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INTERMEDIATE PROFESSIONAL COOKERY LEVEL 5

  • Start date:   August 2026
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 5
  • Course Type:   Full-time

INTERMEDIATE PROFESSIONAL COOKERY LEVEL 5

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

 

This course will give you the skills you need for a career in professional cookery.

This includes organisational skills, food preparation and cookery, preparing pastry and sweets, working safely and food hygiene. You will also work in our Terrace Restaurant, this will include you working in the evening.

Start date – August 2026
End date – June 2027
SCQF Level - 5
Mode - Full-time

Read about Taylor Clark's West Lothian College experience here

 

  • What the course includes

    The course covers:

    • Preparing, cooking and serving food
    • Planning and costing a menu
    • Food hygiene
    • Communication, information technology, problem solving and team-working

    You will learn in practical and theoretical classes in our fully equipped facilities. 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.

 

Entry requirements

At least two National 4 awards (Standard Grade general level or Intermediate 1 or 2) in English, mathematics, home economics, food technology and/or science

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

Former students have found employment with the Sheraton Hotel, Dakota Hotel, Balmoral, Virgin Hotels, Gleneagles and Sodexo

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

  • Where it leads

    Education: progression to higher professional cookery level 6 or specialist areas such as patisserie.

    Employment: in the hospitality and catering industry in the UK and abroad add different levels within the industry.

    We offer a range of full-time courses from Level 4 up to Level 6 Professional Cookery and you would have the opportunity to progress through these levels which are designed to prepare you for employment within this industry. 

    Students benefit from our strong links with local employers and related organisations, by hearing from industry speakers and to gain work experience from varied work placement opportunities including Royal Ascot. 

    Student have entered industry recognised competitions including Scothot, Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Show, Master Chefs of Great Britian and Unox which is in Italy.

Interview arrangements

If we invite you for interview, plan to be in college for up to three hours. The interview involves:

  • Course information
  • Individual interview and practical assessment 
  • Written Assessment

Interview Questions 

  • What is the basic thickening agent in a bechamel sauce? 
  • State the temperature that fridge should run at 
  • State the temperature for a freezer to run at 
  • Name one classic Scottish dish 
  • Name four different ways that you could cook a chicken breast. 
  • Name three Scottish seasonal food item that could be found on a summer menu. 
  • If you sell an item for £12 and it costs you £5 to produce. How much profit will you make? 
  • What will your total income be if you sell seven items at £6.50 each? 

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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