HNC Professional Cookery
Take your culinary skills to the next level with our HNC in Professional Cookery -an advanced, hands-on course designed for those ready to lead in the kitchen. Set in a fully operational professional environment, this course blends expert cookery techniques with the essential supervisory and business skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of hospitality.
You’ll sharpen your knowledge of ingredients, menu planning, and kitchen operations while gaining real-world experience in culinary supervision. From mastering plated desserts to understanding the financial backbone of a successful kitchen, this course prepares you to step confidently into supervisory positions or progress to further study.
Whether you're aiming to become a head chef, run your own kitchen, or move into hospitality management, this course gives you the tools, confidence, and experience to make it happen.
Content
- Professional Cookery - Knowledge and Practical
- Finance and Costings
- Hospitality Supervision
- Plated Desserts
- Work Placement
- Food Hygiene
- Graded Unit Professional Cookery
Career Paths
- Professional Chef at Supervisory level
- Junior Management within a catering environment
- Chef Patron/Manager
Progression
On successful completion of this course students may progress onto a related degree programme.
Forth Valley College has formal articulation links in place for entry into year three of the following degree programmes:
- BA (Hons) Food, Nutrition & Textiles - University of the Highlands and Islands
- BA (Hons) Hospitality Management - University of the Highlands and Islands
Please note articulation links are subject to change and do not guarantee a place on any university course, minimum Graded Unit results may also be required. Students can still apply for entry to year one or two of many of these degree programmes and should check with individual universities for more detail. Each institution will have specific entry requirements.
Entry requirements
One of the following:
- Successful completion of a relevant access course, an appropriate group of National Qualification units or City Guilds Level 3 Professional Cookery
- Applicants who do not meet these criteria, but have relevant experience or alternative qualifications will be considered (although applicants are unlikely to be accepted without proof of adequate practical skills)
Additional requirements: - Selection by successful completion of both face-to-face and practical interviews
More Info
Further advice for full-time applicants:
• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to November 2024, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk
Stirling Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 7