Overview

Advanced - Professional Cookery

This qualification is for learners who work or want to work as Professional Chefs in the Hospitality and Catering sector. They allow learners to learn, develop and practise the skills required for employment and/or career progression in the Hospitality and Catering sector.

Why study….

This allows learners to progress into employment.

Ready to apply?

Course information

Need to know

Entry requirements

Essential:

This qualification is aimed at candidates who have progressed from level 2, or require further training, so it is important that they gain their experience in a professional kitchen. They should use appropriate equipment in terms of the size and scale, which must be of industrial quality. When being assessed, candidates will need to have sufficient space to work efficiently, hygienically and in a safe manner.

The qualification

City & Guilds Level 3 Diplomas in Advanced Professional Cookery (7100- 85/86).

Assessment methods

When being assessed, candidates will need to have sufficient space to work efficiently, hygienically and in a safe manner.

Course content

You will study:

  • Unit 302 The principles of food safety supervision for catering
  • Unit 863 Food product development
  • Unit 870 Supervisory skills in the hospitality industry Unit 871 Exploring Gastronomy
  • Unit 872 Advanced skills and techniques in producing vegetable and vegetarian dishes
  • Unit 873 Advanced skills and techniques in producing meat dishes
  • Unit 874 Advanced skills and techniques in producing poultry and game dishes
  • Unit 875 Advanced skills and techniques in producing fish and shellfish dishes
  • Unit 876 Produce dough and batter products
  • Unit 877 Produce petits fours
  • Unit 878 Produce paste products
  • Unit 879 Produce hot, cold and frozen desserts
  • Unit 880 Produce biscuits, cake and sponges

Further study and career options

After completing this Level 3 qualification, students can progress to:

  1. Higher Education (University):

Many universities accept Level 3 vocational qualifications like City & Guilds for entry into Foundation Degrees or Bachelor’s Degrees in subjects such as:

  • Culinary Arts
  • Hospitality Management
  • Food Science
  • Events Management

UCAS points may be awarded depending on the grade achieved (Pass, Merit, Distinction).

2. Further College Courses:

  • Level 3 Professional Patisserie and Confectionery (City & Guilds 7120)
  • Level 4 or management-focused qualifications (e.g., ILM Leadership & Management).

3. Apprenticeships:

  • Advanced or Higher Apprenticeships in Hospitality or Catering Management.
  • Career Pathways

This qualification opens doors to a wide range of roles in the hospitality and catering industry, including:

  • Sous Chef / Chef de Partie
  • Pastry Chef
  • Head Chef (with experience)
  • Catering Manager
  • Restaurant Manager
  • Food Product Developer
  • Gastronomy Specialist
  • Hospitality Supervisor or Team Leader

Graduates often work in:

  • Hotels · Restaurants (including fine dining)
  • Cruise ships
  • Event catering companies
  • Private chef roles
  • Food innovation and development labs

Average Salary Expectations (UK) Salary can vary based on experience, location, and role:

Role Average Salary

  • Commis Chef ÂŁ20,000 – ÂŁ24,000
  • Chef de Partie ÂŁ25,000 – ÂŁ30,000
  • Sous Chef ÂŁ30,000 – ÂŁ35,000
  • Head Chef ÂŁ35,000 – ÂŁ50,000+
  • Catering Manager ÂŁ26,000 – ÂŁ35,000
  • Restaurant Manager ÂŁ30,000 – ÂŁ40,000
  • Food Product Developer ÂŁ30,000 – ÂŁ45,000

Some top chefs or those working in high-end establishments can earn significantly more, especially with experience and reputation

Skills gained:

Use of knives and other equipment. Designing of recipes and food presentation and design. Exploration of Gastronomy and Supervisory skills in the hospitality industry.

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email: info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk

Available Courses
Central Bedfordshire College Dunstable Main Campus
Starts: 07/09/2026
Type: Full Time
Length: 1 year
Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Time(s):
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Fees:

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Additional Learning Support

If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.

Financial Support

For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.

Accessibility

We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.

 

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.