Program Overview

Certificate in Food Preparation & Service

Programme Details

MQF Level

3

Study Mode

On Campus

ECTS

60

Duration

2 Semesters + LITP

Course Description

This programme exposes students to the fundamental elements of the catering industry. Modules within this course include service operations, food preparation, pastry and baking, purchasing and kitchen cost control, food commodities and Intermediate digital competences. The final outcome of this course is to achieve knowledge, skills and competences related to this specific sector.

Throughout the course, students will engage in practical exercises, hands-on training, and industry placements to gain real-world experience in the catering industry. The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competences necessary to succeed in the catering sector.

Upon completion of the programme, students should have acquired a strong foundation in catering operations especially in service and food preparation. They will be prepared to pursue further studies or enter the workforce with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the catering industry.

Programme Learning Outcomes

• Understand and evaluate theoretical knowledge related to kitchen, bars and restaurant operations.
• Create and maintain good customer and staff relations employing effective methods of communication.
• Comply with legal requirements on safety, health and hygiene.

Entry Criteria

• Successful completion of Foundation in Hospitality & Tourism (MQF/EQF Level 2).
• Minimum of 5 O Level subjects of which; 2 O Level subjects shall include Hospitality, Mathematics, Maltese, English and/or Home Economics at grade 5 or better (SSC&P level 3) and any other 3 O Level subjects at grade 7 or better (SSC&P level 2).
• Minimum of 4 O level subjects of which one O level shall include Hospitality or Home Economics at grade 3 or better and any other 3 O levels at grade 7 or better (SSC&P level 2) including English language. Non-Maltese applicants have the option to replace Maltese O level with their Native language O level.
• Successful completion of the Alternative Learning Programme Plus (ALP+), of which Hospitality should preferably be one of the vocational subjects chosen.
• Apply as a mature student, at least 23 years of age by the beginning of the academic year applied for, and subject to proficiency and/or aptitude tests as per direction of the ITS. The ITS also reserves the right to subject the candidate for an interview prior to acceptance.

Additional Information

• A profiling interview upon admission may be conducted in order to better assist students with their learning process. Admissions of special cases will be referred to ITS' Admissions Board. All students will be asked for a Food Handling License in the application form. Applicants who are still not in possession of the license at application phase will be directed on the application form itself to apply for the Food Handling Course which leads to License B.
• Applicants must be a minimum of 16 years of age by end of December of current academic year.
• For English Language Requirements for International & Mature Students refer to International Students page.

Possible Career Opportunities

• Kitchen Porter
• Commis de Rang
• Commis Chef de Partie
• Commis de Bar

Course Dates

Course to Start on 29th September 2025

Course Modules

• CER3062 Communication Skills Theory and Practice *
• CER3012 Health and Safety
• CER3030 Introduction to the Theory of Service *
• CER3039 Kitchen & Larder Individual *
• CER3040 Basic Theory of Food Preparation
• CER3079 Purchasing and Kitchen Cost Control
• CER3045 Kitchen and Pastry Practical
• CER3049 F&B Service Practical *
• CER3053 Certificate Level - Hospitality and Tourism English
• CER3054 Bookkeeping I
• CER3031 Introduction to the Theory of Beverage *
• CER3040 Basic Theory of Food Preparation
• CER3042 Pastry & Baking Practical Individual *
• CER3043 Food Commodities *
• CER3044 Introduction to Pastry
• CER3058 Intermediate Digital Competences
• CER3046 First Aid
• CER3024 LITP

• This module is considered a key module, a student must pass this module in order to progress to the next year.

Fees

All prices are equivalent to a semester of studies. Local and International Internships are exempted from fees. If the course is offered online and on campus the price will vary, please contact the registrar's office at for further information.