It is designed for people with Level 4 cookery learning or relevant commercial-kitchen experience who want to develop advanced culinary, leadership and operational-management skills.
New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5)
Develop the advanced culinary, leadership and kitchen-management skills needed to operate effectively in a professional commercial kitchen. Learn through practical training, blended study and industry work placement in Auckland.
- Blended
- On campus
Next intake: 26 October 2026
About the programme
Turn advanced culinary skill into confident kitchen leadership.
This programme develops the advanced cookery and kitchen-management skills required to produce and present complex dishes, supervise staff, control resources and manage daily operations in a commercial kitchen.
Train in commercial and science kitchens, learn from experienced award-winning chefs and connect theory with practical work. You will build professionalism across food production, workflow, compliance, menu strategy, sustainability and service delivery before completing an applied work placement.
Advanced practice in a real kitchen environment
Develop practical experience through the on-campus training kitchen, cafe, functions and events, then consolidate your learning through a 100-hour commercial-kitchen work placement.
Entry requirements
Ready to advance your culinary skills?
This programme is designed for international learners aged 18 or over who have completed a Level 4 cookery qualification, hold an equivalent qualification or have relevant commercial kitchen experience. English-language and visa requirements also apply.
- 1
Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- 2
The programme is designed for learners who have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4), an equivalent qualification, or have relevant commercial-kitchen experience.
- 3
International applicants must meet the current NZQA English-language requirements for entry to Level 5 study. The existing webpage identifies IELTS Academic 5.5 with no band below 5.0 as an accepted pathway.
- 4
International students must hold an appropriate visa and meet its conditions.
- 5
Learners must be able to participate safely in practical commercial-kitchen training and work placement.
How it works
What makes this programme effective?
Advanced practical training
Develop advanced culinary, leadership and operational skills through practical training and workplace experience.
Advanced cookery
Build advanced preparation, cooking and presentation skills.
Kitchen leadership
Develop staff supervision, communication and workflow-management skills.
Sustainable operations
Learn about costing, food safety, compliance and sustainable practices.
Workplace experience
Apply your skills during a 100-hour commercial kitchen placement.
The programme
Build advanced cookery and management capability across eight modules.
The eight-module programme combines advanced food production with kitchen leadership, commercial compliance, menu development, sustainability and applied workplace practice.
Apply staff rostering, operational budgeting, cost control, inclusive leadership and advanced dish-development principles in a commercial kitchen.
Develop advanced butchery and precision meat-cookery skills while managing food-safety systems, HACCP requirements and allergen protocols.
- Produce advanced larder items, including terrines, pâtés and charcuterie, and develop practical training activities for kitchen staff.
Prepare and cook premium seafood using advanced techniques while exploring sustainable sourcing, traceability and supplier relationships.
Use market analysis and customer trends to develop menus and standardised recipes while applying advanced communication in kitchen operations.
Produce advanced poultry dishes and apply waste-reduction, ethical-sourcing and inventory-control practices.
Apply licensing, host-responsibility, food-allergy, dietary, health-and-safety and service-compliance requirements.
Apply your programme learning through menu planning, costing, event management, health and safety, and advanced food production in a commercial setting.
Your pathway
Prepare for senior kitchen responsibility and further hospitality study.
Qualification
New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5)
With a strand in Cookery [Ref: 2102-2], awarded after successful completion of all programme
Education pathway
The qualification builds on the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) and may lead to higher-level study in hospitality management, cookery or culinary arts, subject to provider entry requirements.
Potential roles
With the required experience, potential pathways may include Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Senior Chef, Kitchen Supervisor or Kitchen Manager.
Potential settings
Restaurants, hotels, cafes, catering companies, hospital kitchens, cruise operations and airport catering businesses.
Graduate Capabilities
Staff leadership
Manage staff and service requirements in a commercial kitchen.
Resource management
Manage workflow, resources and supplies effectively.
Compliance and operations
Apply operating procedures and compliance requirements.
Advanced culinary development
Create and present advanced dishes for commercial hospitality environments.
Questions
Advanced Cookery Level 5 FAQs
Who is this programme designed for?
Is the programme available to international students?
Yes. International students who meet the academic, English-language, visa and practical requirements may apply to study in Auckland.
What English level do I need?
You must meet the current NZQA English-language requirements for Level 5 study. IELTS Academic 5.5 with no band below 5.0 is identified on the existing course page as one accepted pathway.
Do I need a Level 4 cookery qualification?
The programme is intended for learners with the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4), an equivalent qualification or relevant industry experience. Your evidence will be assessed during the application process.
Where can I study?
The international programme is planned for Auckland.
How long does the programme take?
The approved programme includes 40 teaching weeks and 42 weeks in total, including holiday weeks.
Does the programme include work placement?
Yes. The final module includes a five-week, 100-hour commercial-kitchen work placement. Final placement arrangements are subject to approval and availability.
What will I learn?
You will develop advanced meat, seafood, poultry and larder cookery alongside menu strategy, food safety, sustainability, staff leadership, resource management and hospitality compliance.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment may include practical observation, projects, written and online tasks, demonstrations, portfolios, logbooks, interviews and competency discussions.
What equipment will I need?
Skills Institute provides a chef uniform, knives and a bag. You must provide closed, steel-toe, non-slip shoes. Confirm all costs and requirements before enrolment.
What qualification will I receive?
After successfully completing the programme, you will receive the New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) with a strand in Cookery.
Can I work while studying?
Your work rights depend on the conditions of your student visa. Check your individual visa conditions and current Immigration New Zealand requirements before working.
Does completing the programme guarantee employment or a visa?
No. The programme does not guarantee employment, a particular placement, earnings, a post-study work visa or residence.
How do I apply?
Register your interest or contact the Skills Institute International Team. We will explain the application process and the academic, English-language, practical and visa-related evidence you need to provide.