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Level 3 Professional Cookery Course in Leicester

CostAnnual Tuition Fee: GBP5421.00. Material Fee: GBP150.00. Resident Fee: GBP30.00. Additional costs may apply and concessions may be available. Please click on GO TO COURSE or call 0116 224 2240 or email [email protected] for more information.
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Professional Cookery Course in Leicester. Classes run at Leicester College Freemen's Park Campus, full-time during the day. This course builds on a Level 2 chef qualification or relevant kitchen experience, taking your professional cookery skills to an advanced level. Over one year, you'll develop techniques in kitchen and larder work, take part in masterclasses from local chefs, and complete a 20-hour work experience placement.

Who this course is for

This course is designed for those who have successfully completed a professional chef qualification at level 2 or have relevant trade experience and want to develop their craft.

There are a range of enrichment opportunities; including master classes from expert local chefs and exciting employment prospects within one of our careers fairs.

As part of the course requirements, you'll engage in a 20-hour work experience program aimed at honing essential employability skills and preparing you for the next phase of your career journey (scheduled between October and May of the following year). Our dedicated work placement team is available to provide support throughout this process. Additionally, you'll take part in activities geared towards personal development, fostering character growth, and building confidence essential for thriving in both personal and professional fields.

For individuals aged 16-19, these activities, along with the work experience program, are scheduled into your timetable, with the option to participate in supplementary activities. For other age groups, activities will be tailored to meet specific needs and requirements.

Entry requirements

For admission to this course, applicants must provide at least one reference. Additionally, a minimum of 90% attendance is preferred. A grade 4 or above in both GCSE English and maths is desirable. However, applicants over the age of 19 without formal English and maths qualifications will be considered.

For candidates aged 16-18, enrolment will be in a study program that involves retaking GCSEs or pursuing Functional Skills in English and maths if a grade 4 or higher has not been attained.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop advanced kitchen and larder techniques to professional chef standard.
  • You'll prepare, cook, and present complex dishes using classical and contemporary methods.
  • You'll manage kitchen workflow, including mise en place and service planning.
  • You'll apply food safety and hygiene practices at a senior level.
  • You'll learn from expert local chefs through specialist masterclasses.
  • You'll build employability skills through a structured 20-hour work experience programme.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based practical sessions in a professional kitchen environment, alongside theory work covering culinary principles and kitchen management. Assessment is through practical tasks, observations, and written assignments. You'll also complete a 20-hour work experience placement as part of the course requirements.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Leicester College Freemen's Park Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Chef de Partie: runs a specific section of a professional kitchen
  • Commis Chef: entry-level role in hotels, restaurants, and contract catering
  • Larder Chef: specialist in cold preparation, charcuterie, and garde manger
  • Sous Chef: second-in-command in a professional kitchen brigade
  • Kitchen Supervisor: oversees daily kitchen operations and junior staff
  • Private Chef: cooks for private households or corporate clients

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Diploma in Professional Culinary Arts: deepens culinary knowledge and moves toward head chef and kitchen management roles.
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery: a work-based route that complements this qualification and strengthens your CV for senior kitchen positions.
  • Food Safety in Catering (Level 3 Award): a short compliance qualification many employers require for supervisory kitchen roles.
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