Professional Cookery Diploma Level 3

Course information

This course is suitable for those who have successfully completed a Level 2 qualification in professional cookery or an equivalent qualification.

It is a practical course that will equip you with the practical skills and knowledge to work across a variety of sectors in the catering and food service industries, from event catering to fine dining restaurants. The course will enable you to develop skills in the preparation and cooking of complex meat, poultry, fish, hot and cold sauces and vegetables. Level 3 will help you develop and refine your essential skills, building on your culinary foundations to take your cookery to a higher level with more complex techniques and dishes.

You will also study the nutritional values of foods and ingredients, management and supervisory skills, successful kitchen management and how to store, prepare and cook food safely.

The qualification enables learners to develop knowledge, understanding and skills essential for working in a food environment and working with others, improving their own performance.

Our multi-award-winning restaurant and industry-standard training kitchens offer the perfect blend of hands-on experience and top-notch education. Learn in an environment recognized for excellence, working with the best equipment, and gaining skills for a stellar career. Be part of a vibrant community of future chefs and start cooking up your success story!

You will need to complete external work experience for one day a week.

What You Will Learn

This qualification covers the knowledge and skills you will need to further your skills.

You will learn many of the techniques used in professional cookery, including:

Cook and finish complex fish and shellfish dishes
Cook and finish complex meat, poultry and game dishes
Cook and finish complex vegetable dishes
Prepare cook and finish complex hot sauces
Prepare cook and finishes complex soups
Prepare cook and finish fresh pasta dishes
Prepare cook and finish complex bread and dough products
Prepare cook and finish complex cakes, sponges, biscuits and scones
Prepare cook and finish complex pastry products
Prepare, process and finish complex chocolate products
Prepare cook and finish complex hot and cold desserts

As well as learning about:

Producing healthier dishes
How to work safely and hygienically

You will learn a combination of practical and theoretical units which will be delivered in an excellent industry level environment. In addition to developing practical skills you will also study the nutritional values of foods and ingredients, management and supervisory skills, successful kitchen management, and how to store, prepare and cook food safely.

You will also receive personal tutorials which will provide opportunities to set your personal targets and to carryout self-evaluation and reflection.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and/or Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and maths and/or English at GCSE Grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2.

You will need a Level 2 qualification in professional cookery or equivalent and, ideally, English and/or maths at grade 4. Alternatively, you may have work experience and will have been employed in the catering industry as a cook or chef for at least three years.

If you are 16-19 without the required grades, you will continue to develop your skills of English and maths. At Cornwall College, we recognise that applicants without these qualifications can often offer a high level of competence as well as life experience and we will therefore consider all applications on their merits alongside their qualifications.

Work Experience

You are expected to find an external industrial work placement while on the course. This will help you gain valuable work experience to help you develop a career in this exciting industry.

Assessment

You will be assessed through in house practical assessment, theory assignments and through multi-choice exams. This will be in springtime and summer, followed by a Synoptic exam covering the things you have learnt.

Progression

You could enter the industry as a Commis Chef or Chef de Partie at high-end establishments or get a university degree in Hospitality Management.

Alternatively, you could study further by completing a Level 3 Patisserie & Confectionery Certificate or start an apprenticeship.

Cornwall College St Austell

Cornwall College St Austell

Set at the top of St Austell, with incredible views over the bay, our campus boasts ground-breaking facilities and exceptional student spaces. The Keay Theatre area plays host to our famous Altitude Dance Academy and performing arts, while our award-winning student restaurant Cloisters is recognised as one of the best in the country. Brand new electric vehicle training labs set within our modern construction and engineering buildings showcase just some of the incredible opportunities for people in St Austell and beyond.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

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