Higher University Diploma in Professional Chef Studies
Higher University Diploma in Professional Chef Studies
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Duration6 months + practicum
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Start dateJanuary 2027
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Modality
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Languages
Become a Professional Chef with a university diploma
The University Diploma in Professional Chef features a unique methodology based on daily hands-on kitchen practice, complementary learning through videos and up-to-date educational resources, as well as experimentation and innovation in culinary arts and gastronomy with a strong focus on sustainability.
Over 6 months of in-person, hands-on classes and 250 hours of off-campus internships, this Professional Chef Diploma in Barcelona at CETT-UB will enable you to acquire and master the fundamental techniques of culinary arts and pastry, while developing expertise in kitchen management and the design of diverse gastronomic concepts that reflect today's foodservice industry. You will gain in-depth knowledge of culinary processes, equipment and tools, explore the latest international trends, and learn to create proposals tailored to a wide range of customer needs. The programme also includes pastry production, wine tasting and food pairing, providing a comprehensive understanding of gastronomy.
In short, you will develop the skills to design and deliver memorable culinary experiences!
The programme concludes with the development of a final gastronomic project, applying the knowledge acquired throughout the diploma to an integrated foodservice and gastronomy concept.
Who is this Culinary Diploma for?
- Individuals with no previous professional experience in cooking who are passionate about gastronomy and want to build a professional career in the culinary sector.
- Culinary and foodservice professionals without formal culinary training who wish to obtain a recognised qualification, advance their careers to become professional chefs, and are looking for a programme that fits around limited time availability.
Practical training to become a professional chef
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Learn cooking through hands-on practice
The programme is based on the progressive acquisition of knowledge and skills through hands-on learning experiences.
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Innovative learning methodology
You will prepare for classes at home using resources available on the virtual campus, allowing classroom time to be dedicated to hands-on practice and the practical application of knowledge.
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Fully equipped professional kitchens
The facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, enabling students to create dishes and desserts of varying levels of complexity.
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Personalised learning
Working in stable teams fosters collaboration and enriches the learning experience.
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Real gastronomic experiences
The training is completed with a final culinary project to consolidate your learning, along with access to CETT activities and the opportunity to practise in the Culinary Simulation Open Classroom.
Why study a Culinary Diploma at CETT-UB?
An accessible university education
You will have access to university-level education even without previous academic qualifications, as this is a proprietary qualification awarded by the University of Barcelona and CETT.
Learn by doing from day one
A predominantly hands-on learning methodology with a total of 250 hours of practical training. You will study the theoretical lessons at home, wherever and whenever it suits you, through videos and other online resources. Classroom time is then dedicated to immersive practical training in culinary arts and pastry, where you take the lead in your own learning.
Professional kitchen facilities
The programme features technical training kitchens equipped with modern technology, and students have access to the Open Kitchen Lab, where they can practise independently at any time.
Learn alongside active professional chefs
The teaching team is made up of chef instructors and active industry professionals who will share their expertise and real-world experience with you.
Why CETT-UB?
CETT-UB is an institute with a strong academic reputation: it is supported by the University of Barcelona, scores high in international rankings, has more than 56 years of experience and over 22,000 alumni, guaranteeing prestige and educational quality.
You will study in an international environment: every year, the campus receives more than 1,200 students from over 75 countries who choose CETT to train in tourism, hospitality and gastronomy. This cultural diversity, together with academic mobility opportunities, will enrich your learning experience and prepare you for a global career in the tourism industry.
CETT-UB has a close relationship with the tourism industry, ensuring that your training will be consistent with the needs of the labor market. As the institute has more than 1,000 agreements with companies in the sector, you will have access to employment and internship opportunities. A high percentage of CETT graduates also find employment in the sector, which demonstrates the quality and relevance of our training.
At CETT-UB, you will learn through real challenges and projects. You will have the opportunity to participate in national and international awards and competitions, which will allow you to make your mark and develop your skills with a global perspective.
The CETT Campus has learning spaces that reflect the reality of the sector: such as the Hotel Universitario Alimara, the Aula Restaurant, Espai Fòrum and the Ágora BCN residence. You will be able to apply your knowledge in real work environments, connect with active professionals and develop innovative projects.
Campus CETT
Training Center
Building
Reception
Resource center
Career Services
Theoretical teaching classrooms
Technical Classrooms
Pre-preparation Classroom
Cooking Workshop
Techno-Culinary Classroom
Research and Innovation Space
Demonstration Kitchen Classroom
UB-Bullipedia Space
Sommeliers Classrooms
Reception Classroom
Computer Classrooms
Applied Technology Classrooms
Restaurant Classroom
Forum Space
Kitchen Classroom
Alimara University Hotel
Reception
Summum Restaurant
Event Rooms
Garden
Rooms
Àgora BCN University Residence
Reception
Rooms
Dining Room
Leisure Room
Gym
Activity Rooms
Garden
International support
We understand the challenges of living in a country away from home. That is why the CETT-UB Campus provides the International Relations Office (ORI), a dedicated service offering guidance, advice, and support to international students enrolled in our master's programmes.
The ORI team will provide you with practical information on key aspects of life in Barcelona, including city registration (empadronamiento), obtaining a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE), and finding accommodation.
Procedures for international students
The ORI team will provide you with up-to-date information on the administrative procedures you will need to complete once you arrive in Barcelona, guiding you through essential requirements such as obtaining your Foreigner Identification Number (NIE), registering with the local council (empadronamiento), and applying for your university student card.
Languages
If Spanish is not your native language, the ORI team will advise you on how and where to learn it. They will also provide information on learning Catalan, helping you integrate more easily into everyday life in Barcelona. In addition, you can improve your Spanish through the certified language courses offered by CETT-UB's Language Department.
If, on the other hand, you would like to practise another language in a more informal setting, you can take part free of charge in CETT-UB's language exchange programme with fellow students.
International Office
Professional culinary internships
During your studies at CETT-UB, you will have the opportunity to undertake internships with leading companies and institutions. These placements allow you to apply and reinforce the knowledge gained throughout your academic training while developing the professional skills and competencies needed for a successful career in the industry.
Two internship options
Curricular Internships: These internships are linked to modules within your programme and form part of the academic curriculum. They are therefore compulsory.
Extracurricular Internships: These placements are not included in the curriculum and are undertaken on a voluntary basis.
Internships are carried out through university–industry cooperation agreements and are supervised by academic staff with expertise in the relevant fields.
At CETT-UB, we help you secure the internship opportunities that best match your professional profile and career aspirations from the more than 900 internship requests we receive from companies each year. We also support you throughout the process, helping you connect with and gain access to organisations and institutions that align with your professional goals.
As a distinctive feature, CETT-UB has its own group of companies dedicated to education and the delivery of high-quality hospitality and tourism services, allowing you to apply your practical knowledge without leaving the campus:
- Hotel Alimara
- Àgora BCN University Residence
- Aula Restaurant
- Summum Restaurant & Bar
Si quieres más información visita el espacio de Career Services, contactanos a través del email [email protected] o también puedes visitarnos en la primera planta del Campus.
Career opportunities as a Professional Chef
- Chef de Partie / Sous Chef
- Private Chef / Culinary Consultant
- Pastry Chef de Partie
- Gastronomic Events Coordinator
Student services
Students have access to a wide range of services designed to make their academic experience truly unique.
The CETT Campus offers an excellent selection of dining options, including Espai Fòrum, Aula Restaurant, and the Hotel Alimara. It also features a multidisciplinary Resource Centre with an extensive collection of books, digital tools, and study spaces to support and enhance learning beyond the classroom.
In addition, the CETT-UB App gives you access to the Virtual Campus app, allowing you to enjoy the full campus experience from your mobile device.
Additional services
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Career Services
The Career Services team provides guidance and support in securing internships and career opportunities with leading companies in the hospitality and tourism industry. It also offers an extensive job and internship platform.
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Accommodation
CETT-UB has its own student residence, Àgora BCN, offering affordable accommodation rates for the CETT-UB student community. We also have our own four-star hotel, Hotel Alimara, where you, your family, and your friends can enjoy exclusive benefits and special discounts.
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Alumni
The CETT Alumni Association aims to strengthen the connection between former students by fostering a network of professionals who enjoy a wide range of benefits across professional, educational, and social areas.
University facilities
El campus CETT está situado en el barrio de Horta de Barcelona. Está formado por la CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy, el Hotel Alimara Barcelona y la Àgora BCN Residencia Universitaria Internacional.
The CETT Campus is located in Barcelona's Horta district. It is home to the CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy, Hotel Alimara Barcelona, and the Àgora BCN International University Residence.
