Program Overview

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Culinary Arts Management - BSc (Hons)

Overview

Develop the culinary skills and management knowledge necessary for a vibrant global career.

Summary

BSc Hons Culinary Arts Management is designed to meet the needs of those who want to work in culinary arts management, within one of the world’s largest industries. You will develop a detailed knowledge of entrepreneurial leadership and the practical culinary skills necessary for management in this dynamic and exciting industry.

About this course

About

The BSc Hons Culinary Arts Management at Ulster University has been designed to meet the needs of those who wish to work in the food management industry. You will develop an in-depth knowledge of culinary arts and the management skills necessary for this dynamic and highly customer-focused industry.

Associate awards

• Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
• Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
• Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Attendance

The programme can be completed in one to four years, depending on level of entry. You will typically complete three modules per semester, with class contact time approximately three hours per week per module. In addition, in Years 1 and 2 you will receive further class time as part of The Academy based modules. Normally, you will be attending the Belfast campus for a minimum of four days per week. You will be expected to undertake independent study of around 10 hours per week per module.

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Managerial and culinary competencies are developed during the course through a unique blend of learning and teaching methods. The course is one of the few at university level that offers the practical learning environment of a fully operational restaurant, coupled with the theoretical underpinning. Furthermore, all years avail of industry visits and talks from industry leaders. The placement year allows you to hone your skills prior to completing your final year and graduation.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Modules

Year one

• Hospitality Business Operations
• Gastronomy and Society
• Contemporary Gastronomy
• Pastry & Confectionery
• Management in Action

Year two

• Hospitality Business Operations Management
• Fundamentals of People Management
• Accounting Studies
• Advanced Culinary Operations
• Contemporary Marketing Practice
• Digital Innovation in Hospitality

Year three

• Industrial Placement (optional)
• Study Abroad (optional)

Year four

• Innovative Food
• Data and Performance Metrics Analysis
• Business and Professional Attributes
• Strategic Leadership
• The Business Plan (optional)
• Current Trends in People Management (optional)
• Research Paper (optional)
• Management Accounting (optional)
• Digital Marketing Management (optional)

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grades BCC

Applied General Qualifications

• RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma
• Award profile of DMM

Irish Leaving Certificate

104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Scottish Highers

Grades BCCCC

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades CDD

International Baccalaureate

Overall profile is minimum 24 points (including 12 at higher level)

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 60% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course) Overall profile of 12 credits at Distinction, 30 credits at Merit and 3 credits at Pass (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Maths.

English Language Requirements

• Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5
• Trinity ISE: Pass at level III

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

• Sainsbury's
• Moy Park
• L'Enclume
• Cartmel
• Holohans
• Ardtara Country House Hotel

Job roles

• Chef Proprietor
• Development Chef
• Entrepreneur
• Food stylist
• Head Chef
• Owner Manager
• Lecturing

Career options

Industrial forecasts predict an acute shortage of highly skilled executive chefs. Graduates can choose from a wide range of career pathways within the industry from Michelin star restaurants to multinational food service companies to becoming a culinary entrepreneur. Alternatively, there are numerous opportunities in the wider food industry as food product development chefs, food writers or stylists.

Professional Recognition

Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality that academic, vocational and professional standards achieved are appropriate and programme content and delivery meet international Institute of Hospitality benchmark standards.

Fees and funding

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees

£4,855.00

England, Scotland, Wales and the Islands Fees

£9,535.00

International Fees

£17,010.00

Additional mandatory costs

Students are required to purchase both front of house and back of house appropriate dress for training in the realistic work environment of the 'Taste of Ulster' award winning Academy restaurant and kitchens. The cost of this is approximately £150.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

• Institute of Hospitality, Student Management Potential Award
• Hospitality Ulster’s Rising Star Award
• The Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, supported by Mount Charles Group, offers the Mount Charles Scholarship for full-time first year students from the BSc Culinary Arts Management.

Sustainability at Ulster

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

Ulster University Business School - Sustainability in Focus

• Learning and Teaching
• Research and Knowledge Exchange
• Communications and Engagement

Testimonials

I can safely say, without the tutelage and support, even as a post graduate, I received from the Culinary Arts Management degree course, and from all the team at the Belfast campus, I would not be the proud owner of two city centre restaurants. As a restaurant owner, I cannot stress enough how important is to have facilities such as the Academy Restaurant, producing top quality hospitality operators at such a high standard.

Calvin Holohan – Owner/Manager of Holohans at the Barge and Holohans Pantry.