New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 4)
Why Study/Key Benefits
The New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 4) is designed for students who want to develop more advanced hospitality service skills and take on greater responsibility in restaurant and bar operations.
Key benefits include:
Develop advanced food and beverage service skills for restaurants, hotels, cafés and bars.
Learn how to coordinate restaurant food service and beverage operations.
Gain knowledge of menu planning, menu design, dietary requirements and food allergies.
Develop skills in advanced table service and overseeing food service activities.
Learn about licensed-premises legislation, host responsibility and responsible beverage service.
Gain practical experience in UCOLâs on-campus commercial restaurant and through events and functions.
Build communication, customer service, teamwork and operational skills that can support progression into supervisory responsibilities.
Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics
The programme consists of three 20-credit courses.
1. Hospitality Service Standards â 20 credits
This course develops the knowledge and skills needed to understand and apply professional service standards in hospitality operations.
Topics include:
Identifying and managing hazards in hospitality workplaces.
Finding solutions to operational hazards and problems.
Personal health and safety.
Food safety and security standards.
Monitoring and maintaining safe workplace practices.
Applying hazard analysis and food safety plans.
Maintaining effective customer and workplace interactions.
Communicating with colleagues, managers and customers.
Oral, written and visual communication.
Receiving and responding to feedback.
2. Restaurant Food Service â 20 credits
This course focuses on effective restaurant food service operations and the ability to support successful restaurant service.
Topics include:
Menu design and menu components.
Menu knowledge.
Dietary requirements.
Food allergies.
Advanced table service.
Oversight of restaurant food service.
Methods of payment.
Standard operating policies and procedures.
Hospitality work roles and compliance.
Providing food service in a restaurant environment.
3. Restaurant Beverage Service â 20 credits
This course develops the skills and knowledge required for beverage service in hospitality establishments, including licensed premises.
Topics include:
Legislation affecting licensed hospitality premises.
Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations 2013.
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Fire Service Act 1975.
Trespass Act 1980.
Building Act 2004.
Host responsibility.
Management of licensed premises.
Applying relevant legislation to beverage service.
Hot beverage preparation, presentation and service.
Wines, beers, cider, liqueurs and spirits.
Cocktail preparation and mixology.
Disciplines/Specialisations
The qualification focuses on hospitality and food and beverage service, with three main study areas:
Hospitality service standards and workplace operations.
Restaurant food service and advanced table service.
Restaurant beverage service, including licensed-premises operations and cocktail mixology.
Programme Highlights
Advanced hospitality service training at NZQF Level 4.
Practical experience in UCOLâs on-site commercial restaurant.
Training in restaurant food and beverage operations.
Development of advanced table service skills.
Learning about menu design, dietary requirements and food allergies.
Training in beverage service, including wines, beers, spirits and cocktail mixology.
Understanding of host responsibility and the legal requirements for licensed premises.
Industry connections through UCOL Hospitality Schoolsâ membership of NZ Chefs and participation in the Manawat? Hospitality Awards.
A progression option for students who have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3).
Career Outcomes
UCOL identifies employment opportunities in:
Hotels.
Restaurants.
Cafés.
Bars.
Hospitality businesses in New Zealand and overseas.
The programme develops graduatesâ ability to:
Apply health and safety, food safety and security practices.
Maintain effective interactions between customers, colleagues and managers.
Support efficient hospitality service operations.
Follow standard operating procedures.
Deal with familiar workplace problems.
Contribute to restaurant food and beverage service operations.
Latest Updates/Special Requirements
Current programme information:
The currently published intake is 19 July 2027 to 26 November 2027.
The programme is delivered full-time over 19 weeks.
Full attendance is encouraged to maximise learning and practical experience.
Students may need to work after hours as part of the programme.
Work in UCOLâs training restaurant depends on the time of year.
The programme is intended as a progression from the New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3).
Additional study requirements and costs:
UCOL recommends having an internet-capable device for study away from campus.
Computers and study resources are available on UCOL campuses outside scheduled classes.
Uniform cost is approximately NZD $90 if the student has not already acquired the uniform from the Level 3 programme. UCOLâs page describes this as a T-shirt, shirt and apron.
Students also need black comfortable shoes and black smart-casual trousers or a skirt.
Jeans, tracksuits and tights are not accepted for the specified uniform.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), cross-credit, credit transfer and assessment of prior learning may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
International Student Visa Requirements
International students planning to study this programme in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealandâs assessment.
Main requirements:
An Offer of Place from an approved New Zealand education provider.
Evidence of payment of tuition fees or the ability to pay them.
Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.
Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period of stay.
Good health and character.
A genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay, such as a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.
Financial requirements:
For tertiary study lasting less than one year, Immigration New Zealand requires NZD $1,667 per month for living expenses.
For study lasting one year or more, the living-cost requirement is NZD $20,000 per year.
The student must also show that tuition fees are paid or can be paid.
Acceptable evidence may include bank statements, qualifying sponsorship, scholarships or eligible education loans.
The living-cost requirement is separate from tuition fees and outward travel costs.
Visa cost and processing:
Fee Paying Student Visa cost: from NZD $850.
Published processing time: 80% of applications within 7 weeks.
Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.
Fees and processing times can change, so applicants should check the official immigration website before applying.
Work rights:
Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study, depending on their visa conditions.
Full-time work during scheduled holidays depends on the visa conditions and course eligibility.
Immigration New Zealand requires a course to have a value of 120 credits for full-time work rights during scheduled holidays.
This UCOL programme is worth 60 credits, so students should not assume they will receive full-time scheduled-holiday work rights.
Students must check the work conditions printed on their own eVisa before accepting employment.
Attendance and academic progress:
Students must attend the course specified on their visa unless they have a valid reason for absence.
They must make satisfactory academic progress.
Students applying for a further student visa may need to provide evidence of their previous attendance and academic performance.
