Bachelor of Culinary Arts – Assessment of Prior Learning (APL)
Food & Beverage
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
A unique, one-year, distance-based programme that assesses your prior industry experience to award academic credit towards a Bachelor of Culinary Arts, allowing culinary professionals to gain formal qualification without leaving employment.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Gain formal recognition for existing culinary skills
Demonstrate how prior work experience and industry skills meet the Bachelor of Culinary Arts' academic standards.
Develop a comprehensive portfolio
Produce a portfolio of evidence documenting your professional contributions, such as menu design, leadership, training, or food product development.
Bridge practice and academic learning
Reflect on professional practice and align it with academic learning outcomes through facilitator-led activities.
What You're Signing Up For
This Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) programme at Otago Polytechnic is designed for experienced food industry professionals seeking formal recognition of their culinary skills and knowledge towards the Bachelor of Culinary Arts. The APL process involves mapping your existing expertise and evidence (such as roles, dishes, menus, training plans, and industry leadership) against the degree requirements. You will work with a facilitator to document your professional achievements and learning, aligning them to academic criteria, ultimately gaining either partial or full credit towards the Bachelor's degree.
Course Content
- Assessment of professional and industry experience
- Portfolio development showcasing culinary skills and expertise
- Facilitated learning pathway reflecting professional practice with academic requirements
- Preparation and submission of supporting evidence (CV, work samples, menus, training, marketing, publications, feedback, awards, and qualifications)
- Personal learning activities tailored around your existing knowledge gaps
- Regular feedback from a facilitator and assessment panel
- Final assessment and oral presentation
What you need to know first
Demonstrable experience in the food sector, contributing to key decision-making processes (e.g. chef, teacher, manager, product developer, or media professional in food)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Hospitality
Food and Beverage
Culinary
Future employment opportunities might be
Executive chef
Culinary educator/trainer
Food and beverage manager
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.