Cookery - Professional Cookery
Do you have a desire to make a career in the Food industry, learn practical cooking skills, knowledge of food, that allows you to start your career in the hospitality Industry or go on to further education or complete an apprenticeship?
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum:
• Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional
Must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
This course will allow you to progress on to any Culinary Arts program at any Further education college or MTU colleges across Ireland.
This program also allows you to go on to a two-year apprentice’s program with Kerry college, while gaining both on the job and college experience.
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results. You may also apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year.
What are the employment opportunities?
The hospitality sector offers an exciting employment opportunity, across all areas.
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Apply online via the Kerry College Website - link above.
Your application will be processed using FETCHCOURSES - the National FET Course Application System.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
This course will give you the skills needed to go out to Industry and start work. Offer you a career in the Hospitality sector, give you the opportunities that can take you all over the world to work. This course gives you active menu planning hands on Practical skill in our food and beverage restaurant at Kerry college Clash.
What's the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Professional Cookery (5M2088).
What will I study?
Culinary Techniques (5N0630)
Food Science and Technology (5N0730)
Meal Service (5N0635)
Menu Planning and Applied Nutrition (5N2085)
Pastry, Baking and Desserts (5N2084)
Personal Effectiveness (5N1390)
Word Processing (5N1358)
Work Practice (5N1433)
5M2088 - Professional Cookery
Clash Road,
Tralee, Co. Kerry
V92 Y991
Tel: (066) 7121 741
e: clashroad@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm