MA in International Culinary Arts
Course Overview
The MA in International Culinary Arts is a UK Level 7 research-informed senior-practice degree taken over one year full-time or two years part-time (online and distance routes available). Delivered by LSCAHM's Culinary Arts & Gastronomy department, the programme is aligned with the Craft Guild of Chefs, Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) and British Culinary Federation, and closes with a dissertation, capstone or sponsor consulting project.
By graduation, a candidate is authoring international menu strategies, running senior kitchen teams across cultural contexts, producing research-informed reflections on cuisine, and taking senior culinary decisions for restaurants, hotels and hospitality groups.
Key Features
- Level 7 research-informed curriculum aligned with Craft Guild of Chefs and WACS senior frameworks.
- Dissertation, capstone or sponsor consulting project supervised by practising chefs.
- Modules on gastronomy history, cultural context and modern culinary movements.
- Guest sessions with senior chefs from London and international kitchens.
- Access to LSCAHM teaching kitchens for practical research work.
- Three parallel modes so senior chefs can complete in role.
What You Will Learn
- Comparative gastronomy across European, Asian, Middle Eastern and Americas traditions.
- Cultural context, terminology and provenance in international cuisine.
- Senior menu writing including tasting menus and cross-cultural pairings.
- Sustainability, provenance and ethics in international culinary practice.
- Culinary R&D and product development at senior standard.
- Leadership, coaching and cultural competency for international brigades.
- Digital tools for menu, cost and yield management in senior kitchens.
- Research methods for MA dissertations and sponsor projects.
Who This Course Is For
- Senior chefs targeting executive chef or culinary director roles.
- Head chefs seeking a UK Master's in international culinary practice.
- Consultant chefs and menu-development consultants.
- Culinary educators and authors preparing research-informed projects.
- International practitioners requiring a UK MA for senior culinary employment.
Career Pathways
- Executive Chef.
- Head Chef (senior).
- Culinary Development Chef (senior).
- Culinary Educator.
- Menu Development Consultant.
- Chef Patissier (senior).
- Culinary Entrepreneur.
The LSCAHM careers service runs an annual industry-careers day and maintains relationships with Michelin-starred kitchens, luxury hotel groups and international restaurant operators recruiting MA graduates.
Entry Requirements
- A UK Bachelor's degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent international qualification in a relevant discipline such as culinary arts, food science or hospitality.
- IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
- Applicants without a Bachelor's but with 5+ years of senior professional experience in culinary or gastronomy are considered on portfolio.
- One academic and one professional reference.
- A 500-word research proposal or professional practice statement for the MA in International Culinary Arts.
Why Study at LSCAHM
The London School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management is a specialist division of Harold International College of London teaching in small, tutor-visible cohorts. LSCAHM reads international culinary arts alongside hospitality, event and food business practice, giving MA candidates a full commercial and cultural context for their senior work.
Central London places Michelin-starred kitchens, luxury hotel groups, the Craft Guild of Chefs and the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts within a short tube ride of every classroom, offering MA candidates direct access to research subjects and sponsor projects.
Apply for MA in International Culinary Arts
Enrol on an LSCAHM Master's programme. Dissertation, capstone or sponsor project supervised by practising chefs on the MA in International Culinary Arts. Submit your Bachelor's transcript, references and 500-word proposal to the LSCAHM admissions team. Enrol Now.
