Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery

To join this course, you should have completed a year of Level 1 cookery training, or already be working in the industry (with basic industry experience) and want to get a qualification to pursue a career as a chef.

You will learn many of the techniques used in professional cookery, including boiling, poaching and steaming, stewing and braising, baking, roasting and grilling, deep and shallow frying, and cold food preparation.

You will also learn about the structure of professional kitchens and the principles of working as a professional chef, for example, how knives, tools and equipment are used in professional kitchens and how to work safely and hygienically.

4 x GCSEs at Level 3 or above or equivalent including a grade 4 in either English or Maths or equivalent OR A level 1 Vocational / Technical Qualification including a grade 4 in either English or Maths or equivalent.

We will invite you to a course information meeting event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You will provide a copy of your last school report and/or a reference from an employer or a relevant professional. This is to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.

Level 2 Technical qualifications require a slightly higher entry requirement based on the specific content of the course. For this reason, we ask that students have achieved at least Level 1 of English or Maths at grade 4 or equivalent so they do not need to retake both subjects alongside OR a Level 1 Vocational / Technical Qualification including a Grade 4 in either English or Maths or equivalent.

We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

You will gain work-specific skills and knowledge in professional cookery through practical learning in our fully-equipped training kitchens, and there will be some classroom learning.

This course is assessed through a series of synoptic assessments and exams, which are at set points during the year as required by the awarding body. You will have opportunities to use and develop your skills in real work situations, cooking for real customers in our commercial restaurant, catering for college and external events, and through a work experience placement.

You will also take part in other activities to enrich and extend your learning to help you develop important personal and employability skills. For example, understanding teamwork and safe working practices, problem-solving techniques and communication skills.

On completion of this qualification, learners may progress into employment or to the following City & Guilds qualifications:

• Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery (7100)
• Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership (7250)

You will be required to purchase a kitchen and front-of-house uniform as well as a kitchen knife set, which costs approximately £210. There is a trip/enrichment activities fee of approximately £50. 

If you are on a limited income, you may be eligible to receive help with these costs from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.