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Food Science

PLC Post Leaving Cert
5M5267

This one-year full time course equips the learner with the vocational skills and knowledge to acquire the theory, principles, practices and techniques underpinning Food Science and Food Processing to enable them to work under supervision in a variety of contexts in the food industry and or to progress to further and or higher education and training.

Award Name Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ)
NFQ Classification Major
Awarding Body QQI
NFQ Level Level 5 NFQ
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) Major QQI Level 5 NFQ
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Limerick City
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

38 Weeks

Entry Requirements

Education: NFQ Level 4 or equivalent when accessing a Level 5 programme. CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English Mature learner entry requirements available via the local ETB pathway Additional requirements may apply to non-EU/EEA Applicants and may be subject to full international fees (Please refer to Information for International Learners) *Each provider may have additional requirements, not outlined above.

Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.

Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a moderate range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course, be able to work with responsibility and demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative.

Careers / Further progression

On completion of this programme learners will have an understanding of the theory, principles, practices and techniques underpinning Food Science and Food Processing. They will have the skills, knowledge and competencies to work under supervision in a variety of contexts in the food industry and or to progress to further and or higher education and training.

Employability Statement
On completion of this Programme, applicants may pursue a variety of roles at entry level, depending on specialism in civil, mechanical, instrumentation or industrial engineering sectors, or as Skilled Operatives or Construction Technicians in the construction sector

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

Start Date: 07/09/2026 End Date: 28/05/2027

There are no tuition fees payable to the College by EU nationals. However, learners are liable for registration and examination fees. Registration fees vary depending on programme choice. Applicants will be informed of individual programme fees and possible exemptions at interview.

Means-tested Student Maintenance Grants are available to qualifying learners. The administration of these grants was handled by the former Vocational Education Committees (VECs) up to the 2011/12 academic year. A new ONLINE ONLY grant applications system was introduced in the 2012/13 academic year. All applications have to be made online to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), the single Awarding Authority for all new student grant applications, through www.susi.ie. If you are thinking of embarking on a programme with us, you should investigate whether you are eligible, and, if so, submit an application.

Work placement / work experience may be a core feature/element of programmes in this field facilitating the enhancement of employability and transversal skills.

Learning Outcomes

• To facilitate the learner to explore Food Science with a view to re-skilling/up-skilling and exploring concepts and subject areas that may interest the learner in future programmes or employment
• To provide the learner with the skill and competence to participate in broad laboratory work practices
• To allow the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to independently and under supervision analyse, quantify and report on the physical, chemical and biochemical nature of foods and the principles of food processing
• To provide a programme of learning that is vocational in nature and flexible in structure so that the learner has the maximum opportunity to improve his/her academic and vocational literacy, numerical, ICT and planning skills while participating in the programme
• To afford the learner opportunities to enhance his/her confidence and ability to develop the skills to reach his/her full potential
• To facilitate the learner to further develop his/her interpersonal, team working, problem solving and time management skills, as appropriate, so that the learner is enabled to take responsibility for his/her own learning and to support progression including future participation in education and employment
• To provide the learner with vocationally specific knowledge, skill and competence at this level, thus affording the learner the opportunity to progress to programmes leading to awards at level 6 or above
• To facilitate the learner to reflect on and evaluate his/her performance while participating in the programme

Work Experience Work Experience (5N1356) QQI
Safety And Health At Work Safety & Health at Work (5N1794) QQI
Mathematics Level 5 Mathematics (5N1833) QQI
Communications Level 5 Communications (5N0690) QQI
Nutrition Nutrition (5N2006) QQI
Food Chemistry Food Chemistry (5N2748) QQI
Microbiology Microbiology (5N0737) QQI
Food Processing Food Processing (5N5245) QQI

5M5267 - Food Science

(NFQ Award Code 5M5267) Food Science

Phone: 061578100 1800707077
Email: cfet.admissions@lcetb.ie

Alternate Provider:
Location:
Limerick City
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider