Study culinary and become a chef
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 1 year (32 teaching weeks), 3-4 days per week.
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Start dates
February, May, July, October
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Qualification
New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)Programme code: NZ2101 -
Credits
120 -
Locations
MIT Ōtara
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Entry requirements
Open entry
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Domestic fees
$7,300 (approx.)
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International fees
This programme is for domestic students only. Please see the International Diploma in Cookery.
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Are you interested in becoming a chef in one of New Zealand's many kitchens?
Develop your creativity in the kitchen and learn the advanced cooking skills you need to become an intermediate level chef.
When you graduate you will be ready for roles in restaurants, cafés, commercial catering, hotels and events. Or you can further develop your chefing skills with our level 5 programme.
Entry requirements
General
Open entry for domestic students
There are no academic requirements that need to be met to enter this programme.
International students: English language entry requirements
For the minimum English language requirements refer to the requirements set out in the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-international-students/
International students will generally be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, for this programme an IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 is required. Equivalent acceptable evidence can be seen at the following NZQA link:https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/
Need IELTS?
Book your British Council IELTS test with us.
You will complete your test in one day, plus get free online tuition to help you succeed. We offer paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS. Choose computer-delivered IELTS and get your results in 3-5 days.
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below eight courses (120 credits):
461.430 Boiling, poaching and steaming (15 credits)
Prepare to work in a commercial kitchen by learning how to confidently, safely and hygienically use wet methods of cookery such as boiling, poaching and steaming.
461.431 Frying (15 credits)
Prepare to work in a commercial kitchen by learning how to confidently, safely and hygienically use short order methods of cookery such as frying.
461.432 Baking, roasting and grilling (15 credits)
Prepare to work in a commercial kitchen by learning how to confidently, safely and hygienically use hot line methods of cookery such as baking, roasting and grilling.
461.433 Cold food service (15 credits)
Prepare to work in a commercial kitchen by learning how to confidently, safely and hygienically produce cold food items.
461.434 Farinaceous and dairy (15 credits)
Apply cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of dishes using farinaceous and dairy items and employing complex preparation and presentation techniques.
461.435 Fruits and vegetables (15 credits)
Apply cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of dishes using fruit and vegetable items and employing complex preparation and presentation techniques.
461.436 Meat, fish and poultry (15 credits)
Apply cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of dishes using meat, fish and poultry items and employing complex preparation and presentation techniques.
461.437 Desserts (15 credits)
Prepare, produce and present a range of dessert and patisserie dishes in a commercial kitchen.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Further training or study
- New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (advanced) (Level 5) Cookery strand
- New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 5)
Career opportunities
Intermediate level positions in restaurants, cafés, commercial catering, hotels, functions and events. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
"I loved the location of MIT – away from the city so I could concentrate on my studies. A lot of the equipment is new and the lecturers and staff are the most helpful I’ve ever met. We were just like a family. I also did some of my training at Novotel Auckland Airport which was a great experience. For international students, there are convenient payment options for fees. I heard about my current job from another MIT graduate. There are so many ways that MIT will help you find a good job."
Anne Anggraeni
MIT graduate
International student Ravneel Anand was delighted when his industry placement at a top Auckland hotel lead to a part-time job. Ravneel, from Fiji, spent a month working at The Langham as part of his International diploma in culinary course at MIT. The placement gave him a chance to work in every department in their kitchens, from pastry to mains to desserts. After Ravneel completed the internship, he was offered a part-time job as a commis chef. Ravneel loved his job and says his studies at MIT were excellent preparation for his future career.
"MIT was a great choice to prepare me for a culinary career. I have found studying at MIT interesting and challenging and amazing. Everything has been enjoyable. The lecturers are so down-to-earth and helpful."
Ravnell is also enjoying living in Auckland. “I like going out with my friends, seeing new places and having a good time."
Ravneel Anand
MIT graduate
"The qualification you obtain from MIT will open up so many doors for you.
Level 4 cookery is a fantastic course for those wanting to start learning culinary arts. You will learn the fundamentals and principles of working in a commercial kitchen and walk out with your qualification and ready to walk into an entry-level position.
I love the facilities at MIT and the calibre of students that we attract. The lecturers are all industry relevant and have such passion for their subjects. It’s a great learning space for anyone who wants to get a great qualification towards their career."
Tamara Johnson
MIT lecturer
Ready to put your plans in place?
Free study for the first year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the government’s fees-free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must be eligible to study as a domestic student. Free study for up to one year for Levels 3 and 4 may be available under Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), a government-led training initiative to encourage young Māori and Pasifika people to gain trade qualifications. All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 29 November 2023. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2024 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2024 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2024 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2024 are based on the 2023 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2024. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.