New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3)
Thinking about a career in cooking? This introductory programme introduces you to the basic cookery, teamwork, and food safety skills that you need to work in the hospitality industry. During your studies, you'll learn to master the basics of working in a professional kitchen by preparing a range of dishes that would be suitable for food places such as cafés, restaurants, and bakeries. Use this certificate to pave your way to higher cooking qualifications or combine it with our New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage (Level 3) to become an all-around hospitality superstar.
Domestic
About the programme
During this hands-on programme, you’ll learn the basic culinary skills and techniques used by chefs and cooks in their daily work.
With a focus on teamwork, you’ll develop the confidence and capability to prepare and serve high-quality food to customers in our training café and restaurant. From classic café fare, well-known restaurant dishes, famous sweet treats, and delicious bakery items, you’ll master the basics of cookery whilst also learning about the various career opportunities that exist in the world of food.
If you're an Otago senior secondary school student, you may be able to study this programme through our Otago Secondary-Tertiary College (OSTC). To apply, you need to contact your school careers advisor. This starts in February.
International
About the programme
During this hands-on programme, you’ll learn the basic culinary skills and techniques used by chefs and cooks in their daily work.
With a focus on teamwork, you’ll develop the confidence and capability to prepare and serve high-quality food to customers in our training café and restaurant. From classic café fare, well-known restaurant dishes, famous sweet treats, and delicious bakery items, you’ll master the basics of cookery whilst also learning about the various career opportunities that exist in the world of food.
If you're an Otago senior secondary school student, you may be able to study this programme through our Otago Secondary-Tertiary College (OSTC). To apply, you need to contact your school careers advisor. This starts in February.
What You Study
Courses
There are four, 15 credit courses that make up this programme. Each course is has a different focus area so you can experience a variety of different aspects of the hospitality industry.
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to Cookery Skills 1 Safety first! In this course, you'll be taught introductory culinary skills and knowledge to work safely and efficiently within a professional kitchen. You'll gain these skills by cooking breakfast dishes and light meals commonly found on many café menus. |
15 |
|
Introduction to Cookery Skills 2 Thinking of a career as a gourmet chef? In this course, you'll experience hands on what it's like to work in a professional kitchen team, cooking and serving restaurant-quality food to real-world customers. |
15 |
|
Introduction to Cookery Skills 3 Ever wondered what it's like to work as a baker or pastry chef? In this course, you'll learn to cook basic sweet treats and bakery items that will look and taste delicious and will impress your family and friends. |
15 |
|
Introduction to Cookery Skills 4 Do you enjoy the casual nature of café food? From gourmet pies and salads, to delicious cabinet food, in this course, you'll learn to cook many of the classic dishes found on local café menus. |
15 |
| Total | 60 |
Health and Safety
There are a number of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) issues associated with practical work in areas specific to a commercial kitchen environment. These include, but are not limited to, burns from hot liquids or hot objects and cuts from sharp instruments. You will have access to an orientation booklet that covers the associated risks in more detail.
Further study options
Upon completion of this Certificate, you can:
further your learning and skills with our New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) which starts in February each year, or
combine it with our New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage (Level 3) to become an all-around hospitality superstar. This programme starts in February and July each year.
Workload
Your workload
This programme is hands-on and involves a lot of practical work to intensively develop your kitchen skills in a commercial facility.
Entry
Entry requirements
- Open entry; there are no academic entry requirements.
- International students will be individually assessed to ensure they are ready for this study.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Please email info@op.ac.nz for information on learning and assessment in your workplace.
Additional documentation
You must supply your academic records, along with certified copies of proof of identity and proof of residency (where appropriate).
Selection procedure
If the number of applicants exceeds the available places, a waitlist will be used to ensure preference is given to applicants in order of application.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
During your induction day, you have the opportunity to purchase your full uniform from our preferred supplier. You should expect to spend approximately $450 on programme specific equipment. This will be covered by the "Course-Related costs" section of your student loan (if you are eligible for this - see Student Loans and Allowances section below).
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
