GASTRONOMY AND CULINARY ARTS – Department Information

Head of Department: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan YILMAZ

Address: Isparta University of Applied Sciences

Phone: +90 246 214 71 00

Fax: +90 246 214 71 10

Email: gokhanyilmaz@isparta.edu.tr

ECTS Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan YILMAZ

General Information:

Program Objective: The Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Master’s Program (with thesis) aims to train experts who can produce scientific knowledge in the field of gastronomy, possess critical thinking skills, develop innovative approaches, and generate research-based solutions. The program addresses gastronomy not only as a culinary practice but as a multidisciplinary field with cultural, artistic, economic, and sustainability dimensions.

Program Content: Gastronomy is handled in an integrated structure with disciplines such as nutrition, food technology, cultural anthropology, tourism, art, and management. Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge in areas such as scientific research methods, sensory analysis, culinary innovation, sustainable gastronomy, food culture, and gastronomy tourism.

Program Features: With an interdisciplinary approach, gastronomy is evaluated within the axes of cultural heritage, sustainability, innovation, and economic development. Students develop skills in conducting scientific research, project development, and academic publishing. Through collaborations with industry, public institutions, and academia, students gain practical experience. The program focuses on current topics such as local products, geographically indicated foods, sustainable kitchen management, and gastronomy diplomacy.

Career Opportunities: Graduates can work as academics, researchers, gastronomy consultants, food and beverage managers, product development specialists, gastronomy tourism planners, or experts in public institutions. They can also contribute to the sector through their own entrepreneurial initiatives.

Program Objectives:

The Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Master’s Program (with thesis) is an interdisciplinary program that considers gastronomy not only as the art of cooking but also as a cultural, artistic, economic, scientific, and sustainable system. The main goal is to train experts who can produce scientific knowledge in gastronomy, think critically, develop innovative solutions, and adopt research ethics and sustainable gastronomy principles.

The program equips students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to analyze local and global gastronomic values, evaluate the interaction between food, culture, and tourism in a multidimensional way, and conduct research in areas such as kitchen management, product development, and gastronomy tourism. It also aims to provide competencies in applying scientific methods, collecting and interpreting data, and contributing to both academia and industry. Furthermore, the program allows students to specialize in innovative culinary practices, gastronomy diplomacy, geographically indicated products, and sustainable kitchen management.

Program Aims:

The aim of the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Master’s Program (with thesis) is to train experts who can produce scientific knowledge in gastronomy, conduct research and analysis, develop innovative and sustainable solutions, and have a comprehensive understanding of cultural heritage. The program aims for students to contribute to academia and the sector by addressing gastronomy in its cultural, artistic, and touristic dimensions.

Degree Awarded:

Graduates who complete this program are awarded a “master’s degree in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts.” Since the program is thesis-based, graduates are entitled to receive the title of “Master of Science (M.Sc.).”