Bachelor of Culinary Arts
Food & Beverage
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain technical culinary skills, creative food design knowledge and business practices to become a leader in the food and hospitality industry. This hands-on Bachelor’s programme prepares you for a successful, innovative career in the culinary arts.
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
Master technical culinary skills
Demonstrate proficiency in advanced cooking, baking, and dish creation techniques in a professional kitchen environment.
Apply creative food design and innovation
Use design thinking to develop new food concepts, products, and events that address contemporary trends and consumer needs.
Lead and manage in kitchen environments
Display leadership skills and manage kitchen operations, including hospitality events, teamwork, and workplace safety.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Culinary Arts is a unique degree that blends technical cooking mastery, creative food design, and innovative business practice. You’ll engage in hands-on projects, work with industry clients, develop and deliver food events, and gain real-world leadership experience. With flexible on-campus or work-integrated/assessment pathways, the programme supports career entry and advancement in professional culinary arts. Special emphasis is placed on creative problem-solving, design thinking in food, and professional practice for the evolving food sector.
Course Content
- Culinary Deliberate Practice: Professional kitchen practice and cooking methods
- Contemporary Mahika Kai: Contemporary cuisine and dish design
- Pūmanawa for the Sweet Kitchen: Baking, dessert preparation, and creative digital food presentation
- Sensory Design for Kai: Balancing and designing sensory food experiences
- Culinary Management and Leadership: Kitchen management principles and leadership skills
- Manaakitaka for Kai: Designing and delivering food events with hospitality
- Kai and Shared Value Creation: Food system analysis and ethical innovation
- Kai Systems Design: Food product/service innovation for organisations
- Financial Forecasting and Analysis: Culinary business financial management
- Client Kai Projects: Industry collaboration and professional client work
- Wayfinding for Professional Practice: Strategic professional planning
- Hauora within the Culinary Workplace: Culinary industry internship and workplace well-being
- Major Kai Project: Independent culinary project with community and industry impact
- Elective courses in culinary specialisms
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 3 with 60 credits at Level 3 or equivalent
10 Literacy or Te Reo Matatini credits
10 Numeracy or Te Pāngarau credits
A CV and a 500-word letter of application
For non-NCEA: Demonstrated equivalent qualifications/experience and interview
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Food and Beverage
Hospitality
Culinary Arts
Future employment opportunities might be
Professional chef
Food designer
Hospitality manager
Food event organiser
Culinary entrepreneur
Product development specialist
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.