Who can enrol?

If you are 18 years or older and aspiring to become a senior chef, this is the ideal qualification for advanced cookery courses. You'll need an IELTS score of 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0. This programme is designed for serious culinary students committed to achieving excellence in professional kitchens worldwide.

What makes this course effective?

Olympic-level instruction:

Learn directly from Olympic chefs who bring world-class expertise and international culinary competition experience to your chef training.

Michelin-starred internships:

Secure placements in Michelin-starred or award-winning restaurants in New Zealand or Spain, providing unparalleled exposure to elite culinary operations.

High-end training facilities:

Train in state-of-the-art commercial and science kitchens equipped with the latest culinary technology and professional equipment used in top restaurants globally.

Dual qualification pathway:

Complete both Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications in a structured two-year programme, providing comprehensive culinary education and advanced specialisation options.

What does this cookery course cover?

This intensive Level 5 chef training programme develops mastery across four critical areas of advanced culinary practice:

Advanced pastry and larder techniques

Contemporary patisserie methods including chocolate work and sugar artistry
Modern preservation and charcuterie techniques for commercial production
Advanced bread-making including sourdough cultures and artisanal methods
Cold preparation and garde manger skills for fine dining establishments

Advanced protein cookery and presentation

Sophisticated cooking methods for meat, poultry and fish including sous vide mastery
Advanced butchery and fabrication techniques for commercial efficiency
International cuisine techniques and authentic flavour profiles
Contemporary plating and presentation for fine dining service

Event and commercial kitchen management

Menu development and costing for diverse dining concepts and events
Large-scale production planning and execution for functions and catering
Kitchen workflow optimisation and efficiency management
Advanced food safety and HACCP implementation in commercial operations

Professional kitchen leadership

Staff management, training and development in high-pressure environments
Operating procedures and compliance requirements for commercial kitchens
Quality control systems and consistency management
Customer service excellence and complaint resolution in fine dining contexts

Comprehensive internship programme

Year 1: 80 hours of internship in commercial kitchens or bakeries
Year 2: 150 hours of internship in top restaurants, including potential Michelin-starred placements

What qualifications will you gain?

Year 1: 120 Credits | New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)
Year 2: 120 Credits | New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) with strands in Cookery and Patisserie

This dual qualification structure provides comprehensive culinary credentials that are recognised internationally, opening doors to senior chef positions and culinary leadership roles worldwide.

Industry information

Advanced cookery courses graduates enter an elite tier of the culinary profession, with opportunities spanning fine dining establishments, luxury hotels, cruise ships, and celebrity chef restaurants. The global recognition of New Zealand's culinary education ensures graduates are welcomed in top kitchens worldwide.

Elite career opportunities

Senior chefs with Level 5 qualifications typically earn $85,000-$120,000+ annually in New Zealand, with head chef and executive chef positions commanding $100,000-$150,000+. International opportunities offer even higher earning potential, particularly in markets like Australia, Europe, and the United States where New Zealand-trained chefs are highly regarded.

Global culinary recognition

This qualification opens doors to prestigious positions in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury resort properties, and celebrity chef establishments. Many graduates progress to open their own restaurants, become executive chefs at major hotels, or pursue careers as culinary consultants and food television personalities.

What makes someone excel in advanced cookery?

Elite chefs combine exceptional technical skills with creative vision, leadership capabilities, and business acumen. They demonstrate the ability to innovate while maintaining consistency, manage complex kitchen operations, and inspire teams to deliver extraordinary dining experiences. Continuous learning and adaptation to evolving culinary trends are essential for sustained success at this level.

Cookery

Need Help?