Three Month Beginner Certificate at
Edinburgh New Town Cookery School
Our Three Month Beginner’s Certificate Course is the perfect introduction to professional cookery. Designed for complete beginners and aspiring chefs alike, this eleven-week full-time course will give you a solid grounding in the fundamentals of classical cookery—skills that are essential whether you want to work in a professional kitchen or cook confidently for life. After completion, you can continue on to complete your Practical Diploma by taking the 3 Month Intermediate Course. You’ll gain hands-on experience in everything from knife skills to baking, meat and fish preparation, sauces, and menu planning. With expert demonstrations, guided practicals alongside plenty of cooking time, you will graduate with basic requirements for working in a kitchen, and the confidence to keep learning and growing. This course is ideal for those looking to start a career in food, or anyone who wants to master essential cookery skills with structure and support. You’ll progress from the basics to more advanced techniques in a logical, confidence-building format.
Who is this course for?
Those who join us might be:
• University leavers who want a career in food
• Career changers who would like to work with food in some capacity
As with our other courses, at Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, it is not just what you learn—it is how you learn, where you learn, and who you learn from, that sets us apart.
We are fortunate to be located in an historic five story Georgian townhouse in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic New Town. Our school offers not only an inspirational environment, but immediate access to what is recognised across Britain, and globally, as one of the UK’s most exciting and vibrant food destinations. From street food and food markets to Michelin star restaurants – Edinburgh has it all on offer.
Over the years, students have consistently praised our teaching staff for their dedication, expertise, and supportive teaching style. You will learn from chefs who genuinely care about your progress, and who want to see you succeed.
Students will work in a team to plan, prepare, and serve a lunch service—developing organisation, timing, and communication under real-world conditions. You will also cover business planning, costings, and nutrition.
From the very first day, you’ll be immersed in the kitchen. With guidance from our expert tutors, you’ll work hands-on every day to build up your skills, refine your technique, and start thinking like a professional chef.
The school is known for its welcoming, calm and encouraging atmosphere that respects different learning styles and supports individual growth allowing for successful learning.
Don’t just take our word for it! We are so proud of our graduates. Alumni from our professional courses have gone on to:
- Work in Michelin-starred restaurants
- Launch their own catering businesses
- Bake in artisan bakeries
- Become private chefs around the world
- Appear on and win TV cooking competitions
- Food policy
- Food influencer
We’ll help prepare you for the next step with advice on CVs, job applications, and access to our network of recruitment partners . Many of our alumni have gone on to exciting roles in kitchens, bakeries, and their own businesses.
STILL GOT QUESTIONS? read our FAQs.

Course Duration:
3 month full-time


Teaching Times:
Monday to Friday,
9:30am– 4pm


Assessment:
Regular short tests + final practical and theory exams


Course dates:
Mon 29th September 2025


Price:
£9,475
Secure your place now with a deposit: £948

Course Date | Course Title | Price | Availability | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wed 16th July 2025 | Professional Courses Open Evening – Discover a Future in Food & Drink! | £0.00 | Places Available | | |
Thu 31st July 2025 | Professional Courses Open Evening – Discover a Future in Food & Drink! | £0.00 | Places Available | | |
Mon 29th September 2025 | Three Month Beginner's Certificate Course | £9,475.00 | Places Available | |