Study Culinary Arts in Switzerland
Transform your passion for food into a rewarding career with our hands-on culinary arts education, that blends culinary expertise with entrepreneurial skills.
Select your pathway — Culinary Arts or Culinary Arts and Patisserie. Graduate with dual degrees from Swiss Culinary Academy by BHMS and Robert Gordon University (UK). Prepare for success in the dynamic culinary industry with a comprehensive education tailored to your aspirations.
Recognized among the top institutions in the 2026 QS World University Rankings
- 12thBest hospitality school in the world
- 7thBest hospitality school for employer reputation
- 5-StarInstitution
- 27+years shaping future leaders in Switzerland
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Take your first step towards a career in culinary arts
Turn your love for food into a fulfilling career with this three-year programme specialising in Culinary Arts that blends culinary expertise with entrepreneurial know-how. Gain real-world experience through three industry internships in Switzerland or worldwide.
Practical modules (270 hours in the kitchen)
- Essentials of Culinary Operations
- Food Preparation Techniques
- European Cuisine
- Garde Manger
- Cakes and Creams
- Bakery and Breads
Academic modules
- Nutrition
- Food Safety
- Hospitality and Tourism Structure and Products
- Beverage Studies
- Academic Study Skills
- German or French Communications
- Career Development and Professional Integration
Practical modules (335 hours in the kitchen)
- A la Carte Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Global Cuisine
- Themes and Concepts
- Garde Manger II
- Chocolate Creations
- Food and Beverage Service Operations II
Academic modules
- Food & Wine Pairing
- Menu Design
- Culinary Business Analysis
- Food and Beverage Cost Management
- Supervisory Development
- Career Development and Professional Integration
Optional:
- German Communications
- French Communications
- Managing Culinary Resources
- Creativity & Entrepreneurship
- Food Service Management
- New Food Product Development
- Academic Writing & RGU Standards: Workshop
- Career Development and Professional Integration
Electives
- Contemporary Culinary Operations (culinary arts pathway)
- Patisserie Design and Innovation (pastry pathway)
Optional (for transfer students)
- German Communications
Turn your love for food into a fulfilling career with this three-year programme specialising in patisserie that blends culinary expertise with entrepreneurial know-how. Gain real-world experience through three industry internships in Switzerland or worldwide.
Practical modules (330 hours in the kitchen)
- Pastry and Bakery Foundations
- Classic Patisserie
- Boulangerie and Viennoiserie
- Traditional European Cakes
- Chocolate Work Foundations
- Culinary Foundations
Academic modules
- Nutrition
- Food Safety
- Academic Study Skills
- German or French Communications
- Career Development and Professional Integration
Practical modules (300 hours in the kitchen)
- Ice Creams & Plated Desserts
- Advanced Chocolate Pralines
- Petit Fours & Petit Gateaux
- Entremets Cakes
- The Art of Showpieces
- Catering Operations
Academic modules
- Small Business Management
- Creativity & Design
- Food and Beverage Cost Management
- Supervisory Development
- Career Development and Professional Integration
Optional:
- German or French Communications
- Managing Culinary Resources
- Creativity & Entrepreneurship
- Food Service Management
- New Food Product Development
- Academic Writing & RGU Standards: Workshop
- Career Development and Professional Integration
Electives
- Contemporary Culinary Operations (culinary arts pathway)
- Patisserie Design and Innovation (pastry pathway)
Optional (for transfer students)
- German Communications
Indulge your passion for the sweeter things in life and learn the sophisticated art of pastry, chocolate, and bakery in this hands-on, one-year programme that includes one industry internship. Pursue a second year for a higher diploma or complete three years to earn your bachelor's degre.
Practical modules (330 hours in the kitchen)
- Pastry and Bakery Foundations
- Classic Patisserie
- Boulangerie and Viennoiserie
- Traditional European Cakes
- Chocolate Work Foundations
- Culinary Foundations
Academic modules
- Nutrition
- Food Safety
- Academic Study Skills
- German or French Communications
Practical modules (330 hours in the kitchen)
- Ice Creams & Plated Desserts
- Advanced Chocolate Pralines
- Petit Fours & Petit Gâteaux
- Entremets Cakes
- The Art of Showpieces
- Catering Operations
Academic modules
- Small Business Management
- Creativity & Design
- Food and Beverage Cost Management
- Supervisory Development
Are you ready to take your culinary skills to the next level? These 10-week certificate courses in Culinary Arts and Pastry, Chocolate, and Bakery are designed for both amateurs and seasoned culinary professionals alike.
Dive into this immersive 10-week Culinary Operations Certificate Course, where you'll learn how to master essential techniques and gain invaluable knowledge needed to thrive in a professional kitchen environment.
Practical modules (180 hours in the kitchen):
- Essentials of Culinary Operations
- Food Preparation Techniques
- Garde Manger
- Cakes & Creams
Academic modules:
- Nutrition
- Food Safety
Step up your game with our immersive 10-week Advanced Culinary Operations Certificate Course, where you’ll explore more advanced culinary techniques and concepts.
Practical modules (180 hours in the kitchen)
- A la Carte Cuisine OR Global Cuisine
- Themes and Concepts
- Garde Manger II
- Chocolate Creations
Academic modules:
- Food & Wine Pairing
- Supervisory Development
Get ready to embark on a sweet journey with our immersive 10-week Pastry, Chocolate & Bakery Certificate course. Dive into the world of pastries, chocolate, and baked goods as you gain a solid foundation in the refined techniques required by this discipline.
Practical labs (180 hours in the kitchen):
- Pastry & Bakery Foundations
- Classic Patisserie
- Boulangerie & Viennoiserie
- Chocolate Work Foundations
Academic modules:
- Food safety
Join our intensive 10-week Advanced Pastry, Chocolate & Bakery Certificate course and take your skills to the next level. Explore advanced techniques and learn the secrets to crafting the perfect confectionary delicacies.
Practical labs (180 hours in the kitchen):
- Ice Creams & Plated Desserts
- Advanced Chocolate Pralines
- Petit Fours & Petit Gâteaux
Academic modules:
- Small Business Management
- Supervisory Development
Designed for degree holders seeking a career shift, this intensive one-year programme takes you through the professional foundations to advanced techniques in culinary production and kitchen management principles. Gain real-world experience through one industry internship in Switzerland or worldwide.
Practical modules (330 hours in the kitchen)
- Essentials of Culinary Operations
- Food Preparation Techniques
- European Cuisine
Plus, one of the following:
- A la Carte Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Global Cuisine
- Themes & Concepts
Electives
- Cakes and Creams
- Bakery and Breads
- Garde Manger II
- Chocolate Creations
Plus, one of the following:
Academic modules
- Nutrition
- Food Safety
- German Communication
Electives
- Food & Wine Pairing
- Menu Planning
- Food and Beverage Cost Management
- Beverage Studies
- German Communication
- Supervisory Development
During your internship, you are evaluated by your employer based on an agreed set of developmental criteria and are invited to reflect on your professional development through a written assessment.
The global food and beverage industry is booming with innovation and opportunity. Our 1 year MSc in Culinary Entrepreneurship is designed for ambitious professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to combine culinary creativity with strategic business expertise.
- Innovation & Technologies: Shaping the Future of Food
- Culinary & Wine Imaging & Visual Storytelling
- Emerging Trends in Global Wine Entrepreneurship (incl. WSET 2)
- International Human Resource Management
- Leadership in Business
- Marketing and Branding in a Digital Society
- Strategic Business Management
- Research Methods
- Optional immersive internship in Switzerland or abroad
- Culinary Start-up Business Plan
Admission requirements
Minimum 17 years of age
IELTS 5.0 level or equivalent
For those who do not meet the English requirements, we offer the Preparatory English Programme, an intensive course designed for students to level up their language skills.
Learn from the best
Our well-established network gives you access to some of the top employers in the industry, both in Switzerland and worldwide: from family-run Swiss hotels and restaurants to four- and five-star hotels, and well-known franchises and hotel chains.
Why study at Swiss Culinary Academy by BHMS?
Quality Swiss education
Ranked #14 globally for employer reputation and rated a five-star institution.
Fast-track degrees
Unique combination of academic rigour with hands-on industry experience, ensuring you graduate workforce-ready.
State-of-the-art kitchens
7 professional-grade kitchens designed for all stages of the culinary process.
Flexible enrolment
Eight yearly intakes offer flexible start dates and increased internship opportunities.
Launchpad to a global career
We support your career journey beyond graduation, connecting you to global opportunities
Vibrant location
Life in the heart of a city and direct access to the majestic Swiss Alps, near Europe's top destinations
My time at BHMS broadened my view of the culinary world and beyond. Embracing new languages and cultures was tough but continues to help me learn and grow today.
Kalina Yordanova, BulgariaBA in Culinary Arts
The hands-on experience, the creativity that was encouraged in the classroom, the exposure to so many different international cuisines, and the amazing opportunities to work in fine-dining restaurants and hotels in Switzerland... I am so grateful for everything BHMS provided. It truly was what launched my career.
Donovan Tan, MalaysiaBA in Culinary Arts 2021
My studies at BHMS gave me a new and different perspective of the culinary world as well as the world in general. Learning new languages and acknowledging different cultures were my greatest challenge but I am still learning while climbing the culinary career ladder.
Ben Orora, KenyaBA in Culinary Arts 2017 & MSc in International Hospitality Management 2018
BHMS was a pivotal milestone in my culinary journey, propelling me toward my dream of becoming a successful chef. The exceptional educational standards were instrumental in my growth and development in the field.
Manal Al Faez, BahrainBA in Culinary Arts 2019
Lucerne: the heartbeat of Switzerland
Our location in the heart of one of Switzerland’s most beloved cities offers multiple advantages. With its picturesque landscapes and proximity to stunning Lake Lucerne, Lucerne provides international students with both the amenities and attractions of a bustling city, as well as proximity to some of the most spectacular locations in the Swiss Alps.
Start your journey today
Request a free brochure and find out how to get a world-class culinary education.
