Higher Diploma in Artisan Baking and Business Skills

We are proud to say that our Higher Diploma in Artisan Baking and Business Skills is accredited by FDQ.

Our full-time, intensive six-month course boasts unrivalled tuition from industry's most recognised producers and experts. It also includes an outstanding opportunity to explore setting up an artisan business.

“I’m not going to say ‘the proof of the pudding...’ Oh, I just did. The length of the list of graduates who have gone on toopen their own fantastic baking businesses, or slot right into the teams at others, speaks for itself. It really is one of the key crucibles for the rise of Real Bread, not to mention cakes and patisserie.”

Chris Young, Real Bread Campaign coordinator & Fellow of the School of Artisan Food

First choice for you

An impressive range of guest lecturers, artisans and industry professionals makes this simply the best course if you wish to work in the flourishing artisan food sector.

If you’re progressing from A Levels or a College Diploma, wanting a career change or following a life-long passion The School of Artisan Food is the perfect place for you.

First choice for success

The Higher Diploma’s hands-on approach is supported by the associated science and an understanding of the functionality of ingredients; this, together with the practical skills in bread baking, long fermentation, patisserie and viennoiserie, will secure your future success.

Practical baking

Classes provide a detailed understanding of how to bake iconic British, European and International products as well as contemporary breads and pastries. You will also have the opportunity to develop your own unique range of products.

Business acumen

This course will also provide you with all you need to know to establish a food business, such as a traditional artisan bakery, a micro bakery, a pop-up, a cooperative and online services.

Please note:

We regularly review and update our Higher Diploma in Artisan Baking and Business Skills programme to ensure it remains current and relevant. As a result, course details, including content and structure, may be subject to change.

Open days

There’s no better way to find out about studying at The School of Artisan Food than by attending one of our Open days.

Join our Studies Director on a tour of the excellent facilities, learn about the qualification and experience first-hand what it's like to be a student at the School.

Provisional dates for the Higher Diploma in Artisan Baking and Business Skills for September 2026

Induction Week: 21st - 25th September 2026 

Term 1: 28th September - 18th December 2026

Christmas Break: 18th December 2026 - 4th January 2027

Term 2: 4th January - 12th March 2027

Work Placement: 15th March - 9th April 2027