In general you need to have a minimum of 5 passes at ordinary level in the Leaving Certificate or its equivalent.  Applications are welcome from students with Leaving Certificate Vocational, Leaving Certificate Applied or FETAC Level 4 qualifications.  Exceptions can be made where special circumstances apply on a case by case basis.  The Leaving Certificate is not a requirement for mature students and appropriate experience can be considered as meeting the entry requirement for most courses.

We also welcome applications from mature students on all our courses.

Our comprehensive curriculum covers everything from food and beverage services, food preparation of international cuisines, culinary techniques, the pastry arts, kitchen health and safety and more - giving you a solid grounding in all areas of culinary arts.

At our college, we understand the importance of hands-on experience, which is why we offer a unique approach to learning. Each week, you'll spend four days in the classroom and one day on work placement, allowing you to put your skills to the test in real-world settings. With the highly energetic and creative environments of the hospitality sector, you'll have the opportunity to hone your skills in a dynamic and exciting setting.

• Menu Planning and Applied Nutrition
• Culinary Techniques
• Pastry
• Baking and Desserts
• Meal Service
• International Cuisines
• HACCP Food Safety
• Food Science and Technology
• Work Practice
• Personal Effectiveness and Word Processing

QQI Professional Cookery 5M2088 NFQ Level 5, EHOA (Environmental Health Offices Association)

Thanks to our professional cookery course, many of our graduates have gone on to complete Honors degrees as well as having successful culinary careers as Sous and Head chefs, business entrepreneurs, appearances on national television and industry leaders.

There are approximately forty Higher Education Institutions including Universities, Technological Universities and private colleges offering places on a range of courses to QQI full award certificate holders. QQI’s information page Going to higher education using my QQI Award provides answers to some of the more frequently asked questions.

Intending applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked awards, any additional module requirements, applications processes and scoring systems with the Admission Offices of the participating Higher Education Institutions or visit visit cao.ie.

Full awards can be used for graduates to progress to Level 6 catering at Colaiste Ide or Level 7 and Level 8 programmes in Higher Education such as TU Dublin.  Full awards can also be used for entry to UK, European and International universities, on a case-by-case basis. Full information can be found here.

Graduates regularly secure employment in a range of hotels and restaurants, including those of five-star standard.

As part of our commitment to providing our students with a truly global education, we offer the possibility for students over the age of 18 to be selected for an Erasmus+ European Mobility Exchange placement (subject to funding). This incredible opportunity allows you to gain valuable experience working in an international setting, while also broadening your cultural horizons.

1 Year

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