Culinary Management

Overview

The Culinary Management Diploma program is a foundational pathway to becoming a professional cook, preparing you to launch a food and beverage career in a commercial kitchen.

Develop skills in culinary arts as you grow your passion for food and appreciation for both classic and emerging culinary trends and nutrition over 2 years:

• In the first year, you learn all the fundamentals, including cooking and presentation techniques. 
• The second year gives you the advanced culinary and management skills required of a professional cook and kitchen manager. These include inventory and food costs, purchasing and planning menus.

Today's television shows have made stars of chefs and have encouraged many people to enter this fast-paced and exciting field. What you don't see is the hard work and long hours that go into a professional kitchen. This program is based on the real thing. Be prepared to work hard, spend lots of time in the kitchen, and have a lot of fun while learning job-ready skills in a hands-on learning environment connected to industry.

Co-operative education

• This program includes a mandatory co-operative education (co-op) credit course.
  • Co-op placements provide the opportunity for paid, full-time work in a field related to your program.
  • Co-op takes place in the third and fourth terms and must be a minimum of 600 hours.
  • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• Our instructors have a long tradition of success in the culinary industry, with world-class experience and skills; you learn from the best.
• NSCC is proud of the strong working relationship with Sobeys, having a Sobeys Culinary Centre at each campus offering Culinary Management.
• The required co-op placement counts toward your apprenticeship program.
• You experience hands-on learning and real-world business environments through our on-campus kitchens, simulations, project-based learning, applied learning, service learning, collaborative learning and mentorship activities.
• You learn the latest practices and technologies that employers and business owners in Nova Scotia, across Canada and around the world are looking for in their future employees and partners.
• You learn in small classes, from experienced instructors.
• You graduate well-prepared with workplace-ready skills to provide a broad range of services to businesses of many sizes.
• Our programs and faculty maintain strong community and industry connections and use a proactive approach to prepare students for industry trends and demands.
• You get access to other exciting learning opportunities beyond your program, such as international learning programs and entrepreneurship workshops.

Other info

• A strong work ethic and a professional approach are key elements to your success in this program and career.
• Punctuality and attention to cleanliness are absolute necessities.
• As this program mirrors a working kitchen, you should be prepared to work industry-type hours, including early mornings, late nights and some weekends.
• If you have food allergies, dietary requirements or sensitivities to environmental conditions, be aware that you’ll frequently be exposed to substances that may affect those sensitivities.
• If interested in the Canadian Armed Forces Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Education Plan, you need to apply to the military. If accepted, your tuition fees, books and academic equipment will be paid by the military, in addition to receiving a salary and benefits while attending NSCC.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Sydney Waterfront Campus Sydney	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• This program requires you to complete Basic Food Safety Certification and Emergency First Aid/CPR Level C.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Culinary Management - Year 1
• Culinary Management - Year 2

Career options

• As the tourism industry continues to grow in this province and around the world, demand for well-trained cooks grows with it. Entry-level positions and opportunities to advance into leadership positions exist in various food service establishments, including:
  • Hotels and resorts
  • Institutional settings
  • Cafeterias
  • Catering
  • Private golf clubs and resorts
  • Restaurants
• Canadian Armed Forces have cooking-related opportunities, and graduates may qualify for advanced standing and be hired through direct entry.

Future study options

• Continue your studies at NSCC in Food Service and Nutrition Management, where you’ll gain broader training in food preparation, nutrition and business for employment in institutional food service operations.
• This program is a first step towards certification in the Cook trade. To become certified, you must register as an apprentice with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA). Once registered, you can transfer credit from this program towards your apprenticeship.
• Red Seal – Cook is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Graduates who complete an apprenticeship program in this trade are eligible to write the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program. The Red Seal allows qualified tradespersons to practise the trade in any province or territory in Canada - where the trade is designated - without having to write further examination.
• Post Red Seal certification opportunities include the Certified Chef de Cuisine program. In partnership with the Canadian Culinary Institute (CCI), this program is designed for established Red Seal chefs looking to fine tune their skills in the kitchen and deepen their restaurant management expertise.
• If you've completed NSCC's Culinary Skills Certificate program, you're eligible to apply for direct admission to the second year of this program. If you're accepted, you're required to complete the mandatory co-operative education credit course prior to starting your second year.
• Ship's Cook Certification training - Enrol in the Ships's Cook program at Strait Area Campus and add to your skillset with this Transport Canada-approved certification that prepares you for an in-demand culinary career at sea.
• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

COMM 1227 - Communications I
This course provides the student with an overview of the communication skills required by business and industry. Students will learn to apply these communication skills to be successful in their selected workplace setting.

COMP 1230 - Computer Essentials
This course is intended to provide students with recipe management and computer skills, including basic electronic spreadsheets, required to communicate and operate within a professional kitchen environment.

COOK 1328 - Introduction to Human Relations
The study of human relations is beneficial to employees in all types of organizations. Students will cover essentials of interacting with individuals and groups from the standpoint of an employee.

COOK 2996COOP - Cooperative Education A
Learners will work with a qualified journeyperson cook/chef to apply the skills developed in the first year of the program to an industry position. In addition to gaining practical experience, learners will accumulate hours that may later be counted toward their apprenticeship requirements. A standard fee will be assessed for this course. This is a course of 425 hours spread over 15 weeks between year one and year two beginning in May.

COOK 2997COOP - Cooperative Education B
Students will work with a qualified journeyperson cook/chef to apply the skills developed in the first year of the program to an industry position. In addition to gaining practical experience, students will accumulate hours that may later be counted toward their apprenticeship requirements. A standard fee will be assessed for this course. This is a course of 175 hours spread over 5 weeks between year one and year two beginning in September.

CULS 1020 - Kitchen Essentials
This course is designed to teach the learner the importance of food safety and sanitation while developing culinary skills. Learners will explore how to maintain a safe work environment and how to properly utilize and maintain the tools and equipment of the professional kitchen. Food safety training is achieved in this course.

CULS 1040 - Stocks and Soups
Quality stocks form the solid foundation upon which great soups, sauces and stews are built. In this course, learners will explore proper meat and vegetable stock-making techniques. Building on these stocks learners will prepare classical and modern clear, cream and puree type soups.

CULS 1060 - Vegetables, Fruits and Carbohydrates
Vegetable, fruit and carbohydrate items are more than simple side dishes. They are the cornerstone of modern cuisine that is shifting greater focus towards plant based cookery. In this course, learners will be introduced to selection, storage and best practices in preparing vegetable, fruit and carbohydrate items. Learners will also examine the techniques involved in applying appropriate dry and moist heat cooking methodologies.

CULS 1070 - Protein and Sauce Foundations
Classically, the focus of the plate is the protein- the meat, poultry or fish item being served, with its sauce accompaniment. In this course, learners will be introduced to receiving, handling, storing, and basic fabricating of protein items. The effects of dry and moist heat cooking methods on proteins are demonstrated and practiced. Learners will also identify the qualities of well-prepared sauces.

CULS 1080 - Quick Breads and Yeast Doughs
Bread has been termed “the staff of life.” The ability to produce quality yeast doughs and quick breads is a skill every cook should master. In this course, learners will explore the properties of bakeshop ingredients and apply that knowledge to the preparation of quick breads and basic yeast doughs.

CULS 1100 - Cold Kitchen
A great many talented and successful cooks began their career learning the fundamentals in the cold kitchen. This course introduces the skills and knowledge of preparing salad types, dressings and cold sauces. This course also teaches the preparation of sandwiches and introduces the learner to the principles of food presentation.

CULS 1120 - Eggs and Breakfast
Tradition has it that the pleats of the classic chef’s hat represent the number of ways a cook has mastered egg cookery. This reflects the significance of eggs in the professional kitchen. In this course, learners will practice essential egg cookery and apply these techniques to preparing egg and breakfast dishes. Learners will also explore various breakfast service types.

CULS 1140 - Cakes and Pastries
Today’s cooks are required to possess many skills – including those that were at one time the sole responsibility of dedicated pastry chefs. This course exposes learners to the theory and practical procedures involved in the production of high and low-fat cake types. Baking principles in preparation of sweet and savoury custards will be explored. This course exposes learners to the techniques of making choux paste and basic cookie types.

CULS 1160 - Cooking for Health and Culture
Today more than ever nutrition plays a key role in healthy consumer food choices. Exploring dishes from other cultures to examine food ingredients and preparation introduces the learner to a variety of nutritional food groups. This course is an introduction to the fundamental needs of the human body and the principles of good nutrition. This course also teaches the cuisines and dishes from international cultures and their relationship to healthy eating.

CULS 1170 - Career Readiness
In this course, the learner will obtain valuable resources and gain increased confidence in their ability to achieve employment. The learner will identify employment opportunities and apply job readiness skills. Topics will include job-search strategies, networking skills, and portfolio development.

CULS 1180 - Plant Based Cuisine
Plant based cookery is gaining popularity in today's kitchen as our diets become progressively more global. Nutritional, environmental and sustainability influence menu offerings. In this course, learners are introduced to alternative plant-based diets and apply the cookery of ingredients from international cultures.

CULS 2070 - Protein and Sauce Essentials
Well-prepared protein, sauced and attractively presented can “make or break” a meal. In this course, the learner will apply various cooking methods to protein such as moist, dry and combination heat. In addition, the learner will apply the theory and foundational technique of selecting and preparing derivative and non-derivative sauces.

FANM 9000 - Food Safety Training
Working with food requires knowledge of relevant legislation, codes, and safe food practices to keep staff and customers safe. This course provides information on cleaning and sanitation, food storage and receiving and food borne illnesses.

MATH 1020 - Applied Math for Food Service
In Applied Math for Food Service Professionals students will learn how to perform calculations related to recipe conversions, and the daily cooking tasks that deal with the measurement of distance, weight, volume and temperature.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.