Professional Cookery NC Level 6

What is special about this course?

Challenge your ability and extend your range of creative approaches to the preparation and display of food and you will be better prepared for a satisfying career in this booming industry sector.

This advanced course will focus on the more complicated aspects of food preparation, advanced cooking methods, menu planning, product knowledge and the importance of the “final plate up”.

The hospitality industry is vital to Scotland’s tourism sector and a key part of our economy. Hotels, bars, restaurants, canteens and cafes all require skilled chefs to plan, design and prepare food to the highest standards. 

You will be based in the professional training kitchen in Fort William or Portree, depending on where you live. Here you will combine practical cooking days with classroom theory sessions each week.

During your course, we introduce you to using a range of digital technologies, which will help you get the most from your course and at the same time develop your digital skills. Find out more about key computing skills and essential student skills. 

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a passion for cookery and be willing to work hard and commit to the requirements of the course. It would be beneficial for candidates to have relevant National 5s or the NC in Professional Cookery/Hospitality at SCQF level 5. Mature students will be considered on merit.

We’ll be inviting you by email to attend course information sessions between now and the start of your course. We’d urge you to come along if at all possible.

Course will include:

  • professional cookery: practical
  • professional cookery: knowledge
  • professional cookery: kitchen operations
  • food hygiene for the hospitality industry
  • hospitality costing
  • health and safety in hospitality
  • pastry
  • work placement
  • practical skills for employment
  • leading a hospitality team
  • enterprise activity
  • embedded development of core and essential skills

More than just your subject

Imagine coming out of college with your subject qualification PLUS a portfolio of skills endorsed by employers. That’s exactly what you will get with us. Our skills+ portfolio is part of your full-time course. You will develop skills in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, metaskills, work-readiness, net-zero, wellbeing, and the skills you need for your future aspirations. Our skills+ portfolio becomes your portfolio to take away with you. Whilst studying your subject you will build your skills+ portfolio and gain confidence and resilience along the way.

Equipment

PPE provided (funded through bursary if eligible). For any applicants not eligible for bursary. PPE costs £75.00 (Chefs jacket, trousers, aprons, neck scarf, safety shoes, hat, hairnets). 

Internet connection and a suitable device with headphones, microphone and camera (minimum spec) is required. Please email us if you have any concerns about connectivity or equipment.

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time

You normally need to commit to 18 hours per week (2-3 days) of blended learning time consisting of timetabled learning and personal study.

For the practical elements of your course, some of your timetabled learning will probably take place in the Professional Training Kitchen in either Portree or Fort William.

How long will my course last?

34 Weeks

Fort William: 3 days per week, based on 6hrs per day. This will be split into 1 day practical, 1 day theory and 1 day flexible self study to fit within your week. Evening participation when required.

Portree: 4 days per week, 3 will be campus delivery 6hrs per day covering both practical and theory elements and 1 day flexible to facilitate self-learning/work experience 

How will I be assessed?

    You will be assessed through on going observations, practical activities, Opened and Closed book assessments.

Where can I study my course?

    • Fort William
    • Portree

    Please note, UHI West Highland will be changing its name to UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study.

Start date

August 2023

Fees

For the latest information on fees please see our Fees & Funding information pages.

Funding

Students may qualify for bursary funding.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Progression opportunities to  

  • HNC Professional Cookery
  • HNCHospitality
  • SVQ/MA Supervisory/Management
  • SVQ Professional Cookery (Patisserie and Confectionery)

Employment:

Any suitable roles within a kitchen environment suited to the level of experience and knowledge gained by the learner.

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for Professional Cookery NC

I want to start in 2023/24

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI West Highland. Please note, UHI West Highland will be changing its name to UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study. UHI West Highland operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.