Professional Patisserie - Level 3 Diploma

The course builds on the fundamental basic techniques for pastry, bakery and confectionery, furthering your skills and knowledge so that you are able to pursue a career as a pastry chef. 

This course is endorsed by the Craft Guild of Chefs and British Culinary Federation and taught by our award-winning culinary arts and pâtisserie team.

You will also have the opportunity to work towards the Westminster College Diploma, which is over and above our standard level 3 qualification.

Topics covered can include:

• Supervisory skills including maintaining a safe environment and staff development
• Supervision of food safety within the pastry kitchen
• Gastronomy
• Hot, cold and frozen dessert preparation and presentation, both classical and contemporary methods
• Pâtisserie: pastries and tarts
• Bakery: artisan bread, Viennoiserie and International
• Advanced Cakes, biscuits and sponges including Japonnaise, Opera and Sacher Torte
• Confectionery: petit fours, sugar and chocolate work
• Centrepiece production
• Advanced pâtisserie including Linzer, Strudel and Fillo

You will need:

• Three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths, and a relevant Level 2 qualification
• Relevant industry experience and current role in the industry are required

All applicants must have an initial assessment and interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

The course is assessed throughout the year with practical assignments and written tests.

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Adults - Level 3

If you will be aged 19 to 23 prior to the start date of your course, and do not already have a full Level 3 qualification, you may be eligible for a Level 3 entitlement, in which case your study with us will be free. If you are older, or already have a Level 3, we have many other Level 3 courses that are also free to study. Otherwise, you will have to pay the fees yourself or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Additional Costs

You will be expected to purchase the required uniform and equipment for the programme, which reflect both industry norms and safety requirements. These should specifically conform to Westminster Kingsway College standards and are approximately £350; further information will be provided at enrolment. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

This course will help you to move on to higher level courses, an apprenticeship or other employment.

Steve James has worked at Westminster Kingsway for 3 years and develops and teaches the Patisserie and Confectionery courses for the 19+ Part-time provision. Steve has over 30 years of experience in Patisserie, Bakery and Confectionery and has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and 5-star hotels in London. He has a BA (Hons) in International Culinary Arts Management and a Level 5 Diploma in Teaching and Education. 

Steve has a wealth of experience teaching in universities and colleges across London. He has successfully mentored and developed pastry chefs for competitions and has assisted in developing The Craft Guild of Chefs Pastry Graduates Awards.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.