Free Level 3 Nutrition Course in Dorchester

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition Course in Dorchester. Classes run at The Thomas Hardye School, full-time during the day over two years. You'll study the relationship between food and the human body, covering nutrition science, food preparation, cooking, and presentation. The course includes flexible specialist options so you can focus on areas that interest you most. You'll need a grade 4 in Food Preparation and Nutrition to join.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for those who wish to pursue any type of career in the food industry, as students will gain a wealth of knowledge about the food and nutrition. Students will learn about the relationship between the human body and food, as well as numerous practical skills for preparing, cooking, and presenting food for different occasions and events. The diploma has been designed with flexible choices, enabling students to specialise in individual areas of interest, with a strong emphasis on practical work. Student learning will mirror many work activities in the food and nutrition industry, through a range of contexts, enabling them to extend their learning outside the classroom.

Entry requirements

4 in Food Preparation and Nutrition

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how the human body uses food and nutrients to maintain health.
  • You'll develop practical skills in preparing, cooking, and presenting food for different occasions.
  • You'll study food science principles, including how ingredients behave during cooking and processing.
  • You'll examine the links between diet, nutrition, and health outcomes.
  • You'll choose specialist units to focus on areas of personal or career interest.
  • You'll build knowledge relevant to working in the food and nutrition industry.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical cooking and food preparation activities, and written coursework. Assessment is through a combination of internally assessed coursework and externally assessed examinations set by WJEC. Practical tasks are assessed alongside written work, reflecting both your technical skills and your understanding of food science and nutrition theory.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Thomas Hardye School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nutrition assistant: support dietitians and nutritionists in health settings.
  • Food technologist: develop and test food products for manufacturers.
  • Food quality assurance officer: monitor safety and standards in food production.
  • Catering supervisor: oversee food preparation and service in catering operations.
  • Recipe developer: create and test recipes for food brands or publications.
  • Health and wellbeing coordinator: promote healthy eating in community or workplace settings.

What you could study next

A Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition Qualification is a strong foundation for further study. You could progress to a degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science, or Food Technology at university. A Foundation Degree in a related subject is another option if you prefer a shorter higher-education route. Those interested in clinical nutrition may go on to study for a registered dietitian qualification at degree level.