The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Education and Counseling (PgD Nutritional Education) is an advanced qualification designed for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in nutritional science, education, and counselling. This programme is specifically tailored for individuals who already possess foundational knowledge in health, nutrition, or related disciplines and wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their professional competencies, and fulfil their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) objectives.
Learners undertaking this postgraduate diploma will gain in-depth understanding of advanced nutritional theories, evidence-based counselling techniques, and effective strategies for educating diverse populations. The course equips learners with the skills to deliver high-quality nutritional guidance, develop personalised educational programmes, and apply critical thinking in real-world settings.
LICQual ensures that all centres delivering this qualification meet rigorous standards. Centres are required to have fully qualified and competent staff, comprehensive learning materials, and all necessary resources to support exceptional teaching and learning experiences. This focus guarantees that learners receive professional, structured, and high-quality instruction, maximising their potential for success.
This Level 7 diploma represents a significant step for health, nutrition, and education professionals who wish to advance their careers, influence health outcomes, and establish themselves as leaders in the field of nutritional education and counselling.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Education and Counseling (PgD Nutritional Education)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201113
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Education and Counseling (PgD Nutritional Education), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201113-1 |
Advanced Nutritional Science and Physiology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201113-2 |
Nutritional Education Strategies |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201113-3 |
Counselling Techniques in Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201113-4 |
Public Health Nutrition and Policy |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201113-5 |
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201113-6 |
Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Development in Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Nutritional Science and Physiology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the roles and functions of macronutrients and micronutrients in human health
- Analyse physiological and biochemical processes related to digestion, absorption, metabolism, and nutrient utilisation
- Assess the impact of diet on the prevention and management of chronic diseases
- Integrate advanced nutritional science knowledge into professional practice
Unit 2: Nutritional Education Strategies
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Design and implement effective nutritional education programmes for diverse populations
- Develop appropriate learning resources and teaching materials to support educational objectives
- Evaluate the effectiveness of educational strategies and adapt approaches to learner needs
- Apply evidence-based methods to enhance learner engagement and knowledge retention
Unit 3: Counselling Techniques in Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply evidence-based nutritional counselling techniques, including motivational interviewing and behaviour change models
- Develop personalised nutrition plans and interventions for individuals and groups
- Critically assess client progress and adapt counselling approaches accordingly
- Demonstrate professional communication and ethical practice in nutritional counselling
Unit 4: Public Health Nutrition and Policy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the principles of public health nutrition and their application in diverse populations
- Critically evaluate nutrition policies, guidelines, and community-based interventions
- Design strategies to promote nutritional awareness and reduce health inequalities
- Assess the effectiveness of public health programmes and recommend evidence-based improvements
Unit 5: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate advanced research methodologies applicable to nutritional education and counselling
- Design and conduct research projects with methodological rigour
- Analyse and interpret research findings to inform professional practice
- Apply evidence-based principles to enhance decision-making in nutritional education and counselling
Unit 6: Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Development in Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making and adherence to professional standards in nutrition practice
- Apply leadership and management skills within professional nutritional settings
- Develop a personal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plan to enhance career progression
- Mentor and support colleagues in professional growth and best practice
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Education and Counseling is ideal for experienced professionals who wish to advance their expertise in nutrition, education, and counselling. This course is specifically designed for:
- Nutritionists and dietitians seeking to deepen their knowledge of advanced nutritional science and counselling techniques
- Health and wellness professionals aiming to enhance their professional practice and career progression
- Educators and trainers in health and nutrition who wish to develop effective teaching and learning strategies
- Public health practitioners and community nutrition specialists focused on designing impactful nutrition programmes
- Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and lifelong learning in the field of nutrition
- Individuals looking to gain leadership, ethical, and research skills to influence nutritional education and counselling outcomes
This postgraduate diploma is tailored for learners who already possess foundational knowledge in nutrition, health, or related disciplines and are motivated to apply advanced skills in professional, clinical, or community settings.
By enrolling, learners will not only enhance their career prospects but also gain the competence to deliver evidence-based nutritional guidance and education with confidence and authority.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Education and Counseling must meet strict quality standards to ensure learners receive a high-quality educational experience. The key requirements include:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ trainers and assessors with relevant postgraduate qualifications and professional experience in nutrition, education, or counselling. Staff should be capable of delivering advanced-level content and supporting learner development.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres should provide access to up-to-date textbooks, research journals, digital resources, and practical tools that facilitate effective learning and evidence-based practice.
- Appropriate Facilities: Classrooms, laboratories, or online learning platforms must be equipped to support advanced teaching methods, interactive learning, and assessments.
- Assessment and Support Systems: Centres must have structured processes for evaluating learner progress, providing feedback, and offering academic and pastoral support to ensure learner success.
- Commitment to Quality Assurance: Centres should implement robust quality management systems to maintain high standards in course delivery, assessment, and learner experience.
- CPD and Professional Development Support: Centres are expected to encourage and facilitate Continuing Professional Development for both learners and staff to ensure ongoing professional excellence.
By adhering to these requirements, centres ensure that learners gain a professional, structured, and high-quality learning experience that maximizes their potential in nutritional education and counselling.
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.
