidence-based practice.
  • Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and advanced clinical competencies.
  • Healthcare leaders and multidisciplinary team members seeking advanced roles in nephrology 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 expertise in nephrology.

Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nephrology must meet strict standards to ensure high-quality education and learner success. Key requirements include:

  • Qualified and Experienced Staff: All teaching and assessment personnel must be highly qualified in nephrology, internal medicine, or related healthcare disciplines, with substantial clinical and academic experience.
  • Modern Clinical Facilities: Centres must provide access to renal clinics, dialysis units, laboratories, and practical training environments essential for advanced study and hands-on learning.
  • Comprehensive Learning Resources: Learners should have access to textbooks, academic journals, case studies, digital learning platforms, and other resources supporting in-depth study and research.
  • Practical Training Opportunities: Centres must facilitate hands-on exercises, clinical simulations, renal replacement therapy procedures, and case-based learning relevant to nephrology practice.
  • Rigorous Assessment and Evaluation: Centres must implement robust assessment strategies, including written assignments, research projects, and practical evaluations, to ensure learners achieve all learning outcomes.
  • Ethical and Legal Compliance: Centres must adhere to professional, ethical, and legal standards in nephrology 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 nephrology.

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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