FdA Culinary Arts

32-64 UCAS points (from related Advanced Cookery/Catering or Hospitality subjects).

You may be invited to a discretionary interview.

If you are a current Newcastle College students and successfully meet the published Level 3 entry criteria in an appropriate subject[s], you will be guaranteed a place on this course.    

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths and English or the Level 2 equivalent (ie. Functional Skills or Adult Literacy/Numeracy).      

Whilst we endeavour to be as inclusive as possible, due to the physically demanding requirements of the industry, a high level of dexterity and ability to stand for long periods is essential. Certain disabilities may not be suitable for this practical course, please contact enquiries@ncl-coll.ac.uk for more information.

At Newcastle College University Centre we welcome applications from students studying new T-Level qualifications.

Further details on our entry requirements can be found here.

Level 4

• Practical Kitchen Larder
• Practical Patisserie 
• Food and Beverage Legislation 
• Contemporary Technology in Culinary Arts
• Menu Creation, Diet and Nutrition 
• Personal Development
• Work Related Learning
• Academic Study Skills 

Level 5

• Advanced Larder Kitchen Techniques
• Advanced Patisserie 
• Creative Food for Modern Media 
• Culinary Leadership and Management 
• Entrepreneurial Skills and the Chef
• Gastronomy and Food Innovation
• Professional Development
• Work-based Learning 

• Lectures 
• Guest lectures 
• Seminars 
• Practical sessions 
• Workshops 
• Group work 
• Masterclasses 
• Work placement 
• Independent study 

• Written assignments 
• Reports 
• End of year practical assessment presented to the North East Culinary Trade Association (NECTA)

This degree meets the current demand for specialist, in-depth skills in hospitality across the region. Fantastic industry links will give you the opportunity to build on your extensive experience working alongside your studies. You will benefit from masterclasses in butchery, sugar craft and patisserie and learn to use specialist equipment and techniques such as sugar lamps, smoking cabinets, sous vide water baths and aspic preparation.

After completing the FdA Culinary Arts foundation degree programme you can progress to our level 6 BA(Hons) Culinary Arts Management degree with Newcastle College University Centre*

*brand new for September 2025.

Alternatively, you will be qualified to enter the industry with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for mid-level hospitality management positions - eg: Chef de Partie, Junior Sous Chef, Assistant front of house managers.

Tuition fees vary depending on the course and mode of study. Read more about tuition fees and financial support.

Fees for international students vary depending on the course. Find out more about international fees and payments.

It's important that you know what your tuition fee includes and what other costs you'll need to plan for. Read what your fee includes here.