The Auckland University of Technology Postgraduate Diploma in Gastronomy is an advanced Level 8 qualification designed for students who want to explore food beyond culinary preparation. The programme focuses on gastronomy as a multidisciplinary field involving culture, society, politics, sustainability, tourism, identity, food systems, sensory experiences, and global cuisines.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Hospitality and culinary graduates
• Tourism professionals
• Food writers and researchers
• Food entrepreneurs
• Professionals interested in food culture and sustainability
• Students planning to progress to the Master of Gastronomy

Key Reasons to Choose This Programme

• Internationally focused gastronomy education
• Strong industry and research orientation
• Unique interdisciplinary curriculum
• Opportunity to study food culture, sustainability, and global cuisines
• Pathway to Master of Gastronomy
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest multicultural city
• Practical learning opportunities including internships and gastronomic field trips
• Flexible study options with part-time availability
• Exposure to food sociology, anthropology, media, tourism, and hospitality studies

Programme Structure / Subjects Offered

Students must complete 120 points.

Compulsory Courses

• GAST807 Politics, Power and Food
• GAST813 Principles of Gastronomy

Elective Courses (Choose 90 points from)

• GAST805 Food, Culture and Society
• GAST808 Global Beverages
• GAST809 Gastronomy, Culture and Global Cuisines
• GAST810 Food Perspectives: Nutrition, Wellbeing & Gastronomy
• GAST811 Nourishing Connections: Workplace Internship Project
• GAST812 Gastronomic Field Trip: Exploring the Food of Aotearoa and the South Pacific
• GAST814 Gastronomic Perceptions: Shaping the Sensory Experience
• CLSY810 Qualitative Research Methods
• Approved electives from other programmes

Disciplines / Areas Covered

The programme integrates multiple disciplines including:

• Gastronomy
• Food Studies
• Hospitality
• Tourism
• Culinary Culture
• Food Sociology
• Food Anthropology
• Nutrition Perspectives
• Human Geography
• Media and Food Writing
• Sustainability and Food Politics

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work in areas such as:

• Food and beverage management
• Gastronomy consultancy
• Culinary tourism
• Food journalism and writing
• Hospitality leadership
• Food research
• Food media and communications
• Sustainable food systems
• Tourism and destination management
• Cultural food projects
• Academia and postgraduate research

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students generally require:

• Valid New Zealand student visa
• Confirmation of enrolment
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Health and travel insurance
• English language proof
• Valid passport

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Important Notes

• Some courses may not be available every semester.
• Internship and field trip papers may require programme leader approval.
• Students planning to continue to the Master of Gastronomy are recommended to complete MGMT801 Research Design.

Industry-Focused Learning

AUT emphasises practical and industry-connected education. Students may benefit from workplace-linked projects, gastronomic field experiences, and networking opportunities within New Zealand’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

Programme Highlights

• Unique postgraduate gastronomy qualification in New Zealand
• Focus on food culture, identity, politics, and sustainability
• Strong connection between gastronomy and tourism
• Multidisciplinary learning approach
• Pathway to Master’s degree
• Study in globally connected Auckland
• International learning environment
• Industry-informed curriculum