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Food Science Health & Nutrition

PLC Post Leaving Cert
5M5267

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.

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:
Drumshanbo
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

38 weeks, full-time.

Entry Requirements

It is desirable that applicants have participated in primary and post primary education.

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

Be able to work with responsibility and demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative.

Applicants must complete an informal interview to determine suitability for the course.

Careers / Further progression

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

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

Start Date: 01/09/2026
End Date: 28/05/2027

Course is free but there may be some minor costs for occasional expenses like fieldtrips, equipment and other related items.

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.

What award will I achieve
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Food Science (5M5267)
Management of Food Safety HACCP (EHAI) - Environmental Health Association of Ireland

Customer Service (5N0972)
Work Experience (5N1356)
Safety & Health at Work (5N1794)
Nutrition (5N2006)
Food Chemistry (5N2748)
Microbiology (5N0737)
Food Processing (5N5245)
Food Safety & HACCP (5N5266)
Food Hygiene (5N2749)

Food Science 5M5267

www.leitrimcollege.ie
071 9185035 & 089 2667813
info@leitrimcollege.ie
www.facebook.com/leitrimcollege
@leitrimcollege

Phone: 087 6695600
Mobile: 087 6695600
Email: fionahannon@msletb.ie

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