Culinary Arts

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts offers an accelerated pathway into the advanced tiers of the food industry. This programme furnishes an extensive knowledge foundation and practical hands-on sessions aimed at honing your culinary expertise. It encompasses fundamental disciplines like culinary methodologies, kitchen innovations, the business facets of culinary establishments, and the scientific aspects of food and nutrition.

Throughout the third year, students delve into the realms of pastry and confectionery craftsmanship, food photography, food presentation techniques, entrepreneurship, food innovation, and advanced culinary methodologies. The programme provides a chance to engage in national food industry competitions and includes organised culinary excursions to local, regional, and national food producers.

To enhance the academic journey, a series of guest lectures by prominent culinary practitioners from Ireland are integrated, offering valuable insights and experiences.

Graduates from the BA in Culinary Arts programme can pursue employment opportunities in all facets of the food sector and nonfood sector as the skills acquired are highly transferable. 

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 and 3 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.

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

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates who successfully complete the programme can seek employment opportunities in:

• Restaurants, Hotels, Gastro pubs, Cafés, General food service businesses
• Food business management
• Food product design and development
• Food retail organisations
• Market and consumer research
• Product sales and marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Artisan food production
• Food logistics 

Progression

Further Studies Suitably qualified graduates are eligible to progress to year 4 (final year):

• BA (Honours) in Culinary Arts
• Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts (National Sous Chef Apprenticeship) – delivery is based on 4 semesters of 13 weeks with 1 day in university per week