• » Higher Certificate in Arts – Culinary Arts

    Programme Title Higher Certificate in Arts – Culinary Arts
    CAO Code LY346
    LYIT internal code LY_GACRT_C
    Duration 2
    Standard Code Places: 32
    National Framework Level 6
    Award Type Major
    Awarding Body LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    This two year programme is for those with a passion for and interest in culinary arts and food. If you want to become Ireland’s next ‘top chef’, this may be the programme for you and this is most definitely the school in which to learn these skills. The course requires a lot of hard work and dedication but the rewards are endless. As a professional chef you need to be creative with food. You also have to understand the science of food (including food safety), changing kitchen technologies and the business aspects of catering operations. The kitchen is at the heart of all sectors of tourism and hospitality and with a never-ending sequence of meals to prepare for customers, work can be demanding. In return, a good chef will enjoy status, respect and a rewarding salary.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    Grade D3 at Ordinary level in a minimum of five subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination; either Irish or English.
    • FETAC applicants click FETAC
    I am a mature person, can I apply?
    Applicants who will be 23 years of age or older by the 1st January in the year of entry and who have appropriate work experience in the hospitality or related industry, may be exempted from the academic requirements outlined above and admitted to the programme following an interview, provided they have applied, via CAO, before February 1st.
    How long will I have to study?
    The Higher Certificate in Arts – Culinary Arts is a two year full time semesterised programme which is designed to cover both theory and practice. Work based learning is an integral component of this programme and students may undertake this in Ireland or indeed internationally.
    Other modes of study for obtaining a qualification in professional cookery include the Total Immersion Chefs Programme (9 months Intensive Programme), 3 days in College and 2 days in industry, or the National Apprenticeship Programme in Professional Cookery on a day/block release basis over 3 years (1 day a week in College/4 days in industry). Graduates of the Certificate in Culinary Skills Programme gain exception from year 1 of the National Apprenticeship Programme and can complete the programme on a part-time basis over 2 years. The 9 month Intensive Programme and the National Apprenticeship Programme both have to be applied for directly through the School of Tourism.
    What benefits can be gained by undertaking this programme?
    If you are accepted for training you will receive:
    • Training by highly skilled professionals
    • EU-recognised qualification
    What will I have to study?
    Year/Semester Proposed Modules,
    subject to approval    		 Mandatory/
    Elective    		 No of credits Class hours per week
     1/1  Culinary Fundamentals Mandatory  5  3
     Culinary Processes Mandatory  5  5
     Bakery & Confectionery 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Food Safety & Culinary Science Mandatory  5  4
     Learning to Learn Mandatory  5  3
     Introduction to ICT Mandatory  5  3
     1/2  Culinary Techniques Mandatory  5  3
     Culinary Practice Mandatory  5  5
     Bakery & Confectionery 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Nutrition Mandatory  5  4
     Restaurant Mandatory  5  5
     Communications Mandatory  5  3
     2/3  Culinary Learning Event 1  Mandatory  5  5
     Classical & Innovative Dessert 1  Mandatory  5  4
     Cuisines of the World (European) Mandatory  5  4
     Gastronomy Mandatory  5  3
     Introduction of Management Mandatory  5  3
     Work Based Learning Mandatory  5 3
     2/4  Culinary Learning Event 2 Mandatory  5  5
     Classical & Innovative Dessert 2 Mandatory  5  4
     Cuisines of the World (Asia, Africa, Americas) Mandatory  5  4
     Buffet Presentations Mandatory  5  3
     Applied Culinary Science Mandatory  5  3
     HRM Mandatory  5  3
    What is the aim of this programme?
    This programme prepares you for employment as a professional chef in the tourism and hospitality industry.
    Are there follow-up programmes available?
    Graduates may progress from this programme to the Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts or other compatible Culinary Arts degree programmes
    What career opportunities will this course provide?
    There is always a need for qualified chefs in hotels, restaurants, licensed trade, cruise ships, industrial and hospital catering and in other food-related businesses. Career promotion can be rapid from Commis Chef to Chef De Partie and ultimately Head Chef or Executive Chef. These opportunities are open equally to men and woman. Many past graduates in the area of culinary arts have had very successful careers and also opened their own businesses.
    When does the course commence?
    This course begins in September each year.
    How do I apply?
    How to Apply
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact Deirdre McCole, Head of Department of Gastronomy & Culinary Arts, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: deirdre.mccole@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 9186604