Diploma in Food & Wine

Who is it for?

The Diploma has a broad appeal. Whether you are planning to go to University, or have recently graduated, this course will give you a superb foundation for achieving success in the culinary world. Alternatively, if you want to change your career path or start your own business, the Diploma will provide you with the necessary skills to help launch your venture.

Course Content

Embarking on this course will open the door to a wealth of culinary knowledge and technique. You will be encouraged to develop your flair and creativity as you continually extend your repertoire of menus. In addition to a high standard of cookery skills, you will also learn about team management, business planning and healthy eating – all essential knowledge for the modern cook. During the course we will also help you to cultivate your leadership and diplomatic skills. The friendly and relaxed farmhouse environment provides the ideal setting for a relaxed yet intensive learning environment.

Topics that have been covered previously on the Diploma in Food & Wine:

Food Skills

• Primary methods of cooking: baking, boiling, steaming, roasting and pan frying
• Meat, poultry, game, fish, vegetables and sauces
• Breakfasts
• Canapés, starters, soups and desserts
• Creative vegetarian cuisine
• Bread making
• Ice creams and sorbets
• Herbs and spices
• Jams and chutneys
• Lodge cooking (Cooking for large & small groups)
• Game & seafood cookery
• Petit fours & chocolate workshop
• Cooking for special diets & food allergies
• Specialised pastries & enriched doughs
• Pasta making
• Smoking, curing & other preservation techniques
• Event catering practice
• REHIS Food Handlers Certificate

Dining Skills

• Flower arranging
• Table service: food, wine, table presentation, silver service, social and 'front of house' skills
• Introduction to Journalism & Communications - A professional approach to communication & introduction to food writing & critiquing

Wine Skills

• Wine appreciation and choosing wine to complement food
• WSET Levels 1 & 2

In Business

• Build Your Own Business course, in association with Napier University.
• The business couse is split into two sections - "Creativity & Innovation" comes first which allows students to explore their own creativity and work on developing their own potential business ideas.
• The second section "Developing the Concept" allows students to take their ideas further, learning about the technical aspects of putting their ideas into practice.
• The course is very much specific to the food & drink industy focusing on the with staff members drawing on their own experiences in the hospitality businesses large & small & including guest speakers & industry specialists.
• ESFW students have access to the Napier University campus & facilites for the duration of the business course.
• Students will also be visited on the ESFW campus by the Napier University Professionals from the Centre For Entrepreneurship for 'clinics' to provide support with developing business plans & completing their course work exercises.
  

Course Format

The Diploma is taught in 2 semesters. Students have the opportunity to cook on domestic, commercial and Aga cookers, preparing them for any cooking situation. There is an emphasis on modern restaurant standards and a chance to experience large scale catering with commercial quantities. Students are assessed through continuous appraisal of assigned projects and practical cookery skills. As part of final assessment students will plan and execute a final dinner that must showcase their a broad range of skills which can be attended by their friends & family.

Career Prospects

On completion of the Diploma you can choose from a broad range of careers:

• Hospitality - hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes
• Small business world
• Freelance seasonal employment in castles, shooting and fishing lodges, yachts, directors’ dining rooms and private homes
• Ski companies - ski chalets and other holiday resort work

The final standard of cookery achieved with the Diploma is comparable to that found in the best restaurants and corporate settings. We are confident that you will be given the skills and self-belief to pursue a successful career in your chosen culinary field. We work closely with Scottish and London-based agencies (see Links page for links to some of these companies), and with a network of former ESFW students around the world, owning and running successful businesses.

The Cook’s Essential Kit

As well as benefiting from high quality teaching and extensive practical experience on this course, you will also be given your own Cook’s Essential Kit – a vital companion to equip you in the world of cookery. You will use this throughout your course and be given the kit to take away with you – for no extra charge!

Please call the school office if you would like to arrange a visit to the school premesis, it can be beneficial to look round & get a feel for what to expect. The tutors & support staff would also be happy to talk through your thoughts & queries.