Professionals
Diploma in Professional cookery
Our Diploma in Professional Cookery is an immersive, hands-on culinary education delivered in the heart of Edinburgh.
You will learn in our beautiful, fully equipped kitchens from expert tutors in small class sizes, gaining the technical skills, confidence and the mindset of a modern chef.
What you’ll learn
We believe the best way to master cookery is through hands-on, practical experience. That is why our students are in the kitchen every day – practising, refining, and building confidence through repetition and personal feedback. Our training goes far beyond the basics. You’ll learn by watching detailed demonstrations in our professionally equipped demo kitchen, then recreate the dishes yourself with guidance from our experienced tutors.
Your teachers
The teaching team bring diverse experience from across the food world – patisserie, fine dining, food styling, artisan baking, recipe development and more. Our teachers are passionate about what they do and genuinely invested in your success. Students consistently praise the dedication, expertise and warmth of their teachers throughout their time with us and upon graduation.
Environment
We foster a calm and supportive learning environment that respects individual learning styles and encourages growth. Students often say our school feels like a second home – a space where they can feel confident, supported and challenged. You’ll be part of a tight-knit group of learners, working together, learning from each other, and building lasting friendships.
“The cook school put me in touch with Castle Terrace, a good portion of my career was spent there… it’s great the connections you can make on the back of a course at the cook school.”
Sam Yorke
Head Chef and Owner of Michelin starred restaurant Heron
“The cookery school gave me the skills, knowledge and confidence to be able to see it through and make a living out of doing something I’ve always loved”
Emily Crisp
Private Chef and Caterer
“…what really stood out to me was its reputation for high-level training in a supportive environment… The technical knowledge, attention to detail, and efficiency I have learned have all shaped how I think about food, whether I’m cooking myself or talking about it in my work.”
Pippa Perriam
Food & lifestyle social media influencer
Professional Cookery Diploma
A fast-paced, 12 week, hands-on course focuses on mastering essential culinary skills. Most of your time will be spent in the kitchen – cooking, plating, tasting, and refining your techniques through daily practice, demonstrations, and expert feedback.
Is this course for you?
This hands-on programme focuses on precision, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. You’ll work with premium ingredients and advanced methods, developing the skills expected in professional kitchens and high-end culinary environments. Those with high culinary aspirations, or a desire to fast-track their career in food and drink, will find great benefit in graduating with an EFDA qualification and introductions to our trusted industry contacts. This course is only suitable for adults over the age of 16.
Your career paths
Former students have gone on to lead successful careers in the following positions and industries:
- Michelin starred restaurant owner
- Private chefs – local and international
- Catering business owner
- Artisan bakery owner
- TV appearances
- Cookery book author
- Food sustainability expert
- Food policy advisor
- Luxury hotel chefs
Apply now
This fast-paced, hands-on course focuses on mastering essential culinary skills. Most of your time will be spent in the kitchen – cooking, plating, tasting, and refining your techniques through daily practice, demonstrations, and expert feedback.
We know it’s a big decision, so arrange a chat or check out our FAQs.
£11,995
Full-time
Save 10% - Book all 3 modules together
- 3 terms over 12 weeks
- Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 5pm
- Regular short tests with final practical and theory exam
2026 Dates
April 13th – July 3rd
September 28th – December 18th
2027 Dates
January13th – March 3rd
Financing Options Available – See options
Individual modules
We have created 3 month long modules that make up our diploma, You can join us for all three to get your diploma or join us for one at a time to fit in with your life.
Introductory Award in Cooking Skills
4 Weeks – £3,995
This 4 week, hands-on course focuses on mastering essential culinary skills. Most of your time will be spent in the kitchen – cooking, plating, tasting, and refining your techniques through daily practice, demonstrations, and expert feedback.
Term 1 Qualifications
- EFDA Introductory Certificate in Practical Cookery
- REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate
- Allergen Awareness Certificate
Intermediate & Advanced Certificate in Practical Cookery
8 Weeks – £7,995
Building on the skills and confidence gained during the Introductory term, or for those with sufficient pre-existing culinary experience, the 4 Week Intermediate Certificate Course expands your technical knowledge and precision in a professional kitchen environment.
Term 2 Qualifications
- EFDA Intermediate Certificate in Practical Cookery
- WSET level 1
Term 3 Qualifications
- EFDA Advanced Certificate in Practical Cookery
Good to know
We combine practical, expert-led teaching to build confidence through a wide range of courses from beginners to aspiring chefs. We deliver everything from professional chef training to unforgettable corporate events and wonderfully delicious cooking classes from our beautiful Georgian townhouse in the heart of Edinburgh.
The city was named by The Good Food Guide as the “most exciting food destination in Britain for 2025”. Edinburgh’s food scene is defined by constant innovation, strong local identity, and variety. This mix of traditional Scottish flavours, global influences, and a thriving independent scene makes the city a standout choice for food lovers. We are the North’s only culinary academy offering professional training, interest courses, and private events.
We are supporting the growth of the food, drink and hospitality industry - fostering the next generation of highly skilled and qualified culinary professionals and entrepreneurs through ointensive Diploma in Professional Cookery. Our industry connects enable us to arrange exciting work placements for our Diploma students and introduce them to important industry contacts upon graduation.
We are passionate about the success of our students, so ensure they receive every possible support in getting there. Our wealth of experience and deep industry connections, spanning across hospitality, allow us to do so to a very high standard. Throughout your time with us we help you create, connect and elevate your ambitions through:
- One-to-one CV development
- Interview coaching and confidence building
- Introductions to trusted recruiters and key industry contacts
We have strong links with a number of employment agencies and will help to prepare you for the job market on completion of the course.
Open Evenings
Visit our kitchens, meet the teachers and ask all your questions. Our Professional Course Open Evenings are designed to give you a taster of life in the kitchen, and the oppertunity to explore our course options and where they might take you.
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Professional Courses Open Evening
£022nd Jun 2026, 5:30 PM + 1 more dateEventOpen EveningHalf dayAdd to basket