Culinary Arts
This one year course aims to provide students with the necessary practical skills and theoretical knowledge to pursue a career in Culinary Arts. All students participate in work experience where they practice their skills and gain valuable knowledge in the industry.
| 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
1 year full-time. This course is timetabled over three days per week to accommodate chefs working in the industry.
Entry Requirements
Course Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate with 5 passes or equivalent is the standard entry requirement for all Level 5 courses. Leaving Certificate Applied or QQI Level 4 Award are also acceptable on the majority of Level 5 courses. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements (e.g. mature learners etc.) for particular courses may be interviewed.
A QQI Level 5 award or equivalent in a relevant subject area is the standard entry requirement for Level 6 Advanced Certificate courses.
Non-Standard Applicants
Non-Standard Applicants may be required to complete an interview and/or other form of assessment to successfully complete their registration on their chosen programme.
English Language
All courses are delivered through English. In addition to the listed entry requirements, applicants whose first language is not English are required to complete and provide evidence of English language proficiency. Where prospective learners first language is not English, the standard minimum entry requirements for all courses is proficiency at B2 on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
School Leavers
Whether you have attended school in Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK or further afield, we have a programme to suit your needs. We have a wide range of suitable programmes with internationally recognised certification that will enhance both your career and further education possibilities.
International Students
DIFE welcomes applications from eligible international students. Help and advice is available for international students at every step of the application process and continues after enrolment onto your chosen programme.
Careers / Further progression
Progression & Career Options:
Graduates may opt to progress directly into employment as junior chefs in hotels, restaurants, bars and other organisations involved in the food and beverage industry. Alternatively graduates are eligible to apply to Level 6 Culinary Arts here in DIFE or to a range of Culinary Arts degree programmes in universities and technological universities nationwide.
Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked:
DIT Health and Nutrition for Culinary Arts, Culinary Entrepreneurship
WIT, DKIT, IT Tralee, GMIT Culinary Arts
Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology.
This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.
Further information
Course commences: September 2026.
Additional course fees apply for uniforms and equipment.
Students should apply online through the college website: www.dife.ie (see "Application Weblink").
Further information of the webpage - https://www.dife.ie/application-procedure/
This one year course aims to provide students with the necessary practical skills and theoretical knowledge to pursue a career in Culinary Arts. All students participate in work experience where they practice their skills and gain valuable knowledge in the industry. This course was developed in response to the skills shortages currently being experienced within this industry in Ireland.
Culinary Techniques
Meal Service with Barista Training
Pastry, Baking and Desserts
Menu Planning and Applied Nutrition
Personal Effectiveness
Work Practice
Food Science and Technology
Word Processing
International Cuisine
5M2088 - Professional Cookery
Award: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Professional Cookery - 5M2088.
Contact Admissions Office or Course Co-ordinator,
Drogheda Institute,
Tel: 041 983 7105
Web: www.dife.ie
email: dife@lmetb.ie