Bartending and Mixology

Overview

The bar and restaurant industry in Canada needs skilled bartenders and mixologists to meet growing demand. 

This program is for both those beginning a career as a bartender or who are currently working as an entry level bartender and would like to build the skills to manage a bar within a food and beverage operation. 

You become familiar with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage products, tools and equipment, as well as trends in the bar industry. You also learn how to develop, cost, and manage beverage menus, the ins and outs of bar operations, and the values required for a healthy and sustainable food and beverage sector workforce.

You learn how to:  

• Apply regulations and legislation related to the Nova Scotia Food Service industry, such as Responsible Beverage Service.
• Maintain a high standard of sanitation and safe food handling practices.
• Incorporate social responsibility, sustainable food management practices, as well as health and wellness strategies into bartending practices.
• Apply strategies and practices to achieve customer service excellence in bar operations.
• Discuss the history, evolution and current trends of spirits, wines, beers, refreshments, liqueurs and cocktails as they relate to industry innovation and growth.
• Advise customers regarding beverage choices.
• Design, prepare and serve a wide assortment of mixed beverages.
• Discuss diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility practices for bar operations.
• Design a profitable beverage menu for a bar.
• Safely use bar equipment, tools and storage systems to execute efficient service.

Choose NSCC

• A first-of-its-kind training program in Nova Scotia, NSCC’s Bartending and Mixology Certificate gives you the skills you need for a wide range of careers in the bar and restaurant industry.
• Small class sizes provide you with lots of opportunities for one-on-one interaction and support. 

Other info

• Experiential learning, the process of learning through experience, is a cornerstone of this program, and you have many opportunities to practice hands-on skills during the courses.
• This face-to-face program is made up of 3, 30-hour courses that are delivered every Monday from 4 to 8 pm over 15 weeks at Akerley Campus.

Availability

Classes for this program are held every Monday from 4 to 8 pm at Akerley Campus.

January 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus/Online Dartmouth	Part time	Blended Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person. Weekdays/Evenings	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma (or equivalent) 
• Applicants must be 19 years of age or older before classes begin.
  • International students – High School Diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• A willingness to work with and taste alcoholic products

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2023-24 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking. 

• Bartending and Mixology

Career options

• Graduates from the Bartending and Mixology Certificate of Professional Studies program may find employment as bartenders and mixologists in all areas of the hospitality industry, including restaurants, pubs and bars; hotels, resorts and cruise ships; events, catering and festivals; craft beverage operations; and sales.