International Hospitality Management

BSc (Hons)

2023/24 Part-time Undergraduate course

Award:

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Faculty:

Ulster University Business School

School:

Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Campus:

Belfast campus

Start date:

September 2023

This course is now closed for International applications for September 2023

With this degree you could become:

  • Hotel Property Project Manager
  • Event Manager
  • Graduate Manager
  • Visitor & Convention Tourism Executive
  • Wine Procurement Manager
  • Tourism Officer
  • Corporate Event Manager

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Jury's Inn
  • National Trust
  • Swissport
  • Radisson Hotel Group
  • Intercontinental Hotel Group

Overview

Developing business leaders for the international hospitality industry.

Summary

Developing business leaders for the vibrant and evolving international hospitality sector.

This degree is designed to meet the needs of those who want to work in hospitality management. You will develop a detailed knowledge of leadership and the associated skills necessary for management in this dynamic and exciting global industry.

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About this course

About

The BSc Hons International Hospitality Management is an internationally recognised passport to a successful management career in hospitality. The four-year degree offers key business management subjects alongside specialist hospitality, tourism and events modules. You will enhance your knowledge in the key business management areas of strategy, marketing, finance, human resource management, operations management and entrepreneurship.

This programme is characterised by a blend of theoretical and applied components including practical modules, which are delivered in the realistic work environment of the ‘Taste of Ulster’ award winning The Academy restaurant. We are 1 of only 7 UK universities that offer a world class learning environment (https://www.ulster.ac.uk/theacademy), allowing you to put your business management principles into practice.

100% of the teaching team have achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and 7 of these team members have Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.

Attendance

The programme can be completed in five to seven years, depending on level of entry. You will normally complete two modules per semester, with class contact time approximately three hours per week per module. Typically, classes are scheduled in the mornings, afternoons and some evenings, each year, therefore some flexibility may be necessary’

At the beginning of year 1 you are expected to attend a pre-induction event and one week later an induction day.

Start dates

  • September 2023

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The course has a range of many exciting teaching, learning and assessment methods that include, class visits, guest lectures, workshops on industry visits to resolve a strategic issue. There is an annual student conference for Hospitality students where professionals from the industry share their experiences. Practical modules are delivered in the realistic work environment of the 'Taste of Ulster' award winning Academy restaurant and kitchens. Further information can be accessed at: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/theacademy

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.  The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.  This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.

Belfast campus

Accommodation

High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.

Find out more - information about accommodation  


Student Wellbeing

At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.

Find out more - information about student wellbeing  


Belfast Campus Location

The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.

Find out more about our Belfast Campus.

Campus Address

Ulster University,
2-24 York Street,
Belfast
BT15 1AP

T: 02870 123 456

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Food and Beverage Operations

Year: 1

Food and Beverage Operations introduces a wide range of commodities, processes and operations which are the foundation for food production and service in the international Hospitality and Catering Industry. The integration of theory and practical skills give students an appreciation of the knowledge and procedures that are fundamental to the efficient running of a catering operation.

The Business of Hospitality

Year: 1

This module provides students with an appreciation of the evolution, scale and significance of the hospitality industry and the contribution which it makes to the wider economy and society.

Introduction to Event Management

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module introduces students to the business of events. The nature of events are investigated together with the factors leading to successful event planning and implementation. The basic principles of event planning are introduced. The module provides a foundation for students wishing to follow a career in the events industry, to undertake placement in an event company and provides the basis for further study in event related modules.

Introduction to Tourism

Year: 1

This module is optional

This introductory module introduces students to the key concepts involved in the study of tourism, including definition, historical development, supply and demand, impacts, current and future challenges facing tourism.

Year two

Hospitality Tourism and Events Facilities Operations

Year: 2

As future managers of International Hospitality Management it is critical to have a sound knowledge of the management of facilities operations in the Hospitality Tourism and Events Sector. This module provides the student with the knowledge required in facilities operations and management of to meet the desired customer and business objectives in HTE Sector and apply these skills in other contexts.

Management in Action

Year: 2

This module examines the principals of management and applies these to the practice of organisational management. It is an introductory module, which will help the student become familiar with the nature and scope of management. It examines the development of management theories and the impact of the external and internal environments on effective and professional management. The student will explore how to manage others and how to improve productivity for future business success.

People Management

Year: 2

Managing People is an important part of all managers' jobs whether they are Line Managers or Human Resource (HR) specialists. Successful management and leadership can make a significant difference to the performance of teams and individuals and to the achievement of organisational objectives. This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to people management strategies which can help achieve high performance within the service industry.

Business Research Methods

Year: 2

The module will develop and enhance the student's ability to carry out appropriate research, process data and utilise effectively the latest ICT packages and applications relevant to their course and their chosen business field.

Year three

Food and Beverage Operations Management

Year: 3

This module develops the students' knowledge, understanding and skills in the planning, design and analysis of culinary/hospitality operations environments in order to effectively and efficiently provide appropriate services to the consumer in a global context. The student will be responsible for the reflection and provision of feedback, on their personal performance and that of their peers in planning, execution and outcomes for practical operations.

Accounting Studies

Year: 3

This module focuses on managerial decision making for both SMEs and larger corporations in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The content includes costing, budgeting, investment appraisal and working capital management. The student will be expected to apply knowledge to the decision-making process and discuss alternatives relevant to the range of service industries studied by students within the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Contemporary Marketing Practice

Year: 3

This module introduces and explores key areas of marketing theory and their application to the contemporary business organisation. The module defines marketing and examines the development of the marketing concept, the marketing environment and key aspects of contemporary marketing theory and practice including segmentation, consumer behaviour, marketing research, the marketing mix and through assessment provides students with the opportunity to actually apply these concepts to contemporary industry situations.

Tourism Industry and Impacts

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module addresses two aspects of tourism - tourism sector essentials and the impacts that certain forms of tourism can generate for destination regions. The essential tourism sectors involve attractions, accommodation, intermediaries and transport. The module seeks to address these essentials and provide the student with an improved understanding of what the effects of tourism might be, how they can be evaluated and how they can be managed.

Corporate Events

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module introduces students to the business of corporate events. The nature of corporate events are explored together with the factors and professional skills needed for the successful event planning and implementation of a corporate event. Students create their own event. The module distinguishes corporate events from events as such and enhances understanding for students wishing to follow a career in the corporate events industry.

Year four

Strategic Management in the Hospitality Industry

Year: 4

This integrative core module, which places particular emphasis on achieving a balanced understanding of strategic management theory and practice, introduces the concept of business strategy to hospitality and culinary arts management students.

Leadership and Professional Development

Year: 4

This module examines the undercurrents, the business and social trends that inform how leadership is thought about and practised. The module content will help the student to look beyond the management and organisational leadership literature to develop working assumptions on a critical approach to leadership - from exploring their own leadership competencies to getting the best from others to improve productivity and business performance.

Tourism Planning, Development and Management

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module provides students with an advanced understanding of tourism planning, development and management. It provides students in their final year of their degree with an appreciation of the difficulties associated with planning, developing and managing tourism at varying scales and for certain niche products and markets, all often in the face of externalities that the tourism industry has limited control over.

Event Management

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module examines the complete event management process. It examines the requirements for successful event management and integrates with other modules of study, in particular marketing, accounting and human resource management. Being involved in a live event is an integral part of this module as it provides the opportunity for students to apply theory to professional event management practice.

Performance Metrics Analysis

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module develops the students' knowledge, understanding, application and practice in relation to the core Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ratios and consumer behaviour analytics used in the hospitality and culinary industries.

Contemporary Issues in Hospitality Management

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module requires students to research a contemporary issue relevant to hospitality managers from a range of perspectives, reflect on its significance and consider its implications for professional practice.

Year five

The Business Plan

Year: 5

This module is optional

In this module students are engaged in practical entrepreneurship and will develop their knowledge of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process. This will be evidenced through the development of a business plan for new venture creation, enterprise development, project management or a community based development project.

Managing Talent and Productivity

Year: 5

This module is optional

The contemporary workplace is changing and there has probably never been a more challenging time to be in Human Resources (HR) or be responsible for managing people. Human Resource teams and Line Managers have a major role to play in driving performance and achieving competitive advantage. This module provides an opportunity for students to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills needed to help attract, manage and retain the best talent nationally and internationally.

Research Paper

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module will assess the student's ability to carry out appropriate academic research, process data and utilize effectively the latest IT applications to provide an independent researched piece of work relevant to their course and their chosen industry.

Management Accounting

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module focuses on managerial decision making for both SMEs and larger corporations in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The content includes costing, budgeting, investment appraisal and working capital management. The student will be expected to apply knowledge to the decision-making process and discuss alternatives relevant to the range of service industries studied by students within the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Contemporary Marketing Management

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module examines and expands on the principle concepts and theories of marketing and their practical application to contemporary marketing management. It is a module that builds on the Contemporary Marketing Practice module at level 5. Issues include the management of the marketing concept, marketing environments, planning, research application and techniques, segmentation, the marketing mix, e-marketing and digital marketing within specific businesses at a local, national and international level as they apply to the marketing management function.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grades CCC

Applied General Qualifications

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DMM

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of MMM

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DM plusA Level Grade C

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of MM plusA Level Grade C

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of M plusA Level Grades CC

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)
Award profile of M plusA Level Grades CC

Irish Leaving Certificate

96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

Scottish Highers

Grades CCCCC

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades DDD

International Baccalaureate

Overall profile is minimum 24 points (including 12 at higher level)

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 55% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)

Overall profile of 45 credits at Merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)

GCSE

For part-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first-degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Maths (or equivalent).

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE Maths.

English Language Requirements

.

Additional Entry Requirements

Acceptable alternative qualifications include:

Pass HND with overall Merit to include distinctions in 15 Level 5 credits/units may be specified.

Pass HNC with overall Merit to include distinctions in 45 Level 4 credits/units may be specified.

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met).

Exemptions and transferability

Exemptions and Transferability

If you have already obtained the required grade in the relevant Foundation Degree you can opt to complete bridging modules prior to progressing onto the final year of the course. Other qualifications may be considered for exemptions and/or advanced entry based on your prior certificated learning or prior experiential learning.

What exemptions can I get?
Based on recent and successfully completed accredited learning, students can seek exemptions from the programme. The Course Director can advise candidates as to the eligibility of their accredited course.

How do I apply for exemptions?
When accepted on the Course you are asked to complete an exemptions form, which is reviewed by the Course Director and exemptions are then agreed during the Induction process.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Jury's Inn
  • National Trust
  • Swissport
  • Radisson Hotel Group
  • Intercontinental Hotel Group

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

  • Hotel Property Project Manager
  • Event Manager
  • Graduate Manager
  • Visitor & Convention Tourism Executive
  • Wine Procurement Manager
  • Tourism Officer
  • Corporate Event Manager

Career options

This qualification offers a range of management career opportunities in one of the world’s largest and fastest growing sectors. The hospitality industry is composed of a diverse range of industries and employers including hotels, restaurants, cruise liners and public sector organisations such as destination marketing organisations . The optional module selections further extend these opportunities to careers within tourism and events sectors.

You also have the opportunity to pursue avenues such as teaching, lecturing, training, research and consultancy in relation to hospitality management. Alternatively, you have the option after completion to progress on to postgraduate study on programmes such as the MSc International Event Management, MSc International Tourism Management and MSc International Hospitality Management.

Work placement / study abroad

Not Applicable for part-time students.

Professional recognition

Institute of Hospitality (IoH)

Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality that academic, vocational and professional standards achieved are appropriate and programme content and delivery meet international Institute of Hospitality benchmark standards.

Apply

Start dates

  • September 2023

Fees and funding

Module Pricing

The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.

For modules commenced in the academic year 2023/24, the following fees apply:

Module Pricing
Credit Points NI/ROI Cost GB Cost International Cost*
120 £4,710 £9,249.60 £15,840
60  £2,355 £4,624.80 £7,920
30 £1,177.50 £2,312.40 £3,960
20  £785 £1,541.60£2,640

NB: A standard full-time undergraduate degree is equivalent to 120 credit points per year.

*Please note our on campus part-time postgraduate courses are not open to international (non-EU) students.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

There are a range of exciting prizes for the course in final year;

The Hastings Hotels Award for Excellence in Irish Hospitality - Highest Mark overall in BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management.

Institute of Hospitality Janus Award nomination

Tourism NI Event Management Award - Highest Mark in Event Management.

Da Vinci Cup - Highest mark in Strategic Management.

Hospitality Ulster’s Rising Star Award - Highest mark in Leadership & Business Performance.

Additional mandatory costs

Students are required to purchase both front of house and back of house appropriate dress for training in the realistic work environment of the 'Taste of Ulster' award winning Academy restaurant and kitchens. The cost of this is approximately £150.

Tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living are a part of university life.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.

We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.

There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.


For more information visit

Disclaimer

  1. Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
  1. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
  1. The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
  1. The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.

Testimonials

The International Hospitality Management course very much developed my interest in the Hospitality industry in particular hotel management. Having graduated on this course I have achieved success in the industry and have a general managers position in the Indigo Hotel of the Intercontinental Hotels Group.

Michael Musgrave – General Manager - The Indigo Hotel, Kensington London.

Studying the International Hospitality Management was one of the best decisions I have made. The course developed my knowledge and professional practical management skills for the Hospitality and Events Industry. After graduating in 2012 I decided to complete an MSc in Event Management. I am now the Events Manager in the Old Inn at Crawfordsburn and enjoying my 'dream job'.

Kerry Hamilton - Events Manager - The Crawfordsburn Inn.

As an alumnus of Ulster University it is a great pleasure to provide an employer testimonial. Since graduating I have worked for leading international hotel chains and have worked with and recruited a wide variety of staff. Having returned to work in my native Northern Ireland I am now in a position to employ placement students and graduates from Ulster University. In my view students who have studied International Hospitality Management at Ulster are among the best employees I have worked with throughout my experience of more than 25 years in the global hotel industry.

Hospitality students from Ulster are 'work ready' when they graduate and have very high levels of technical skills having acquired these in the award winning Academy Restaurant in the University. Professionalism and commitment to the highest level of customer service are the hallmarks of these highly motivated students. They typically display strong communication skills, flexibility and initiative and endeavour to develop themselves professionally at any opportunity. They also possess problem solving skills and have the ability to both work effectively in team and take on leadership roles as required.

Having studied at Ulster University I know that these skills are developed and instilled by academic staff who take a personal interest in the development of each individual student due to their professional commitment toward developing Ulster Hospitality graduates who exceed employer expectations.

Employer Testimonial from Mr Adrian McNally, General Manager, Titanic Hotel Belfast.

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