Clinical Oncology Nutrition
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition (PgD Oncology Nutrition) is designed to address the increasing global need for specialised nutritional care in cancer treatment and patient recovery. Cancer patients often experience complex nutritional challenges due to treatment side effects, metabolic changes, and weakened immunity, which require expert dietary intervention and clinical support to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
This professional qualification provides learners with advanced knowledge of oncology nutrition, including cancer metabolism, therapeutic dietary planning, and evidence-based clinical nutrition strategies. It is a career-focused training programme that develops high-level understanding of how nutrition supports cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery.
This qualification is delivered as a flexible online diploma UK, making it suitable for postgraduate learners. As an industry recognized course, it prepares learners for advanced career opportunities in clinical nutrition and healthcare, including roles such as Clinical Oncology Nutritionist, Cancer Care Specialist, and Healthcare Nutrition Consultant.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition (PgD Oncology Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201106
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition (PgD Oncology Nutrition) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201106-1 |
Advanced Oncology Biology and Pathophysiology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201106-2 |
Clinical Nutrition in Oncology Care |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201106-3 |
Nutritional Assessment and Intervention in Oncology Patients |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201106-4 |
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Oncology Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201106-5 |
Ethics, Regulation, and Professional Practice in Oncology Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201106-6 |
Applied Clinical Oncology Nutrition Project |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Oncology Biology and Pathophysiology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression
- Evaluate the impact of tumour biology on metabolism, nutritional requirements, and treatment response
- Assess the interactions between cancer therapies and physiological systems in clinical practice
Unit 2: Clinical Nutrition in Oncology Care
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Examine the role of nutrition in supporting cancer patients throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery
- Develop evidence-based nutritional strategies to manage treatment-related complications, including cachexia, malnutrition, and gastrointestinal issues
- Critically appraise interventions aimed at optimising patient outcomes and quality of life
Unit 3: Nutritional Assessment and Intervention in Oncology Patients
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments for patients at different stages of cancer and treatment
- Design personalised nutrition plans tailored to individual patient needs, clinical status, and treatment protocols
- Apply advanced monitoring techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions
Unit 4: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Oncology Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of research design, clinical trial methodology, and statistical analysis relevant to oncology nutrition
- Critically appraise and interpret scientific literature to inform clinical decision-making
- Apply evidence-based practice principles to develop and implement effective nutritional interventions
Unit 5: Ethics, Regulation, and Professional Practice in Oncology Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically assess ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks relevant to clinical oncology nutrition
- Apply professional standards to ensure safe, effective, and ethical practice in patient care
- Demonstrate understanding of consent, safeguarding, and professional accountability in clinical settings
Unit 6: Applied Clinical Oncology Nutrition Project
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Plan, implement, and critically evaluate a research or clinical project focused on oncology nutrition
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world clinical scenarios and case studies
- Demonstrate advanced problem-solving, analytical thinking, and professional communication skills in project delivery
This course is ideal for:
- Healthcare Beginners: Individuals who are new to clinical nutrition or oncology and want to build a strong foundation in cancer-related nutritional care.
- Nutrition Graduates: Learners with a background in nutrition, dietetics, or biological sciences who want to specialize in oncology nutrition.
- Medical and Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals aiming to enhance their knowledge of clinical oncology nutrition support.
- Hospital and Clinical Staff: Professionals already working in hospitals or care settings who want to improve patient dietary management in cancer care.
- Career Changers: Individuals from other scientific or healthcare-related fields who wish to transition into oncology nutrition and clinical practice.
- Research-Oriented Learners: Those interested in advancing their career in clinical research, healthcare innovation, or evidence-based oncology nutrition practices.
To ensure high-quality delivery and learner success, centres offering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Oncology Nutrition must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ educators and trainers with advanced qualifications and proven expertise in oncology nutrition, clinical nutrition, or related healthcare fields to provide professional and evidence-based instruction.
- Access to Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with access to up-to-date scientific literature, research journals, databases, and digital learning platforms to support study, assignments, and practical applications.
- Practical and Clinical Facilities: For programmes including practical components, centres must have access to appropriate clinical or laboratory facilities where learners can safely apply theoretical knowledge and research skills.
- Ethical and Regulatory Compliance: Centres must adhere to all relevant ethical, legal, and data protection standards, particularly when handling sensitive clinical or patient information.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Centres should offer structured guidance, mentoring, and feedback to support learners’ progression, critical thinking, and application of advanced knowledge.
- Assessment and Evaluation Systems: Centres must implement robust assessment and evaluation frameworks, including research projects, assignments, and practical assessments, aligned with Level 7 academic standards.
Meeting these requirements ensures learners receive a high-quality, professional, and fully supported educational experience, enabling them to successfully complete the diploma and advance their careers in clinical oncology nutrition and related healthcare sectors.
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.