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Culinary Industry Management

BBA (Hons)

Application options include:

Full-time
On campus
With or without Foundation Year

Course Overview

This unique BBA Culinary Industry Management, jointly delivered by Birkbeck and the renowned Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute, provides you with a firm foundation in culinary techniques and the skills required to manage successful food businesses or to progress your career in the service industry.  

This culinary industry management degree allows you to address key concepts in the culinary arts while learning the project management and development skills required of managers in food businesses in the twenty-first century. You will also gain experience of a real food business work environment through an internship component. Some of the employers we have worked with include the Maybourne Hotel Group, The Ritz London, Galvin Restaurants, The Ivy Collection and The Wolseley Hospitality Group.

The course also enables you to develop your research and presentation skills together with your ability to design, develop and implement systems that assist in the successful operation of a food business. It encourages forward thinking and the ability to develop ideas that may provide a positive contribution to the changing needs of the global food industry and the environment in which it operates. Teaching on this London-based culinary management degree is equally split between Birkbeck and Le Cordon Bleu London. 

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. Throughout the year, you will have the opportunity to engage with Le Cordon Bleu by attending culinary demonstrations and networking events. 

Please note:  This is an academically rigorous course which is best suited to individuals who are looking to progress into a culinary/food service management role, while gaining an understanding of culinary arts techniques.  

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Culinary Industry Management (BBA (Hons)).

Key information and modules

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Highlights

  • This unique BBA, which combines business and management content with modules in culinary arts and hospitality, is the only one of its kind in London.
  • Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute is an internationally recognised leader in the teaching of culinary arts, with a team of classically trained Master Chefs, and Wine and Hospitality professionals. Its London centre has state-of-the-art facilities for the delivery of its culinary courses and its close proximity to Birkbeck enables students to move between both sites easily.
  • Birkbeck is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in teaching, research and consultancy in the broad field of management. Our academic staff are active researchers as well as enthusiastic teachers, and regularly publish cutting-edge articles in the world's leading journals.
  • We have particular research strengths in international business and strategy, the management of innovation and entrepreneurship, human resource management, corporate governance, sport management and marketing, as well as financial management and accounting.

Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

  • Entry Requirements Entry Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

    As part of this course is taught on the Le Cordon Bleu campus, we are unable to accept applicants who are under the age of 18 at the start of the course. 

    UCAS tariff points

    • 3 years full-time: 96-112 points (e.g. A-levels CCC-BBC)
    • 4 years full-time with Foundation Year: 64 points

    The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff.

    GCSEs

    Applicants will normally be expected to have grade C or grade 4 in GCSE-level English and mathematics. Applicants who do not hold this level of qualification may be required to carry out a skills audit at a selection evening, which comprises mathematics and English.

    Foundation year degrees

    Our 'with Foundation Year' route is full-time only and provides you with an additional year of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree.

    Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main full-time degree

    English language requirements

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don’t meet the minimum English language requirements,  or see our international study skills page for more details of how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

    Visa and funding requirements

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

    Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits through the modules you studied. It may be possible to transfer these credits from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

  • Fees Fees

    Fees

    Culinary Industry Management BBA (Hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26

    Academic year 2024–25, starting October 2024

    Full-time home students: £9,250 per year
    Full-time international students: £17,620 per year

    Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025

    To be confirmed

    Culinary Industry Management with Foundation Year BBA (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26

    Academic year 2024–25, starting October 2024

    Full-time home students: £9,250 per year
    Full-time international students: £17,620 per year

    Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025

    To be confirmed

    Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the College Fees Policy.

    If you’ve studied at Birkbeck before and successfully completed an award with us, take advantage of our Lifelong Learning Guarantee to gain a discount on the tuition fee of this course.

    Additional costs

    As well as fees, you should expect to pay other study-related expenses, for travel to and from College, books, stationery, etc. Birkbeck provides advice and financial support for students who experience hardship in meeting the travel costs of essential fieldwork or study visits.

    The first year of the BBA programme (the year following your foundation year, if opting for this route) involves practical classes and it is compulsory that you purchase a Le Cordon Bleu uniform for these sessions, which will cost approximately £90. You will be provided with a culinary manual in each term of your first year for the module Culinary Techniques. If lost, the cost of replacing one of these manuals is £45. 

    You must also purchase knives and a knife case to be used in your practical classes. Depending on the brand and quality, you should expect to pay between £150 and £315 for these items. You will also be required to provide some other kitchen equipment: a full list will be provided to you but will include items such as a kitchen thermometer, tasting spoon, spatula, whisk and electronic scales. These additional items should cost between £70 and £100 in total, depending on where you choose to purchase them.

    Tuition fee and maintenance loans

    Eligible full-time and part-time students from the UK don’t have to pay any tuition fees upfront, as government loans are available to cover them.

    Maintenance loans are also available for eligible full-time and part-time UK students, to assist with covering living costs, such as accommodation, food, travel, books and study materials. The amount you receive is means-tested and depends on where you live and study and your household income.

    Funding for EU students is changing from August 2021: find out about details of these changes.

    Find out more about tuition fee and maintenance loans for full-time and part-time students at Birkbeck.

    Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

    International scholarships

    We provide a range of scholarships for eligible international students, including our Global Future Scholarship. Discover if you are eligible for a scholarship.

  • Teaching and Assessment Teaching and Assessment

    Teaching

    At Birkbeck, most of our courses are taught in the evening and all of our teaching is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other commitments. We actively encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching, to ensure our students have the best learning experience.

    Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

    In addition, you will have access to pastoral support via a named Personal Tutor.

    Methods of teaching on this course

    Main degree: This course is delivered jointly by Birkbeck and Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute. Modules from the Department of Management are taught mostly through lectures and small group seminars; professional practice modules are delivered at Le Cordon Bleu and are taught via a combination of lectures, workshops, demonstrations and practical sessions.

    You will usually take two classes (day, evening or weekend) at Le Cordon Bleu and two evening classes at Birkbeck each week. The course also includes an internship during summer vacation between Years 1 and 2.

    Teaching hours

    Our evening hours are normally between 6pm and 9pm (6-7.30pm and 7.30-9pm). Some programmes also offer teaching during the day and this will be clearly signposted to you where it is available.

    On our taught courses, you will have scheduled teaching and study sessions each year. Scheduled teaching sessions may include lectures, seminars, workshops or laboratory work. Depending on the modules you take, you may also have additional scheduled academic activities, such as tutorials, dissertation supervision, practical classes, visits and field trips. On our taught courses, the actual amount of time you spend in the classroom and in contact with your lecturers will depend on your course, the option modules you select and when you undertake your final-year project (if applicable).

    Alongside your contact hours, you will also undertake assessment activities and independent learning outside of class. The amount of time you need to allocate to study both for taught sessions (this might include online sessions and/or in-person sessions) and personal study will depend on how much you are studying during the year and whether you are studying full time or part time.

    Birkbeck’s courses are made up of modules and allocated ‘credit’. One credit is equivalent to ten hours of learning time. Modules are usually in 15, 30 or 60 credit units. A 15-credit module will mean around 150 hours of learning, including taught sessions and independent study or group work. This is spread out over the whole period of that module and includes the time you spend on any assessments, including in examinations, preparing and writing assessments or engaged in practical work as well as any study support sessions to help you in your learning.

    On our distance-learning and blended-learning courses, discussion, collaboration and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students is encouraged and enabled through various learning technologies.

    Timetables

    Timetables are usually available from September onwards and you can access your personalised timetable via your My Birkbeck Profile online (if you have been invited to enrol).

    Indicative class size

    Class sizes vary, depending on your course, the module you are undertaking, and the method of teaching. For example, lectures are presented to larger groups, whereas seminars usually consist of small, interactive groups led by a tutor.

    Independent learning

    On our taught courses, much of your time outside of class will be spent on self-directed, independent learning, including preparing for classes and following up afterwards. This will usually include, but is not limited to, reading books and journal articles, undertaking research, working on coursework and assignments, and preparing for presentations and assessments.

    Independent learning is absolutely vital to your success as a student. Everyone is different, and the study time required varies topic by topic, but, as a guide, expect to schedule up to five hours of self-study for each hour of teaching.

    Study skills and additional support

    Birkbeck offers study and learning support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed. Our Learning Development Service can help you in the following areas:

    • academic skills (including planning your workload, research, writing, exam preparation and writing a dissertation)
    • written English (including structure, punctuation and grammar)
    • numerical skills (basic mathematics and statistics).

    Our Disability and Dyslexia Service can support you if you have additional learning needs resulting from a disability or from dyslexia.

    Our Counselling Service can support you if you are struggling with emotional or psychological difficulties during your studies.

    Our Mental Health Advisory Service can support you if you are experiencing short- or long-term mental health difficulties during your studies.

    Assessment

    Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.

    Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online.

    Find out more about assessment at Birkbeck, including guidance on assessment, feedback and our assessment offences policy.

    Methods of assessment on this course

    Examinations, including practical examinations for the culinary modules, and coursework in the form of essays, case studies, presentations, group-work tasks and in-class tests, plus a final research project.

  • Careers and employability Careers and employability

    Careers and employability

    Graduates will be able to pursue career paths in areas such as:

    • new product and recipe development
    • concept development
    • food production management
    • food and beverage management
    • training
    • entrepreneurs setting up their own business.

    We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

  • How to apply How to apply

    How to apply

    You apply via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses.

    This degree is taught collaboratively with Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute. In order to run the course it is necessary for Birkbeck to share your personal data with Le Cordon Bleu. Once you submit an application and your data is shared with Le Cordon Bleu, you will be considered to be a customer of both Birkbeck and Le Cordon Bleu. All data held by Le Cordon Bleu will be treated in line with their data-handling policies. A data-sharing agreement exists between Birkbeck and Le Cordon Bleu which requires your data to be transferred and stored securely. In order to submit an application and enrol (if offered a place) you must agree to Birkbeck sharing your data in this way.

    Full-time (UCAS entry)

    If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck, you have to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, go to the UCAS website and click on ‘Sign in’. You will have to register, giving UCAS a few personal details, including your name, address and date of birth, and then you can start working on your application.

    The first UCAS deadline is in January, and the majority of university applications through UCAS are made by then. Find the exact deadline date on the UCAS website. We welcome applications outside of the UCAS deadlines, so you can still apply through UCAS after the January deadline, depending on the availability of places. We also take late applications via the UCAS Clearing system in August.

    Part-time

    If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course (4 or 6 year), you apply directly to Birkbeck by using the Apply now button. You will need to prove your identity when you apply - read more about suitable forms of identification.

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure that there are still places on your chosen course and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol. You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply.

    You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link. Please note that online application will open in September.

    When to apply

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places on your chosen course and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

    You will also receive information about subject-specific induction sessions over the summer.

    Help and advice with your application

    Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

    Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

    Apply for your course

    Apply for your course using the apply now button in the key information section.

Course structure

Course structure listing

Course structure and modules for Culinary Industry Management with Foundation Year BBA (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2024

For the Foundation Year, you take four Level 3 modules to a total of 120 credits. These are taught at Birkbeck. 

When you successfully complete these modules, you will take the remaining modules taught at both Birkbeck and Le Cordon Bleu, on the three-year, full-time BBA Culinary Industry Management.

Foundation Year core modules

Course structure and modules for Culinary Industry Management with Foundation Year BBA (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2025

For the Foundation Year, you take seven Level 3 modules to a total of 120 credits. These are taught at Birkbeck. 

When you successfully complete these modules, you will take the remaining modules taught at both Birkbeck and Le Cordon Bleu, on the three-year, full-time BBA Culinary Industry Management.

Foundation Year core modules