What Is Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition? Student Guide

If you’re looking for a vocational, food-focused equivalent to A Level, Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition is the ideal choice.

This guide covers what you'll study, how you're assessed, who it's for, and where it can lead to.

Key Takeaways

• WJEC (Eduqas (opens in a new tab) in England and CBAC (opens in a new tab) in Wales) is currently the only exam board offering Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition

• Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition is an alternative academic qualification to A Level

• You’ll choose between two different qualifications in Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition: Certificate (with mandatory units for assessment) and Extended Certificate (with mandatory and optional units for assessment)

• Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition can lead to degrees in Food Technology and Nutrition, as well as careers in public health and the food industry

What Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition actually is

WJEC Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition is an alternative academic qualification to A Level. As a vocational qualification, it’s designed to prepare you to progress to a higher level qualification in areas related to food science, nutrition and health.

Certificate vs Extended Certificate in Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition

Here are the key features of the two different qualifications you can choose between:

Certificate is half the size of the Extended Certificate (and therefore half the size of an A Level).

Extended Certificate is a full Level 3 qualification, which is the same size as an A Level.

If you’re interested in food science and want a smaller qualification that builds some applied knowledge and skills, take Certificate. If you’re aiming for a food and nutrition-related degree and/or career, take Extended Certificate.

What you study in Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition

The units you’ll study depend on which qualification you’re taking:

Unit 1. Nutritional needs across the life stages (Certificate and Extended Certificate)

Unit 2. Developing practical food production skills (Certificate and Extended Certificate)

Unit 3. Principles of food hygiene and food safety in food production (Extended Certificate)

Unit 4. Experimenting to solve food production problems (Extended Certificate)

Unit 5. Current issues in food science and nutrition (Extended Certificate)

For more information on the topics in each unit, see the specification for your chosen qualification.

How Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition is assessed

Assessment for Certificate consists of two, equally-weighted units (worth 50% each):

1. Unit 1: Nutritional needs across the life stages – a 1.5 hour written exam worth 80 marks

2. Unit 2: Developing practical food production skills – a 9.5 hour non-exam assessment (NEA) worth 100 marks

The table below outlines how Extended Certificate is assessed:

Entry requirements for Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition

Though there are no prior learning requirements for either qualification, Level 2 knowledge (equivalent to GCSE) is assumed. 

Most colleges require a Grade 4 or 5 in GCSE Food & Nutrition, or a related practical/science subject such as GCSE Biology. You'll also need to meet standard entry requirements (usually 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including in English and Maths).

Where Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition can take you

Here are just some of the pathways Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition can open up for you:

Further Study

• Higher level qualifications, e.g. Level 4 Nutrition (opens in a new tab)

• Degrees in Food Technology and Nutrition

Careers

• Public health

• The food industry

Frequently Asked Questions

How Is Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition different to GCSE Food & Nutrition?

GCSE Food & Nutrition is a Level 2 qualification rather than Level 3. It includes similar topics (such as food safety), but you’ll study them in a lot more depth at Level 3.

Can you become a nutritionist with a Level 3 in Food Science & Nutrition?

Technically yes, as there is no set route to becoming a nutritionist in the UK. It’s not a legally protected title like dietician.

However, most nutritionists have a degree or a Masters, so you should see Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition as more of a foundation for becoming a nutritionist than the end result of it.

Can you study Level 3 Food Science & Nutrition online?

Teaching is available for this qualification from September 2026, so online learning isn’t currently an option.

While it’s possible that some distance learning providers may offer it in the future, keep in mind that much of the course consists of practical components. Check with your college to see what your options are.

How many UCAS points does Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition give you?

Extended Certificate counts as one full A Level, and an A* at A Level is worth 56 UCAS points.

See our guide on UCAS points for more information.