Food science and nutrition

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.

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.

You will study:

• Meeting nutritional needs of specific groups (mandatory) – understanding nutrition, food safety, and health needs, combined with practical cookery and meal planning
• Ensuring food is safe to eat (mandatory) – exploring the science of food hygiene, food safety legislation, and hazards in food production
• Experimenting to solve food production problems (optional) – investigating and solving issues related to food ingredients, preparation methods, and quality control
• Current issues in food science and nutrition (optional) – analysing contemporary topics 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