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Culinary Arts
Bachelor of Arts
Course Details
CAO Code | AU220 |
---|---|
Level | 7 |
Duration | 3 Years |
CAO Points | 160 (2024) |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Donegal – Killybegs |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
Our Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts is a full-time, three year programme for aspiring professional chefs. The world of cuisine is exciting, challenging and hugely rewarding, and we have the recipe to help you succeed. This is an advanced professional training programme for ambitious and talented aspiring chefs who wish to extend their culinary education far beyond general training.
The opportunities after graduation are as boundless as your creativity and inventiveness, and whether you become a chef, pastry chef, baker or food production manager – to name but a few – the world is literally your oyster, with positions in hotels, cruises ships and restaurants just some of the specific areas where graduates embark on their careers.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Essential Culinary SkillsThis module is designed to introduce learners to the food production environment, providing fundamental practical knowledge and skills in basic savoury food preparation. All practical elements are supported with weekly theoretical class notes via the blackboard system. This practical cookery module leads the learner into the professional kitchen following a progressive delivery of both classical and contemporary recipes prepared in accordance with the principles of HACCP to produce safe, sound, and wholesome savoury food items. Learning Outcomes 1. Identifying the fundament requirement of the Commis profession position. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Fundamentals of Baking and PastryThis module is designed to ensure that students develop fundamental skills and competencies in pastry and baking for a range of culinary operation. Emphasis is placed on the basic scientific principles and production processes underpinning this discipline, along with the artistic skills for presentation. There is an implicit understanding that all practical modules will demonstrate best practice in food safety adhering to the principles of HACCP to produce safe, sound, and wholesome food and to also produce a variety of baked goods and desserts suitable for changing consumer behaviour and choices. Learning Outcomes 1. Classify commodities, equipment and procedures associated with using convenience ingredients in the production of pastry and desserts. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Learning & Research for Higher EducationThe aim of this module is to support the learner in their transition to third level education by reinforcing and developing the key academic skills, strategies and independent learning essential for study at this level. Additionally, this module will instil in the learner the value of personal and professional development planning. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify individual learning styles, including approaches to independent learning , and apply learning strategies, group work and study that coincide with learning preferences. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Culinary Science, Technology and Food SafetyThis module will provide learners with the knowledge required to adhere to best practice and legal obligations relating to environmental health and food safety. Learners will examine the technologies and production processes underpinning this discipline. Furthermore, it will provide students with an understanding of the scientific principles of food and cooking. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify the duties and responsibilities of both employees & employers under the Health, Safety & Welfare at work legislation. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Developing Culinary SkillsThis module is an extension of the Essential Culinary Skills module, providing the learner with fundamental larder techniques for a variety of meats, poultry and seafood. The approach to learning is structured around practical demonstrations, hands-on food preparation and production methods within a classroom and kitchen environment. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the classifications and quality points of meat, poultry and game , applying the required practical skills associated with the culinary use of each. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Pastry, Pies & TartsThe learner will research, prepare, and develop their pastry techniques for pastry, pies and tart production including gluten free varieties. Emphasis is placed on classical and speciality pastry doughs and their application in the production of pastry products, pies, and tarts. The practical content of this module will enhance the learner’s skills and knowledge in modern bakery and culinary operations. Learning Outcomes 1. Produce, finish, and present a variety of pastry products to the recipe specifications, in line with current professional practice with due consideration to food safety. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
IT Skills for CulinaryTo enable learners to become effective spreadsheet users in the culinary environment as well as acquiring the fundamental IT skills needed for their academic progression notably in collating an e-Portfolio. Learning Outcomes 1. Use the learning management system, |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Food & Beverage Restaurant ServiceTo provide learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies to enable them to operate in a professional manner within a food and beverage service operation. In addition, learners will also be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the food service industry, in a national and international context. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify and discuss the key concepts and organisational structure of the food service industry and its environment. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Work Placement 1The work placement will enable the learner to develop an understanding of a culinary establishment and its processes and procedures. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply the knowledge and skills acquired from year one of the programme to the food industry. |
10 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Street Food, Design & DevelopmentThis module introduces the student to the concept of street food and explores the potential of world-casual dining outdoors for the hospitality sector. Students will explore typical street-food influences from Asia, Africa, and India. The module will allow students to explore and develop their own innovative and creative skills while experimenting with new cuisines, flavours, ingredients, and methods of cooking. Learning Outcomes 1. Prepare, cook, and evaluate a variety of popular street-foods from different global regions . |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Contemporary Pastry PracticeThe purpose of this module is to instil in student's modern pastry practices related to finishing and presentations of refined hot and cold plated desserts as well as still frozen and churned desserts menu offerings. This module enhances the student's awareness of aesthetics when displaying and presenting food items for sale and introduces the student to modern techniques in pastry such as spherification, fusion pastry and trends within Patisserie itself. Learning Outcomes 1. Explore the concepts of composition, taste, design, texture and current trends for pastry and dessert products through related theory. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Organisational Behaviour and WellbeingThe aim of this module is to introduce learners to the theories and concepts related to organisational behaviour and to address the importance of individual and organisational wellbeing. This module examines the relationship & social dynamics between individuals, management, and groups by exploring the complexities of human behaviour in organisations and in the workplace. A critical theme running through this module is wellbeing in the context of the work organisation. Learning Outcomes 1. Evaluate the key concepts of organisational behaviour. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Food Purchasing & Cost ControlThis module will introduce learners to cost control theory and will explore the techniques required to effectively manage costs in food and beverage operations. Planning and control functions which assist food and beverage organisations to reduce costs, increase efficiency and maximise profit are examined. Controlling costs, setting budgets, and effective pricing are essential for success in any hospitality business. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify and classify the key elements of cost and the concept of profit. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Professional CakesLearner will research, prepare, and evaluate techniques for cake production. Emphasis will be placed on traditional and modern cakes and high ratio cakes. Importance will be placed on their use for further decoration, to expand the learner’s skills and knowledge and the role they play in modern bakeries and culinary operations. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss ingredient properties and how they influence finished products. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Seafood Processing & Culinary PracticeThis module is designed to develop the learner's specific knowledge of seafood products and cuisine. On successful completion of the module the learner will d emonstrate with confidence the skills required to work with a range of fish and shellfish species native to the island of Ireland. T he module aims to provide the learner with a progressive understanding of culinary trends and Ireland's seafood processing industry bridging the gap between the industrial fish processing and the professional chef's kitchen. The module will be taught through practical class assessments supported with demonstrations and theoretical lectures. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the classifications of sustainable seafood species native to the island of Ireland. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Plant Based & Sustainable FoodThis module introduces students to the concept of cooking in a more sustainable way using plant-based foods to supplement the typical diet. This is a practical module that will encourage students to consider meat alternatives and promote greater debate and engagement in environmental issues within the hospitality sector. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify how food businesses contribute to global warming. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Social Media ApplicationsThe aim of this module is to provide learners with an understanding of social media tools and help develop skills and competencies, at an introductory level, across those areas pertaining to social media applications for food. Learning Outcomes 1. Set up a variety of suitable social network sites and establish an online presence for a restaurant or food business . |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Work Placement 2The work placement will enable the learner to develop an understanding of a culinary establishment and its processes and procedures. In addition the student will be expected to reflect on their learning to date and identify further training requirements to enhance their culinary and supervisory skills. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply the knowledge and skills acquired from year two of the programme to the food industry. |
10 | Mandatory |
Year 3
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Event Planning and Kitchen SupervisionThe aim of this module is to introduce students to the principles and practices of planning and managing events. This module will integrate both practical work with theory and assist in the development of the student’s core food professional skills, competencies and knowledge in culinary planning and supervision. Students will prepare and cook dishes for meal services in a realistic working environment, within a production kitchen and will experience time deadlines associated with a working kitchen in industry. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe a range of event types and the characteristics of events. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Menu Design, Diet & NutritionThis module will provide learners with the fundamentals of nutrition and apply these principles to creative menu planning in order to meet customer demands including specific dietary requirements. Learning Outcomes 1. Explore the factors which influence food choice. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Advanced Pastry and DessertsThis module is designed to provide learners with the opportunity to develop specialist expertise and creative abilities in the areas of classical and contemporary menu items, plated desserts, confectionery products, and frozen desserts. The module is practical based and learners are encouraged to use prior experience and knowledge to enhance their completed products to a high standard of mastery. Learning Outcomes 1. Research the history of frozen dessert production, and why sanitation processes are key to food safety |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Modernist CuisineThis module is designed to provide learners with the opportunity to develop specialist expertise, creative ability, operational control and performance management in the areas of classical and contemporary cuisines. The objective of the module is to extend and build on culinary experience to date with the application of modern techniques and practices applied to classical dishes and flavour combinations: learners will be introduced over the twelve weeks to a range of modernist applications to revive classical recipes. Current industrial trends will be applied to the presentation of these dishes. As well as attending the practical and theory classes you are expected to apply independent study to build and support practical work. Learning Outcomes 1. Produce a range of classical menu products interpreted with an innovative contemporary theme suitable for a restaurant service. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Training & HRThe aim of this module is to provide the learner with the concept and principles which underpin training and development practices within a culinary enterprise . Learners will identify and apply practical application of theories to the efficient management of the recruitment, selection, reward, and performance elements of people management . This module will incorporate a student lead recording of a training session with peer evaluation applying different training methods and techniques. Learning Outcomes 1. Analysis and evaluate different learning and training styles comparing both individual and group training methods. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Management of Culinary AccountingThis is an unique accounting module which will develop the learners’ understanding of both the key financial and management accounting principles as they apply in the culinary environment. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify the main accounting conventions and qualitative characteristics of financial information. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Work Placement 3This module is designed to provide learners with an opportunity to apply theory to practice and to gain valuable practical experience in the Food Industry. It enables the learner to gain professional experience thus enhancing their skills and competence in the workplace. Furthermore, it provides the learner with the opportunity to cope with the changing nature of work and adapt to the needs of an individual employer. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply the knowledge and skills acquired from year three of the programme to the food industry. |
10 | Mandatory |
Progression
Follow up programmes elsewhere include:
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Professional Kitchen Management
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 5 subjects at O6/H7 |
QQI/FET Major Award Required | Any |
Additional QQI/FET/ Requirements | None |
Fees
Total Fees EU: €3000
This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.
Total Fees Non-EU: €12000
Subject to approval by ATU Governing Body (February 2025)
Further information on feesCareers
Graduate careers typically include:
Baker and Confectioner
Chef
Chocolatier
Food Production Supervisor
Pastry Chef
Further Information
Contact Information
Department of Tourism and Sport
Nicola Dunnion
Head of Department
T: +353 (0)74 9186645
Tourism & Sport