Honours Bachelor of Food Studies Program (Bridging) (H318)

2022-20232023-2024
  • Program Name:
    Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
  • Code: H318
  • Credential:
    Honours Bachelor's Degree
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Duration:
    5 semesters
  • Centre:
  • School: Chef School
  • Location: St. James Campus
  • Starting Months: May
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $9,957.00 * †
  • International Tuition:
    $20,112.00 ** †
  • Experiential Learning:

    The Honours Bachelor of Food Studies embraces experiential learning as a key component of the program delivery. Students will have a variety of opportunities to examine activities in the community, take field trips in the surrounding area and complete two 16-hour community-engaged learning placements as part of their coursework.

  • Spring 2023 Delivery:
    Suspended

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Overview

Leadership Claims

The first four-year Honours Bachelor of Food Studies degree in Canada combining culinary arts and a comprehensive food studies curriculum.

Program Overview

George Brown College offers the first four-year Honours Bachelor of Food Studies degree in Canada. H318 is a bridge pathway into the H317 Honours Bachelor of Food Studies program, specifically designed for graduates of Culinary Management diploma programs. Graduates of these diploma programs may be eligible to enter the third year of the degree upon successful completion of five bridge courses.

Food choices are no longer about what we will have for dinner. Behind those choices are the biggest challenges of our time: How do we address chronic disease, waste, climate change, rapid urbanization, technological change, hunger and inequity? Everyone in the food sector must deal with these challenges and opportunities; this is the world that the next generation of food workers is entering. The Honours Bachelor of Food Studies degree program will bring a new focus on justice and equity, sustainability and health, and a new awareness of how these societal issues can be analyzed and resolved.

Full Description

The food sector is always changing, particularly when it comes to hospitality and culinary arts. This constant change has reinforced the need for a more holistic approach to culinary education – one that allows students to examine the food system while mastering a variety of culinary techniques.

The Honours Bachelor of Food Studies program provides the food leaders of tomorrow with the skills, insights and knowledge to succeed in this rapidly changing field. It offers extensive career pathways for food service professionals while providing the food sector with leaders who can thrive in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

Graduates will be positioned to succeed in a wide range of food-related occupations including roles in culinary, education, tourism, recreation, health, food security, sustainability, economic development, agriculture, public policy and research. There are growing opportunities for careers informed by both culinary experience and versatile critical thinking.

Toronto provides a unique setting for this program because of its wealth of multicultural and Indigenous food traditions. In the classroom and beyond, students will be introduced to the vibrant world of food in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Students will participate in a paid co-op placement focused on the application of culinary and food animation skills. In addition, throughout the program, selected courses will include community-engaged learning opportunities. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Articulate the interconnected structures and functions of food systems at the local, national and international levels.
  2. Analyze social, cultural, political and environmental influences on current and emerging food-related theory, policy and practice.
  3. Recommend informed responses to both practical and scholarly issues and challenges using insights from food systems theory and the study of global cuisine.
  4. Acquire foundational culinary skill proficiency and operational knowledge appropriate to enter into the culinary industry.
  5. Integrate a healthy, equitable, and sustainable food systems perspective into culinary theory and practice.
  6. Construct coherent arguments to address debates within the broad field of food studies.
  7. Appraise research methodologies used across disciplines related to food studies.
  8. Communicate effectively in a variety of formats appropriate to academic, government, non-profit, business and media environments.
  9. Articulate how uncertainty, ambiguity and limits to knowledge influence perception and interpretation of debates in food studies and consider issues from multiple perspectives.
  10. Demonstrate curiosity, initiative, integrity, collaboration, and social responsibility in personal and professional settings related to food.

 

 

 

 

Courses

Required Courses

Bridging Semester 4

Course CodeCourse Title
HOSF 2310Food Studies Research Methods
HOSF 2312Introductory Food Studies
HOSF 2314Food Literacy & Communications
HOSF 2315Understanding Food Production
HOSF 2316Voices for Food Systems Change

YEAR 3

Semester 5

Course CodeCourse Title
HOSF3502Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Policy
HOSF3504Food Policy and Law
HOSF3506The Evolving Kitchen
HOSF3508Global Food and Beverage History
Lower Liberal Studies Elective  

Semester 6

Course CodeCourse Title
HOSF3606Food and the Non-Profit Sector
HOSF3509Sustainability in Food Service
HOSF3607Sustainable Consumption
HOSF3608Canadian Food History and Culture
Upper Liberal Studies Elective 

YEAR 4

Semester 7

Course CodeCourse Title
HOSF4702Global Food Politics
HOSF4704Food, Equity, and the City
HOSF4706Chefs as Agents of Change
HOSF4708Capstone I (Food Studies)
Upper Liberal Studies Elective  

Semester 8

Course CodeCourse Title
HOSF4802Special Topics in Food Studies
HOSF4806Strategies for the Black Box
HOSF4809Capstone II (Food Studies)
HOSF4810The Future of Food
Upper Liberal Studies Elective  

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

The Honours Bachelor of Food Studies opens doors to diverse career pathways in the kitchen and beyond. Completion of this program will demonstrate your commitment to both culinary arts and understanding issues throughout the entire food system, distinguishing you from other chefs. The culinary skills you learn at George Brown are in demand by employers across Canada and internationally, and you will have the training to build a successful career at home and around the world.

While some degree graduates may start their careers in an entry-level position, they will have the knowledge and skills to advance their career pathways. Depending on the graduate’s focus and level of experience, possible career pathways include:

Employment Area

Possible Career Paths

Food services

  • food product developer
  • product development
  • food writer
  • food blogger
  • food journalist
  • market researcher
  • menu designer
  • executive chef, chef, sous chef, chef de partie
  • caterer

Community and nonprofit organizations

  • program coordinator
  • culinary consultant
  • researcher
  • policy analyst
  • outreach coordinator
  • fundraising
  • grant writing

Government

  • public health
  • community consultation
  • policy advisor
  • research analyst

Education

  • school food program co-ordinator
  • community workshop co-ordinator

Educational Pathways

Graduates of this program will be prepared to continue their studies post-degree in master's programs in the fields of environmental studies, food policy, justice studies, public health, gastronomy, education, community development, communication and media studies.

Graduates may also be eligible for direct entry into the Culinary Arts – Italian, French pastry, International Cuisine programs and the Food and Nutrition Management program.

Please contact the Program Coordinator for further information.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$9,957.00 * †

International Tuition

$20,112.00 ** †

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in fall 2021. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2022 and at later dates.

** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Spring 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Spring 2024 and at later dates.

Fees for this program do not include the cost of the co-op work term.

† Additional Cost

DescriptionCost
Uniform$290
Knives and small wares$500–$700
Books$1,600
Black safety shoes$110-$160

View the Full Equipment List (PDF)

International Students

Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information. 

Financial Assistance

The program will be OSAP eligible. Once the new OSAP application is launched by the ministry in Spring, the college will work with the ministry in updating/reviewing/approval of the OSAP application system to include this program

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

This program is a bridge pathway into the Honours Bachelor of Food Studies H318 degree program and is designed for graduates of Culinary Management diploma programs.

Requirements:

  • A Culinary Management diploma with a program GPA of 2.7 or higher and completion of required certificates (Emergency First Aid/Heartsaver CPR, Smart Serve Certificate, Sanitation Certificate, WHMIS Certificate).
  • Prospective students with Culinary Credentials outside of Ontario will require Department assessment which may result in additional courses and completion of certificates (Emergency First Aid/Heartsaver CPR, Smart Serve Certificate, Sanitation Certificate, WHMIS Certificate) in addition to the bridge semester. International and out-of-province applicants who believe they are eligible for this program are invited to contact the coordinator Wendy Mah at wendy.mah@georgebrown.ca.

 

The H318 bridge courses (5 core courses) take place from May to August. To continue to semester 5 of the program, students must complete the designated bridge pathway and maintain good standing with a minimum 2.3 program GPA (67% or above). 

Note: The bridge for entry into semester 5 (Year 3) of the H317 program comprises five core courses (Food Studies Research Methods, Introductory Food Studies, Food Literacy & Communications, Understanding Food Production, and Voices for Food Systems Change).

NOTE FOR CURRENT GEORGE BROWN STUDENTS: 

Note 1: Current George Brown DOMESTIC students in H100 – Culinary ManagementH116 - Culinary Management (Integrated Learning) or H119 – Culinary Management – Nutrition programs who wish to apply for H318, are invited to apply on ontariocolleges.ca. The admissions office will verify your current standing in the diploma program and process your application accordingly. 

Note 2: Current George Brown INTERNATIONAL (VISA) students in H100 – Culinary ManagementH116 – Culinary Management (Integrated Learning) or H119 – Culinary Management – Nutrition programs who wish to apply for H318, are invited to apply on the Online Application System for International Students. The International admissions office will verify your current standing in the diploma program and process your application accordingly.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.  

International Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.  

How to Apply

Domestic students apply through Ontario Colleges.

International Students

Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply. 

International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.

Contact Us

DOMESTIC STUDENT ADMISSIONS

For inquiries about domestic admission requirements, admission deadlines or the admissions process, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@georgebrown.ca or visit the Admissions web page.

FINANCIAL/FEES

For inquiries about OSAP, bursaries, scholarships and other financial inquiries, please contact the Financial Aid Office at FinAid@georgebrown.ca or visit the Financial Aid web page.

HONOURS BACHELOR of FOOD STUDIES - BRIDGING (H318)

For general Chef School inquiries, please contact CHCAStudentSupport@georgebrown.ca.

For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

International Students

Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page

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