Food Science
If you have an interest in science and see yourself as anything from a Food scientist to a Home Economics teacher, the possibilities are endless!
| 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 |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
A student over 16 years seeking entry to this programme does not need a previous formal qualification. Should the student have previous qualifications, one of the following may be advantageous for admission to the programme.
Applicants must have attained a Pass grade in Leaving Cert Ordinary Level Maths or equivalent.
• Students who may not have formal academic requirements but who have the ability to successfully participate on the course will be considered. (RPL Recognition of Prior Learning)
• If English is not your first language you may be asked to complete an English assessment
• Mature students welcome
Careers / Further progression
Careers/Progression
The Food Industry offers many career prospects from Nutrition, to Food production, Food Quality, Education, Public health, Health Promotion, Food marketing and research. The Food sector is Ireland’s largest industry with a turnover in excess of 25 billion, sustaining over 230,000 jobs
Students may also progress to participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme. Examples of progression pathways below:
TU: Food Science (TU881); Culinary Arts (TU942); Nutraceuticals in Health and Nutrition (TU882);Science (TU755); Science (TU854); Biotechnology (TU889) etc.
Maynooth: Food Science & Human Nutrition (MH222)
DCU/ATU: Home Economics & Technology (DC016)
AU Sligo: Nutrition, Food & Business. (AU989); Home Economics (AU990); Home Ec. & Biology /Education (AU985); Home Ec. & Religion/Education (AU986);etc.
AU Letterkenny: Food Science & Nutrition (AU379);
MTU Cork: Home Ec. & Business/Education (MT930)
UCC: Food Science (CK505)
MI Thurles: Home Ec. & Business/ Education (MI022)
SE Carlow: Brewing and Distilling (SE521)
UU: Dietetics; Food & Nutrition
Lab Science Apprenticeships
Other Unis & TUs countrywide
Further information
Start Date: September 2026.
Registration Fee: €100 / Course Materials: €50.
Student Grants
Eligible students can apply for a SUSI Grant to assist with course costs. Please contact SUSI.ie for further information.
View https://www.cathalbrughafet.ie/general-information for other grants and supports.
Apply online. Please see "Application Weblink" above.
Food Science (Cathal Brugha Campus).
How Will I Learn?
You will have a mixture of classroom-based subjects, laboratory practicals and independent study. You will be expected to complete assignments throughout the year. Course work will consist of a combination of onsite & online learning.
What We Would Like From You!
If you are interested in one of the world’s biggest industries and want a bite of it look no further. Don’t know where to start? This course offers you the building blocks to take your studies further. If you have an interest in science and see yourself as anything from a Food scientist to a Home Economics teacher, the possibilities are endless!
Certification:
QQI Level 5 Award in Food Science 5M5267
Certification in First Aid & Manual Handling
Food Chemistry
Food Processing
Microbiology
Maths
Nutrition
Food Safety & HACCP
Biology
Communications
Personal & Professional Development
Spreadsheets
Please note the components listed above may vary occasionally.
A full Award is granted on passing the relevant eight components. You will be assessed throughout and at the end of the year (Continuous Assessment). On successful completion of each component, you will be awarded a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction grade.
5M5267 - Food Science
Cathal Brugha FET Campus
76 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 X8V0
T: 01 533 7126
E: info@kmcfe.cdetb.ie
Enquiries: orla.devereux@kmcfe.cdetb.ie