Why choose Level 3 food science and nutrition?
Food science and nutrition is a practical, engaging subject that explores the relationship between diet, health, and the food we eat. It combines scientific knowledge with practical skills and is relevant to a wide range of careers in healthcare, hospitality, the food industry, sport and fitness, and public health.
Students develop an in-depth understanding of food safety, nutrition, and dietary needs, while also gaining the ability to plan and prepare high-quality meals to meet a variety of individual and group requirements. This subject is ideal for anyone interested in how food supports human health and wellbeing.
Course type: Level 3 Diploma
Board: WJEC
Entry requirements: Grade 6 or above in GCSE maths, English, and food preparation and nutrition
How will Level 3 food science and nutrition be delivered?
The course is delivered over two years through a blend of practical food preparation, classroom-based learning, independent research, and coursework tasks. Students complete three units: two mandatory and one optional.
| Unit | Content |
| Unit 1: Meeting nutritional needs of specific groups (mandatory) | Understanding nutrition, food safety and health needs, combined with practical cookery and meal planning |
| Unit 2: Ensuring food is safe to eat (mandatory) | Exploring the science of food hygiene, food safety legislation and hazards in food production |
| Unit 3: Experimenting to solve food production problems (optional) | Investigating and solving issues related to food ingredients, preparation methods, and quality control |
| Unit 4: Current issues in food science and nutrition (optional) | Analysing contemporary topics in food science such as sustainability, food security, and ethical issues |
Assessment
Assessment is a combination of internal and external methods:
- Unit 1: Internally assessed coursework and an externally marked written exam
- Unit 2: Externally assessed coursework
- Unit 3 or Unit 4: Internally assessed coursework
25% of the overall qualification is externally assessed and there is no formal written exam for the optional unit. All assessment is completed during the two-year course
Progression
The Level 3 Diploma in food science and nutrition carries UCAS points and is widely recognised by higher education institutions. It supports progression into a range of degrees and careers across science, healthcare, and the food industry.
Studying this course can help students to:
- Access university courses such as:
- BSc food and nutrition
- BSc human nutrition
- BSc (Hons) public health nutrition
- BSc (Hons) food science and technology
- Prepare for careers in health promotion, sports nutrition, dietetics, food safety, catering, or product development
- Gain transferable skills in analysis, planning, scientific enquiry, and communication
