New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 4)

Whether you dream of managing a bustling restaurant, leading a team at events, or building a career in hospitality management, this programme is your launchpad.

You’ll train in real-world environments, including events and functions, while learning how to deliver exceptional dining experiences that keep guests coming back. You’ll master health and safety, food safety, and top-tier customer service, plus learn how to lead teams and maintain smooth operations. 

This programme runs for 19 weeks, including 2 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

14 hrs

Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings, cookery practicals, timetable set by your lecturer.

Study Time

17 hrs

Study in your own time.


Industry Experience

4 hrs

Work-integrated learning.

This programme comprises 60 credits.

Hospitality Service Standards (20 Credits)

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes to understand and apply service standards in the hospitality sector.

• Explain potential hazards and resolutions relevant to hospitality operations.

• Manage and apply personal health and safety, food safety and security standards to maintain effective hospitality operations.

• Demonstrate customer service skills to provide effective hospitality operations.

Indicative Content

• Managing Hazards

• Security practices

• Monitoring and maintaining safety practices

• Application of hazard analysis, food safety plans and security practices

• Monitoring and maintaining interactions

• Interacting with colleagues, managers and customers

• Communication skills

  • Oral

  • Written

  • Visual

• Feedback

Restaurant Food Service (20 Credits)

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes to contribute to effective restaurant food service operations in a hospitality environment.

• Explain menu components and design relevant to the restaurant environment.

• Provide food service to support successful operations in a restaurant environment.

• Apply standard operating policies and procedures to maintain successful operations in a restaurant environment
  

Indicative Content

• Menu Design

• Menu knowledge

• Dietary requirements

• Food allergies

• Advanced table service

• Oversight of food service

• Methods of payment

• Standard operating policies and procedures

• Work roles and compliance

Restaurant Beverage Service (20 Credits)

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes to contribute to effective restaurant beverage service operations in a hospitality environment.

• Explain the implications of legislative requirements for a licensed hospitality premises.

• Apply legislative requirements to support successful operations in a hospitality establishment.

• Provide beverage service to sustain successful operations in a hospitality establishment.

Indicative Content

• Legislation

  • Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012

  • Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations 2013

  • Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

  • Fire Service Act 1975

  • Trespass Act 1980

  • Building Act 2004

  • Maori Community Development Act 1962

• Host responsibilities

• Management of licensed premises

• Application of legislation

• Hot beverage preparation, presentation and service

• Wines, beers, cider, liqueurs and spirits

• Cocktail mixology

Our ākonga learn from professionals and gain practical experience in our on-site commercial restaurant.

To be admitted to this programme, applicants must hold one of the following:

• 40 credits at NCEALevel 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits

  OR

• New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service(Level 3)

  OR

• a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2 OR a recognised equivalent.

Special Admissions

Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. UCOL works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme.

Discretionary Admissions

Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme maybe eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.

Language Proficiency

International applicants are required to have an IELTS (General or Academic) score of 5.5 with no individual band lower than 5 from a single test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.

All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.

Language Proficiency

All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.

International applicants are required to have an IELTS (General or Academic) score of 5.5 with no individual band lower than 5 from a single test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

Graduates of the UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service will be able to:

• Apply health and safety, food safety and security practices

• Monitor and maintain interactions between colleagues, managers and customers to provide efficient service

• Follow standard operating procedures to deal with familiar problems in a hospitality establishment

Employment opportunities include working in:

• Hotels

• Restaurants

• Cafés

• Bars

• Overseas work

• Or staircase to further study

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries in the Hospitality industry, see tahatu.govt.nz

UCOL Hospitality Schools are members of NZ Chefs. We are active participants in Manawatu Hospitality Awards and each campus is well supported by our local industries.

Full attendance is encouraged to maximise learning opportunities and to optimise success for learners.

This programme will require students to work after hours when studying at the Palmerston North or Whanganui campus. This programme leads on from the New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service Level 3 programme and is for those learners wanting to work in restaurants or bars.

It is recommended that applicants have met the literacy and numeracy requirements for NCEA Level 1 or equivalent.

Timetable

Your personalised timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and will comprise a weekly commitment of:

• 18 hours of lecturer supported learning (class time, theory, computer work and real-life experience in the UCOL training restaurant*)

• 17 hours of self-directed learning (your own time spent on practical skill development, theory and computer work to complete your assignments)

*Work in the UCOL training restaurants is dependent on time of year.

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning, may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Please note that there are additional costs associated with the New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service Level 4:

• Shoes - from $39.95 (If required, should have from L3)

• Uniform - Shirt/Vest/Tie/Pants/Waist Apron - $261.00

• Only tie and Vest (100.00) required if coming from L3