Study Culinary Arts in Switzerland

Feed your passion, perfect your art

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 Pastry, Chocolate, and Bakery—and graduate with dual degrees from BHMS and Robert Gordon University (UK). Prepare for success in the dynamic culinary industry with a comprehensive education tailored to your aspirations.

Unleash your culinary creativity

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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 Pastry, Chocolate, and Bakery 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

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.

LEARN MORE IN THE BROCHURE

Why study at 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.

BA in Culinary Arts

Year 1 Diploma in Culinary Arts (120 credits, 60 ECTS) 6 months practical labs & academic studies + 6 months internship

Year 2: Higher Diploma in Culinary Arts (120 credits, 60 ECTS) 6 months academic studies + 6 months internship

Year 3: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts (120 credits, 60 ECTS) 6 months academic studies + 6 months internship

BA in Pastry, Chocolate, Bakery

Year 1: Diploma in Pastry, Chocolate, and Bakery (120 credits, 60 ECTS) 6 months practical labs & academic studies + 6 months internship

Year 2: Higher Diploma in Pastry, Chocolate, and Bakery (120 credits, 60 ECTS) 6 months academic studies + 6 months internship

Year 3: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts with Specialisation in Patisserie (120 credits, 60 ECTS) 6 months academic studies + 6 months internship

Swiss Pastry, Chocolate & Bakery Diploma

Swiss Diploma in Pastry, Chocolate, and Bakery (120 credits, 60 ECTS) 6 months practical labs & academic studies + 6 months internship

Swiss Higher Diploma in Pastry, Chocolate, and Bakery (120 credits, 60 ECTS) 6 months academic studies + 6 months internship

Culinary and Pastry Certificate Programmes

Certificate in Culinary Operations 10 weeks | 2 terms

Advanced Certificate in Culinary Operations 10 weeks | 2 terms

Certificate in Pastry, Chocolate, and Bakery 10 weeks | 2 terms

Advanced Certificate in Pastry, Chocolate, and Bakery 10 weeks | 2 terms

Postgraduate Diploma in Culinary Arts

Postgraduate Diploma in Culinary Arts 120 credits, 60 ECTS 6 months practical labs and academic studies + 6 months internship

Quality Swiss education

Fast-track degrees

State-of-the-art kitchens

Flexible enrolment

Launchpad to a global career

Vibrant location