Helston Community College

Food Science and Nutrition Diploma

Is this course for me?
Are you eager to continue with your knowledge, understanding and cooking of food and have a desire to continue in your food studies? The level 3 course is suitable for those students who have the drive and passion to progress in their food education and are keen to take it to the next level. The course is the equivalent to one A level.

What qualifications do I need?
It is preferred that you have taken the Food Preparation and Nutrition course at GCSE level and have achieved a grade 4 along with 3 other GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

What does the course involve?
The course structure for year 12 is based on one overall mandatory unit 'Meeting Nutritional Needs of Specific Groups'. This has an applied purpose which acts as a focus for the learning in the unit. There are subsections within the unit to complete as assignments these include:

Understanding the importance of food safety
Understanding the properties of nutrients
Understanding the relationship between nutrients and the human body
Being able to plan nutritional requirements
Being able to plan complex dishes
Being able to cook complex dishes

The diploma is a continuation of the certificate. It is equivalent to one GCE A Level. It consists of a mandatory unit and one optional unit.

The mandatory unit is 'Ensuring Food is Safe to Eat', and there are two optional units 'Experimenting to solve Food Production Problems' and 'Current Issues in Food Science and Nutrition'. Both units are completed within College hours and are externally assessed.

How will my work be assessed?
Work for the level 3 certificate and diploma will be both internally and externally assessed. The internal assessment will comprise of a selection of mandatory summative controlled assessments for the unit. The external assessment will comprise of a 90 minute examination with 15 minutes prior reading time. The examination will include short answer questions, long answer questions and questions which relate to a case study. The examination takes place in the summer term of year 12. All work including the written exam will be graded Level 3 Pass, Level 3 Merit or Level 3 Distinction. A Distinction* can be awarded for those aspiring learners who fulfil the exam boards criteria.

What can I do afterwards?
By studying for this certificate learners will acquire the knowledge to pursue careers or learning in the food industry. The qualification will support entry to higher education courses such as:

BSc Human Nutrition
BSc (Hons) Public Health Nutrition
BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology