Food Science and Nutrition – Level 3 Certificate
Back to Key InformationExamination Board: EDUCAS/WJEC
This qualification gives learners an understanding of food science and nutrition that is relevant to many industries and job roles. Care providers and nutritionists in hospitals use this knowledge, as do sports coaches and fitness instructors. Hotels and restaurants, food manufacturers and government agencies also use this understanding to develop menus, food products and policies that support healthy eating initiatives. Many employment opportunities within the field of food science and nutrition are available to graduates.
This is an Applied General qualification. This means it is designed primarily to support learners progressing to university. It has been designed to offer exciting, interesting experiences that focus learning for 16 - 19 year old learners through applied learning, i.e. through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful, work-related contexts, linked to the food production industry.
Entry requirements
Grade 5 or above in GCSE Catering (or other Food GCSEs) would be ideal but is not essential, a Grade 5 in Science would be adequate. Candidates need a real passion for cooking and an aspiration to develop their knowledge of all aspects of food. Students will also need to have good time keeping skills in order to meet coursework deadlines and to be able to work independently to carry out individual research to support their classroom/teacher-led learning.
Course structure and content
The Level 3 Certificate in Food Science and Nutrition is made up of one mandatory unit of study: Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Specific groups
This mandatory unit will enable the learner to demonstrate an understanding of the science of food safety, nutrition and nutritional needs in a wide range of contexts, and through ongoing practical sessions, to gain practical skills to produce quality food items to meet the needs of individuals.
There is a strong emphasis on practical work, making this an ideal choice for students who prefer to learn by doing.
What you could go on to study at university
Together with relevant Level 3 qualifications such as AS and A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Sociology and Maths and/or Level 3 qualifications in Hospitality or Science, learners will gain the required knowledge to progress to higher education degree courses, such as:
BSc Food and Nutrition
BSc Human Nutrition
BSc (Hons) Public Health Nutrition
BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology
Assessment
The WJEC Level 3 Certificate in Food Science and Nutrition is assessed through a combination of a written exam and an internal centre marked assignment.