Start Your Journey In Gastronomy With a Cooking Diploma

Cooking Diploma – Gain a Formal Education in Gastronomy

To obtain a cooking diploma in South Africa, there are three study directions to choose from at the esteemed Prue Leith Culinary Institute. Although some establishments may accept chefs without formal qualifications, to pursue a lucrative career in the industry and work at a top-tier restaurant, an extraordinary curriculum vitae is essential.

Course Options to Obtain Accreditation

For these long-term culinary training commitments, applicants need to have a matric certificate or other equivalent certification. Individuals pursuing a chef’s career can choose from three excellent courses, all in different specialisations. The first is the national three-year Occupational Certificate: Chef course, which offers the following culinary qualifications:

  • Occupational Certificate – Cook (upon completion of the first year) and Chef (upon completion of the third year)
  • First Aid and Fire Level 1 qualification
  • Prue Leith Chefs Academy Certificate of Achievement
  • City & Guilds – Certificate and Diploma in Food Preparation & Cooking, as well as Advanced Diploma in Food Preparation and Cookery Supervision
  • WSET Wine and Spirit Courses – Level 1 and Level 2

Each year of study starts off the first semester with multiple theory sessions and ends with five months of practical training. The course is specifically designed for those with an absolute love for cooking and who want to learn every aspect thereof along with gaining professional qualifications for their future careers.

Specialise in Italian Cuisine

Another path students can take to gain a cooking diploma is the ALMA: Professional Chef of Italian Cuisine course. This course takes only 19 months to complete and includes a trip to study abroad in Italy thanks to Prue Leith’s partnership with the renowned ALMA – La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana culinary institute.

Successful applicants will receive their Prue Leith-ALMA Diploma in Italian Cuisine upon completion of the course, along with three additional qualifications. The three course options discussed all require students to compile a Portfolio of Evidence to accompany their curriculum vitae.

For this specific path, individuals are required to have a valid passport for their two months of training overseas. Visas will be arranged by the institute.

The Alternative Route – Become a Patissier

The last method of obtaining a formal education in cooking is by enrolling in the Professional Patisserie course for six months or 18 months. Attendees will receive expert training in the world of patisserie. This includes earning multiple certificates along with the City & Guilds Diploma in Patisserie.

If applicants wish to join the six-month programme, they will need to already possess their City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Food Preparation & Cooking.

Other unique accreditations in these courses for pastry chefs include:

  • Prue Leith Sugar Craft Certificate
  • Level 5 Patisserie Certificate

This path will allow students to explore modern techniques, along with receiving classical French training. Those who succeed in completing all written exams and practical assessments will have the knowledge, skills and confidence to immediately start working as a beginner level pastry chef. 

Furthermore, individuals can choose to add additional certificates to their name and gain even more specialised skills, by attending some of the large selection of short courses available at Prue Leith Culinary Institute.

Request an application form for any of the full-time courses or get more details by sending an email enquiry.

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