associate degree

The Culinary Arts programme is ideally suited for the aspiring professional cook. Students are provided with the tools, skills and theoretical background required to work within a professional kitchen.

Upon successful completion of this programme, learners will be equipped with the requisite skills to further their studies, become an entrepreneur, or work professionally within the culinary industry.

Please note that Culinary Arts is only accessible after an application process and completion of the first semester of Food and Beverage Operations.

Learning Outcomes

  • Learners will be able to demonstrate their proficiency in various culinary dexterities. These include knife skills — chopping, slicing and dicing, the proper handling of ingredients and ability to employ both classic and contemporary cooking techniques.
  • Practitioners can leverage different techniques for recipe preparation, such as roasting, baking, grilling and poaching.
  • Students develop an intuition for effective menu design and execution, taking into account a balanced taste, nutritional value, dietary restrictions and industry trends. Students will also be receptive to customer feedback and the use of local and seasonal ingredients.
  • An understanding of the ethical standards involved in sourcing ingredients, as well as the importance of sustainable food practices.

Career Paths

Culinary Assistant

Culinary Assistant

As a culinary assistant you assist the head chef with tasks such as food preparation and kitchen management. Additionally, you ensure that cleanliness and organization are retained during kitchen operations, and may also lend a hand to other personnel.

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur

If you have a passion and talent for food, consider starting a business around your cooking. This could be a food truck, café, bakery, or even your own catering company!

Caterer

Caterer

Caterers offer their services in food and beverage operations at various events, such as graduations, weddings, parties and conferences. They prepare and serve food to their clients based on specified requests, dietary preferences, and dietary restrictions such as allergies.

Course Breakdown

Culinary Arts takes 2 years to complete and rewards students with an Associate Degree.

Year One

Semester One

General Education Courses
  • Critical Reading and Writing
  • Modern Language
  • Principles of Management
  • Sanitation, Safety and Hygiene
Programme Courses
  • Introduction to Tourism & Hospitality
  • Food Preparation 1
  • Food and Beverage Service 1

Semester Two

General Education Courses
  • Speech, Self and Society
  • Food, Science and Nutrition
Programme Courses
  • Quality Customer Care
  • Culinary Operations 1
  • International Cuisine
  • Baking Technology 1

Year Two

Semester Three

General Education Courses
  • Mathematical Reasoning and Logic
  • Ethics and Professional Development
Programme Courses
  • Menu Planning
  • Culinary Operations 2
  • Garde Manger
  • Food, Beverage and Labour Costs Control
  • Baking Technology 2
  • Elective

Semester Four

General Education Courses
  • A Survey of St. Lucian History
Programme Courses
  • Wines and Spirits
  • À la Carte & Table d'hôte
  • Caribbean Cuisine
  • Quality Food Production
  • Elective
  • Summer Practicum

Entry Requirements

You can visit our Admissions Page to read our general entry requirements.

  1. Required passes (Grades 1, 2; or Grade 3 from June 1998) in English A, Mathematics, Food & Nutrition, French or Spanish, and at least ONE of the following:
    • Principles of Business
    • Principles of Accounts
    • Economics
    • Social Studies
    • Chemistry
  2. In addition, all candidates who have not passed CSEC French or Spanish will be required to register for and successfully complete an access course in the subject area prior to registration.
  3. Please note: The Culinary Arts Programme is only accessible after an application process and upon completion of the first semester of the Food & Beverage Operations Programme.

Fees & Tuition

Visit our Tuition page to download the fees of different programmes.

Tip: Scroll inside the table for more information.
Breakdown of Academic Fees
Fee Year One Year Two
Semester One Semester Two Semester One Semester Two
Tuition for Saint Lucian & OECS Students $ 1,055 $ 1,110 $ 1,080 $ 1,080
Tuition for CARICOM Students $ 1,503 $ 1,558 $ 1,528 $ 1,528
Tuition for International Students $ 3,201 $ 3,256 $ 3,226 $ 3,226
Audit - $ 30
Registration $ 30 $ 30 $ 30 $ 30
Students’ Council $ 12 - $ 12 -
Digital Technology $ 110 $ 110 $ 110 $ 110
Insurance $ 18 - $ 18 -
ID Card $ 25 -
Total Cost of Academic Fees
Total Fees Year One Year Two
Semester One Semester Two Semester Three Semester Four
Saint Lucian Nationals & OECS Students $ 1,270 $ 1,270 $ 1,270 $ 1,270
CARICOM Students $ 1,718 $ 1,718 $ 1,718 $ 1,718
International Students $ 3,416 $ 3,416 $ 3,416 $ 3,416

Related Programmes

See our full list of programmes here.