Designed by City & Guilds, this vocational qualification is suited to professional chefs, trainees looking to upskill or individuals with industry experience.
You will build on your existing skillset by preparing and cooking a wide variety of foods, allowing you to develop and refine your culinary techniques.
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
Level 2 VRQ Diploma in Professional Cookery (SCQF Level 5)
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on 15 March 2025.
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Employment opportunities are widespread in the hospitality and catering industries with roles available in fine dining, hotels, restaurants, commercial catering and tourism. Future employment roles could include:
“It’s amazing to think that my first full-time position out of College is at a Michelin-starred restaurant. I’d recommend the professional cookery courses at NESCol to anyone keen to get into the industry. “
“I’m so proud to have achieved my HND and come so far on my journey to achieving my degree. There is no age limit to education and achieving your dreams. If anyone else is thinking about returning to education, I would tell them to go for it!”
“I would definitely recommend studying professional cookery at NESCol to anyone interested in hospitality or catering. I may soon be looking for a part-time employee who is in their final year of studying at college so we could end up working together!”
“Coming back to College has given me a great sense of achievement, I feel like I’ve been using my brain again! I met a lovely bunch of people there and got on well with everyone, including the younger students in the class.”
“The lecturers are what makes the course so special. They have an abundance of industry experience allowing them to share skills and knowledge while always making lessons enjoyable. I am gutted that my time at the College has come to an end, however I am delighted to have secured my dream job at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in Gleneagles.”
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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