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

Program Description

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. 

George Brown College Chef School Student Standards and Expectations

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

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

Community and non-profit organizations

  • campaign coordinator
  • community chef
  • community organizer
  • culinary consultant
  • farmers’ market coordinator
  • food justice educator
  • fundraiser
  • garden coordinator
  • grant writer
  • learning development specialist
  • outreach coordinator
  • policy analyst
  • program coordinator
  • researcher
  • urban agriculture coordinator

Government

  • policy development officer
  • program coordinator/manager
  • project coordinator/manager
  • public health promotions 
  • public health specialist
  • research analyst

Education

  • community workshop coordinator
  • learning garden coordinator
  • school food program coordinator

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 programs and the Food and Nutrition Management program.

Please contact the program co-ordinator for further information.

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