Pre-University Science - Food Science & Nutrition
This course is suitable for students who are interested in preparing for a career as a food scientist and/or further education in the food, science or agriculture sectors.
| 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
This is a Full-time One Year course which runs from September to May. Exact details of the timetable will be given out to students during the induction process prior to class commencement in September.
Entry Requirements
One of the following:
- Leaving Certificate (LC Established, LCVP, LCA) or equivalent
- A Full QQI Level 4 Award (or equivalent)
- For Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) - appropriate experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. Note: Mature applicants may be entitled to VTOS funding. For details about VTOS, please contact the college.
- As there is an emphasis on the science subjects, Biology and Chemistry, a background in science would be desirable
- Applicants whose first language is not English require level B1 competency on the CEFR language framework. Applicants may be required to undergo English language testing to establish their language competency.
Careers / Further progression
Progression Opportunities
Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree programmes, at Universities, Institutes of Technology and 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. It is the students' responsibility to consult with the relevant HEI for information on the admissions process and any specific entry requirements. Students may also refer to the individual HEI prospectus or may also refer to the QQI FET section of the CAO website. www.cao.ie
There are progression options in a wide range of areas including food science, general science, agricultural science, sports science, culinary arts, applied science in nutrition and many other related areas. Example are shown below. However a full list of programmes to choose from will be given to all students at induction in September.
Students from this course may also progress onto a number of apprenticeships for example Laboratory Technician or Laboratory Analyst that are now available in Ireland.
Graduates can progress to work in companies such as Kerry Group, Glanbia, All in All Ingredients, Ornua.
For further progression examples please visit or website.
Career Paths
Students should use this course as a stepping stone to obtaining a high-level qualification in the progression areas listed below. Alternatively, students may seek immediate employment in a range of companies and projects that seek graduates with a science aptitude. Career opportunities such as food technologists, food scientists, microbiologists, food safety consultants, Covid testing workers, technicians, food engineers, laboratory assistants and product development managers exist for graduates who complete further or higher education qualifications.
Further information
All courses commence the week beginning Monday 16th September 2024.
Admissions Information:
Admissions for the academic year 2024/2025 are now open. Applications are only accepted online.
Five Step Admissions Process 2024/2025.
Step 1 - Apply online. No application fee charged.
Step 2 - Offer: You will be notified by DFEi with an offer of a course place. Please check your junk mail.
Step 3 - Acceptance: To secure your place, you must submit additional data required through your individual online account and pay your €40 non-refundable acceptance fee (only payable online). Failure to complete this process will result in you not securing your place on the course.
Step 4 - Registration: This is done through your online account. This involves paying all of your course fees in full and uploading all of the relevant documentation below on or before Monday 26th August 2024.
Step 5 - Induction and Commencement: Induction is provided before course commencement. You will be notified in due course of the relevant dates.
Overview
This course is suitable for students who are interested in preparing for a career as a food scientist and/or further education in the food, science or agriculture sectors. A food scientist applies their knowledge of biology, chemistry and engineering to develop and improve foods and has a role to play in all aspects of the food chain from production to processing, storage and marketing. 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 highly qualified graduates with a clear understanding of food, nutrition, sustainabilities, health and their interrelationships. Students throughout the year on this course, will have the opportunity to meet scientists, researchers, and postgraduate students in a vast array of scientific fields. This generally takes the format of talks, workshops, and field trips.
Course Modules:
Laboratory Skills
Microbiology
Biology
Chemistry
Nutrition
Fruit and Vegetable Production
Mathematics
Communications
Work Experience
Work Experience
Students will be required to undertake a period work placement in an organisation connected to their vocational area during the academic year. Work Experience is mandatory for all of our full-time Level 5 courses. Students are required to source their own work placement but will be assisted in this by the work experience teacher. The work placement is usually for a period of 10 days or a minimum of 60 hours. Students usually 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.
Assessment techniques will be used to assess the knowledge and skills that students will have achieved on successful completion of modules:
Student Record
Portfolio/Collection of Work
Assignments
Examination - Written or Practical
Project
A full major award is granted on passing the relevant eight components. On successful completion of each component, you will be awarded a pass, a merit or a distinction grade. See www.qqi.ie for more details
5M3807 - Laboratory Techniques.
Certification: Level 5 QQI Award Laboratory Techniques (5M3807).
Dún Laoghaire Further Education Institute,
17 Cumberland Street, Dún Laoghaire,
Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Tel: +353 1 2809676
Fax: +353 1 2843767
Email: info@dfei.ie