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Culinary Entrepreneurship – BA (Hons)

  • CAO Points: 275

  • Campus: Moylish, Limerick City

  • years: 4


Course Overview

Ireland offers a unique setting for food production and Irish food products are in high demand across the globe. The food sector has a rich heritage and is one of the country’s largest and most important industries with an annual turnover of €25 billion and high levels of employment. With the market changing, and with increasing emphasis on healthier food that is produced more sustainability, there are plenty of job options with established food-related businesses, including those in the hospitality sector, but also opportunities for new and innovative enterprises to bring different food products to the market.

The Culinary Entrepreneurship degree offers a unique combination of culinary and enterprise modules that equip you with the skills to work – or set up your own business – in the food industry. You will develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of culinary techniques, as well as in management, marketing, finance and innovation to support your personal and professional development.

If you have an interest in, and/or a flair for, cookery as well as a creative mind-set this course is for you. There’s a growing demand in the food world for innovative professionals who can think outside the box.

The course combines creativity, artistry, business acumen and experiential learning to provide an enjoyable and engaging student experience. You will further enhance your artistic abilities in the creation of innovative food products and food business concepts, coupled with developing an entrepreneurial mindset.

There are two work placements in Ireland or overseas – including locations such as Connecticut, Rhode Island, Cape Cod and Nantucket in the United States, and/or the option to study at one of our partner universities across Europe.

Students will require €450 approx. for class materials, books, uniforms, safety shoes, etc in the first week of college.

This course will appeal to students interested in developing a career in the hospitality and tourism industry. If you have a flair for cookery and a creative mind-set with a passion for food, then this course is for you. There are exciting and plentiful career opportunities for students both nationally and internationally.

Additional Information

TUS is delighted to be in an academic partnership with the Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI). This partnership offers students of the Department of Hospitality Tourism & Wellness, Moylish, Limerick and the Department of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure, Athlone campus, complimentary membership of the professional body while they study at TUS. Members are connected with the wider IHI professional network, a great resource for those looking to learn more about the Irish hospitality industry while making valuable connections to support early-stage career decisions. Members have access to a wide range of learning and development resources including the IHI Mentors Matter programme which supports career progression and advancement of members. Graduates benefit from a further year’s complimentary membership of IHI.

Contact Details

Eithne Gavigan

Email: Eithne.Gavigan@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including English or Irish. Foundation Level Mathematics at grade F2 or higher is acceptable as meeting the Mathematics requirement for this course.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

  • Business Communications & PD

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to enable learners to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders in the culinary & hospitality sector. The module will introduce personal, academic and career development within the context of the student’s programme of study, previous experiences and future aspirations. The module will also support students in their transition to becoming independent learners in higher education by enabling them to develop skills and strategies essential for success at this level while instilling the value of personal development and self-management.

  • Culinary Principles

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces and focuses on the main cookery processes, the correct and safe use of knives and associated equipment and the principle culinary skills necessary in professional cookery. It also introduces the learner to the standards necessary to ensure safe food production, hygienic and efficient work practices. The approach to learning will include practical classes with some demonstrations and a variety of hands on food preparation methods with related theory.

  • Culinary Service Techniques

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to allow the learner to focus primarily on the skills associated with working in a live production kitchen. This module is delivered in a volume kitchen environment where, under direction, in a team-based approach, students prepare, cook and present a variety of traditional lunch items using the associated cookery processes. This kitchen services a student operated dining room,Taste.

  • Information Technology & Media

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to enable learners to use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders in the culinary and hospitality sector.  This module will combine the theoretical and practical elements of ICT.  Social media, security and data privacy measures and the organisational impact of the changing telecommunications environment will also be examined in this module.

  • Larder

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide learners with the knowledge and comprehension relating to the principles and techniques associatedwith Larder. It also focuses on the quality points and practices of preparing a range of foods in a safe, efficient and hygienic manner.

  • Pastry Fundamentals

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to give the learner the opportunity to understand and apply the fundamental principles and techniques necessary to produce a range of pastry products. It specifically focuses on basic pastry preparations, pastes, breads and biscuits.

  • Culinary Developments & Nutrition

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to develop the skills necessary to produce a range of dishes suitable for breakfast, delicatessen, and healthy option menu items. . The module will focus on understanding the link between nutrition, diet and health while considering the composition of a range of menus to suit the needs of the customer. Theory related to this module will be delivered in a classroom set-up.

  • Culinary Operations

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to apply skills and techniques in a volume kitchen environment. Learners will be directed in upscaling recipes for volume production menus and service. Emphasis will be placed on teamwork, individual and peer learning with guidance from the lecturer on its associated theoretical knowledge.

  • Food Safety

    Credits: 5

    The aim if this module is to provide learners with the theoretical knowledge that underpins food safety and HACCP. Equipping the learner with the necessary skills to monitor HACCP controls in the workplace.

  • Pastries & Desserts

    Credits: 5

    This module builds on the skills and knowledge achieved in the module Pastry Fundamentals and further develops skills in the use of different pastes. It specifically focuses on the creation of hot and cold desserts and sponges.

  • Principles of Management & Marketing

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide learners with an introduction to the ley concepts and theories of management and marketing and to develop an understanding of the role of marketing and management in modern organisations. The module aims to develop the student’s ability to apply knowledge, techniques and skills in order to solve marketing and management problems.

  • Product Knowledge & Artisan Food Production

    Credits: 5

    This module will build on the learner’s knowledge and skills gained in the previous module, Larder. Learners will be exposed to Artisan Food Products, the producers philosophies and how they demonstrate an awareness of the environmental impact of food production in Ireland and internationally. On successful completion of this module, learners will have gained the additional knowledge and skills associated with a wide range of food commodities, their scientific properties and artisan food products.

  • Classical Cuisine Gastronomy

    Credits: 5

    This module enables the learner to gain practical skills and product knowledge in the area of Classical Cuisine while alsoproviding the learner with the philosophical, artistic, historical,social and scientific aspects of Gastronomy. The link betweenClassical cooking and Gastronomy is synonymous and this and this module provides the learner with an integrated approachthat employs both practical and experiential learning to appreciate this area of study.

  • Creative Desserts

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to build on the fundamentals and classics at stage 1. It allows for further development of pastrytechniques encouraging a more creative approach. Emphasis is based on adapting classical pastry to a more contemporarystyle in line with industry trends.

  • Culinary Led Event

    Credits: 10

    This module allows learners to reinforce and consolidate the learning attained in Stage 1 module, Culinary Service Techniques. The module will be delivered as a live practical event supported with theoretical and planning sessions. Learners are expected to plan, organise and execute the complete food preparation, production and service of an event. This module requires that students, individually or in groups, lead an event in terms of design and organisation. The students will work in teams to produce the event.

  • HRM Concepts

    Credits: 5

    This module equips students with an understanding of the core concepts in HR management, taking students on a journey fromthe earliest origins of the discipline to the present day role of HR as an operational and strategic organisational function. Students will develop a strong applied knowledge of HRM systems, processes and best practice in the planning, staffing andreward of employees. They will appreciate the practical operation of HRM in small, medium and large organisations, as well asthe increased devolution of HR activities to line management. Students will also develop practical people management skillsthrough in-class and assessment activities, as well as highly transferable soft skills.

  • Kitchen & Resource Management

    Credits: 5

    Introduction to management of resources within a food service business operation.

  • Taste of Ireland

    Credits: 5

    This module offers learners the opportunity to explore and experience culinary arts through Irish national and regionalinfluences. It will offer learners the opportunity to add new knowledge to their previous culinary repertoire within a modern Irishperspective using authentic ingredients and artisanal produce. Learners will be encouraged to explore and cope with the variouseffects created during their learning through practical production, tasting, interpreting, undertaking and reflecting on the dishesprepared, with their peers and its related theory.

  • Bistronomy

    Credits: 5

    Bistronomy is a partnership of gastronomic excellence in the comfortable relaxed atmosphere of a bistro.

    It includes the following principles, Affordable prices, Freedom, Spirit, sharing, multiple courses, phenomenal produce, Terroir and a love of food. It puts the fun back in dining and banishes the sense of pomp associated with Haute cuisine.

  • Business Accounting & Cost

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the core tools and principles required to prepare and review a set of business accounts.  The module will be delivered in the context of the application and accurate use of the accounting information from a business decision making perspective

  • Chocolate Confectionary & Plated Desserts

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to further develop competence in pastry skills. Emphasis is based on advancing practical techniques in the production of petit fours, afternoon tea pastries and an introduction to working with chocolate. This module also focuses on learner’s ability to demonstrate with confidence and creativity the skills required to produce modern plated desserts while applying the production processes underpinning this discipline.

  • Contemporary Cuisine

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to give the learner a taste and insight into the diversity of modern cookery through the culinary professionals’ perspective. Learners will prepare contemporary dishes and menus using authentic ingredients and utilising methods and equipment commonly found in these styles of cooking. They will also develop their coping skills while engaging in mindful cookery, teamwork, co operative learning with their peers and the theory required, with guidance from the lecturer.

  • Workplace Learning

    Credits: 5

    The student will complete a work placement in a suitable hospitality outlet either nationally or internationally. The placement shall normally run over a three month period at the end of stage one. This module enables the learner to develop an awareness of the working environment and to apply practical and theoretical knowledge gained through their studies. The module allows the learner to develop inter-personal skills, a high level of client awareness, an integrated knowledge base and a strong professional identity through experiential learning.

  • Advanced Culinary Skills

    Credits: 10

    This module continues to develop culinary knowledge and practical experience gained from stage one and two of theprogramme. This module will focus on trends and developments in the contemporary culinary landscape. The learners willexplore a range of techniques and dishes of complex contemporary construction, which will encompass both classical andmodern thinking.

  • Advanced Pastry

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to enhance the learner’s repertoire with advanced methods of creating and presenting a range of pastryand confectionery products that are contemporary and relevant to industry needs. The module encourages creativity andwill further develop the techniques and disciplines of organisational skills required to aid running an efficient pastry section withinthe working environment.

  • Contemporary Industry Development

    Credits: 5

    This module develops an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the multidisciplinary nature of the hospitality, culinary andtourism sectors. The learner will be able to identify and critically evaluate the impact of sustainable food and agriculture, energyresource management and the development of food trends.

  • Marketing & Media

    Credits: 5

    In today’s highly competitive business environment it is essential that all organisations have a knowledge and understanding ofthe role of marketing in connecting a business with its customers. The aim of this module is to provide learners with anintroduction to marketing, placing an emphasis on the role of media in the delivery of marketing activities within the culinary andhospitality sector.

  • Research Methods

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to develop skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable students to undertake self-directedacademic research by introducing students to the concepts of research philosophies, types of research, research approaches,methods of data collection, sampling techniques, principles of research integrity and ethical considerations. Additionally, thismodule reflects the growing importance of implementing different methodologies with particular attention to both face to face andonline research designs in an increasingly dynamic research environment.

  • Work Placement/ Study Abroad

    Credits: 30

    This Work Placement/Study Abroad component is an integral part of all academic programmes of the Institute and is provided in compliance with HEA/DES requirements for practice-based learning on all third level courses as laid out in the “Higher Education System Performance Framework 2018-2020”. The overall aim of the module is to offer the student the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout their course of study up to this point in a new and relevant experiential setting. This is to achieved whilst facilitating the student in developing the practical life-skill competencies and communication skills necessary to function as an effective member of the work environment and wider society. Students choosing to study abroad will be provided a comparable programme of study in an approved foreign partner Institution.

  • Business Management

    Credits: 10

    This module will enable learners to appreciate the role that financial management plays in the hospitality sector. It seeks to equip learners with the requisite tools to make strategic decisions to successfully manage and grow
    a business. Learners will analyse and evaluate financial information with a view to assisting in business planning and decision-making. Financial analysis will consider all aspects of an organisations financial performance and
    stability, specifically focusing on profitability, liquidity, working capital management and gearing.

  • Food Innovation & Entrepreneurship

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is enable to learners to develop an entrepreneurial mind-set, which includes creativity and innovation in the food industry. On successful completion of the module students will be able to understand
    and apply the key skills an attributes of an entrepreneur and be able to contribute effectively and innovate in a food operation. Students will research trends in the food industry and devise innovative solutions in the area of new
    product development from concept to to launch stage.

  • Product Concepts Sensory & Nutritional Evaluation

    Credits: 10

    This module focuses on the planning process of a new food product. The approach is a blend of theoretical and applied knowledge of Food Science and Culinary Arts required to develop a new product.
    To facilitate this, the student will analyse their product using sensory and nutritional analysis, evaluate the processing steps, assess product and package design and apply theory to practice of their proposed product.
    Furthermore, students will identify, analyse and problem solve various aspects in relation to product storage, stability and the importance of the determination of the shelf-life of the food products.
    In essence this preparatory module will provide students with the skills necessary in proposing the development of a new food product to potential markets.

  • Research Thesis

    Credits: 15

    The aim of this module is to consolidate learners’ knowledge from previous years in a capstone research thesis.
    This module provides students with the opportunity to focus on a specific area of interest by producing a self-managed, analytical, in-depth evaluation of a relevant area of study providing the student with the opportunity to
    research a chosen and approved topic and to draw on previous studies.

    Students will be able to pursue an empirical study with an applied focus concentrating on their specific discipline area while also having the opportunity to undertake a conceptual literature based study. This module will enable students to demonstrate that they can take substantial responsibility for their own learning by affording the opportunity to choose, undertake and report upon a major investigation of a topic relevant to their discipline area and/or industry.

    Students’ will define a clear research question and identify the objectives of their research before undertaking a critical review of the existing literature. Students’ will design the research method and data collection
    process and will in turn analyse and critically discuss results in relation to the identified research question and objectives. By challenging students to manage their own learning, the research thesis makes a major contribution to their overall Level 8 classification process.

  • Food Marketing

    Credits: 5

    This module provides learners with both practical and theoretical exposure to key marketing concepts as they apply to the food sector. The aim of the module is to extend learners prior knowledge of marketing principles to
    develop marketing management strategies consistent with the dynamics and competitive profile of the food industry. This learning is augmented by engagement in an integrated project with the Product Development
    and Optimisation module and through the use of exemplar case studies highlighting strategic marketing options available and chosen by organisations within the food sector.

  • Gastronomy, The Sociology of Food

    Credits: 5

    This module provides the Learner with the opportunity to study food through the lens of social construction. It can be characterised by two overlapping threads namely food systems and Food politics.
    Topics for discussion will include but are not limited to Globalisation, Localisation, Medicalisation of Food, McDonaldisation Thesis.
    Consumption of the earths resources and our prognosis for survival as recently highlighted by the Extinction Revolution etc.

  • Product Optimisation

    Credits: 10

    This module focuses on each stage of the food product development process from a practical viewpoint.
    The aim of this module builds on the foundation of the prototype product in the Product Concept Module presented in Semester 7 of this programme. It accomplishes this by practically applying the research and learned skills
    to commercially develop a new product from perception to completion. This module will broaden the students’ knowledge of the various food technology systems required for the scalability of food production from bench top to
    large scale food production. The students final product will be presented in a Dragon Den style presentation to industry professionals.

  • Research Thesis

    Credits: 15

    The aim of this module is to consolidate learners’ knowledge from previous years in a capstone research thesis.
    This module provides students with the opportunity to focus on a specific area of interest by producing a self-managed, analytical, in-depth evaluation of a relevant area of study providing the student with the opportunity to
    research a chosen and approved topic and to draw on previous studies.

    Students will be able to pursue an empirical study with an applied focus concentrating on their specific discipline area while also having the opportunity to undertake a conceptual literature based study. This module will enable students to demonstrate that they can take substantial responsibility for their own learning by affording the opportunity to choose, undertake and report upon a major investigation of a topic relevant to their discipline area and/or industry.

    Students’ will define a clear research question and identify the objectives of their research before undertaking a critical review of the existing literature. Students’ will design the research method and data collection
    process and will in turn analyse and critically discuss results in relation to the identified research question and objectives. By challenging students to manage their own learning, the research thesis makes a major contribution to their overall Level 8 classification process.

What can you do after this programme?

Graduates will meet significant Irish and international demand for high calibre professional practitioners across the Hotel, Restaurant and wider food retail sector.

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.

Student Profiles

TUS Limerick Culinary Entrepreneurship Student

Jack was awarded “The Caraway Culinary Travel Scholarship 2023” to continue his food journey in his culinary career and is currently working in a new Restaurant in Barcelona called Santo Paladar. It is headed up by TUS Culinary graduate Ciara Kenneally and Killian Bowen formerly of Adare Manor. Jack also won the2022 World skills Ireland Cookery. Jack Rice, Graduated November 2023

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