LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM)

Why Choose this Qualification

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM) equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to manage complex age-related conditions effectively. This qualification not only enhances clinical competence but also opens pathways to leadership roles, advanced studies, and global recognition in geriatric care.

Key Reasons to Choose this Qualification
Specialist Knowledge
  • Gain comprehensive understanding of geriatric syndromes, chronic disease management, and polypharmacy.
  • Explore cognitive decline, dementia care, and rehabilitation strategies in older adults.
  • Learn evidence-based preventative care and health promotion for aging populations.
  • Understand ethical decision-making, patient-centered care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Develop expertise in evaluating clinical outcomes and optimizing patient quality of life.
Practical Application
  • Apply advanced assessment techniques for geriatric patients in real-world scenarios.
  • Develop individualized care plans using evidence-based interventions.
  • Enhance skills in clinical decision-making, risk assessment, and patient safety.
  • Practice communication and counselling strategies with older adults and caregivers.
  • Implement rehabilitation and chronic care strategies to improve patient functionality.
Recognised Qualification
  • Earn a UK-accredited diploma recognised internationally for clinical excellence.
  • Validate professional competence in geriatric medicine for career advancement.
  • Gain credibility for roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community services.
  • Access opportunities in research, teaching, and policy development.
  • Open pathways for further postgraduate or specialist studies in gerontology.
Flexible Learning Pathway
  • Study at your own pace with an assignment-based structure ideal for working professionals.
  • Access online learning materials, mentorship, and interactive resources.
  • Balance professional responsibilities while advancing your education.
  • Benefit from structured guidance tailored to individual learning needs.
  • Progress through modules without interrupting clinical practice.
Evidence-Based Training
  • Engage with the latest geriatric research and clinical guidelines.
  • Critically analyse patient data to inform care planning and treatment decisions.
  • Implement validated interventions for improved patient outcomes.
  • Enhance skills in evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies.
  • Foster research-driven clinical practice for continuous improvement.
Career Development
  • Expand career prospects in hospitals, clinics, community care, and academic institutions.
  • Prepare for leadership roles such as Geriatric Specialist, Consultant, or Care Manager.
  • Gain eligibility for fellowships, advanced certifications, and postgraduate studies.
  • Strengthen professional profile for teaching, research, and healthcare policy roles.
  • Enhance employability in both local and international healthcare sectors.
Enhanced Patient Impact
  • Deliver safe, ethical, and patient-centered care to older adults.
  • Develop strategies for early detection and prevention of age-related health issues.
  • Improve functional outcomes, wellbeing, and quality of life for elderly patients.
  • Implement culturally sensitive and sustainable care interventions.
  • Contribute positively to the wider community and public health initiatives.
Professional Growth
  • Strengthen leadership, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Enhance clinical reasoning and problem-solving in complex geriatric cases.
  • Build confidence in managing high-risk and multi-morbid patients.
  • Develop reflective practice, collaboration, and team management competencies.
  • Emerge as a skilled, knowledgeable, and confident geriatric healthcare professional.

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM) equips professionals with advanced clinical expertise, practical skills, and internationally recognised credentials, enabling them to transform geriatric care and elevate patient outcomes globally.practice worldwide.

Course Overview

LICQual UK Awarding Body

Average Completion Time:
6-24 Months

Study Units: 6 Units

Evidence & Assignment Based

Mandatory Units

  • Principles of Geriatric Medicine
  • Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis in Older Adults
  • Management of Chronic Diseases in Older Adults
  • Mental Health and Cognitive Disorders
  • Multidisciplinary Care and Rehabilitation
  • Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development

Who Should Take This Course

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM) is designed for healthcare practitioners, clinicians, and allied professionals seeking advanced knowledge and practical expertise in geriatric care. This course Geriatric Medicine equips learners with the skills to enhance patient outcomes, lead multidisciplinary teams, and implement evidence-based interventions for elderly populations.

This course is suitable for

Medical Practitioners
  • Physicians and general practitioners aiming to specialise in geriatric medicine.
  • Doctors seeking advanced understanding of age-related diseases and complex care needs.
  • Professionals interested in leading multidisciplinary care teams for older adults.
  • Clinicians intending to implement evidence-based care protocols in hospital and community settings.
  • Doctors pursuing career advancement or postgraduate studies in geriatrics.
Nurses and Advanced Nursing Professionals
  • Registered nurses working in hospitals, long-term care, or community health.
  • Nurse practitioners seeking specialised knowledge in chronic disease management for elderly patients.
  • Professionals aiming to lead geriatric care initiatives and programs.
  • Nurses interested in enhancing clinical assessment and patient monitoring skills.
  • Those seeking recognition as advanced practice nurses in geriatrics.
Allied Healthcare Professionals
  • Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists involved in elderly care.
  • Professionals aiming to integrate rehabilitation and functional support strategies for older adults.
  • Those seeking expertise in interdisciplinary collaboration for geriatric care.
  • Healthcare staff looking to implement preventive and therapeutic interventions.
  • Professionals desiring a career boost in gerontology-related services.
Healthcare Managers and Administrators
  • Hospital administrators overseeing geriatric units or elderly care programs.
  • Professionals aiming to implement quality improvement strategies in geriatric services.
  • Managers seeking to enhance patient safety and outcome metrics for older populations.
  • Healthcare leaders focused on policy development for elderly care.
  • Administrators planning workforce training in geriatric medicine.
Public Health Practitioners
  • Public health professionals addressing population-level aging issues.
  • Practitioners designing health promotion and disease prevention programs for seniors.
  • Those implementing community-based interventions for healthy aging.
  • Professionals aiming to develop policies to improve elderly care outcomes.
  • Researchers conducting epidemiological studies on aging populations.
Clinical Researchers
  • Professionals involved in geriatric clinical trials or longitudinal studies.
  • Researchers seeking specialised knowledge in geriatric syndromes and treatments.
  • Professionals aiming to develop Geriatric Medicine evidence-based care protocols for older adults.
  • Those interested in publishing or contributing to geriatric medicine research.
  • Researchers pursuing collaborations with hospitals or academic institutions.
Care Home and Community Health Staff
  • Staff managing care homes or residential facilities for elderly individuals.
  • Professionals developing care plans, monitoring health, and improving quality of life.
  • Team leaders aiming to implement evidence-based interventions in community settings.
  • Care coordinators focused on early detection and preventive care for older adults.
  • Staff pursuing professional recognition and advanced skills in geriatric care.
Aspiring Health Leaders
  • Professionals aiming for leadership roles in geriatrics or elder care services.
  • Those seeking advanced knowledge for strategic decision-making in healthcare settings.
  • Leaders looking to improve patient outcomes through clinical and operational excellence.
  • Individuals interested in mentoring and training multidisciplinary teams.
  • Professionals targeting international recognition and career growth in geriatric medicine.

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM) is ideal for healthcare professionals committed to improving elderly care through advanced clinical expertise, practical skills, and leadership capabilities. This course empowers learners to make a measurable impact on patient outcomes and advance their professional journey in the evolving field of geriatric medicine.

Eligibility Criteria

The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM) is a UK-accredited qualification designed for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and aspiring health leaders who aim to advance their expertise in elderly care, age-related disease management, and holistic geriatric practice. This assignment-based diploma integrates theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, preparing learners to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate comprehensive geriatric care strategies effectively.
Educational Background:
Applicants should hold a recognised qualification in medicine, nursing, healthcare, or a related field. A Level 5 diploma or equivalent qualification in healthcare, clinical practice, or medical sciences may also be accepted. Candidates with international degrees in geriatric medicine or allied disciplines will be evaluated individually to determine eligibility and equivalence to UK standards.
Professional Experience:
A minimum of one year of experience in healthcare, clinical practice, elderly care, or a related field is recommended. Previous exposure to geriatric assessment, chronic disease management, or patient-centred care provides an advantage. Motivated applicants with a strong interest in elderly healthcare, policy development, or community health management, even without direct professional experience, are encouraged to apply.
Age Requirement:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment. This ensures learners possess the maturity, ethical understanding, and professional responsibility required for advanced study and practical application in geriatric medicine.
Language Proficiency:
As the programme is delivered entirely in English, learners must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and communication. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or an equivalent qualification is recommended for non-native English speakers to ensure effective participation in assignments, discussions, and assessments.
Technical Requirements:
Learners should have access to a computer or laptop with a reliable internet connection to participate in online learning, access study materials, and submit assignments. Basic computer literacy, including proficiency in research, data analysis, document preparation, and communication tools, is essential for academic success in this programme.
Required Documents:
Applicants are required to submit the following documents during registration:
A valid ID card or passport for identity verification.
Academic transcripts or certificates of previous qualifications.
Proof of professional experience in healthcare or elderly care (if applicable).

The Qualification Process

Step 1: Self-Assessment
Learners review the entry requirements to confirm eligibility. Candidates with a background in dentistry, oral health, or public health are encouraged to apply.

Step 2: Registration
Complete the registration process by submitting required documents such as proof of qualifications, a valid ID, and payment of enrollment fees.

Step 3: Induction
An induction session is conducted to:

  • Verify learner eligibility and documentation.
  • Introduce study materials, learning outcomes, and assessment procedures.

Step 4: Learning and Evidence Submission
Learners complete assignments, case studies, and practical exercises demonstrating competence in public health dentistry, community oral health assessment, preventive strategies, and program planning.

Step 5: Feedback and Revision
Assessors review submitted evidence and provide constructive feedback. Learners can revise and resubmit work to meet all required standards.

Step 6: Competence Validation
Final submissions are evaluated to confirm that learners have met all theoretical and practical learning outcomes.

Step 7: Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
The IQA team reviews the assessment process to ensure accuracy, fairness, and compliance with international standards.

Step 8: External Verification (EQA)
External verifiers validate the authenticity and quality of learner achievements.

FAQs

The primary purpose of the Dip GM is to provide healthcare professionals with advanced, specialized knowledge and skills for the comprehensive and holistic care of older adults. The objective is to train practitioners to manage the unique challenges of aging, focusing on multimorbidity, frailty, and complex psychosocial needs, which differ significantly from general adult medicine. This diploma prepares graduates to excel in geriatric assessment, manage common geriatric syndromes, and advocate for quality of life across various care settings.

The ideal candidate is an experienced clinician such as a registered nurse, general practitioner (GP), physician’s assistant, or allied health professional who regularly works with elderly populations in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or community settings. Entry typically requires a relevant clinical or healthcare qualification (e.g., nursing degree, MBBS, or equivalent Level 5 qualification). Crucially, applicants need demonstrable professional experience (usually a minimum of two years) in clinical practice, confirming their foundational knowledge and commitment to caring for older adults.

The curriculum focuses extensively on the recognition and management of key Geriatric Syndromes, which are common, multifaceted health conditions that don’t fit into discrete disease categories. These include the “four giants” of geriatrics: immobility, instability (falls), incontinence, and impaired intellect/memory (delirium and dementia). The course teaches learners to identify underlying causes, implement interdisciplinary management plans, and employ preventive strategies to maintain functional independence in older patients.

Managing polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, is a core and critical module, given the prevalence of multimorbidity in geriatrics. The diploma teaches learners to critically review medication regimens using tools like the Beers Criteria and STOPP/START criteria to identify potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). The focus is on deprescribing, minimizing adverse drug reactions, and simplifying complex regimens to improve adherence, reduce costs, and enhance the patient’s overall quality of life and safety.

The course places a heavy emphasis on the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), a systematic, interdisciplinary evaluation process. Learners will master the techniques for assessing an older person’s functional capacity (ADLs/IADLs), cognitive status, nutritional status, mood, and social support. The CGA is taught as the foundation for creating an integrated, patient-centred care plan that addresses biological, psychological, and social needs, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy and care outcomes.

Yes, the diploma provides in-depth training on the often-confused conditions of dementia and delirium. Learners study the differential diagnosis, specific screening tools (e.g., MMSE, CAM), and acute management of delirium, often triggered by acute illness. For chronic dementias, the focus is on staging, cognitive and behavioural management, optimizing the use of symptomatic medications, and crucial long-term care planning, including ethical considerations and support for caregivers.

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