Work placement

A key feature of the programme is the strong emphasis on work-based learning and industry experience, with students completing two work placements during their studies.

At the end of Year 1, students undertake a 5-credit work placement module within the Culinary Arts sector. This initial placement provides students with an opportunity to experience a professional culinary environment and to put the knowledge and practical skills developed during their first year into practice in a real kitchen setting.

In Year 2, students progress to a substantial six-month national or international work placement. This extended placement allows students to further develop their technical culinary competencies while also strengthening important professional and transferable skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, time management and professional responsibility.

The combination of the two placements provides students with a much broader and more progressive industry experience. The first placement introduces students to the realities and expectations of the professional kitchen, while the six-month placement enables them to take on greater responsibility and further develop their professional competence.

These industry experiences also allow students to build valuable professional networks and contacts, explore different areas of the culinary sector and gain a clearer understanding of their future career direction. Through engagement with students and industry partners, the programme team can also support students in identifying placement environments that best suit their interests, abilities and longer-term career aspirations.