Program Overview

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.

Attendance

The programme can be completed in five to seven years, depending on level of entry. You will normally complete two modules per semester, with class contact time approximately three hours per week per module. Typically you will be attending the Belfast campus a minimum of three days per week. You will be expected to undertake independent study of around 10 hours per week per module.

Start dates

• September 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

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

Modules

Year one

• Hospitality Business Operations
• Pastry & Confectionery

Year two

• Gastronomy and Society
• Contemporary Gastronomy
• Management in Action

Year three

• Hospitality Business Operations Management
• Fundamentals of People Management
• Accounting Studies

Year four

• Advanced Culinary Operations
• Contemporary Marketing Practice
• Digital Innovation in Hospitality

Year five

• Innovative Food
• Business and Professional Attributes
• Current Trends in People Management (optional)
• Management Accounting (optional)
• Digital Marketing Management (optional)

Year six

• Data and Performance Metrics Analysis
• Strategic Leadership
• The Business Plan (optional)
• Research Paper (optional)

Standard entry conditions

• A level: Grades BCC
• Applied General Qualifications: Award profile of DMM
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 104 UCAS tariff points
• Scottish Highers: Grades BCCCC
• Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades CDD
• International Baccalaureate: Overall profile is minimum 24 points
• Access to Higher Education (HE): Overall profile of 60%
• GCSE: Pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics
• English Language Requirements: Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

• Ardtara Country House Hotel
• Moy Park
• Ulster University
• L'Enclume
• Cartmel
• Deanes

Job roles

• Chef Proprietor
• Head chef
• Development Chef
• Restaurateur
• Entrepreneur
• Food stylist
• 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

• 2026/27 Fees: Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review
• Scholarships, awards and prizes: Institute of Hospitality, Janus Award Nomination; Hospitality Ulster’s Rising Star Award
• 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.