Are you passionate about all things food-related? Do you enjoy learning where food comes from and how it is produced? If this sounds like you, then a Catering degree many be the deal course for you.

However, while tasting and preparing food is a key part of studying catering, you will also learn about the processes involved in running a catering of restaurant business as well as gaining an understanding of modern-day food issues such as local sourcing and organic produce. As well as having a flair for the production of food and catering products, it is also essential that all students are willing to work hard, and learn the theory behind catering as well as focussing on the practical.

The majority of catering graduates do end up working within the food and hospitality industry. There are a wide range of jobs available within this sector working as catering managers, restaurant managers as well as food buyers for hotels and food stores.

However, some graduates opt to take further study to pursue more vocational careers. PGCE’s are a popular post-graduate qualification for catering graduates allowing them the opportunity to teach food studies and catering within schools. However, many also decide to take courses that allow them to qualify as dieticians.

For those who wish to enter the world of paid work straight away, there is also the option to work within kitchens training as a chef or, if you’re degree and experience is particularly strong, there is always the option to work in product development departments conducting research and analysing nutritional information.

The majority of undergraduate catering courses will take place over a period of 3 years. However, many universities will offer their undergraduates the opportunity to extend their degree programme spend a year studying abroad, or undertaking a work placements between the second and third year of the course. If this opportunity is available to you, it is well worth considering.

The entry requirements for catering courses will differ from university to university. However, most establishments will expect a minimum of 3 A-levels, or equivalent, before accepting you onto your chosen course of study. At least one of these subjects should be science-based in order to demonstrate your passion for the subject matter, although an A-level in business would also strengthen your application.

There are also a number of postgraduate courses available to study within the catering field. Whether you want to specialise in food management or specific cooking techniques, most of these courses will require a minimum of a 2:1 degree classification prior to study.

Those who are non-native English speakers will also be required to sit an ITELS test before starting a course of study at any level. Students will be expected to score a minimum of 6.0 in order to demonstrate that there will be no language barriers prohibiting them from accessing the course content. The teaching methods of a catering degree will differ significantly depending not only on your choice of university, but also on the modules you study. While some modules will be lecture based, much of the theory you learn will be reinforced through the use of practical lessons and assessment.

Before sending in an application to any of the universities, consider the course content and whether this appeals to your areas of interest. While the theory of catering will remain the same wherever you decide to study, there are many branches of catering to which it can be applied from food preparation to business within the catering industries.  If there’s something you would particularly like to study, check that there is a related compulsory or optional module.

Given the broad range of career opportunities available to those studying degrees in catering, it is important to examine the industry opportunities available to you while you study. While it is a strong degree is important, many recruiters look for graduates with a wide range of previous experience in the world of work. Universities spend years cultivating strong relationships with industry leaders which allows their students to access the top placement opportunities. Most establishments also to hold networking events in order to help students make contacts that may be of use to them in their post-graduate work lives.

Consider also the location of potential universities before committing to study there for the next three years. With all the information you receive, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and to forget that your choice of academic institution will dictate where you live. If you are planning on attending any university open days before you make your application, then make sure you have a look around and see if you can visualise yourself being happy in the local area.

You should also carefully consider the fees and the cost of living while you are studying. To help make your decision easier, work out how much financial support you will be getting while you study and which scholarships and grants you are entitled to.