Food Literacy: Cookery- QQI Level 3 Nutrition & Healthy Options.
QQI Level 3 Nutrition and Healthy Options (3N0887) is a practical course designed to help learners develop the knowledge and skills needed to make healthier food choices and prepare safe, nutritious meals.
Throughout the programme, learners will explore the principles of healthy eating, the role of nutrients in the body, the digestive system, food safety, and the importance of a balanced diet. The course also examines current food and nutrition issues, food labelling, and the nutritional needs of people with specific dietary requirements, including vegetarian, diabetic, coeliac and allergy-friendly diets.
Learners will gain practical experience in planning and preparing a range of healthy meals, with a particular focus on vegetarian dishes, while developing safe food handling, hygiene and kitchen skills.
On successful completion of the course, learners will achieve the QQI Level 3 Minor Award in Nutrition and Healthy Options (3N0887), worth 5 QQI credits, which can contribute towards the QQI Level 3 Certificate in General Learning (3M0874).
Target Award
QQI General Learning – 3M0874
Start Date: 31-08-2026 Hours/week: 03 Hrs 00 Mins Duration: 34 weeks
No formal education or qualifications are required although applicants may have participated in primary and secondary education. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 2 when accessing a Level 3 programme.
Age Requirements
Please see course details for minimum age requirements
Learning Aptitude
Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
Previous Experience
Applicants must be able to demonstrate a limited range of knowledge, skills and competencies skills relevant to the course and be able to work under direction.
| Module | Award | Body |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition And Healthy Options 3N0887-043 | Nutrition & Healthy Options (3N0887) | QQI |
* Explain the basic principles of food safety and safe food handling.
* Identify the main nutrients and describe their role in maintaining good health.
* Explain the importance of a balanced diet using the Food Pyramid.
* Describe the basic functions of the human digestive system.
* Recognise common dietary disorders and understand how nutrition can support good health.
* Identify foods suitable for a range of special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, diabetic, coeliac, allergy-friendly, low-calorie and low-cholesterol diets.
* Understand how purchasing, storage, preparation and cooking methods affect the nutritional value of food.
* Interpret food labels to make informed and healthy food choices.
* Plan and prepare a variety of healthy vegetarian meals using safe food preparation techniques.
* Demonstrate good personal hygiene, kitchen safety and effective use of kitchen equipment when preparing food.
* Develop confidence in preparing nutritious meals that support healthy everyday living.