Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
This one-year course prepares the learner to explore Food Science and the principles of food processing with a view to gaining employment or progressing to further education or training in science, as a food scientist and in the agriculture sector. A food scientist applies their knowledge of biology and chemistry 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. This course gives a solid introduction to Food Science and Technology for students who wish to pursue a Food Science Degree in Universities and Institutes of Technology.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
-
Food Chemistry
Mathematics
Food Processing
Nutrition
Microbiology
Communications
Work Experience
Laboratory Techniques
Word Processing
Safety and Health
Psychology
Understanding Mental Health
Behavioural Studies
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
- Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course leads to a QQI Major Award, and provides progression opportunities to a number of Higher Education courses, including those in the CAO.
To view CAO courses to which this award provides a possible progression route, click below:
QQI Code |
5M3807 |
To calculate Points based on your QQI award results, use the PLC Points Calculator.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Further Research
National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)
The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.
Disclaimer: These links are to web sites outside of CareersPortal and we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
Graduates may pursue science certificate or degree courses in TCD, UCD, DCU, TU Dublin, IT Carlow, Athlone IT, UCC TU Dublin Tallaght, St. Angela’s College Sligo. as well as other ITs and colleges around the country or in the UK. For example, there are up to 21 places in Maynooth University, 30 places in UCD science courses 10 places in Trinity in First Science for QQI graduates. Alternatively, students may seek immediate employment in a range of companies and projects that seek graduates with a science aptitude.