In general you need to have a minimum of 5 passes at ordinary level in the Leaving Certificate (Home Economics is a mandatory subject) 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

• Work Practice (6N1947)
• Culinary Food Safety Management (6N0641)
• Culinary Techniques (6N0642)
• Hospitality Business Systems (6N0650)
• Producing a Culinary Event (6N0657)

QQI Level 5 Elective Modules

• Gastronomy (6N0647)
• International Cuisines (5N0632)
• Menu Design and Applied Nutrition (6N2097)
• Pastry, Baking and Desserts (6N2096)

QQI Professional Cookery 6M2099 NFQ Level 6

Thanks to our professional cookery course, many of our graduates have gone on to complete Honors degrees as well as having successful culinary careers as Sous and Head chefs, business entrepreneurs, appearances on national television and industry leaders.

There are approximately forty Higher Education Institutions including Universities, Technological Universities and private colleges offering places on a range of courses to QQI full award certificate holders. QQI’s information page Going to higher education using my QQI Award provides answers to some of the more frequently asked questions.

Intending applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked awards, any additional module requirements, applications processes and scoring systems with the Admission Offices of the participating Higher Education Institutions or visit visit cao.ie.

Full awards can be used for graduates to progress to Level 7 and Level 8 programmes in Higher Education such as TU Dublin. In certain cases, graduates who hold a QQI Level 6 qualification, or who have other relevant educational and/or work experience equivalent to year 1 of an undergraduate programme, may be considered for Advanced Entry. Applicants must contact the Admissions Office of the relevant institutions for further information. Full awards can also be used for entry to UK, European and International universities, on a case-by-case basis. Full information can be found here.

As part of our commitment to providing a truly global education, we offer our students the chance to participate in 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.

James Curran | Professional Cookery

My name is James Curran, I was in the first year of level 6 that FET College Íde Finglas ran.

The time I spent in FET College Íde Finglas was definitely a pleasure. I must admit that I had my hesitations about the whole college thing, as I had been in the industry for 4-5 years before I went to FET College Íde Finglas.

Our level 6 had a mix of existing industry members and complete newbies, but none the less we all mixed and worked as a team to make sure that we all moved along as one unit.

We were pushed by our teachers to be the best we could be by the time we finished up, and either went back to the industry or went on further in the education field. 

Some of us went and competed in the Chef Ireland which was great fun even under the short notice and practice time frame we had but very enjoyable. 

I myself finished went back to work and within two years had my own establishment in 2016. Which was challenging but very rewarding.  I can honestly say that I wouldn't be where I am today with the teachers and my class mates from FET College Íde Finglas.

1 Year

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