The New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) – Cookery Strand is designed for aspiring chefs who already hold a Level 4 cookery qualification and wish to advance into senior culinary and kitchen management roles. The programme combines advanced culinary techniques with leadership, menu planning, food costing, and restaurant management skills.

Key reasons to choose this programme include:

• Industry-recognised NZQA Level 5 qualification.
• Advance your culinary expertise and become a professional chef.
• Learn menu planning, recipe development, and food costing.
• Develop leadership and kitchen management skills.
• Gain practical experience in MIT's purpose-built commercial kitchens.
• Complete industry work placements in restaurants and hospitality businesses.
• Learn to source quality ingredients and produce high-quality dishes.
• Prepare for supervisory and management positions in commercial kitchens.
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand's largest hospitality employment market.
• Excellent pathway to leadership roles or culinary entrepreneurship.

Programme Structure

The diploma consists of 120 credits and combines advanced culinary practice with leadership and kitchen management.

Core areas of study include:

Advanced Culinary Techniques

• Contemporary cooking methods
• International cuisine
• Advanced food preparation
• Creative dish presentation

Menu Planning and Development

• Menu design
• Seasonal menu planning
• Recipe development
• Nutritional considerations

Food Costing and Purchasing

• Cost control
• Budgeting
• Inventory management
• Supplier selection

Kitchen Leadership

• Supervising kitchen staff
• Team leadership
• Staff scheduling
• Communication and conflict resolution

Restaurant and Kitchen Operations

• Commercial kitchen management
• Workflow planning
• Productivity improvement
• Resource management

Food Safety and Compliance

• Advanced food safety systems
• Health and safety legislation
• Kitchen compliance
• Quality assurance

Subjects / Skills Covered

Students develop expertise in:

• Advanced cookery
• International cuisine
• Modern culinary techniques
• Menu planning
• Menu costing
• Recipe development
• Kitchen supervision
• Staff leadership
• Commercial kitchen operations
• Food purchasing
• Inventory control
• Food presentation
• Quality assurance
• Food safety management
• Customer service
• Hospitality professionalism
• Team management
• Workplace communication.

Disciplines / Specialisations Offered

This programme is delivered in the Cookery Strand and focuses on:

• Professional Cookery
• Advanced Culinary Arts
• Commercial Kitchen Management
• Restaurant Operations
• Menu Development
• Kitchen Leadership
• Hospitality Management

Programme Highlights

• NZQA Level 5 qualification
• 120-credit diploma
• One-year full-time programme
• Industry-recognised qualification
• Modern commercial training kitchens
• Practical, hands-on learning
• Experienced chef lecturers
• Industry work placements
• Focus on menu planning and costing
• Leadership and supervisory skill development
• Strong employer connections
• Excellent preparation for senior chef and kitchen management careers.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers such as:

• Chef de Partie
• Senior Chef
• Sous Chef
• Restaurant Chef
• Hotel Chef
• Catering Supervisor
• Kitchen Supervisor
• Kitchen Manager
• Banquet Chef
• Hospitality Operations Supervisor
• Food Production Supervisor
• Restaurant Entrepreneur

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• International students must study on campus; online study is not available.
• The programme includes practical training in professional commercial kitchens and industry work placements.
• Applicants are expected to have successfully completed a Level 4 Cookery qualification or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Tuition fees shown are indicative for the 2026 academic year and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF).
• All programmes remain subject to enrolment numbers and academic approval. 

Visa Requirements

International students enrolling in this programme generally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Applicants typically need:

• An Offer of Place from MIT.
• Evidence of tuition fee payment or payment arrangements.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
• A valid passport.
• Evidence of English language proficiency.
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required).
• Police clearance certificate (where applicable).
• Approved health and travel insurance.
• Compliance with all Immigration New Zealand student visa requirements.