BA (Hons) International Culinary Management with Internship IMI International Management Institute Switzerland

Overview

Programme Overview

The BA (Hons) International Culinary Management with Internship is an undergraduate degree delivered at IMI's campus in Luzern. The programme combines business and operational management theory with professional training in culinary skills, preparing students for roles in restaurant kitchens as well as for managing their own culinary businesses.

A central feature of the programme is its blend of classroom learning, hands-on kitchen training, and professional practice. Each academic semester is followed by a paid internship, ensuring that students complete a minimum of 12 months of professional experience during their degree. The programme is intended for high school graduates who wish to develop both the kitchen skills and the managerial abilities required for a wide range of roles in the culinary industry. It is taught in English and carries 360 ECTS credits. Teaching takes place in small classes within an international campus community, allowing for active participation and individual academic support.

Programme Structure

The degree is completed over three years. Each year consists of a 22-week academic semester on campus, followed by a 22-week paid internship in Switzerland or abroad:

• Year 1: Diploma Semester, followed by a paid internship
• Year 2: Higher Diploma Semester, followed by a paid internship
• Year 3: BA (Hons) Semester, followed by a paid internship

The curriculum is designed to progress in stages. The first year establishes a foundation in culinary techniques, food safety, and restaurant operations. The second year develops cuisine expertise and kitchen management competencies, and the third year focuses on culinary entrepreneurship, innovation, and an independent product creation project. Students with relevant previous education may be eligible for direct entry into a later semester.

Internships

Internships form an integral part of the programme. Students complete paid placements in professional kitchens and culinary-led hospitality businesses in Switzerland and internationally, and 12 months of paid internship experience is guaranteed. IMI maintains a network of industry partners, including restaurants, hotel kitchens, resorts, and food-focused organisations, with placement opportunities across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. These placements give students direct exposure to diverse cuisines, kitchen cultures, and international food operations. Recent placements include a culinary traineeship at the Widder Hotel in Zurich.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme are prepared for roles in four main areas:

• Restaurant and food service management: restaurant manager, operations supervisor, food and beverage manager
• Kitchen and culinary operations: commis chef, chef de partie, junior sous chef
• Culinary business: restaurant owner or co-owner, culinary entrepreneur, catering business manager
• Product, innovation, and food development: food concept developer, culinary innovation assistant, menu development coordinator

Further Study

Graduates who wish to continue their studies can progress directly into IMI's MSc in International Hospitality Business Management.

Intakes

The programme offers two intakes per year, in February and August.

Student Life

Beyond the academic programme, students benefit from the quality of life that Switzerland offers and from a diverse international community on campus. The programme is structured and demanding, while small class sizes and ongoing academic support ensure that students receive guidance throughout their studies.