LICQual Level 7 Diploma in Natural & Herbal Medicine
For centuries, plants and natural remedies have been at the heart of healing traditions across cultures. In today’s modern healthcare landscape, the integration of natural therapies with scientific research has created new opportunities to address chronic illnesses, improve wellness, and support sustainable healthcare solutions. This is where natural products and herbal medicine play a transformative role. By combining traditional wisdom with evidence‑based practice, this field ensures that natural remedies are safe, effective, and aligned with modern standards of care.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (PgD Natural Products and Herbal Medicine) emphasizes the importance of advanced expertise in this discipline. Natural products and herbal medicine are not only about alternative therapies—they represent a growing sector of healthcare that focuses on prevention, holistic treatment, and innovation. As demand for plant‑based medicines and nutraceuticals continues to rise globally, professionals trained in this area are essential for bridging science with tradition. For learners, engaging with natural products and herbal medicine is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to healthier communities, strengthen professional credibility, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of integrative healthcare.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (PgD Natural Products and Herbal Medicine) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with advanced expertise in plant‑based therapies and pharmaceutical practice. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 120 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, therapeutic applications, patient safety frameworks, compliance with international standards, and global best practices in natural products and herbal medicine.
This section explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand natural products and herbal medicine, apply evidence‑based approaches, and align with international standards effectively. It highlights the type of learners the program is aimed at, the skills they will gain, and the career pathways available upon completion. Readers will also discover how this internationally recognized qualification opens opportunities in hospitals, community pharmacies, herbal medicine companies, and research institutions, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in natural products and herbal medicine.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201245-1 | Phytochemistry and Active Compounds | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201245-2 | Therapeutic Applications of Herbal Medicine | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201245-3 | Research Methodologies in Natural Products | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201245-4 | Quality Assurance, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201245-5 | Clinical and Applied Herbal Research | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201245-6 | Advanced Project Management and Research Dissemination | 20 | 100 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Products and Herbal Medicine (PgD Natural Products and Herbal Medicine) is designed for individuals who want to specialize in plant‑based therapies, holistic healthcare, and advanced pharmaceutical practice. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as drug resistance, therapy optimization, and compliance with international standards. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where natural products and herbal medicine are central to healthcare delivery.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on herbal medicine.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in natural products and herbal medicine.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of phytochemistry and therapeutic monitoring.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in herbal medicine services.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in compliance and patient safety.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into natural products and herbal medicine roles.
- Career changers interested in pharmaceutical innovation and plant‑based therapies.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for natural products and herbal medicine careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Phytochemistry and Active Compounds
Learners will be able to
- Critically analyse the chemical composition of natural products and herbal medicines
- Identify, extract, and characterise bioactive compounds effectively
- Evaluate the quality, potency, and efficacy of herbal products
- Apply phytochemical knowledge to support evidence-based herbal practice
Unit 2: Therapeutic Applications of Herbal Medicine
Learners will be able to
- Integrate evidence-based herbal interventions into professional practice
- Assess mechanisms of action, appropriate dosage, and safety considerations
- Evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of herbal medicines for various health conditions
- Develop strategies to enhance patient care using herbal therapies
Unit 3: Research Methodologies in Natural Products
Learners will be able to
- Apply quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research approaches to herbal medicine studies
- Design robust research projects with appropriate ethical and methodological standards
- Critically appraise research literature, clinical trials, and systematic reviews in natural products
- Utilise research findings to inform professional practice and policy
Unit 4: Quality Assurance, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance
Learners will be able to
- Apply regulatory frameworks and quality standards in herbal medicine practice
- Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols for natural products
- Ensure compliance with pharmacovigilance and professional guidelines
- Evaluate processes to maintain high standards in product development and clinical use
Unit 5: Clinical and Applied Herbal Research
Learners will be able to
- Design and implement clinical and applied research studies in herbal medicine
- Assess patient outcomes and monitor the effectiveness of herbal interventions
- Translate research findings into evidence-based practice strategies
- Critically evaluate the impact of research on professional practice and patient care
Unit 6: Advanced Project Management and Research Dissemination
Learners will be able to
- Plan, manage, and evaluate research projects in natural products and herbal medicine
- Prepare professional research reports, manuscripts, and presentations
- Communicate research findings effectively to peers, stakeholders, and professional audiences
- Demonstrate reflective practice and continuous professional development in research activities
