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28 May 2025

4 minutes read

5 Best Universities for Culinary Arts and Culinary Studies in UK for Indian Students

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

30 August 2024

4 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Culinary studies in UK provide international students with world-class education, blending modern culinary arts with hospitality and tourism insights.
  • Culinary studies in UK open doors to top universities and colleges offering diverse programmes in cookery, food science, and restaurant management.
  • Culinary studies in UK equip aspiring chefs with professional culinary skills, global exposure, and access to the thriving UK hospitality industry.

The UK has been home to generations of brilliant chefs and cooks, with UK culinary schools among the world’s finest.

For Indian students interested in cooking and baking, the UK provides an exclusive experience involving stringent training, global exposure, and access to the finest food science and hospitality industry resources.

With internationally acclaimed degrees and specialized courses in culinary arts, students are able to pursue a career beyond the confines of mere cooking.

What is Culinary Studies?

Fun fact: The word “culinary” comes from the Latin word culina, which means kitchen. Culinary studies involve the science and art behind cooking and baking.

  • Covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of cooking
  • Involves culinary techniques, kitchen safety, and food presentation
  • Offers insight into nutrition, global cuisines, and restaurant management

Culinary Studies, Hospitality Management and Professional Cookery Courses in the UK: An Overview

Trivia: London has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the UK. Students in culinary studies tend to intern at these highly rated restaurants.

culinary studies in uk 1

Course TypeDurationInstitutions
Culinary Arts Degree3-4 yearsUCB, West London
Hospitality Management3 yearsUniversity of London, Imperial College London
Professional Chef1-2 yearsBangor University, UCB

Top 5 Culinary Arts Schools and Universities in UK to Study Culinary Arts Management

Fun fact: Studying culinary arts offers students the chance to learn from chefs who have worked in globally acclaimed kitchens. The presence of a strong culinary arts education system in the UK makes it ideal for international culinary students.

Here are the top 5 study abroad destinations in UK for culinary studies:

1. University College Birmingham

Situated at the center of Birmingham, this university is one of the top culinary teaching institutions. The school of culinary arts graduates find employment in restaurant chains globally.

  • Consists of Culinary Arts Management and Food Science degree
  • IELTS or ACT score requirement for foreign student enrollment
  • Comprises professional culinary placements

2. University of West London

With a keen interest in the food and hospitality sector, this university has close collaborations with leading restaurants.

  • Consists of courses and hospitality management programs
  • Requires TOEFL, IELTS for admission
  • Offers practical training in up-to-date culinary arts school environments
culinary studies in uk 2

3. University of London

A world-leading university providing culinary courses within hospitality and tourism programs.

  • Programs in Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts
  • Requires a Statement of Purpose, GRE or SAT
  • Focuses on culinary skills and global exposure

4. Bangor University

A popular choice for those who wish to pursue hospitality and tourism along with culinary studies.

  • Professional Culinary and Hospitality courses
  • IELTS and personal statement are required
  • Provides foundation degree and honours degree paths

5. Imperial College London

Imperial offers a scientific slant on culinary arts in its food science courses.

  • Provides Culinary Science MSc and Hospitality Industry Management
  • Requires GMAT and Personal Statement
  • Focuses on innovation in cooking and baking methods

Do You Need to Go to the Top UK Culinary Schools and Cooking Schools to Become a Chef?

Fun fact: A few of the world’s top chefs never attended culinary school but studied by apprenticeship. That being said, contemporary graduates of culinary arts schools enjoy wider job prospects.

  • Culinary schools provide systematic, specialized courses
  • They enhance your cooking skills and appearance
  • Letters of recommendation from well-known chefs lend credibility to your resume

Some Short Courses on Culinary Arts Education

Interesting fact: Private tuitions are usually provided by successful chefs in the UK. The short courses assist learners in refining culinary skills within a limited time frame.

  • Le Cordon Bleu London has a French Culinary Diploma
  • University of West London has short professional courses
  • Bangor University has weekend workshops for cookery skills
  • Imperial College London has summer schools for culinary arts
  • University College Birmingham has certification programs for future restaurant managers

Course NameDurationInstitution
French Culinary Diploma9 monthsLe Cordon Bleu London
Basic Culinary Techniques3 monthsUniversity of West London
Weekend Cookery Workshop2 daysBangor University
Culinary Summer School6 weeksImperial College London
Restaurant Management Program4 weeksUniversity College Birmingham

Conclusion

Culinary arts programme in the UK is not just about the ins and outs of cooking. From world-class schools of culinary such as University College Birmingham and Imperial College London, one learns the skills to succeed in the hospitality business.

Whether you’re looking for a full culinary arts degree in United Kingdom or short courses, the UK is an international student chef’s favorite destination. From degrees in culinary arts to cookery courses, your path to being a professional chef begins here.

When you look at culinary study, you’re not enrolling for just a course with Ambitio, you’re unlocking a world kitchen of possibilities.

FAQs

What are the benefits of pursuing culinary studies in UK as an international student?

Culinary studies in UK offer international students access to top culinary schools, global exposure, and hands-on experience in the hospitality industry.

Which universities are best for culinary studies in UK?

Some of the top universities for culinary studies in UK include University College Birmingham, University of West London, and Imperial College London.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for culinary studies in UK?

Yes, most institutions offering culinary studies in UK require English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL for international applicants.

Can I pursue short-term programmes under culinary studies in UK?

Yes, culinary studies in UK include short courses such as workshops, summer schools, and diplomas at institutions like Le Cordon Bleu London.

Are scholarships available for culinary studies in UK?

Many universities offer scholarships for culinary studies in UK, especially for high-achieving international students with strong personal statements and letters of recommendation.

What careers can I pursue after completing culinary studies in UK?

Culinary studies in UK can lead to careers as professional chefs, restaurant managers, food scientists, and hospitality consultants worldwide.

Is work experience mandatory before applying for culinary studies in UK?

While not always mandatory, having prior kitchen or hospitality experience strengthens your application for culinary studies in UK programmes.

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