Food Science, Health & Nutrition
Why study Food Science Health & Nutrition
Food science is at the forefront of innovation.You will be inspired to create a new food product while learning new sustainable food production methods.
While studying our programme you will have the opportunity to study HACCP at a management level with the Environmental Health Association of Ireland.
Understanding nutrition helps us to promote optimal health and prevent diseases. We in turn can educate others on how to make healthier food choices and you will be given opportunities to develop personalised nutrition plans. Nutritionists and health professionals play a vital role in addressing public health issues such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including science, healthcare, food manufacturing, safety & quality, research and higher education. Roles range from dietitians, nutritionists to food technologists, quality assurance specialists, educators, etc.
The field of food science and nutrition is constantly evolving with new discoveries and advancements. This means you’ll have continuous opportunities for learning and professional growth.
Course Flyer
(click on the flyer below to find out more about the course)
Course Overview
The Health, Nutrition & Food Science course focuses on food chemistry and nutrition while also covering other science disciplines such as microbiology. All the science and food processing modules have a considerable proportion of practical work in them, which the learner will undertake on this one-year programme. The course is suitable for students who are interested in a career of food, science, food safety & quality in the food, science, or nutrition sectors.
As Ireland’s largest indigenous sector, the Irish Food Industry employs over 54,000 people and 23,000 new jobs are anticipated in the food sector in the coming years, as specified in the Food Wise 2025 report. This sector needs qualified graduates with a clear understanding of food, nutrition, sustainability, health, and their interrelationships.
As part of our programme, we use the format of blending learning methodologies, along with discussions, workshops, and field trips, while also obtaining work experience which is an integral part of the programme. Students will be encouraged to develop a scientific mindset open to ideas and experimentation along with advancing in analytical and problem-solving skills, while further enhancing their research skills.
Students will also be provided with the Environmental Health Association of Irelands (EHAI), HACCP – Management in food safety course which is integrated into the programme. Students will receive an added certification on completion of this module. Those awarded a distinction in this module then may apply to the EHAI to become a registered food safety trainer themselves.
Special Features
- Work placement
- Erasmus + work experience abroad opportunities
- Hands-on science & food laboratory experience
- Field trips & guest speakers
- HACCP The management of food safety Certification with the (EHAI) – Environmental Health Association of Ireland
- Workshops e.g. bakery, butchery, cheesemaking, distillation or brewing & fermentation workshops
- Free access to adult guidance counselling services
- A Microsoft365 account, which gives you access to the necessary tools and resources needed for the assessment of work while attending the course. Microsoft365 Apps include Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and OneDrive. Microsoft Teams and Moodle are also used in the delivery of all modules in the FET centre.
Work Experience
Students will be required to undertake a period of work placement in an organisation or company suitable and connected to their chosen vocational area during the academic year. Work Experience is mandatory for all full-time QQI Level 5 courses. The work placement is for a minimum of 60 hours. Students find the work experience element of the course to be invaluable and should bear in mind that a successful work placement can sometimes lead to further opportunities as we have witnessed with past students.
Additional Information - Assessment
Assessment techniques will be used to assess the knowledge and skills that students will have achieved on successful completion of modules:
- Student learning record
- Portfolio/Collection of work
- Skills demonstrated
- Assignments
- Examination – written or practical
- Projects – group work
All assignments and exams are submitted electronically online via Moodle. Therefore, all students need access to a device; a laptop is provided for all students for the course duration.
Progression Opportunities
Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO scheme for entry to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes, at Universities & Technological Universities using their full QQI Level 5 major award. Places are not guaranteed in these institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Students may also refer to the individual university prospectus or may also refer to the QQI FET section of the CAO website: www.cao.ie. We have an adult guidance councillor that will also assist you with this process along with our experienced teaching staff.
Students from this course may also progress onto several apprenticeships, for example, Commis chef (MSLETB) or Laboratory Technician that are now available with our local ETBs. Students can use this course as a stepping stone to obtain a high-level qualification in the progression areas listed below. Alternatively, students may seek immediate employment in a range of companies that seek graduates with a science or food science aptitude.
On completion there are many progression options in a wide range of areas including food science, general science, agricultural science, home economics, culinary arts, human nutrition, and many other related areas.
Higher Education Opportunities
New Generation Apprenticeships MSLETB: The Commis Chef – Sligo Training centre.
ATU Sligo – St. Angelas: Bachelor of arts in Home Economics, Bachelor of Education in Home Economics, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Food & Business Management.
ATU Sligo – Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Bachelor of Science in Science, Bachelor of Science in Applied Medical Science, Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Physical Activity, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation and Analysis.
ATU Galway – Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Environmental Management
TUS Athlone – Bachelor of Arts Culinary Arts
TUD – Grangegorman, Dublin- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health
Further Details
These courses:
- Are FREE of charge.
- Allow you retain your social welfare benefits (even if you miss a day of class.
- Provide the loan of a laptop for the duration of the course.
- Provide one to one meetings with an adult guidance counsellor.
- With a potential 390 CAO points available there is the opportunity of progression to TU’s.
- Provide Microsoft Office Specialist as an ad-on.
- Include the opportunity to travel abroad for 2 weeks work experience under the Erasmus+ Programme – accommodation, travel and living expenses are covered.