BTEC National Award in Food Science and
Manufacturing Technology
What is a BTEC National Award?
A BTEC National Award is a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing
projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and
demands. You focus on a particular subject area and develop a range of specialist skills
and knowledge.
It is equivalent to one A level which means when you have finished the course you can
use it to get a job – or a better job if you are already working. Or you can use it alongside
other qualifications to go into higher education first.
A BTEC National Award is normally taken part-time alongside other qualifications or by
people in employment and is equally suitable for school leavers and mature students.
What are the entry requirements?
You will normally need to have at least one of the following:
a BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in a related subject
an Intermediate GNVQ in a related subject
at least four GCSEs at grades A*-C
appropriate work experience.
What is the course structure?
The course is made up of six units – two core units which everyone takes and a choice
of four specialist units. The specialist units enable you to study particular areas in more
depth.
What subjects will I study?
All students take the two core units:
Food Workplace Practices
Introduction to Food Manufacture
You take four specialist units from the following list. You must select either three units
from Group A and one from Group B or two units from both groups:
Group A
Food Technology Calculations
Food and Raw Materials
Food Safety
Food Science for the Technician
Food Production Management
Food Process Control
Quality Assurance
Operational Management
Group B
Bread Technology
Flour Confectionery Technology
Chocolate Products Technology
Sweet Confectionery Technology
Dairy Technology Liquid Milk Processing
Dairy Technology Product Manufacture
Meat Technology
Fresh Produce Technology
Fish Technology A
Mixed Commodity Products
Cereal Technology
Biscuit Technology
Frozen Food Technology
Fish Technology B
How is the course assessed?
All units are assessed and graded, and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded.
What can I do at the end of the course?
BTEC National Awards are valued by employers and higher education (universities and
colleges).
If you want to get a job straight away you could work in a variety of jobs within the food
manufacturing industry such as:
- quality control
- raw materials testing
- food safety
- food data analysis
You could decide to go on to complete a BTEC National Certificate in Food Science and
Manufacturing Technology.
If you decide to go to university or college, and you have other qualifications, you could
take a degree or a BTEC Higher National in a related area.
How can I find out more?
Ask your careers teacher or adviser or your local college for more information or see the
Edexcel website – http://www.edexcel.org.uk
