New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) with a strand in Cookery
Advance your culinary craft and lead professional kitchen operations.
Take your cookery skills further while learning how to coordinate the people, resources and processes behind a successful commercial kitchen. You can focus on advanced cookery.
Practical learning includes developing products and menus, managing workflow and preparing food for hospitality events. You’ll work with advanced techniques while building capability in staff supervision, budgeting, food safety, sustainability and kitchen operations. A capstone event brings these areas together through the planning and delivery of a commercially suitable multi-course menu.
Key features
- Internationally recognised credentials:
Strengthen your credentials with a qualification recognised by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies.
- Advanced kitchen environment:
Refine your techniques in commercial kitchens with quality, industry-standard facilities.
- Public-facing service experience:
Apply advanced skills while serving guests in our on-campus restaurant.
- Stronger industry connections:
Extend your professional networks through projects and opportunities with local hospitality partners.
What you'll learn
- Advanced cookery techniques
- Menu and product development
- Modern dish design and presentation
- Commercial kitchen leadership and staff supervision
- Workflow, rostering and resource management
- Menu costing, budgeting and pricing
- Food safety, allergens and kitchen compliance
- Sustainable kitchen practices and waste reduction
- Customer expectations and service delivery
- Hospitality event planning and coordination
- Cultural influences on food and menu design
- Commercial product and menu evaluation
Fees for 2026
New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) or equivalent
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic
- 5.0 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.0 Writing
- 5.0 Speaking
Funding your studies
If you experience financial hardship during your studies, you may be eligible for funding, scholarships, and awards to help you continue your education.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
- Chef in a senior position
- Senior cookery chef
- CDP Delivery
Graduates of this qualification have been employed by:
- Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
- Venues Ōtautahi
- Gordon Ramsay
Study pathways
Pathways into this qualification
- New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)
New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) with strand in Cookery
Advance your culinary craft and lead professional kitchen operations.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Diploma |
| Code | NZ2102 |
| Next starts | February 2027 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| Credits | 120 |
| Level | 5 |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Reference | NZ2102-MAIN |
Fees for 2026
Credit Recognition
Translate your knowledge from previous study into credits towards a new qualification.
Apply for credit recognitionDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 1002 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 794 KB
Area of Interest
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