Bachelor of Culinary Arts
Food & Beverage
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain technical cooking, design, and business skills to lead in the food and hospitality industries with this hands-on, innovative culinary arts degree.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 3 years
This course requires 40 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Applied culinary and creative skills
Develop advanced cooking techniques and design innovative food experiences, including bakery, dessert, and event catering.
Culinary leadership and management
Gain skills in kitchen management, team leadership, project management, and workplace health and safety.
Food system and business innovation
Design and manage sustainable food systems, create new food products/services, and perform financial analysis to enable business success.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Culinary Arts at Otago Polytechnic provides an innovative education in food design, culinary technique, and business leadership. This unique programme equips students to become leaders in the ever-evolving world of food, combining creative culinary practice, hospitality, and applied business skills. Students learn through hands-on projects, industry placements, and flexible pathways, including assessment of prior learning and work-integrated learning for those already in the workforce. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in hospitality, creative food industries, and entrepreneurship.
Course Content
- Professional kitchen work and dish preparation
- Contemporary cuisine and food trends
- Creative bakery and dessert practice
- Sensory design and taste balancing
- Kitchen management and leadership
- Food event design and hospitality
- Food systems and shared value creation
- New food product or service development
- Financial forecasting and analysis
- Industry client food projects
- Professional development and career planning
- Workplace experience/internship
- Major independent culinary project
- Electives in specialised areas of culinary interest
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 3: 60 credits at Level 3 or above, 10 Literacy or Te Reo Matatini credits, 10 Numeracy or Te Pāngarau credits
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Hospitality & Food Service
Culinary Arts
Future employment opportunities might be
Chef
Food and beverage manager
Event catering manager
Food product developer
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.