Hospitality and Catering

Why study Hospitality and Catering?

  • In the kitchen, food preparation and cooking techniques form the foundation of catering. This includes mastering knife skills, understanding various cooking methods such as grilling, roasting, and steaming, and having the ability to bake and create pastries.

    Presentation is also key—dishes must not only taste good but look appealing to customers.

  • Expert teachers in catering and hospitality play a vital role in preparing learners for real-world industry standards.

    These educators have had hands-on experience from working in professional kitchens, hotels, or restaurants, and many hold advanced qualifications in areas such as culinary arts, hospitality management, or food safety.

  • New City College has well equipped kitchens to train the student chefs.

    Working in a professional-style kitchen allows students to develop key culinary skills such as food preparation, cooking techniques, hygiene practices, and time management. It also gives them the chance to use industry-standard equipment, helping them become confident and competent with the tools they'll encounter in real jobs.

  • Studying at NCC, will enable you to gain qualifications that will open the door to roles in kitchens, hotels, restaurants, and event venues, with job titles such as chef, front-of-house assistant, or barista.

    Many students also progress to university, choosing degrees in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or Tourism. Colleges often support this transition with guidance on UCAS applications and personal statements.

    Alternatively, learners may enter the workforce directly and build experience while working their way up to supervisory or managerial positions.

  • Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take the next step, we offer Hospitality & Catering Diplomas at Level 2 and Level 3 – so if you’re passionate about science and want a career in the sector, there’s a course for you.

Prepare for success

Learn more about your course.

Get ahead of the game and feel confident about what’s coming next. Get a feel for the course before you even step into the kitchen! Watch a recommended video to reinforce your knowledge, or gain some tips for September.

Recommended YouTube Videos

Discover where your course can take you

Not sure what jobs your course could lead to?

Explore career options linked to the subject you’ve applied for. From real-world job roles to industry insights, you’ll see how your studies at New City College can help you build a successful future.

Catering news and highlights

Latest stories and student successes from our Catering and Hospitality courses.

Thailand trip is once-in-lifetime experience for catering students

New City College students have just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study Thai cookery in the vibrant city of Bangkok.

The students, studying Hospitality and Catering at NCC campuses in Redbridge, Epping Forest, Havering and Hackney, were given the chance to travel to the Southeast Asian country to learn new skills and achieve specialist professional qualifications, at no cost to themselves.

Students’ said:

“Valuable experience where we got to see a beautiful country, gain independence being away from home and make friendships with other students”

“An amazing, life-changing opportunity”

“Studying Catering and Hospitality at New City College is giving me the skills and confidence to thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused industry.”

Top tips

Watch industry professionals

Follow chefs, hospitality managers, or service experts online. Shows, tutorials, and even TikToks can be educational.

1

Stay curious about food and cultures

Explore cuisines, ingredients, and traditions from around the world to expand your palate and creativity.

2

Keep a clean workspace

Hygiene and cleanliness are critical—develop strong habits now, and they’ll serve you well later.

3

New Skills. New Flavours.
New City College 

 FAQs

  • You could go into roles like chef, hotel manager, front-of-house supervisor, events coordinator, or even start your own food business.

  • Absolutely—most of your learning will be practical, in professional-standard kitchens.

    New City College provides inhouse restaurants and kitchens, where students will learn, develop skills, train, and serve.

  • You'll cover food preparation, cooking techniques, customer service, health and safety, menu planning, and hospitality management.

    There’s also hands-on training in real or simulated hospitality settings.

We’re officially Outstanding!

New City College has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted (March 2025) — the highest grade possible.

Inspectors praised our inclusive culture, exceptional teaching, strong student support, and inspirational leadership. We’re proud to be the largest college in the UK to achieve this top rating — and even prouder of what it means for our students.

Discover your campus