Top Online Chef Courses to Elevate Your Culinary Skills
The way students learn is changing, and the culinary world is no exception. According to a 2023 survey by education research firm Tyton Partners, only 31% of students now prefer fully in-person instruction, while a solid 69% favour online, hybrid, or blended learning options. If you’re looking for a flexible way to upskill in the kitchen, chef courses online offer the perfect solution – without compromising on quality or hands-on experience.
Students at CTIA can choose between in-person and online chef courses, making it easier than ever to train as a professional chef on their own terms. If the online route suits your lifestyle, there are a few programmes to explore. The City & Guilds Professional Culinary Arts Programme is a firm favourite.
Chef Courses: Is the City & Guilds Professional Culinary Arts Programme Right for You?
This internationally accredited programme is designed for those serious about making a career in food. It builds a solid foundation in cooking techniques, kitchen operations, food safety standards, and practical culinary skills.
- Duration: 12 months
- Accreditation: City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Food Preparation and Culinary Arts
- Mode of Delivery: Fully online learning via Moodle, with hands-on assessments taking place at the nearest CTIA campus once per semester
This programme is ideal for entry-level culinary students who want to enter the industry with confidence – or for those already working in hospitality who need a professional qualification to take the next step. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to work as a kitchen hand or cook and will be well-positioned to pursue further training towards becoming a qualified chef.
What You’ll Learn: A Breakdown of the Curriculum
Mastering the culinary arts means understanding ingredients, perfecting techniques, and learning how a professional kitchen operates. This programme ensures students develop both theoretical knowledge and industry-ready skills.
Semester 1: Laying the Foundation
- Workplace hygiene, safety, and food handling best practices
- Understanding nutrition, allergens, and dietary considerations
- Introduction to recipes, ingredients, and essential kitchen tools
- Cooking techniques, including boiling, poaching, steaming, braising, and stewing
- Mastering roasting, grilling, baking, deep frying, and shallow frying
- Principles of cold food preparation and plating
- Soft skills and professional development in the hospitality industry
Semester 2: Advanced Culinary Techniques
- Menu planning and cost control
- Providing exceptional guest service
- Fundamental food production processes and commodity resource management
- Preparation, cooking, and finishing:
– Meats, poultry, game, and offal
– Fish and shellfish dishes
– Eggs, grains, and pasta dishes
– Vegetables, pulses, and plant-based proteins
- Making flawless stocks, soups, and sauces
- Fundamentals of pastry, bakery items, and classic desserts
With a mouthwatering mash-up of practical training, theoretical modules, and structured feedback from expert instructors, students complete this programme fully prepared for professional kitchen environments – both in South Africa and globally.
Why Choose an Online Cooking School Over Traditional Training?
For many aspiring chefs, moving to a major city or committing to an inflexible class schedule isn’t an option. That’s why online chef courses have become so popular; they allow students to study from anywhere while still receiving industry-approved training.
At CTIA, online students benefit from:
- Certified, internationally recognised qualifications
- Dedicated lecturer support via Microsoft Teams
- Video-led practical training with assessment submissions
- A structured learning path that merges theory and hands-on experience
Online education is a strategic advantage for culinary students who value flexibility without sacrificing quality. Is it the right path for you?
Explore our online chef courses now.