LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (Dip Gerontological Nutrition) 

LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (Dip Gerontological Nutrition) 

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition is a specialized qualification designed for professionals and learners who want to develop advanced expertise in nutrition for aging populations. This Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition equips you with the scientific knowledge and practical skills to support healthy aging, optimize dietary interventions, and improve the wellbeing of older adults.

Recognized as a UK Level 6 Gerontological Nutrition Diploma, this course is ideal for nutritionists, dietitians, healthcare practitioners, and caregivers who aim to specialize in elderly nutrition. Whether you are looking to advance your career, gain professional credibility, or work in clinical, community, or research settings, this professional diploma provides the tools and insight needed to make a meaningful impact.

Throughout the program, learners explore core areas such as nutritional requirements in aging, diet planning for chronic disease management, hydration and supplementation strategies, and the application of gerontological nutrition principles in clinical practice. The curriculum is carefully designed to reflect current scientific evidence and industry standards, making this advanced diploma in gerontological nutrition both practical and future-ready.

For those seeking a professional diploma in gerontological nutrition that combines academic depth with real-world application, the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition provides a clear, rewarding pathway to expertise, career growth, and a meaningful contribution to the health of older adults.

Course Overview

Qualification Title

LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (Dip Gerontological Nutrition) 

Total Units

6

Total Credits

120

GLH

480

Qualification #

LICQ2201072

Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (Dip Gerontological Nutrition) , applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Educational Requirements: Learners should hold a relevant Level 5 qualification in nutrition, dietetics, health sciences, or a closely related field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Experience: Practical experience in nutrition, healthcare, or care settings is highly recommended to support applied learning and understanding of gerontological nutrition principles.
  • English Language Proficiency: Learners must have a strong command of English, both written and spoken, as all materials, assessments, and communications will be in English.
  • Commitment to CPD: Learners should demonstrate a willingness to engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to apply new knowledge and maintain high professional standards.
  • Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to essential resources such as up-to-date research materials, nutritional assessment tools, and a suitable learning environment to successfully complete the course.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2201072-1

Advanced Principles of Gerontological Nutrition

20

80

LICQ2201072-2

Assessment and Monitoring of Nutritional Status

20

80

LICQ2201072-3

Diet Planning and Therapeutic Nutrition

20

80

LICQ2201072-4

Psychological, Social, and Cultural Considerations

20

80

LICQ2201072-5

Public Health and Policy in Gerontological Nutrition

20

80

LICQ2201072-6

Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development

20

80

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

Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Gerontological Nutrition

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

  • Analyse physiological changes associated with ageing and their impact on nutritional needs
  • Evaluate macronutrient and micronutrient requirements for older adults
  • Assess energy metabolism variations in ageing populations
  • Critically appraise the role of nutrition in healthy ageing and disease prevention

Unit 2: Assessment and Monitoring of Nutritional Status

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

  • Apply appropriate methods to assess nutritional status in older adults
  • Interpret anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical data accurately
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of dietary interventions through monitoring
  • Develop evidence-based strategies to identify and prevent malnutrition

Unit 3: Diet Planning and Therapeutic Nutrition

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

  • Design individualised nutrition plans tailored to older adults with specific health conditions
  • Integrate clinical guidelines to manage chronic diseases through diet
  • Assess the suitability and efficacy of supplements and functional foods
  • Critically evaluate therapeutic nutrition strategies for frailty, malnutrition, and comorbidities

Unit 4: Psychological, Social, and Cultural Considerations

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

  • Analyse psychological factors influencing eating behaviour in older adults
  • Evaluate social determinants that affect nutrition and dietary habits
  • Integrate cultural, ethical, and religious considerations into nutrition planning
  • Develop interventions to improve adherence to dietary recommendations and promote overall wellbeing

Unit 5: Public Health and Policy in Gerontological Nutrition

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

  • Critically evaluate national and international nutrition guidelines for older adults
  • Analyse the role of public health initiatives in promoting healthy ageing
  • Assess the effectiveness of community nutrition programmes for older populations
  • Develop strategies to implement evidence-based nutrition policies in practice

Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development

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

  • Critically appraise research in gerontological nutrition and apply findings to practice
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct small-scale research or audits
  • Integrate professional ethics and CPD principles into practice
  • Develop leadership and management strategies to enhance nutrition services for older adults

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition is designed for professionals and learners who want to specialize in nutrition for older adults. This course is ideal for those seeking advanced knowledge, practical skills, and a globally recognized qualification to enhance their career in healthcare, wellness, and nutrition sectors.

Nutrition and Dietetics Professionals

  • Dietitians and nutritionists looking to specialize in elderly care
  • Healthcare practitioners applying nutrition interventions for aging populations
  • Professionals managing chronic disease diets for older adults
  • Clinical nutrition staff seeking advanced gerontological expertise
  • Nutrition consultants aiming for globally recognized qualifications

Healthcare and Clinical Practitioners

  • Nurses and allied health professionals working with senior populations
  • Geriatric care specialists focused on dietary management
  • Clinical staff implementing nutrition strategies in hospitals and care homes
  • Professionals supporting wellness and preventive healthcare for older adults
  • Healthcare workers seeking advanced knowledge in aging nutrition

Aspiring Gerontological Nutrition Specialists

  • Individuals entering the field of nutrition for aging populations
  • Professionals aiming to become gerontological nutrition advisors
  • Learners seeking a career-focused, Level 6 professional diploma
  • Students preparing for higher-level study or research in gerontology
  • Career changers transitioning into senior nutrition or wellness roles

Research and Laboratory Professionals

  • Researchers conducting studies in nutrition and aging
  • Lab technicians analyzing diet and health outcomes for older adults
  • Professionals involved in clinical trials or community nutrition programs
  • Health tech and biotechnology specialists focusing on elderly nutrition
  • Professionals seeking evidence-based knowledge to support research initiatives

International and Online Learners

  • Professionals balancing work and study commitments
  • Learners seeking flexible, fully online gerontological nutrition courses
  • Individuals pursuing globally recognized Level 6 nutrition qualifications
  • Professionals aiming to gain credibility in international healthcare markets

Career Changers and Upskillers

  • Professionals seeking career advancement in nutrition, wellness, or healthcare
  • Individuals returning to education to acquire cutting-edge gerontological skills
  • Learners enhancing employability in elderly care and nutrition sectors
  • Professionals transitioning to roles in clinical nutrition or wellness consultancy
  • Individuals aiming for long-term career growth in the nutrition and health field

Community and Wellness Practitioners

  • Wellness coaches working with older adult populations
  • Professionals in community health programs and senior centers
  • Care managers integrating nutrition into holistic wellbeing plans
  • Lifestyle advisors supporting healthy aging initiatives
  • Practitioners seeking practical knowledge for diet planning in elderly care

To ensure high-quality delivery of the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (Dip Gerontological Nutrition), centres must meet the following requirements:

  • Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ experienced and qualified trainers with expertise in nutrition, gerontology, and healthcare. Staff should be able to provide guidance, mentorship, and support throughout the course.
  • Learning Materials and Resources: Centres should provide learners with access to up-to-date study materials, textbooks, research articles, and digital resources relevant to gerontological nutrition.
  • Practical Training Facilities: Centres must have the necessary equipment and facilities to allow learners to practice assessment techniques, dietary planning, and nutrition interventions safely and effectively.
  • Assessment and Feedback Systems: Centres should implement structured assessment processes, including formative and summative evaluations, to monitor learner progress and provide timely, constructive feedback.
  • Support for CPD and Professional Development: Centres must encourage learners to engage in Continuing Professional Development and provide opportunities to apply knowledge in professional settings.
  • Compliance with Educational Standards: Centres must maintain adherence to LICQual’s policies, quality assurance procedures, and international standards to ensure effective teaching and learner success.
  • Access to Technology and Research Tools: Centres should provide learners with access to computers, software, and online research databases to support learning, assignments, and evidence-based practice.

These requirements ensure that learners receive a comprehensive, practical, and professionally relevant education, preparing them for advanced roles in gerontological nutrition.

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.