Upon registration, students are required to acquire their own chef's uniform (approx. €200), culinary equipment kit (approx. €150), and prescribed textbooks (approx. €200).
Programme Overview
The Higher Certificate in Arts in Culinary Arts is a two-year, full-time Level 6 programme designed to train and develop aspiring chefs for the vibrant tourism and hospitality industry. The course blends culinary creativity with essential commercial disciplines, including kitchen environment safety and precise cost control. Graduates gain the foundational skills and theoretical knowledge required to build successful careers in today’s rapidly expanding global food and catering sectors.
Practical Learning & Work-Based Experience
Hands-on training covers both the theory and practice of professional cookery in fully equipped modern kitchens. A core component of the programme is practical work-based learning undertaken during the summer months in approved catering establishments throughout the country, giving students real-world operational experience in commercial environments.
Coursework
The curriculum focuses on fundamental culinary techniques, food safety standards, and kitchen operational management:
- Professional Cookery & Culinary Arts: Mastering classic and modern culinary techniques, food presentation, and menu creation.
- Food Safety & Kitchen Operations: Implementing strict food hygiene practices, food safety standards, and kitchen health and safety protocols.
- Kitchen Finance & Cost Control: Understanding food costing, portion control, waste reduction, and kitchen budget management.
- Gastronomy & Culinary Theory: Studying food science, ingredient knowledge, nutrition, and global culinary traditions.
Career Opportunities
Graduates hold a Level 6 Higher Certificate that provides direct entry into entry-level culinary roles across the hospitality sector, as well as clear progression routes to Level 7 and Level 8 degree qualifications:
- Commis Chef / Junior Sous Chef
- Catering & Event Operations Assistant
- Restaurant & Hotel Kitchen Team Member
- Progression to Level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts or Related Hospitality Programmes
Upon completion of the two-year programme, graduates possess the practical craft skills, industry experience, and professional standards required to thrive in commercial kitchens or advance into higher degree studies.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic Learning | Career planning and work placement |
| Culinary Skills 1.1 | Cost Control for Culinary Operations |
| Exploring Cookery | Culinary IT |
| Food Safety & Culinary Science | Culinary Skills 1.2 |
| Live Service 1.1 | Live Service 1.2 |
| Pastry 1.1 | Pastry 1.2 |
Year 2
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Applied Culinary Science | Bakery |
| Gastronomy | Classical & Contemporary |
| Global Cuisine | Essentials of Business |
| Learning Event 2.1 | Food and Beverage operations for Culinary Arts |
| Nutrition | Learning Event 2.2 |
| Pastry 2.1 | Pastry 2.2 |
Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for the Higher Certificate in Arts in Culinary Arts
5 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Advanced and Equivalent Entry for the Higher Certificate in Arts in Culinary Arts:
Students who complete this level 6 Higher Certificate programme can choose either to graduate after two years or progress on to related level 7 and level 8 degree courses.
Information on how to progress is on our advanced entry page.
Benefits to be gained from Higher Certificate in Arts in Culinary Arts
-
Be qualified to work in various catering establishments i.e., resturants/hotels/gastro bars/cruise ships/contract catering/factory catering/food development
-
Travel abroad as the qualification is recognised worldwide.
Follow on Study for graduates of the Higher Certificate in Arts in Culinary Arts
Benefits to be gained from Higher Certificate in Arts in Culinary Arts
-
Be qualified to work in various catering establishments i.e., resturants/hotels/gastro bars/cruise ships/contract catering/factory catering/food development
-
Travel abroad as the qualification is recognised worldwide.
Completion of a level 8 programme will also enable students to undertake taught Masters programmes or Masters degrees by research at SETU Waterford or other third-level colleges
Stories
Course Leader
Mr Edward Hayden
Course Leader-Higher Certificate in Culinary Arts -
Email: [email protected]
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