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 (PgD Nutritional Education) is designed for healthcare professionals, dietitians, nutritionists, and wellness practitioners who want to enhance their expertise in nutrition education and client counseling. This course is perfect for those aiming to provide evidence-based guidance, improve client health outcomes, and advance their careers in clinical, community, or wellness settings.
Dietitians and Nutritionists
• Qualified dietitians specializing in client education and counseling
• Nutritionists aiming to deliver personalized nutrition programs
• Professionals assessing dietary needs and behavior change strategies
• Graduates pursuing internationally recognized Level 7 qualification
• Practitioners enhancing credibility in clinical nutrition
• Individuals preparing for leadership or advisory roles in nutrition
Healthcare and Medical Professionals
• Nurses and allied health professionals delivering dietary guidance
• Doctors integrating nutrition counseling into patient care
• Clinical staff managing lifestyle-related conditions
• Professionals applying evidence-based nutrition strategies
• Practitioners improving patient adherence and outcomes
• Healthcare professionals seeking advanced counseling skills
Wellness and Fitness Practitioners
• Personal trainers integrating nutrition guidance for client wellbeing
• Health coaches supporting behavior change and healthy habits
• Fitness professionals delivering tailored nutrition and lifestyle plans
• Practitioners specializing in wellness and preventive care
• Professionals targeting holistic health and client-centered roles
• Individuals enhancing client engagement and motivation
Public Health and Community Professionals
• Public health workers promoting nutrition education initiatives
• Community health practitioners implementing lifestyle programs
• NGO staff delivering evidence-based nutrition interventions
• Program coordinators managing population health projects
• Professionals contributing to public health awareness campaigns
• Individuals supporting community nutrition and wellbeing programs
Graduates Seeking Postgraduate Specialization
• Graduates preparing for careers in clinical or community nutrition
• Individuals aiming for Level 7 qualification to advance careers
• Professionals transitioning into nutrition education or counseling roles
• Students seeking practical, evidence-based skill development
• Learners targeting international recognition and career growth
Educators, Trainers, and Policy Professionals
• Health educators teaching nutritional counseling topics
• Trainers delivering evidence-based nutrition programs
• Policy makers developing dietary and wellness guidelines
• Academic staff seeking subject-specific specialization
• Professionals creating educational resources for nutrition programs
• Advisors supporting evidence-based client guidance initiatives
Career Changers and International Learners
• Professionals transitioning into nutrition education or wellness careers
• Individuals seeking globally recognized Level 7 qualifications
• Learners aiming to work in clinical, wellness, or research settings
• Professionals targeting career advancement and specialization
• Individuals committed to evidence-based nutritional counseling practice
• Learners aspiring to improve client health outcomes and lifestyle behaviors
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.
