Culinary Arts

Overview

The Higher Certificate in Arts in Culinary Arts establishes a direct path into the food service industry. This programme provides an extensive understanding of culinary techniques, kitchen technologies, the operational business aspects of culinary enterprises, and the scientific principles and nutritional foundations of food. Students actively engage in daily kitchen environments, both individually and as part of a team.

Throughout the programme, there's practical experience in operating and managing an event within the universities training restaurant. The programme also offers participation in national food industry competitions and organises culinary excursions to local, regional, and national food producers, including an immersive gastronomic meal experience.

Complementing the academic curriculum, a series of guest lectures feature Ireland's leading culinary experts, providing students with valuable opportunities to learn from and interact with industry practitioners.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

• Introduction to food preparation and cooking techniques: incorporates food identification and preparation techniques in a practical setting
• Fundamental patisserie skills: the scientific principles and production processes underpinning this discipline.
• Introduction to food science and safety: the importance of food safety and the basic principles of HACCP
• Refining food preparation and cooking techniques: development of core skills, competencies and knowledge in food preparation and cooking techniques required in today’s food production units
• Food production operations: techniques and processes essential to professional volume food production
• Food and nutrition: the principles of food and nutrition and an appreciation of the relationship between food, health and wellbeing

Have a look at the modules in years 1, 2 to make sure you know what your getting into.

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

• Score the necessary CAO points and
• Meet the minimum entry requirements.

Leaving Certificate in five subjects i.e. O6/H7 in five subjects. The five subjects must include Mathematics* and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

*A grade of F2 or above in foundation level Maths fulfils the Maths entry requirements for this programme.

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Many past graduates of our courses have had the opportunity to work both nationally and internationally within different areas of the culinary arts industry, such as:

• The National and International hotel and restaurant industry;
• Patisserie and confectionery;
• Cruise liners;
• Corporate catering;
• Industrial catering – hospitals, schools, sports stadia;
• Artisan food producers;
• Food logistics companies;
• Food product development;
• Cafés, food halls, and general food businesses. 

Progression

Graduates who have successfully completed the Higher Certificate in Arts in Culinary Arts may progress onto Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts (Level 7) .