Recipe for success

Both branches include periods of theoretical and practical study. Theoretical study occurs through lectures and small group tutorials. A lot of time is also spent on real-life problem-solving exercises and business games. In the final year, students undertake a project for which they receive one-to-one guidance from a staff member.

Catering students devote about half their time to studying practical topics. This involves working in mock kitchens, studying how to prepare serve and store food, studying food technology and microbiology.

Practical experience is gained from training in a home-based restaurant that prepares food for the students and for special functions.

Courses:
When looking for a course in the UK, see that it is accredited by the Hotel Catering and Institutional Management Association (HCIMA), the professional body of hotel managers.

The graduate degree courses include a `sandwich’ course that includes a year or more of working in the industry. Many courses offer a chance to work back in your own country.

Apart from full-time certificates and diplomas, there are part-time courses as well. A typical postgraduate training lasts for 12 to 18 months and provides a thorough grounding in all key departments. Entry is based on a good honours degree and work experience.

Higher degrees such as M.Phil and Ph.D. are offered in these fields at Boumemouth, Huddersfied and at Sheffield Hallam. Leeds Metropolitan, Manchester Metropolitan and Surrey offer research degrees and part-time M.Sc. and diploma courses in hotel catering and institutional management.

Masters degrees are usually on year full-time courses. Diploma courses have a duration of nine months and are studied full-time. Part-time courses last longer. The Birmingham College of Food Tourism and Creative Studies offers a diploma in hospitality management and a certificate in hotel and catering management for students with relevant experience.

Buckingham, Oxford, Brookes and Surrey have M.Sc. courses in international hotel management. Huddersfield offers catering and applied nutrition courses as well as international hospitality management courses for those with qualifications in science.Surrey offers a full-time M.Sc. in international tourism and hospitality management. Higher national diplomas, three year sandwich or two year full-time courses are available for lower grade degree holders. Modular degrees are also available and provide great flexibility.Thus choosing a UK degree in hospitality or catering opens up a whole new world of avenues.