Chef Cookery Courses Level 2 and Level 3 (Professional Cookery)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
PROFESSIONAL COOKERY
Level 2, Level 3 Diploma
Course Level
Level 2, Level 3
Duration
1 year full-time per level
Placement
Included in course
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
Overview
The Professional Cookery college course will give you the practical skills and knowledge for a range of careers in the catering and foodservice industries. University College Birmingham is internationally renowned for our chef training and catering courses, with an experienced team of expert chef lecturers and excellent professional kitchen facilities for you to hone your culinary skills.
Why choose this college course?
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Our course is all about learning by doing, getting you straight into the kitchen to develop your cookery skills
- WORK PLACEMENT – Give your CV a huge boost by gaining real-life work experience in the food industry during your course
- EXCELLENT FACILITIES – Our industry-standard kitchen and restaurant facilities on campus will help boost your confidence working in the food and hospitality environment
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to continue your learning journey after college? Progress your culinary training to degree level on our wide range of university food courses
Course breakdown
Topics you will study
- Basic fish, meat, poultry and vegetable dishes
- Bread and dough products, soups and basic hot sauces
- Food safety
- Patisserie and fermented products
- Desserts, petits fours and decorative products
Entry requirements
Professional Cookery Level 1
- Academic requirements: Entry Level 3 in English (Language or Literature) and maths are desirable for entrance. Admissions will be administered on an individual application basis.
- Guaranteed progression option: Students who achieve Level 1 Professional Cookery and receive approval from the University College Birmingham teaching team will be permitted to progress onto Level 2 Professional Cookery.
Professional Cookery Level 2
- Academic requirements: 4 GCSEs at grade 3/D or above, or equivalent.
- Supporting documents required: School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- Guaranteed progression option: Students who achieve Level 2 Professional Cookery and receive approval from the University College Birmingham teaching team will be permitted to progress onto Level 3 Professional Cookery.
Professional Cookery Level 3
- Academic requirements: A relevant Level 2 qualification in Professional Cookery or Chef, GCSE English (Language or Literature) and maths at grade 4/C are desirable for entrance but not essential.
- Work experience admissions pathway: 2 years’ relevant chef industry experience. Admissions will be based on your interview performance alongside a reference stating the roles and responsibilities held during your period of employment.
- Supporting documents required: School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- Guaranteed progression option: Students who achieve Level 3 Professional Cookery will be automatically guaranteed an offer for Culinary Arts Management FdA and Professional Chef FdA. Student who wish to study other degree courses at University College Birmingham will need to contact for further advice and guidance on suitability.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
There are regular practical tests to make sure you are on course. Theory is mainly assessed through assignments and short answer questions and recorded in your electronic portfolio.
Uniform and kit costs
This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £250, depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)
Career opportunities
- Sous chef: Average salary: £30,000 - £40,000
- Head chef: Average salary: £35,000 - £50,000
- Catering manager: Average salary: £22,000 - £45,000
- Pastry chef: Average Salary: £21,682
- Food business owner/restaurateur: Variable
- Product development chef: Average salary: £25,000 - £40,000
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired employability team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Students on our college cookery courses have opportunities for placements in hotels, restaurants, conference centres, cafes, food manufacturers, patisserie outlets and even hospitals. Placements can last from 70 – 350 hours depending on the level of study, with many of our past students subsequently being offered part-time jobs.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- The Belfry (Sutton Coldfield)
- Simpsons Restaurant (Birmingham)
- Malmaison (Birmingham)
- Anderson's Bar and Grill (Birmingham)
- Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel and Country Club (Warwickshire)
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Professional Cookery Level 2 and 3 Diploma program at University College Birmingham provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the catering and foodservice industries.
Objectives:
- Develop practical skills in preparing and cooking a variety of dishes.
- Gain knowledge of food safety and hygiene principles.
- Understand the principles and techniques of different cooking methods.
- Learn about the different ingredients used in cookery.
- Develop an understanding of the professional kitchen environment and industry standards.
Program Description:
This program is delivered over two levels, with each level lasting one year full-time. Students will complete practical and theoretical assessments throughout the program, gaining experience in both the college's industry-standard kitchens and on placement in real-world hospitality settings.
Outline:
Level 2:
- Basic fish, meat, poultry, and vegetable dishes
- Bread and dough products, soups, and basic hot sauces
- Food safety
- Patisserie and fermented products
- Desserts, petits fours, and decorative products
Level 3:
- Advanced cookery techniques and dishes
- Menu planning and costing
- Food presentation and service
- Food and beverage management
- Culinary entrepreneurship
Assessment:
Assessment methods include practical tests, assignments, short answer questions, and a final project. All assessments are based on industry standards and criteria.
Teaching:
The program is delivered by experienced chef lecturers who are passionate about teaching and helping students succeed. The teaching methods are hands-on and interactive, with a focus on developing practical skills.
Careers:
Graduates of this program can pursue a variety of careers in the catering and foodservice industry, including:
- Chef
- Restaurant manager
- Food and beverage manager
- Caterer
- Food stylist
- Culinary instructor
Other:
- The program includes a work placement opportunity, giving students the chance to gain real-world experience in the industry.
- The college has a highly commended AA Rosette restaurant on campus, which students can use to gain experience in a professional kitchen setting.
- The program is accredited by the People 1st Gold Hospitality accreditation.
University College Birmingham
Overview:
University College Birmingham (UCB) is a vibrant and welcoming institution located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship, and college courses. UCB is known for its world-class facilities, which have been significantly enhanced through a £200 million investment.
Services Offered:
The context does not provide specific details about the services offered to students.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCB boasts a supportive and friendly student community, where students can forge lifelong friendships and find a sense of belonging. The institution offers campus tours led by student ambassadors, who provide insights into student life and facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class facilities:
UCB has invested heavily in its campuses, equipment, and resources, providing students with a high-quality learning environment.University of Warwick accreditation:
Many of UCB's programs are accredited and awarded by the University of Warwick, a prestigious Russell Group university, ensuring high academic standards.Location:
Situated in the heart of Birmingham, UCB offers students access to a thriving business environment, beautiful green spaces, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse cultural scene.Student choice:
UCB is the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice, as recognized by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.Academic Programs:
UCB offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
A variety of undergraduate degree courses.Postgraduate:
A selection of postgraduate degree courses.Apprenticeships:
Higher level apprenticeships.College:
College courses.Other:
Entry Requirements:
Professional Cookery Level 1:
- Academic requirements: Entry Level 3 in English (Language or Literature) and maths are desirable for entrance. Admissions will be administered on an individual application basis.
Professional Cookery Level 2:
- Academic requirements: 4 GCSEs at grade 3/D or above, or equivalent.
- Supporting documents required:
- School applicants must provide a good school report, including attendance.
- School leavers (over 19) must provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer supporting their application.
Professional Cookery Level 3:
- Academic requirements:
- A relevant Level 2 qualification in Professional Cookery or Chef
- Work experience admissions pathway:
- 2 years’ relevant chef industry experience. Admissions will be based on your interview performance alongside a reference stating the roles and responsibilities held during your period of employment.
- Supporting documents required:
- School applicants must provide a good school report, including attendance.
English and Maths:
- If under 19 and without a grade 4/C or above in English and maths, you are required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject.
- Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.
Guaranteed progression:
- Students who achieve a pass for this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a foundation degree course at University College Birmingham.
- Applicants who do not meet the specific requirements outlined above should contact Admissions for further individual assessment.
