New Zealand Diploma in Culinary Practice (Level 5) (Cookery)
Food & Beverage
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Elevate your culinary career with this Level 5 diploma. Learn to design innovative dishes, manage kitchens, and deliver food events, with a focus on sustainability and culturally responsive cuisine. Suitable for junior chefs wanting to advance their skills and leadership.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 1 year
This course requires 30 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Design and produce innovative dishes and menus
Apply creative skills to design contemporary dishes and menus suitable for professional settings, incorporating current culinary trends.
Apply sustainable and culturally responsive practices
Demonstrate understanding of sustainability in dish design and respect for cultural diversity within cuisine.
Manage kitchen operations and staff
Develop organisational skills to manage food supplies, production schedules, and staff training in a commercial kitchen.
What You're Signing Up For
This hands-on programme is designed for junior chefs aiming to develop both creative and practical skills in professional cookery. You'll learn dish and menu design grounded in regional, national, and global trends, lead kitchen operations, and understand sustainable and culturally responsive culinary practices. Learning is delivered through project-based and portfolio-based assessment, with options for on-campus study or work-integrated learning. The qualification also includes a leadership component where students plan and deliver a food event.
Course Content
- Deliberate Practice for Kai: reflective practice and advanced cooking skills
- Sweet Kitchen Pūmanawa: bakery and dessert design
- Contemporary Haka Kai: contemporary sustainable and culturally responsive cuisine
- Sensory Design: sensory balance and production of culinary items
- Culinary Leadership and Management: principles and practice of kitchen management
- Implementing Manaakitaka: leadership and planning/delivery of a food event
What you need to know first
New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) or equivalent; or relevant culinary work experience
International students assessed for equivalent academic qualifications
If English is not your first language: New Zealand University Entrance, or IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0) or equivalent
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Hospitality
Food and Beverage
Culinary Arts
Future employment opportunities might be
Junior chef
Kitchen manager
Culinary event coordinator
Bakery/dessert specialist
Food entrepreneur
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.