BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN GASTRONOMY

Official Degree in Gastronomy

The Official Degree in Gastronomy at GASMA – CEU Cardenal Herrera University is designed to train the professionals demanded by today’s gastronomic sector: highly qualified profiles, with a global vision, management skills and a clear focus on employability.

It is not just about learning how to cook, but about building a solid and sustainable professional career, with real career opportunities both in culinary practice and in management, entrepreneurship, industry, research or academia.

From the very first year, you will receive practical, multidisciplinary and personalised training, delivered by chefs in active practice, successful entrepreneurs and leading industry professionals, preparing you to enter the job market with confidence.

Why pursue our Bachelor's Degree in Gastronomy?

Because the sector no longer demands only technicians, but university graduates capable of leading, innovating and making decisions. This official degree, integrated into the European Higher Education Area, provides you with:

• Recognised university academic foundation

• High employability in hospitality, management, the agri-food industry and R&D

• National and international professional projection, thanks to English training and external internships

• Long-term professional satisfaction, by opening up multiple career development pathways

A comprehensive, results-oriented education

The curriculum is structured around four strategic pillars:

• Gastronomy

• Business Management

• Languages (Spanish/English)

• Creativity and Innovation

The 240 ECTS credits that make up the Degree in Gastronomy are distributed over four academic years (from September to July): 

1. First Year. During the first year, you establish the theoretical and practical foundations of gastronomy. You learn essential culinary techniques, food handling and fundamental kitchen processes, together with knowledge of marketing and economics applied to the sector.
2. Second Year. You begin to deepen your knowledge of culinary techniques, food properties and their scientific principles. You are introduced to oenology and gastronomic processes, while developing knowledge in law, finance, food safety and professional English.
3. Third Year. The third year focuses on specialisation and business vision. You work on nutrition, culinary creativity, business models and cost control, and complete internships in top-level restaurants and companies to gain real professional experience.
4. Fourth Year. In the final year, you specialise in cuisine or management, develop your final project and prepare to enter the job market with a complete university-level profile.

You will find detailed information about all subjects in the Study Plan section.

Internships and real employability

Internships are an essential part of the degree. From the early years of the programme, you will have contact with real professional environments thanks to agreements with top-level restaurants, leading companies in the sector, and national and international institutions.

Career opportunities

The Official Degree in Gastronomy at GASMA – CEU Cardenal Herrera University prepares you to enter the job market with a solid, versatile and highly demanded professional profile. The combination of gastronomy, management, languages and creativity provides access to both operational and management positions, as well as medium- and long-term career development pathways.

As a graduate, you will be qualified to develop your career in the following areas:

Hospitality and Gastronomic Management

• Executive Chef in independent restaurants, restaurant groups or hotel chains.

• Restaurant Director or Head of Gastronomic Operations.

• Food & Beverage (F&B) Director in hotels, resorts and tourist complexes.

Management and Business

• Management of gastronomic companies, restaurant groups and foodservice projects.

• Gastronomic or agri-food entrepreneurship, with the ability to create and manage your own business.

• Expansion and development manager for gastronomic concepts.

Agri-food Industry

• Gastronomic R&D and new product development.

• Production management and quality control in food companies.

• Innovation and process management within the agri-food industry.

Consulting, Advisory and Creativity

• Gastronomic consulting and advisory services for restaurants, brands and culinary projects.

• Design of gastronomic experiences and concept development.

• Creativity applied to gastronomy, events and special projects.

Research, Teaching and Academic Development

• Gastronomic and food research.

• University teaching and specialised training, continuing with master’s or doctoral studies.

A professional profile prepared for the future

This University Degree does not limit students to a single career path. Instead, it offers flexibility, stability and the ability to adapt to a constantly evolving sector. For families, it represents the reassurance of an official qualification with high employability and multiple career opportunities, both in Spain and internationally.

A degree designed to work, grow and evolve professionally throughout a lifetime in the gastronomic sector.

Admissions process

GASMA has its own admissions process, independent from the public university pre-enrolment system.

1. Application: If you wish to become part of GASMA at CEU Cardenal Herrera University and gastronomy is your passion, this is the first step towards achieving your goal. Complete the online application form on our website and attach the required documentation.
2. Admissions Interview: Once your application has been submitted, the admissions team will contact you to arrange an interview, either in person or via Skype, depending on your availability.
3. Admissions Committee: After the interview and review of your documentation, the Admissions Committee will evaluate your application. You will receive a decision within a maximum of 48 hours.
4. Place Reservation: If you are admitted, you will need to reserve your place. You will receive an email with the necessary instructions to formalise your enrolment and begin your training at GASMA.