Food science and technology is offered at all three levels - certificate, diploma and degree.

Students who don't get the points or who don't want to commit to three or four years of study may find that the certificate/diploma route will suit them better. This year 120 points would have secured a place on Dundalk RTC's food science programme, while 100 points would have gained a place on Letterkenny RTC's programme.

Students who ignore certificate and diploma programmes are cutting themselves off from half of available third-level courses. And, of course, students who do sufficiently well in cert and diploma exams can apply for degree programmes.

Sligo RTC offers food science within its certificate in applied science. After a common first year, students can specialise in applied chemistry, applied biology or food science. Admission officer Padraic Cuffe says that about 60 per cent of graduates of the certificate would usually continue studies to diploma level. The college offers an add-on diploma in pollution assessment and control. Graduates of this programme are then eligible to apply for a degree in environmental science and technology.