Programme highlights
Get started with the skills to become a valued member of a café or functions team, plus get the advantage of real-world experience at industry events and functions.
You will prepare and serve the types of food and beverages offered at cafes and functions. You will develop the professional communication skills to serve customers and deal with any customer service issues.
Learn to work safely and to regulations in hospitality environments and when handling food.
You may be required to complete literacy and numeracy assessments as part of this programme.
Entry requirements
Open Entry, if the delegated authority at the campus/site is satisfied that the applicant has the capability to complete the requirements of the programme.
English language requirements
All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.
International applicants are required to have an IELTS score of 5 (general or academic) with no individual band lower than 5 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below three courses (60 credits):
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Career opportunities
Graduates may be employed as service personnel in cafes and unlicensed restaurants, bars or clubs, restaurants which provide table and/or buffet services, establishments which cater to functions, or baristas in hospitality establishments, or a crew member in a quick service restaurant. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
See why more people choose Hospitality (barista, café, and restaurant) at MIT
Considering baking, culinary and hospitality at MIT?
“Everyone is so friendly and willing to help.”
“If you’re passionate about what you want to do at MIT, whether it’s bartending, barista, being a culinary chef, or a baker, MIT is one of the best places to go because everyone is so friendly and willing to help. Not only are the lecturers really helpful but there are also other staff members that are willing to help. They are willing to go the extra mile to see you succeed.”
Mikayla Clendon
MIT graduate
“My advice to anyone thinking about studying at MIT – do it!”
“My advice to anyone thinking about studying at MIT – do it!
Being treated as a name, not a number like at larger institutes, amazing tutors, and invaluable, real-world industry experience were among the things I loved most at MIT. An exchange in Austria was a course highlight and a life-changing experience as this started my love for travel.”
Shelley Matthews
MIT graduate
“I’ve always worked in the hospitality industry and really enjoy it.”
“Choosing to study at MIT was a great decision. I left with so much more than just knowledge about the industry. My course was also aimed at providing experience and developing my confidence so I had a headstart when I entered the workforce.??
I’ve always worked in the hospitality industry and really enjoy it, so I decided to study hospitality operations management. Soon after graduating, I got a job at The Square Cafe and Catering, as the head barista. My job included coffee preparation and customer service, which I love.
MIT prepared me very well for the role through its hands-on experience. I knew what to expect when I entered the industry and can deal with anything head-on.”
Daniel Deeming
MIT graduate
“The practical side of the course gives you a strong foundation to enter the workforce.”
“I chose to study hospitality at MIT because it’s a huge industry with so many career opportunities all over the world.
I’m studying hospitality, which covers many different areas including, front of house, bartending, housekeeping, and serving. We studied events and had to organise and manage our own events. There’s a lot to learn, and the practical side of the course gives you a strong foundation to enter the workforce.
As a dad of two young children, it has been challenging to study while helping to support my family. However, I’ve already got a job at the Great Catering Company, which uses the skills I’ve developed during my studies and helps my family, so I couldn’t be happier. This role also allows me to do what I love — serving and talking to people.”
Mac Parima
MIT graduate
“Choosing to study at MIT is the best decision I made.”
“Choosing to study at MIT is the best decision I made. It has a great location, fantastic teaching staff, and real-world degrees.
I studied a National Diploma in Hospitality Management and was impressed by the supportive and personalised approached to teaching. The lecturers would build on our strengths and develop our weaknesses so we were always improving. Hospitality is a practical industry where some core skills can’t be taught in traditional classrooms, so the hands-on training we received was invaluable.
Before graduating I was scouted to work for some of Auckland’s best hospitality companies. I’m now based in Sydney, working for one of the city’s finest caterers. I look after a huge portfolio of companies, catering for some of Sydney’s biggest clients.
MIT gave me the foundation and skills to progress faster in my line of work, which I continue to build on.”
Harrison Faatoafe
MIT graduate
Considering baking, culinary and hospitality at MIT?
“Everyone is so friendly and willing to help.”
“If you’re passionate about what you want to do at MIT, whether it’s bartending, barista, being a culinary chef, or a baker, MIT is one of the best places to go because everyone is so friendly and willing to help. Not only are the lecturers really helpful but there are also other staff members that are willing to help. They are willing to go the extra mile to see you succeed.”
Mikayla Clendon
MIT graduate
“My advice to anyone thinking about studying at MIT – do it!”
“My advice to anyone thinking about studying at MIT – do it!
Being treated as a name, not a number like at larger institutes, amazing tutors, and invaluable, real-world industry experience were among the things I loved most at MIT. An exchange in Austria was a course highlight and a life-changing experience as this started my love for travel.”
Shelley Matthews
MIT graduate
“I’ve always worked in the hospitality industry and really enjoy it.”
“Choosing to study at MIT was a great decision. I left with so much more than just knowledge about the industry. My course was also aimed at providing experience and developing my confidence so I had a headstart when I entered the workforce.??
I’ve always worked in the hospitality industry and really enjoy it, so I decided to study hospitality operations management. Soon after graduating, I got a job at The Square Cafe and Catering, as the head barista. My job included coffee preparation and customer service, which I love.
MIT prepared me very well for the role through its hands-on experience. I knew what to expect when I entered the industry and can deal with anything head-on.”
Daniel Deeming
MIT graduate
“The practical side of the course gives you a strong foundation to enter the workforce.”
“I chose to study hospitality at MIT because it’s a huge industry with so many career opportunities all over the world.
I’m studying hospitality, which covers many different areas including, front of house, bartending, housekeeping, and serving. We studied events and had to organise and manage our own events. There’s a lot to learn, and the practical side of the course gives you a strong foundation to enter the workforce.
As a dad of two young children, it has been challenging to study while helping to support my family. However, I’ve already got a job at the Great Catering Company, which uses the skills I’ve developed during my studies and helps my family, so I couldn’t be happier. This role also allows me to do what I love — serving and talking to people.”
Mac Parima
MIT graduate
“Choosing to study at MIT is the best decision I made.”
“Choosing to study at MIT is the best decision I made. It has a great location, fantastic teaching staff, and real-world degrees.
I studied a National Diploma in Hospitality Management and was impressed by the supportive and personalised approached to teaching. The lecturers would build on our strengths and develop our weaknesses so we were always improving. Hospitality is a practical industry where some core skills can’t be taught in traditional classrooms, so the hands-on training we received was invaluable.
Before graduating I was scouted to work for some of Auckland’s best hospitality companies. I’m now based in Sydney, working for one of the city’s finest caterers. I look after a huge portfolio of companies, catering for some of Sydney’s biggest clients.
MIT gave me the foundation and skills to progress faster in my line of work, which I continue to build on.”
Harrison Faatoafe
MIT graduate
