In general you need to have a minimum of 5 passes at ordinary level in the Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Applications are welcome from students with Leaving Certificate Vocational, Leaving Certificate Applied or FETAC Level 4 qualifications. Exceptions can be made where special circumstances apply on a case by case basis. The Leaving Certificate is not a requirement for mature students and appropriate experience can be considered as meeting the entry requirement for most courses.

We also welcome applications from mature students on all our courses.

A full QQI Level 5 Award is attained on successful completion of eight modules. This must include all mandatory module listed for the programme. You will be assessed throughout the programme by a combination of continuous assessment, assignments and by exams in certain modules. On successful completion of each module, you will be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

QQI Level 5 Mandatory Modules

• Personal Effectiveness (5N1390)
• Work Practice (5N1433)
• Food Science and Technology (5N0730)
• Meal Service (5N0635)
• Culinary Techniques (5N0630)

QQI Level 5 Elective Modules

• Menu Planning and Applied Nutrition (5N2085)
• Pastry, Baking and Desserts (5N2084)
• International Cuisines (5N0632)
• Word Processing (5N1358)

QQI Professional Cookery 5M2088 NFQ Level 5, EHOA (Environmental Health Offices Association)

Graduates of this course may find employment in hotels, restaurants, catering departments, cruise ships and airlines. Graduates will also be well prepared for further studies in the areas of hospitality, professional cookery, tourism and business in TU Dublin Grangegorman and other colleges. This QQI award will enable students to apply and progress onto the Level 6 award in catering and tourism programmes in professional cookery, hospitality, bar supervision, front office management and tourism. 

In addition, holders of QQI Level 5 awards may also be able to apply for other degree courses under Higher Education Link Schemes especially in linked courses in TU Dublin Tallaght/Blanchardstown and other technological universities around the country.

As part of our commitment to providing our students with a truly global education, we offer the possibility for students over the age of 18 to be selected for an Erasmus+ European Mobility Exchange placement (subject to funding). This incredible opportunity allows you to gain valuable experience working in an international setting, while also broadening your cultural horizons.

Denise Ross | Culinary Arts Graduate ( Level 5 & 6 )

 In 2014 I finished secondary school and completed my leaving certificate. Prior to leaving school I did work experience as a chef in Clodaghs Kitchen Restaurant, Blackrock. I was accepted for a place on the culinary arts level 5 course in FET College Íde Finglas and started in September 2014. While completing my level 5 course I worked every weekend in The Gresham Hotel.

I was offered a scholarship to work in Budapest, Hungary which I did in March to April 2015. I graduated at the end of level 5 with a full award and also achieving runner up chef of the year. I continued my studies into level 6. I did more work experience at the time in L'ecrivan by Derry Clarke and AVenue by Nick Muiner in Dublin. After that I started working in the Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport at the weekends.

I graduated in 2016 with full awards again, and I also won the Brian Hogan KSG achievement award. I worked in Palm Beach Florida USA as a line cook for 2 months. FET College Íde Finglas has really helped me in pursuing my career as a chef. I would highly recommend FET College Íde Finglas to anyone as they have a great range of courses and have excellent teachers and staff.

1 Year

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