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HIGHER PROFESSIONAL COOKERY LEVEL 6

  • Start date:   August 2026
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 6
  • Course Type:   Full-time

HIGHER PROFESSIONAL COOKERY LEVEL 6

Please note: This course is now full. Alternatively, you can browse the website for other courses or contact our Enquiries and Admissions team at choosecollege@west-lothian.ac.uk.

Higher Professional cookery is an advanced level course designed for chefs aspiring to progress to a higher level in professional cookery and culinary arts, who will lead a team in the future. 

Start date – August 2026

End date – June 2027

SCQF Level - 5

Mode - Full time

Producing highly technical dishes, you will develop your cookery skills working in a professional kitchen, taught by experienced industry standard chefs.

You should have a passion for food and a drive to produce the highest possible standards. The course is suited to candidates with either previous industry qualifications and/or experience in professional cookery. You will also work in our Terrace Restaurant, this will include you working in the evening.

  • What the course includes

    The course includes a wide variety of units to ensure you are ready for the world of work and competent in your future career path. These include: 

    • How to prepare, cook and finish dishes meeting industry standards 
    • Fish and shellfish 
    • Meat and poultry 
    • Sous Vide 
    • Patisserie 

    You will learn in practical and theoretical classes, you will develop essential skills for working in fast-paced restaurants and kitchens through work experience in the Terrace Restaurant either on a Tuesday or Thursday until 9pm.

Why choose this course

This course introduces you to Professional Cookery and Hospitality Practices. Experienced lecturers with a range of industry experience in fine dining, contract catering, branded restaurants and 4 and 5 star hotels, will support and guide you throughout this course.

Our strong industry links allow us to organise work experience opportunities including Royal Ascot, will enhance your employment prospects.

Entry requirements

A qualification in Intermediate Professional Cookery.

We welcome applications from mature students, particularly those who lack formal qualifications but have experience in the industry.

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course.

  • Where it leads

    Education: HNC Professional Cookery 

    Employment:  As a 1st Commis Chef in a large kitchen brigade or a section leader (Chef de Partie) in a smaller kitchen.

    Previous students have found employment with the Sheraton Hotel, Balmoral, Virgin Hotels, Heritage Portfolio, Gleneagles, Sodexo, Gather and Gather. 

Interview arrangements

Interview times vary depending on previous experience and qualifications. If we invite you for interview, plan to be in college for up to three hours. The interview involves:

  • Written task to assess academic level
  • Interview to discuss relevant experience
  • Practical Assessment

Interview Questions  

  • What is the difference between stewing and braising and can you give me an example of each?
  • What is the correct core temperature for cooking poultry safely? 
  • How would you adapt a dish for a gluten intolerance? 
  • Explain the difference between julienne, paysanne and bruniose?
  • Name three thickening agents, and a use for one?
  • What are the key stages on making a sponge cake to ensure if rises evenly? 
  • If flour costs £2.30 per kilogram how much would it cost, you for 225g? 
  • What is the danger zone for bacterial and why is it important to control the amount of time food is left in the danger zone? 
  • Why is it important to rest pastry before cooking? 
  • What is the difference between a bechamel and a velouté?

Fees, Finance & Funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds. Click here to find out more

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Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.

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