Associate of Arts (AA) in Culinary Arts

PROGRAMME
Associate of Arts (AA) in Culinary Arts
Intakes

ARIU enrols students twice a year, in September and in February.

Tuition fees

Actual tuition fees are published on
http://www.ariu.edu.qa

Please note that the tuition fees may be subject to change.

Check the Tuition Page

Meet Us

Do you want to have a clear picture of the study programme you have in mind? Visit us during our open days and experience our education first hand by meeting our lecturers and fellow students.

The right choice?

Do you still have doubts about the study of your choice?

Do you still have doubts about the study of your choice? Have a look at our other programmes in International Business Management, International Tourism Management, International Hospitality
Management, Events Management and Accounting and Finance.
For more information
visit: www.ariu.edu.qa

GENERAL INFORMATION

Year 1
Semester 1 Semester 2
Fundamentals in Culinary Arts Practice Culinary Arts Cooking Techniques
  • Health & Safety
  • Food Hygiene
  • Product Knowledge
  • Business Communication 1
Butchery, Fish Preparation Larder
  • Advanced Cooking Techniques
  • Plating & Presentation
  • Menu Planning & Design
  • Procurement & Inventory
  • Business Communication 2

 

Year 2
Semester 1 Semester 2
Bakery, Pastry & Desserts International Gastronomy & Culinary Innovation
  • Nutrition & Dietary
  • Sustainability
  • Culinary Trends
Internship Internship
  • Cost Control Management Fundamentals
  • Budgeting & Forecasting
  • Food, Beverage & Labour Cost Control
  • Financial Reporting & Analysis

 

a) An application file:
To enter the Bachelor’s Programme from a high school applicants must have completed Year 12 with a minimum 70% average grade. Entry with 60% may be possible following advice from the admissions office. Graduates of private schools in Qatar and high schools abroad must submit a fully legalized secondary school certificate (s) (High School, IB or Baccalaureate) and an “Equivalence Certificate” from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar. Associate Degrees,College Diplomas, other BA and MA Degrees might also qualify as entrance into
this programme.

b) Original or an official copy of your Qatar high school certificate and transcript:
To enter the AA in Culinary Arts at ARIU, applicants must have successfully completed Year 12 or an equivalent high school qualification. Graduates of private schools in Qatar or international high schools are required to provide a fully legalised secondary school certificate (High School, IB, or Baccalaureate) along with an Equivalence Certificate from Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher
Education. Holders of associate degrees, college diplomas, or other BA/MA degrees are also eligible.

c) English Language Requirements:
Year 1: IELTS 5.0 (Overall Band Score) with 4.5 each for the individual skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) Year 2 and above: IELTS 6.0 (Overall Band Score) with 5.5 (or equivalent) each for the individual skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking). Alternatively, we may be able to accept one of the following:

=> Successfully pass the ARIU English Language Test.
OR
=> English Waiver: you can submit a high school certified letter stating that you have been studying in English as the primary medium of instruction, for the past three (3) years.

The Associate of Arts (AA) in Culinary Arts is the first academic culinary qualification of its kind in Qatar, designed to meet the growing demand for skilled culinary professionals while celebrating Qatar’s rich food heritage and aligning with the Qatar National Vision 2030. This two-year programme blends practical training and academic knowledge through a comprehensive curriculum covering culinary techniques, butchery, bakery and pastry, gastronomy, menu design, cost control, nutrition, sustainability, and business communication, all delivered by expert international faculty and supported by hands-on learning in a professional kitchen lab and a mandatory 12-week internship with Qatar’s leading hospitality brands. With strong endorsement from industry partners and a curriculum benchmarked against global culinary schools, the programme equips graduates with the necessary skills required for a dynamic career in the culinary world, or their own ventures.

The AA in Culinary Arts at ARIU is designed with the future of Qatar’s hospitality and tourism sector in mind, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global industry. The programme integrates sustainability, innovation, and technology into its core curriculum, ensuring graduates are prepared for emerging culinary trends, ethical food sourcing,
and environmentally conscious kitchen practices. With a focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, and global perspectives, it empowers students not only to meet current industry demands but also to anticipate and shape the future of gastronomy. By combining hands-on training, international benchmarking, and strong industry partnerships, the programme supports Qatar’s long-term vision of diversification and
global recognition as a culinary hub.

Students enrolling in the AA in Culinary Arts at ARIU can expect a dynamic and immersive two-year journey that blends practical training with academic learning,preparing students to excel in both local and international culinary environments. The programme offers a balance of hands-on kitchen experience alongside essential business knowledge, all reinforced through a 12-week internship with Qatar’s top hospitality partners.

Programme Length
  • Duration: 2 academic years (4 semesters)
  • Mode: Full-time (3 days)
  • Credits: 60
  • Degree Title: Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts
How will I Learn?
  • Classroom Learning – delivered by expert tutors and industry speakers
  • Professional Kitchen Labs – hands-on training
  • Workshops & Seminars
  • Industry Field Trips – exposure to Qatar’s leading hotels, restaurants, and food operations.
  • Culinary Competitions & Events – opportunities to showcase talent and build professional confidence.
  • Mandatory 12-Week Internship – real-world kitchen experience with top hospitality brands.
  • Group Projects & Presentations – developing teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills
  • Continuous Assessment & Reflection.
  • Networking and mentoring
How you are assessed
  • Practical Assessments – hands-on evaluation of cooking techniques,presentation, and professional kitchen skills.
  • Portfolios – compilation of practical work, showcasing creativity, technical development, and consistency.
  • Written Assignments – essays and reports linking theory to practice.
  • Presentations – individual or group presentations to develop communication,and professional confidence.
  • Progress Tests – periodic checks on knowledge and application of culinary theory, safety, and operational principles.
  • Group Work & Projects – collaborative assignments reflecting teamwork and problem-solving in real culinary settings.
  • Internship Evaluation – performance assessed during the 12-week industry placement, focusing on applied skills, professionalism, and teamwork.
  • Formative Feedback – ongoing feedback throughout labs, classes, and projects to support continuous improvement and growth.
Personal academic tutoring

Each student on the AA in Culinary Arts programme is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor who provides ongoing guidance and support throughout their studies. The PAT acts as a dedicated mentor, helping students adjust to university life, track their academic progress, and set personal and professional goals. Through regular one-to-one meetings, the tutor offers advice on study skills, time management, and career planning, while also being a first point of contact for any
challenges. This personalised support ensures that every student feels guided,encouraged, and empowered to achieve their full potential in both their academic and professional journey.

Graduates of the AA in Culinary Arts can pursue diverse and rewarding careers in Qatar and beyond, ranging from entry-level roles such as commis chef or demi chef in luxury hotels and restaurants to specialist positions within the pastry and bakery department. The programme also opens opportunities to work as private or corporate chefs, while providing the knowledge and confidence to launch entrepreneurial ventures such as cafés, bakeries, or catering businesses.

Are you ready for tomorrow’s world?

We live in a global world where economic opportunities abound beyond national borders. In a fast-changing world, we live in an era when information is critical to our cultures and economies. We want to prepare you for this ever-changing world. That is why we bring tomorrow’s reality into our university and demonstrate how you can participate in it. We think that succeeding in tomorrow’s world involves three fundamental interlinked competencies: the ability to navigate internationally and interculturally, the ability to comprehend and influence tomorrow’s most pressing challenges, and the ability to collaborate effectively.