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Level 3 Nutrition Course in Cheltenham

Cost£1.00
Duration24 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition Course in Cheltenham. Classes run at Balcarras School Cheltenham, full-time during the day over two years. This is a WJEC food science and nutrition qualification covering the science behind food, its nutritional properties, and how diet affects health. You'll explore how food knowledge applies across care, sport, hospitality, food manufacturing, and public health policy. Entry requirements include specific GCSE grades, including a grade 5 or above in maths and English, and prior study of GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition or a related Design Technology subject. Note that exam entry fees may be charged.

Who this course is for

An understanding of food science and nutrition is relevant to many industries and job roles. Care providers and nutritionists in hospitals use this knowledge, as do sports coaches and fitness instructors. Hotels and restaurants, food manufacturers and government agencies also use this understanding to develop menus, food products and policies that that support healthy eating initiatives.

The WJEC Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition qualification allows pupils to gain a wealth of knowledge about the food and nutrition industry. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the relationship between the human body and food as well as practical skills for cooking and preparing food. It has been designed to provide pupils with knowledge, understanding and skills to progress to further study and training. It is assessed through a combination of coursework, written examinations and timed extended assignments.

Entry requirements

The minimum requirement for entry to the sixth form is 2 grade 6s and 3 grade 5s in full GCSE courses. These must include a grade 5 or above in both mathematics and English language or literature. Pupils must have studied GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition and have obtained a minimum grade 5 or GCSE Design Technology subject (product design or textiles) and have obtained a minimum grade 6. Sound ICT skills would also be advantageous.

What you will learn

  • You'll study the science of food, including its chemical and biological properties.
  • You'll learn how nutrients affect the body and support health across different life stages.
  • You'll explore how diet relates to health conditions and disease prevention.
  • You'll examine food production, manufacturing processes, and food safety principles.
  • You'll investigate how menus and food products are developed for different populations.
  • You'll analyse government food and nutrition policies and healthy eating initiatives.
  • You'll apply food science knowledge to real contexts in sport, care, and hospitality.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Balcarras School Cheltenham. The WJEC qualification is assessed through a combination of written examinations and coursework or controlled assessment tasks. You'll build knowledge progressively across the two years, applying scientific understanding to practical food and nutrition contexts. Exam entry fees may be charged separately.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Balcarras School Cheltenham will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nutrition assistant, supporting dietitians in health or care settings
  • Sports nutrition advisor, working with athletes or fitness clients
  • Food technologist, developing products for food manufacturers
  • Menu development assistant, creating menus for hotels or restaurants
  • Public health support worker, promoting healthy eating in communities
  • Care worker with nutrition specialism, supporting dietary needs in care homes
  • Food policy researcher, working with government or health agencies

What you could study next

  • BSc (Hons) Nutrition or Nutritional Science, a university degree that builds directly on this qualification and leads to roles as a registered nutritionist.
  • BSc (Hons) Food Science or Food Technology, for those interested in the manufacturing and product development side of the industry.
  • BSc (Hons) Dietetics, which requires further study and leads to a regulated profession working in clinical settings.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Food Science, a college-based alternative to a full degree.
Apply on balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk →
Apply now →

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