The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Epidemiology (PgD Nutritional Epidemiology) is a specialized qualification designed for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in the intersection of nutrition, health, and population studies. This advanced diploma equips learners with the skills to critically analyse dietary patterns, evaluate the role of nutrition in disease prevention, and apply epidemiological methods to address pressing public health challenges.
Unlike entry-level qualifications, this postgraduate diploma is not intended for fresh candidates. It has been specifically developed for professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners will develop advanced competencies in statistical analysis, research methodologies, and evidence-based approaches that are essential for leadership roles in healthcare, nutrition policy, academia, and applied research.
Centres delivering this programme must ensure the highest standards of training delivery. This includes employing competent and qualified staff with relevant academic and professional expertise, as well as providing access to up-to-date learning resources, research tools, and supportive environments that promote critical inquiry and innovation. With strong academic guidance and the right infrastructure, learners will be able to achieve excellence in the specialised field of nutritional epidemiology.
By undertaking this diploma, professionals can position themselves at the forefront of public health nutrition and research, playing a vital role in shaping strategies that improve health outcomes at both community and population levels.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Epidemiology (PgD Nutritional Epidemiology)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201099
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Epidemiology (PgD Nutritional Epidemiology) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201099-1 |
Principles of Nutritional Epidemiology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201099-2 |
Research Methods and Statistical Analysis in Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201099-3 |
Diet, Lifestyle, and Non-Communicable Diseases |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201099-4 |
Public Health Nutrition and Policy Development |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201099-5 |
Advanced Topics in Global Nutrition and Epidemiology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201099-6 |
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Nutritional Epidemiology |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles of Nutritional Epidemiology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the role of nutritional epidemiology in public health and clinical research.
- Analyse the relationship between dietary intake, nutrition status, and disease outcomes.
- Apply epidemiological concepts to assess the impact of nutrition on population health.
Unit 2: Research Methods and Statistical Analysis in Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Design, plan, and evaluate research projects in nutritional epidemiology.
- Apply advanced statistical techniques to analyse nutritional data sets.
- Interpret complex research findings to support evidence-based decision-making.
Unit 3: Diet, Lifestyle, and Non-Communicable Diseases
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Examine the role of diet and lifestyle in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases.
- Assess risk factors and develop intervention strategies to address nutrition-related health conditions.
- Critically appraise scientific evidence linking dietary behaviours to long-term health outcomes.
Unit 4: Public Health Nutrition and Policy Development
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Evaluate how nutritional epidemiology informs public health policy and nutrition guidelines.
- Assess the effectiveness of nutrition interventions and programmes at population level.
- Recommend evidence-based strategies for improving dietary behaviours through policy and community initiatives.
Unit 5: Advanced Topics in Global Nutrition and Epidemiology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the global challenges of undernutrition, overnutrition, and food insecurity.
- Examine the epidemiology of micronutrient deficiencies and their health implications.
- Critically assess policies and strategies aimed at tackling the double burden of malnutrition worldwide.
Unit 6: Professional Practice, Ethics, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Nutritional Epidemiology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate ethical awareness in nutritional research and professional practice.
- Apply reflective practice to enhance professional growth and effectiveness.
- Show commitment to lifelong learning and CPD within the field of nutritional epidemiology.
This course is designed for professionals and graduates who want to specialise in understanding the link between nutrition and population health through data-driven approaches. The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Epidemiology (PgD Nutritional Epidemiology) is ideal for individuals seeking advanced expertise in nutritional epidemiology, public health, and research, and for those aiming to progress into senior roles or academic pathways.
Public Health Nutrition Professionals
- Nutritionists working in public health settings
- Professionals managing community nutrition programmes
- Individuals designing diet-based health interventions
- Practitioners monitoring population-level nutrition outcomes
- Professionals seeking advanced data analysis skills in nutrition
- Staff aiming to influence public health policy
Researchers and Academics
- Postgraduate students in nutrition or epidemiology
- Professionals involved in nutrition research projects
- Individuals seeking to publish or contribute to academic research
- Researchers applying epidemiological methods to diet-related studies
- Academics aiming for a Level 7 recognised qualification
- Professionals preparing for doctoral-level study
Healthcare and Allied Health Professionals
- Nurses, dietitians, and clinical nutritionists
- Healthcare staff involved in patient nutrition management
- Practitioners integrating evidence-based dietary strategies
- Clinicians aiming to strengthen research and analytical skills
- Professionals applying nutrition data in clinical decision-making
- Staff seeking career progression in healthcare nutrition roles
Policy Makers and Government Professionals
- Professionals designing nutrition-related public health policies
- Individuals evaluating national nutrition programmes
- Staff monitoring population health trends
- Policy advisors integrating evidence from nutritional epidemiology
- Professionals developing health promotion initiatives
- Government employees seeking advanced qualification
Career Changers into Public Health Nutrition
- Graduates from life sciences or health-related disciplines
- Individuals transitioning into nutritional epidemiology roles
- Professionals aiming for structured public health career paths
- Learners looking for internationally recognised Level 7 qualification
- Career changers seeking data-driven nutrition expertise
- Professionals seeking long-term opportunities in healthcare research
Data Analysts in Nutrition and Health
- Professionals analysing diet and health data
- Individuals interpreting population-level nutrition trends
- Analysts supporting research in public health nutrition
- Practitioners using biostatistics for diet-disease studies
- Professionals developing reports and recommendations based on data
- Staff seeking practical application of nutritional epidemiology skills
Professionals Seeking Academic and Career Progression
- Professionals enhancing research and analytical foundations
- Individuals targeting senior roles in public health nutrition
- Practitioners pursuing leadership positions in nutrition research
- Professionals requiring globally recognised Level 7 qualification
- Learners committed to advancing population health through nutrition
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional EpNutritional Epidemiologyidemiology must uphold the highest standards of training, assessment, and learner support to ensure quality outcomes. To offer this qualification effectively, centres are required to meet the following standards:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff:
Tutors, trainers, and assessors must hold relevant academic and professional qualifications in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or epidemiology. They should also have substantial industry or research experience and demonstrate a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). - Access to Learning Resources:
Centres must provide learners with up-to-date textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, online research databases, and statistical software. Digital learning platforms should also be available to support blended or distance learning delivery. - Facilities and Infrastructure:
Suitable learning environments must be provided, including equipped classrooms, computer labs with data analysis tools, and access to resources for case studies and research projects. - Assessment and Quality Assurance:
Robust systems must be in place for fair and transparent learner assessment, internal verification, and quality assurance. Assessors must be fully competent in evaluating postgraduate-level work. - Learner Support Services:
Centres should provide academic mentoring, research guidance, and career development support. Learners studying online or in hybrid formats must also have access to responsive digital and administrative support. - Commitment to Inclusivity and Ethics:
All centres must demonstrate ethical practice, inclusivity, and fairness in teaching, assessment, and learner engagement to ensure equal opportunities for success.
By meeting these requirements, centres will deliver a high-quality learning experience that equips learners to excel in the field of nutritional epidemiology and contribute meaningfully to public health research and practice.
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.
