of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Course Level
Level 2
Duration
1 year full-time
Placement
2 weeks
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
Take advantage of our award-winning restaurant to increase your expertise
Global reputation within the industry for our hospitality-related courses
Looking to take your first steps into the exciting and vibrant world of hospitality? Want to develop practical skills and knowledge that will help you become the public face of the sector? Our Professional Food and Beverage Service college course will provide you with essential training and real-world experience to give you the ideal start to your hospitality career journey.
This Level 2 course covers food service waiter/waitressing skills, bar tending, customer care and entry level cocktails, all taught by highly experienced and passionate industry experts. Serving real guests in our award-winning Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food and cocktail bar, you will develop a combination of soft and technical skills that will enable you to deliver outstanding customer care.
With the hospitality and events industry bouncing back after a challenging period, now is a fantastic time to get started training at one of the UK’s premier hospitality training colleges and put yourself in prime position for new job opportunities in the sector. On completing this course, you can progress onto our Level 3 supervision course, paving the way to an industry career or higher level study in the hospitality arena.
Why choose this college course?
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get unbeatable practical experience serving customers in our training restaurant and cocktail bar on campus
- WORK PLACEMENT – Enjoy opportunities to put your skills into practice in the real world on work experience placements
- ENRICHMENT – Enjoy an unrivalled enrichment programme, including opportunities to enter industry competitions on the global stage
- RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Complete this course and receive a recognised Level 2 Diploma, opening the doors to Level 3 study and beyond
There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.
Our facilities
University College Birmingham is renowned for its outstanding food industry training facilities. Our award-winning restaurant on campus provides the perfect environment for students on our food and drink service courses to boost their skills across different service styles.
Open to the public, our AA Rosette Highly Commended restaurant on campus – Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food – will arm you with hands-on skills, from serving fast food to silver service
Open to the public, our AA Rosette Highly Commended restaurant on campus – Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food – will arm you with hands-on skills, from serving fast food to silver service
Our training restaurant and industry-standard kitchens provide you with a unique behind-the-scenes view of the hospitality and catering industry during your studies
You can also access our cutting-edge Food Science and Innovation Suite, including a dedicated mixology suite where you can learn everything from developing cocktails to boosting barista skills
You can also access our cutting-edge Food Science and Innovation Suite, including a dedicated mixology suite where you can learn everything from developing cocktails to boosting barista skills
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
- Restaurant Skills
- Table Theatre
- Menu Knowledge
- Beverage Product Knowledge
- Bar and Introduction to Mixology
- Wine Knowledge and Service Skills
- Customer Care and Sales
- Wine and Food Pairing
- Promotion of Product
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.
Maths and English
To help you secure your dream career, you will also continue developing your maths and English skills alongside your full-time course. If you haven’t achieved GCSE grade 4/C in English and maths at age 16, you will continue to study these through resits or taking Functional Skills at an appropriate level.
How maths will support your career
- Making measurements (including weighing) in serving food and drink properly
- Making adjustments for time and temperature in food preparation
- Using fractions for recipes and serving sizes
- Using geometry to enhance the presentation of food
- Handling nutritional data to inform choices about health and balanced diet
- Effective stock management in restaurants and bars
How English will support your career
- Using accurate spelling and specialist vocabulary for presenting quality menus
- Developing good speaking and listening skills for communicating with colleagues and customers
- Improving your reading accuracy when following instructions and recipes
- Enhancing your CV or advertising your business with the correct use of English
Entry requirements
Our food and beverage service lecturers are looking for students who are committed, enthusiastic and have a desire to succeed in the hospitality industry, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.
If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.
Academic requirements
- 4 GCSEs at grade 3 (grade D) or above, or equivalent.
English and maths
If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in English and maths and you are under 19, you will be required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate English and maths support.
Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve the Professional Food and Beverage Service Level 2 Diploma and receive approval from the University College Birmingham teaching team will be permitted to progress onto our Food and Beverage Service Supervision Level 3 course.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed throughout your course as you work towards completing your Level 2, including observation, practical duties and assignments. The emphasis is on practical assessments.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Uniform and kit costs
This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £110, depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)
You may be eligible for the Learner Support Fund, which assists college students with course-related costs such as essential uniform, equipment and travel. For more information, please visit our Financial Support for College Students page.
Latest updates
Join the conversation and check out the latest updates from Birmingham College of Food.
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UCB Food Courses |
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Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food |
University College Birmingham has People 1st Gold Hospitality accreditation, and carries Centre of Excellence status for Patisserie and Confectionery, Food and Beverage Service, and Fish and Shellfish.
Our training restaurant at Summer Row has a Highly Commended AA College Rosette.
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
70%
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired employability team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Alongside training in our restaurants and kitchens on campus, students on our college food service courses have the opportunity to gain additional experience on placements in settings such as corporate hospitality, banqueting, restaurants, hotels or licensed premises such as pubs and cocktail bars. Placements can last from 70-350 hours dependent on the level of study, with many of our past students subsequently being offered part-time jobs.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- Simpsons (Birmingham)
- Purnell’s (Birmingham)
- Opheem (Birmingham)
- Adams (Birmingham)
- Park Regis (Birmingham)
- Amadeus (Birmingham)
- Village Hotel and Leisure Club (Dudley)
- Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel and Country Club (Warwickshire)
As part of my course, I get to serve real-life customers in the working training kitchens. This gives you a great introduction to the industry and experience first-hand. Most colleges just do the theory, so it’s really good to have the practical side, especially for a practical learner like myself.
Career opportunities
On completion of the Level 2, you could progress onto our Food and Beverage Service Supervision Level 3 course, or you could pursue a range of employment opportunities within the industry.
Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Public house manager / gastro pub manager
£27,500 - £38,000
Restaurant manager (casual dining – Michelin)
£25,000 - £42,000
Catering supervisor (cafeteria, events, Nando’s)
£17,761 - £19,500
Hotel manager (small hotel or deputy of larger hotel)
£27,500 - £31,000
Wine merchant
Average Salary: £25,500
Butler (private households, royalty)
£17,000 – £100,000
Georgia’s Story
If you’d told Georgia in 2016 that she’d make the semi-finals of UK Young Chef Young Waiter of the Year, she’d never have believed you.
Meet your tutors
