The Master of Gastronomy at AUT is a specialised Level 9 postgraduate degree that explores food as more than nutrition or culinary practice. The programme examines food through cultural, political, ethical, environmental, historical, and social perspectives. Students critically analyse food systems, sustainability, gastronomy, culinary identities, and global food movements while developing advanced research and analytical skills.

This programme is suitable for:

• Hospitality and culinary graduates
• Food researchers and academics
• Tourism professionals
• Food journalists and writers
• Food entrepreneurs
• Sustainability and food policy professionals
• Students interested in doctoral research

Key Reasons to Choose This Programme

• One of the few specialised gastronomy master’s degrees in the world
• Ranked among top global food and beverage management master’s programmes
• Multidisciplinary approach to food studies
• Strong focus on sustainability, ethics, food politics, and culture
• Access to AUT Centre for Critical Food Studies
• Research-led learning with internationally recognised experts
• Pathway to PhD and academic research
• Industry and community engagement opportunities
• Study in multicultural Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city

AUT’s gastronomy programme is closely linked with research in:

• Food resilience
• Sustainability
• Food policy
• Gastronomic culture
• Indigenous food knowledge systems

Programme Structure / Subjects Offered

Students complete 180 points.

Compulsory Courses

• CLSY810 Qualitative Research Methods
• GAST807 Politics, Power and Food
• GAST813 Principles of Gastronomy

Choose 75 Points From

• GAST805 Signs, Symbols and Ritual: Unveiling the Language of Culinary Expression
• GAST808 Global Beverages
• GAST809 Gastronomy, Culture and Global Cuisines
• GAST810 Food Perspectives: Nutrition, Wellbeing & Gastronomy
• GAST811 Nourishing Connections: Workplace Internship Project
• GAST812 Exploring the Food of Aotearoa and the South Pacific
• GAST814 Gastronomic Perceptions: Shaping the Sensory Experience
• Approved electives from another programme

Research Component

Students complete either:

Option 1

• GAST997 Dissertation (60 points)

OR Option 2

• CLSY996 Applied Project (45 points)
• TOUR810 Directed Reading (15 points)

Disciplines / Specialisations Covered

The programme includes advanced study in:

• Gastronomy
• Food Culture
• Food Sociology
• Food Anthropology
• Sustainability
• Food Ethics
• Food Politics
• Culinary Identity
• Gastronomic Tourism
• Food Media and Communication
• Indigenous Food Knowledge
• Food Policy
• Sensory Studies

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work in areas such as:

Food & Hospitality Industry

• Gastronomy Consultant
• Culinary Strategist
• Food and Beverage Specialist
• Sustainable Food Advisor

Media & Communication

• Food Journalist
• Food Writer
• Gastronomy Content Creator
• Food Critic

Research & Academia

• Food Researcher
• Lecturer or Educator
• PhD Research Pathway

Government & NGOs

• Food Policy Advisor
• Sustainability Consultant
• Community Food Programme Coordinator

Tourism & Culture

•  Gastronomic Tourism Specialist
• Cultural Food Experience Developer
• Destination Food Consultant

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students generally require:

• Valid New Zealand student visa
• Offer of Place from AUT
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Valid passport
• Medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency proof

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Important Notes

• Some courses may not be available every semester or year.
• Internship and field-trip courses require programme leader approval.
• Students may engage with AUT Centre for Critical Food Studies research projects.
• The programme can provide a pathway toward doctoral research.

AUT’s gastronomy curriculum is strongly connected to:

• Sustainable food systems
• Indigenous perspectives
• Food resilience
• Global food challenges

Industry Engagement & Research Opportunities

The programme has close links with the AUT Centre for Critical Food Studies, allowing students to engage with:

• Sustainable food systems research
• Food ethics projects
• Gastronomic innovation
• Food resilience studies
• Community and policy initiatives

Programme Highlights

• Globally recognised gastronomy master’s qualification
• Ranked among top food and beverage management programmes worldwide
• Unique multidisciplinary approach to food studies
• Research-intensive and industry-connected learning
• Strong sustainability and ethics focus
• Pathway to PhD study
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest multicultural city
• International learning environment with global food perspectives