Programme Outline
Level 4 Cookery and Professional Chef training at EIT is a full-time one-year, or part-time two-year (one day a week), journey which offers you stimulating studies and provides the opportunity to begin a career in the hospitality industry.
Our new part-time In Work Learning programme allows you to continue to work and earn whilst having access to all the EIT amenities and support during your two-year study period. You will achieve the NZQA approved NZ Certificate in Cookery [Level 4], combining real-world experience in the workplace whilst gaining knowledge, skills and techniques in our modern training kitchens.
Subject Areas
Level 4 Modules:
- Module 1 – Entremetier
- Module 2 – Garde manger
- Module 3 – Saucier
- Module 4 – Patissier
You are welcome to make an appointment to discuss your study options with our staff.
Industry-based Training
As a part-time In Work Learning student, you will be expected to work a minimum of 20 hours per week in a commercial kitchen which is of a standard agreed to by EIT.
During the year, full-time students will complete an industry placement course as part of the programme. The 50 hours of industry-based experience will ensure you develop professional networks, apply your professional skills in a commercial situation and complete an enterprise report.
You are welcome to make an appointment to discuss your study options with our staff and to view our facilities.
Career and Study Opportunities
The NZ Certificate in Cookery [Level 4] programme offers you enhanced employment opportunities in restaurants and commercial kitchens, including specialist and commercial catering.
Your study pathway can continue with the NZ Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) [Level 5].
Entry Requirements
To be eligible to enrol in the Level 4 programme, applicants must:
- Meet the NCEA Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy Requirement, or provide evidence of achievement at a higher level; or
- If not able to satisfy the academic requirement above, be able to demonstrate interest in the industry and the potential to succeed.
To be eligible to enrol in this Level 4 programme, and have the option of not undertaking the compulsory foundation course Culinary Concepts, applicants must:
- Meet the NCEA Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy Requirement, or provide evidence of achievement at a higher level, and be able to demonstrate introductory cookery skills in one the following ways:
- Have achieved NZ Certificate in Cookery [Level 3]; or
- NZ Certificate in Hospitality (Basic Cookery) [Level 3]; or
- NZ Certificate in Hospitality [Level 2]; or
- Demonstrate introductory cookery knowledge and skills, including knife handling and food safety, i.e. NZ Certificate in Food and Beverage Service Level 3 / Level 4 and EIT Trades Academy Hospitality programme.
- Demonstration of knowledge and skills can be either through study at EIT or another institution, or practical work in the hospitality or similar industry that includes a focus on professionalism.
Part-time In Work Learning
As a part-time In Work Learning student, applicants will be expected to work a minimum of 20 hours per week in a commercial kitchen which is of a standard agreed to by EIT. The work place must have an agreed mentor in place to manage the In Work Learning.
Elective Foundation Course
Only applicants without the required introductory cookery skills are automatically accepted onto all five courses of the programme.
PCP4.01 Culinary Concepts is a required course for these applicants, and pre-requisite to the other four courses of the programme.
Applicants with the required introductory cookery skills as well as the Literacy and Numeracy requirements are automatically accepted onto the four core compulsory courses of the programme and given the option of enrolling in the foundation course Culinary Concepts if they choose.
An up-to-date CV or a personal declaration will be required of those applicants who do not meet the standard requirements as listed above to demonstrate their potential to succeed. An interview will be carried out if the CV or personal declaration does not initially demonstrate the potential to succeed. This will determine whether applicants are accepted onto the programme, are required to enrol in Culinary Concepts, or are advised to instead enrol in the Level 3 NZ Certificate in Cookery programme.
Acceptance onto the programme will be on a first come, first served basis.
Rationale for Entry Requirements and Process
Basic skills in cookery are necessary to ensure students are able to cope during initial programme delivery and don’t impede the learning of others in the class.
Basic Literary and Numeracy skills in order to complete assignments and motivation are the crucial components for success at this level.
Please note: the learning activities for all qualifications require students to cook with and consume all types of meat – applicants who are vegetarian should speak directly with EIT staff before completing their application process.
Entry with Credit
For information and enquiries about Recognition of Prior Learning and Cross Credit please contact the Programme Coordinator on 06 830 1421.
This pathway of study leads to the award of nationally approved qualifications. These qualifications may be taught at a number of other tertiary institutes around New Zealand. If you were to transfer to one of those other institutes you may be granted academic credit for some of the courses completed but this is at the discretion of the other institute.
Please note: Fees are not transferable between institutes.
How to Enrol
Step 1 – Check entry requirements
Make sure you have read and understood the entry requirements for your situation and background.
Entry requirements can be different for domestic and international students.
Step 2 – Confirm campus and check key dates
The next intake date(s) for your chosen course and campus are listed in the Course Details panel on this page.
Dates can vary between campuses, so make sure you have selected the campus you wish to study at.
Step 3 – Confirm fees and costs
Visit https://www.eit.ac.nz/fees/ to see the fees for this programme.
Step 4 – Complete any supporting forms
If your course requires any supporting forms, they will be listed below under ‘Supporting Documentation’
Step 5 – Submit your application
You’ll need an up-to-date email address to start your online application.
You’ll also need to know what you want to study – your degree or programme and majors and/or minors, and the courses you plan to take.
You may be asked to submit supporting documentation with your application.
