Professional Cookery:City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma

Applications Open: Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: Friday 24th July 2026

Entry Requirements: Our general entry requirements are:-

• A Levels – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• BTEC Level 3 – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 4+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• T Level - technical course, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics.

• BTEC Level 2 – One year programme, which could lead on to further studies, with an average entry requirement at least five grade 2 or above, including English and mathematics.

How to Apply: Please apply via Kent Choices

If applying to T Level Engineering, please include a second choice set of subjects within the same application.

Summary of skills students gain by studying this subject

Become a professional chef by completing these industry standard qualifications. Allow students to learn, develop and practise the skills required for employment and/or career progression in the hospitality and catering sector whilst also learning other workplace essentials like menu design.

The Diploma in Professional Cookery is for anyone who wants to work as a chef in the catering and hospitality sector. It is perfect for learners coming straight from school who wish to seek a career in this industry.

Course Content

During the course, students will study: food safety, health and safety in catering, healthier foods, costs and menu planning, and preparing and cooking foods for our many paying customers.

Assessments

As well as completing written assignments, students will be assessed in practical tests. Some will be a single dish while others will comprise of a number of dishes. The tutor will explain these between one and three weeks before the date of each test so that students have an adequate chance to prepare.

Additional Course Entry Requirements

You will need to show competence in all areas of study, practical skills with flair and creativity are an added bonus.

Progression and career opportunities

The Diploma in Professional Cookery can :

• commis working in a kitchen; progressing to CDP, Sous Chef & Head Chef
• go on to university for food science, hotel management etc

After taking the Level 1 qualification you should move on to:

• Level 2 Professional Cookery (7100)

After taking the Level 2 qualification you could move on to:

• Level 3 Professional Cookery (7100; A level equivalent)