Professional Cookery Level 2 Course in Merton. Classes run at Merton College, part-time during the day. The course runs over 24 weeks, giving you time to build your skills alongside other commitments. You'll work in Merton College's professional kitchens, developing the practical techniques that kitchens expect from trained cooks. This City and Guilds level 2 professional cookery qualification covers food preparation, cooking methods, and kitchen working practices. It's a strong foundation for anyone looking to work as a chef or progress in catering.
Who this course is for
Please see our website for full details www.stcg.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Please see our website for full details www.stcg.ac.uk
What you will learn
You'll prepare and cook a range of dishes using professional kitchen techniques.
You'll follow food safety and hygiene practices to industry standards.
You'll work safely in a professional kitchen environment.
You'll develop knife skills and food preparation methods used in commercial kitchens.
You'll cook using a variety of methods including grilling, roasting, frying, and braising.
You'll present dishes to a professional standard.
You'll understand how to minimise waste and manage resources in a kitchen.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in professional kitchen facilities at Merton College. Assessment for the NVQ Diploma is largely practical and observation-based, with assessors observing you carrying out real kitchen tasks. You'll also build a portfolio of evidence showing your competence across the qualification's units. There may be some written or knowledge-based assessments alongside the practical work.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Merton College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chef de partie: section chef in a professional kitchen
Commis chef: entry-level role in restaurants and hotels
Kitchen assistant: supporting chefs in food preparation
Catering assistant: food service in schools, hospitals, or events
Short-order cook: fast-paced café or canteen cooking
Prep cook: specialist food preparation in larger kitchens
What you could study next
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery (City and Guilds): the next step for chefs moving into senior kitchen roles or aiming for a CSCS-equivalent catering card.
Level 3 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a short compliance qualification valued by employers in regulated food environments.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering: if you want a standalone food hygiene certificate alongside your cookery qualification.
