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Professional Cookery Patisserie and Confectionery NVQ Diploma Level 3

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    Full Time

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    One Year

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    Boston

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    September 2025

$

The Level 3 Professional Cookery - Patisserie and Confectionery NVQ Diploma is designed to prepare you for a job in a high-class kitchen or to update your current skills to develop and improve your own establishment’s standards.

You will specialise in patisserie and confectionery, a specialist bakery and confectionery qualification that has no kitchen content.

At Boston College, we offer up to a full three-year study programme for learners giving a clear pathway to employment within the industry. Key competences including knife skills, commercial food preparation and cooking, table service and beverage knowledge are core catering skills introduced in the first year with formal recognised industry qualifications on completion. Subsequent academic years then build upon these essential competencies, industry qualifications gained each academic year, leading to a level three qualification in a specialist catering subject such as professional cookery, patisserie and confectionery or front of house supervision.

What will I do?

To achieve the Level 3 Professional Cookery - Patisserie and Confectionery NVQ Diploma you must complete a minimum of 46 credits in total.

17 credits are compulsory and the remaining 29 can be taken from units of your choice.

The following are compulsory units and will accrue 17 credits:

  • Develop productive working relationships with colleagues
  • Maintain the health, hygiene, safety and security of the working environment
  • Maintain food safety when storing, preparing and cooking food

The rest of your credits can be obtained from a choice of the following optional units:

  • Prepare cook and finish complex bread & dough products
  • Prepare cook and finish complex cakes biscuits sponges and scones
  • Prepare cook and finish complex pastry products
  • Prepare process and finish complex chocolate products
  • Prepare process and finish marzipan, pastillage and sugar products
  • Prepare and cook complex hot desserts
  • Prepare and cook complex cold desserts
  • Produce sauces fillings and coatings for complex desserts
  • Contribute to control of resources
  • Contribute to the development and introduction of recipes and menus
  • Prepare, cook and finish healthier dishes

In addition to your course, you may also study either Functional Skills or GCSE English and Maths, dependent on your current GCSE grade.

The entry qualifications for the Level 3 Professional Cookery - Patisserie and Confectionery NVQ Diploma are an NVQ Level 2 in a related subject (or equivalent), plus recent relevant work experience.

The Professional Cookery - Patisserie and Confectionery NVQ Diploma will take you one year to complete. You will attend College for four days a week.

You will also work every Thursday evening in the College's restaurants.

The Professional Cookery - Patisserie and Confectionery NVQ Diploma is free, if you are under the age of 19 on 31 August of the year you start the course.

If you are aged 19+, this course will cost £2583.
If you are aged 19-23, fee remission may apply depending on personal circumstances, please enquire with the Registry Department for further information on 01205 365701 or email your query to fees@boston.ac.uk.

Aged 19+?
If you are aged 19 years or over on the 1st day of your course, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with your College fees. If you progress to employment you won't have to pay anything back until you’re earning £25,000 per year. Your household income isn't taken into account and there's no credit check. Your eligibility depends on your course, nationality, and age. To find out more contact the College Information Line on 01205 313218.

Fees may vary depending on personal circumstances, please enquire for further information.

Please note that all fees are subject to change.

Assessment on the Professional Cookery - Patisserie and Confectionery NVQ Diploma is continual and supported by regular progress briefings and action planning.

Each Unit has a formal theory test in which the pass mark is 60%.

You will also be assessed by questions either oral or written.

These assessments will help you to complete the portfolio, which you will need to gain the qualification.

You will also study key skills in communication, IT and application of number.

Successful completion of the Level 3 Professional Cookery - Patisserie and Confectionery NVQ Diploma should enable you to seek employment as a chef patissier in any high class catering establishment world-wide with the prospect of promotion to a senior or executive chef position.

There may be an opportunity to complete an Industry Placement alongside your main Level 3 course.

Industry placements give you the chance to put into practice what you have learned and you will have the opportunity to spend an average of 50 days working for an employer, in a role directly relevant to your course.

With an Industry Placement you will gain technical skills, be prepared for the world of work, and gain connections in order to secure a job after your course.

What will I gain?

  • Build your confidence, self-reliance and independence in the workplace.
  • Enhance the learning from your college course.
  • Develop your experience and expand your CV.
  • Give yourself a head start in knowing what type of job you may want to go into after finishing your course.
  • May lead to further opportunities such as paid employment or an apprenticeship on completion of your course.
  • Take a step forward professionally, knowing the behaviours expected in the workplace.

What will I do?

  • You will take part in an average of 50 days placement in a role that is directly relevant to your course, in an external organisation.
  • You will develop the practical and technical skills required for your profession/trade.
  • You will develop employability skills such as communication, teamwork and time management.

An existing part time job may qualify as an Industry Placement if it meets the criteria set by the College.

For more information regarding Industry Placements please contact the Enterprise Zone: enterprise@boston.ac.uk or call 01205 365701 ext: 3226/3227

How to Apply.

To apply for a course, you will need to have an account with us!

Creating an account is easy, just click ‘Apply for this course’ below.

Find out about the amazing opportunities available at Boston College at one of our Open Events.

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What you could earn

  • £37,855

    potential

  • £25,948

    average

  • £11,453

    entry level

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