Associate Degree of Culinary Management

What is an Associate Degree of Culinary Management?

An Associate Degree of Culinary Management combines the practical knowledge and skills that come from commercial kitchens with core business and management concepts. It delivers a foundation of business subjects in conjunction with culinary knowledge which allow you to be successful business owner or manager in the hospitality industry. Completion of this culinary degree allows you to continue studying at bachelor level.

Train in our award-winning restaurant 
Undertake practical training at our central Sydney fine-dining restaurant, William Blue Dining.

Guaranteed pathway entry
Successful completion will guarantee entry into the second year of our Bachelor of Culinary Management.

Gain insights from experts 
Get inside the heads of some of the best in the business and learn what it’s really like in your chosen industry.

Associate Degree of Culinary Management student in Australia

Course overview

The Associate Degree of Culinary Management has been designed to equip you with specialist knowledge. Delivered full-time over 2 years, this course provides the practical skills required to find employment as a chef or other culinary professional, as well as a solid foundation of business subjects that will allow you to be a successful business owner or manager in the hospitality industry.

Career opportunities

Ideal for those with a passion for incredible food and creating amazing dining experiences. You'll learn the practical skills required to become a chef who aims to deliver an unforgettable customer experience. This course offers practical restaurant experience and in-depth knowledge of the various cuisines of the world.

Studying Culinary Management degree in Australia

Career paths

Chef
Sous Chef
Pastry Chef/Pâtissier
Catering Manager

Future careers
Chef

Sous Chef

Pastry Chef/Pâtissier

Catering Manager

Learn more about careers in Hospitality

Subjects and units

This course comprises of 16 core subjects, including 2 industry placements totalling 800 hours.

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Most face-to-face courses are also available online. Please note that due to COVID-19 pandemic, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements.

Year 1
Year 2

Complete the 10 core subjects listed below.

Business Communications | BIZ101

The aim of this subject is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to enhance your personal effectiveness, employability, and academic success. This subject introduces you to the concepts of business communications and transferable academic skills. You will examine the different stakeholders and communication contexts which occur in the internal and external business environment, developing the skills and knowledge to effectively interpret and deliver messages in a variety of business situations. This subject will provide you with essential business skills in information literacy, presenting, writing, academic integrity and the use of technology.
Introduction to Professional Cookery - Practical | IPC101

This subject introduces students to the operations of a commercial kitchen within the context of restaurant and culinary management. Students will learn to demonstrate the particular skills and knowledge required to store perishable supplies in optimum conditions to minimise wastage and avoid food safety hazards, safely use commercial kitchen equipment, including knives, to prepare a range of different food types, clean food preparation, storage areas and equipment in commercial kitchens to ensure the safety of food, the ability to work safely and to use resources efficiently to reduce negative environmental impacts, and use a range of basic cookery methods to prepare dishes.
Introduction to Professional Cookery - Theory | IPC102

This subject introduces students to the principles of a commercial kitchen within the context of restaurant and culinary management. Students will learn the particular principles behind the skills required to store perishable supplies in optimum conditions to minimise wastage and avoid food safety hazards, safely use commercial kitchen equipment, including knives, to prepare a range of different food types, clean food preparation, storage areas and equipment in commercial kitchens to ensure the safety of food, the ability to work safely and to use resources efficiently to reduce negative environmental impacts, and use a range of basic cookery methods to prepare dishes.
Understanding People and Organisations | BIZ102

The aim of this subject is to develop an understanding of modern organisations, their structure and how people collaborate within these structures to achieve the organisation’s strategic objectives and deal with the uncertainty of the 21st Century economy. This knowledge will form a foundation of theoretical knowledge about organisational behaviour that will be built on in future subjects. Moreover, it will develop the student’s emotional intelligence and the understanding of their strengths and their application in the business context. These learning objectives will be achieved through a mixture of theoretical readings, class discussions and group projects focusing on how theoretical concepts apply to the work environment. Additionally, reflective journals will be used to apply theory to develop the students own professional capability.
Customer Experience Management | BIZ104

The 21st Century economy is dynamic and driven by customers ever changing wants and needs. To remain competitive businesses need to understand what their customers want and how to deliver a quality customer experience that goes beyond the product or service offering. This subject explores how a customers’ perceptions – both conscious and subconscious – effect their relationship with a brand’s value proposition. Students will explore how a customer’s interactions with a brand during the customer life cycle will determine levels of customer satisfaction. Students will analyze Customer Journey Mapping techniques, Employees engagement in the customer experience strategy and metrics of satisfaction, loyalty and advocacy.
Introduction to Kitchen Operations | IKO101

A key element of this course is the application of skills and knowledge within an industry specific environment. Working within the applied William Blue Dining training restaurant, this subject builds on the foundational learning’s of Introduction to Professional Cookery. Students will learn to demonstrate the particular skills and knowledge required to prepare appetisers and salads following standard recipes, prepare various stocks, sauces and soups following standard recipes, prepare and cook various vegetable, fruit, egg and farinaceous dishes following standard recipes, and prepare and cook a range of poultry dishes following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select, prepare and portion poultry, and to use relevant equipment, cookery and food storage methods.
Introduction to Patisserie | INP101

This subject introduces students to the operations of a commercial kitchen within the context of pastry and culinary management. Students will learn to demonstrate the particular skills and knowledge required to store perishable supplies in optimum conditions to minimise wastage and avoid food safety hazards, safely use commercial kitchen equipment, including knives, to prepare a range of different pastry, cakes and yeast goods as well as a range of desserts, clean food preparation, storage areas and equipment in commercial kitchens to ensure the safety of food, the ability to work safely and to use resources efficiently to reduce negative environmental impacts, and use a range of basic cookery methods to prepare dishes.
Marketing Fundamentals | MKT101A

Students will gain a solid foundation in the marketing discipline introducing relevant and contemporary concepts, theories and models. The unit magnifies the importance of understanding consumer behaviour, segmentation, targeting and positioning, the extended marketing mix and ethics in marketing. Industry relevance provides students with the opportunity of applying key concepts in practical settings. These marketing foundations are expanded on in other subjects available as electives.
Intermediate Professional Cookery - Practical | IPC201

This subject deepens previously acquired cooking skills, specifically meat dishes, seafood dishes, and meeting special dietary requirements of guests. Students are required to demonstrate skills and knowledge required to prepare and cook a range of meat dishes following standard recipes, the ability to select, prepare and portion meat, and to use relevant equipment and cookery methods, prepare and cook a range of fish and shellfish dishes following standard recipes, ability to select, prepare and portion seafood, and to use relevant equipment and cookery methods. And finally, demonstrate skills and knowledge required to prepare dishes for people who have special dietary needs for health, lifestyle and cultural reasons. It requires the ability to confirm the dietary requirements of customers, use special recipes, select special ingredients and produce food to satisfy special requirements.
Intermediate Professional Cookery - Theory | IPC202

This subject deepens previously acquired cooking knowledge, specifically meat dishes, seafood dishes, and meeting special dietary requirements of guests. Students will gain a deep understanding of the skills and knowledge required to prepare and cook a range of meat dishes following standard recipes, the ability to select, prepare and portion meat, and to use relevant equipment and cookery methods, prepare and cook a range of fish and shellfish dishes following standard recipes, ability to select, prepare and portion seafood, and to use relevant equipment and cookery methods. And finally, demonstrate an understanding of the principles required to prepare dishes for people who have special dietary needs for health, lifestyle and cultural reasons.

6 Core subjects

Industry Practicum 1 | INP201

This industry placement allows students to challenge, test, and hone the knowledge and skills they have acquired and developed in the classroom and to anticipate future areas of study. Through this experience, students become familiar with the culture of their chosen industry, developing the values, attitudes, and behaviours that will make them successful in the workplace. Each student must complete this 400-hour supervised placement at an approved placement site.
Industry Practicum 2 | INP202

This industry placement allows students to challenge, test, and hone the knowledge and skills they have acquired and developed in the classroom and to anticipate future areas of study. Through this experience, students become familiar with the culture of the hospitality industry, developing the values, attitudes, and behaviours that will make them successful in the workplace. Each student must complete this 400-hour supervised internship at an approved internship site.
Accounting for Decision Making | BIZ201

The subject aims to provide non-accounting students with a broad, business-based introduction to the conceptual foundations of accounting and finance. The use of management accounting information assists in key areas of planning, controlling, reporting, and decision making. It introduces students to basic concepts and functions of the balance sheet, profit and loss statements, cash flow statements, techniques for analysing financial statements investment decisions, full costing and opportunity costing analysis and managing working capital.
The Business Environment | BIZ202

The aim of this subject is to help students develop an understanding of how organisations work and the ability to evaluate factors that influence them. This includes all aspects of modern business and the changing external environmental forces at the micro and macro level.

Students should be able to take a strategic view of a business and contribute to the process of developing and implementing strategy. The focus will be on the political, legal, economic, social, cultural and technological environment. Analytical techniques will be used to uncover the opportunities and threats to businesses. An awareness of potential risks and challenges as well as corporate social responsibility of the organisation will be introduced as a key learning goal.

This case-based unit is designed to provide an overview of the business environment at the global, market and organisational level. This subject is designed to develop effective problem solving, critical analysis, and communication skills around the contemporary issues challenging the pursuit of sustainable business practice.
Advanced Kitchen Operations | AKP201

This subject deepens previously acquired culinary skills and knowledge. Students are required to coordinate and manage food production and service within a commercial environment. Students need to plan the production of food from a complex restaurant menu, supervise others and monitor the quality of kitchen outputs during a commercial service periods. Food production should include entrée, main course and desserts.
Menu Engineering and Design | MED201

This subject encourages students to begin with the menu in mind when starting a foodservice venture. The interplay between cuisine, menu offerings, design, product availability, price point, and profitability are explored. Historic and contemporary menus are used to highlight concepts as students create original menus for the restaurant concept of their choice. Students are not only required to plan and cost basic menus for dishes or food product ranges for any type of cuisine or food service style, they are also required to develop menus and meal plans for people who have special dietary needs for health, lifestyle and cultural reasons. It requires the ability to identify customer preferences, identify the dietary requirements of customers, plan and develop special menus and meal plans to meet those requirements, cost menus and to monitor and evaluate the success of menu performance.

Industry partners and work placements

Studying Culinary Management course in Australia

Torrens University Australia students undertake industry placements with some of the most prestigious restaurant, hospitality and tourism organisations in Australia and the world. From day one you'll be gaining valuable experience, learning from industry professionals and building key industry relationships. We are proud of our strong industry partnerships and always welcome opportunities to make new ones.

Learning outcomes

Create masterpiece dishes for guests at William Blue Dining
Learn strong business communication and marketing fundamentals
Develop skills in advanced kitchen operations
Build knowledge in service and management

Love what you do

When it comes to your career, follow your heart. Whatever you choose, we'll help you reach your goals.

Choose your student type for entry requirements, fees and scholarships

Domestic
International

Admissions criteria and pathways: Domestic students

Before you begin your course application, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

OR work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

View full course admission information

Fees: Domestic students

Scholarships: Domestic students

A career in hospitality brings many opportunities locally and globally across multiple industries. We offer hospitality scholarships to help you discover a career you love. Apply today for the financial support you need to launch yourself into an exciting and rewarding new life.

View all scholarships

How to apply: Domestic students

Apply online now Make an enquiry

Admissions criteria and pathways: International students

Before you begin your course application, check you meet all the requirements listed below

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Learn more about study pathways

View full course admission information

Fees: International students

International fees

Check the International Course Fee Schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

View our fees
Fee payment

Course fees can be paid in 3 instalments, each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

View our fees

Scholarships: International students

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Scholarship types
International scholarships

View all scholarships

How to Apply: International students

Apply online now Make an enquiry

Frequently asked questions

What does admissions criteria mean?

Admissions criteria is a set of criteria that must be met to be eligible to apply for a chosen course.

To gain entry to an accredited undergraduate course at Torrens University Australia, applicants must both satisfy general admissions criteria and meet any additional course requirements where specified.

All admissions criteria and course-specific requirements apply consistently across campus locations and study modes. To find out more, visit admissions criteria.
What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has recognised pathways to help you gain entry into our bachelor degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study pathways or contact one of our knowledgeable Course and Careers Advisors.
Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available upon application and academic approval.

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be able to receive credits towards your degree. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Our Program Directors will carefully review the learning gained from your previous qualification and/or experience to ensure we provide you with credit towards our degrees whenever appropriate. Review our course credits page or chat to one of Course and Careers Advisors.
What are course credits?

Course credits are credits that can be applied to your course based on your prior experience or qualifications. To find out more, visit course credits

.
What are Torrens University Australia’s courses’ ATAR requirements?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate.
Am I a domestic or an international student?

Domestic students are Australian and Permanent Residents. International students are those who hold citizenship or Permanent Resident status of all other countries.

International students from countries whose first official language is one other than English need to provide evidence of English Language Proficiency.
How do Torrens University Australia fees charge?

Torrens University Australia is a full-fee paying institution. To find out more, visit Tuition Fees.

Domestic students may be eligible for FEE-HELP. For more information on FEE-HELP, please visit: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/.

Please note we do not currently offer any full fee waivers for international students. We do not offer stipends or living allowances.
How much are Torrens University Australia courses?

For a full list of tuition fees, visit Tuition Fees.

Remember, if you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident, your fees can be covered by FEE-HELP. You can find out more information on FEE-HELP on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or contact us and we can guide you through the process.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
To get a FEE-HELP loan, you must:

be an Australian citizen and study at least part of your course in Australia, or

be a New Zealand Special Category visa (SCV) holder or permanent humanitarian visa holder and meet the residency requirements.

be enrolled in a fee-paying place at a provider that offers FEE-HELP loans

be enrolled in an eligible course at your provider by the census date (your provider can tell you if your course is eligible)

submit the Request for FEE-HELP form to your provider by the census date

not have already borrowed up to your HELP loan limit.

Permanent residents can only get FEE-HELP for approved bridging studies.

If you are studying at a non-university, you will also need to meet the ‘pass rate’ requirements.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or speak to a Course and Careers Advisor and we can guide you through the process.
Can I apply for FEE-HELP?

To be eligible for FEE-HELP you need to be an Australian citizen , and have a tax file number. You must also be studying at an approved higher education provider, such as Torrens University Australia.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or contact us and we can guide you through the process.
How do I apply for FEE-HELP?

If you receive an offer from Torrens University Australia, and you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for FEE-HELP. You will need to complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form if you want to defer payment of some, or all, of your tuition fees. You will need to quote your tax file number or provide a Certificate of Application for a Tax File Number. The form must be completed before the due date.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or speak to our Course and Careers Advisors and we can guide you through the process.
Is there a FEE-HELP limit?

For 2020, the HELP loan limit is $106,319 for most students. The Australian Government publishes the HELP Loan limit on their website.

FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible fee-paying students to pay their tuition costs. Eligible students can borrow up to the FEE-HELP limit to pay their tuition fees. Note: Any loan fees that were applied to study prior to January 1, 2019 will not count towards your FEE-HELP limit.

Students repay the loan to the Australian Government through the tax system once a student reaches the minimum income threshold level for repayment, which for 2019-20 is $45,881.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or Contact Us and we can guide you through the process.
What courses are available for FEE-HELP?

To find out more, visit How to Apply.
What is FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible full-fee-paying students pay their tuition costs.

You must be studying at an approved FEE-HELP provider in order to access a FEE-HELP loan, such as Torrens University Australia.

A FEE-HELP loan does not cover costs like accommodation, laptops or textbooks, and must be repaid once you start earning above a certain income threshold.

To find out more, visit the Study Assist website: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/fee-help.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for Torrens University Australia?

There are lots of resources to help you prepare for university life. Attend one of our workshops or events and get some tips firsthand from our industry-focused lecturers and current students.

The events programs range in topic and delivery mode, so there should always be one to suit your needs. At any time you can contact one of our Course and Careers Advisors to talk through your career goals. They can guide you on what to expect and how you can get prepared earlier. If you know exactly which course you want to enrol in, you could take advantage of the early entry program.
What is the Early Entry Program?

The Torrens University Australia Early Entry Program has been created to allow you to apply and secure your place for your chosen course before you finish your Year 12 exams.

To find out more, visit Early Entry Program or email enquiries@tua.edu.au or phone 1300 575 803.
How do I apply?

Applying is easy and can be done online by filling out the apply form. If you have any difficulty, please contact a Course and Careers Advisor, who can talk you through the process.

ALL SA/SACE and Victorian high school students must apply through SATAC and/or VTAC. Search for Torrens University Australia, Billy Blue College of Design or Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. International applicants may also need to demonstrate compliance with relevant legislative requirements, for example, requirements for student visas (this does not apply for online study outside of Australia).
How will I know if my application has been processed?

Our Course and Careers Advisors will help you through every step of the application process and provide you with updates. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter via email.
I am having trouble with my application. Who can help?

Our friendly Course and Careers Advisors are available to answer all your questions and guide you through the application process. Fill out the contact us form and one of them will reach out to you.
What are pathways?

All Torrens University Australia courses have specific entry requirements, but we also offer multiple pathways into courses when you don’t meet those entry requirements.

There are different pathways for different courses. For example, we offer a range of diploma courses which pathway into bachelor degrees in Business, Design and Creative Technology, Health and Hospitality. We also have graduate certificate and graduate diploma courses which pathway into masters courses in Business, Global Project Management, Sports Management, Health, Education, Design and Hospitality. 

For more information on different types of pathways available, visit study pathways.
How can I pay for my course?
Payment information will be outlined in your offer letter but there are a couple of different options:

Upfront payment via credit card, BPAY, cheque or overseas bank account transfer

Full or partial payment via FEE-HELP Government Assistance (domestic students only)
What are the key dates for 2021?

To find out more, visit Key Dates.
What are the semester and term dates?

Torrens University Australia has three main intakes each year, usually during February, June and September. There are also a range of accelerated intake dates available, meaning if you just miss the start date, you don’t have to wait until the next intake.

You can apply any time throughout the year for the next intake start date – or a future start date if you are planning ahead. Different semester dates apply for Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School as well as some of our other courses.

To find out more, visit key dates.

View all FAQs

What is an Associate Degree of Culinary Management?