Level 3 Professional Cookery Course in Hackney. Classes run at New City College Hackney Campus, part-time during the day. This professional cookery qualification runs over 43 weeks, giving you time to build skills at a steady pace alongside other commitments. You'll develop advanced culinary techniques across a range of cooking methods, kitchen management, and food preparation. The course covers the knowledge and practical skills that professional kitchens expect at senior level. It's open to learners aged 19 or over.
Who this course is for
19 plus
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook a wide range of dishes using advanced culinary techniques.
You'll apply food safety and hygiene practices to a professional kitchen standard.
You'll manage your section of a kitchen, including mise en place and service.
You'll work with meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, sauces, and pastry at Level 3 standard.
You'll plan and cost menus, considering portion control and waste management.
You'll demonstrate consistent quality and presentation in finished dishes.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in a professional kitchen environment at the campus. You'll be assessed through practical observations of your cooking, written assignments, and professional discussions with your assessor. Evidence of your skills is gathered into a portfolio throughout the course. Assessment is ongoing rather than through a single exam.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. New City College Hackney Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef de Partie: runs a section in a professional kitchen
Sous Chef: supports the head chef, oversees daily service
Head Chef: leads the kitchen team and menu development
Commis Chef: entry-level role, building speed and technique
Pastry Chef: specialises in desserts, bread, and patisserie
Private Chef: cooks for individuals, families, or events
Catering Supervisor: oversees food production in large-scale catering
What you could study next
Level 4 Award in Food Safety in Catering: strengthens your food safety knowledge for supervisory roles.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: if you want to teach cookery or train kitchen staff.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Culinary Arts: a higher-level route into culinary management or further study.
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines: adds front-of-house and menu-pairing knowledge useful in senior chef roles.
