MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BA Hons International Hospitality and Tourism Management (Placement)
Oxstalls, Gloucester
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management (Placement) at the University of Gloucestershire is a comprehensive and industry-focused program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills for a successful management career in the dynamic global hospitality and tourism sectors. This four-year program includes a dedicated year-long work placement, providing a crucial opportunity to gain real-world experience and apply theoretical learning in a professional setting. The curriculum focuses on developing an understanding of key management principles within the specific context of international hospitality and tourism, with an emphasis on delivering exceptional customer experiences and navigating the complexities of a globalized industry. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of roles within hotels, resorts, tourism organizations, and related industries worldwide, often standing out to employers due to their significant placement experience.
Curriculum: The program's curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in both business management and specialized hospitality and tourism knowledge. Core modules in the initial years typically cover fundamental business principles, the global business environment, and an introduction to the hospitality and tourism industry. Students will explore concepts such as international tourism in context, the principles of hospitality management, and understanding the experience economy. As the course progresses, the curriculum delves into more specialized areas such as managing profitability, applied sustainable management in events, hospitality and tourism, international destination management, and marketing experiences. Many programs also include modules that develop crucial professional skills, including managing projects and engaging with live industry briefs. The third year is typically dedicated to the full-year professional placement, allowing students to gain substantial practical experience before returning for their final year, where they might undertake an independent research project or a capstone business project related to international hospitality and tourism management.
Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) is a an undergraduate program with a strong vocational element, the curriculum often incorporates research skills development and encourages students to engage with current industry trends and challenges through research-informed teaching. Students may undertake individual or group projects that involve researching specific aspects of international hospitality and tourism management. This can include investigating sustainable tourism practices, analyzing emerging market trends, or exploring the impact of technology on the industry. The final year, particularly if an independent research project is undertaken, provides a more in-depth opportunity for students to focus on a research question of their interest within the field, demonstrating their ability to conduct independent inquiry and apply research methods to real-world issues in international hospitality and tourism.
Industry Engagement: A key feature of the BA (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management (Placement) program is its significant industry engagement. The most prominent aspect is the year-long professional work placement, which provides invaluable hands-on experience. The University of Gloucestershire often has established links with a range of national and international businesses within the hospitality and tourism sectors, offering students diverse placement opportunities in the UK or potentially overseas, including with major hotel chains, resorts, and tour operators. Beyond the placement, the program typically integrates industry through various means, such as guest lectures from experienced hospitality and tourism practitioners, 'live' business briefs where students work on real-world challenges set by companies, and potentially field trips to various tourist destinations and hospitality businesses, both locally in the Cotswolds area and potentially to international locations. This strong connection with the industry ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and that graduates possess the practical skills and industry insights valued by employers. The program may also benefit from accreditations from professional bodies such as the Institute of Hospitality, further demonstrating its industry relevance.
Global Perspective: The "International" in the program title signifies a strong global perspective woven throughout the curriculum. Students gain an understanding of the international nature of the hospitality and tourism industries, including the diverse cultural contexts in which businesses operate. Modules often explore international tourism trends, destination management in a globalized world, and the importance of cross-cultural understanding in customer service and management. The optional international work placement opportunities further enhance this global perspective, allowing students to experience different work cultures and gain a truly international understanding of the industry. Even for students undertaking a UK-based placement, the program's curriculum ensures they are prepared to work within multinational organizations and serve a diverse, international clientele. The program aims to develop graduates who can think and act globally, making them well-suited for international careers in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Location
Oxstalls, Gloucester
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Graduates of the University of Gloucestershire's BA (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management (Placement) program are exceptionally well-prepared for a diverse range of exciting and global career opportunities within the dynamic hospitality and tourism sectors. The program's blend of academic rigour and practical experience, particularly through the year-long placement, gives graduates a significant competitive edge.
Hotel General Manager: With a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations, revenue management, and customer service gained through the program and substantial hands-on experience during their placement in a hotel setting, graduates can aspire to become Hotel General Managers. They would be responsible for the overall management and profitability of a hotel, overseeing all departments and ensuring high standards of guest satisfaction.
International Tourism Manager: Leveraging their understanding of global tourism trends, destination management, and cross-cultural consumer behavior, graduates can work as International Tourism Managers. This could involve developing and promoting tourist destinations, managing international tour operations, or working for national or regional tourism boards to attract international visitors. The placement might provide experience with a tour operator or a destination management company.
Events Manager (Hospitality and Tourism Sector): The program often includes modules on events management, and the placement year could be in an events-focused role or a hospitality business that hosts events. This prepares graduates to become Events Managers, planning and executing a variety of events within the hospitality and tourism sector, such as conferences, weddings, festivals, or corporate events in hotels or at tourist attractions.
Revenue Manager: With knowledge of financial management and the commercial aspects of the industry, likely reinforced during their placement, graduates can specialize as Revenue Managers. They are responsible for optimizing revenue and profitability for hotels, airlines, or other hospitality and tourism businesses by strategically setting prices and managing inventory based on demand and market conditions.
Sales and Marketing Manager (Hospitality & Tourism): Graduates with a strong understanding of marketing principles within an international context, potentially having gained marketing experience during their placement, can excel as Sales and Marketing Managers. They would be responsible for developing and implementing sales and marketing strategies to attract customers and increase revenue for hotels, resorts, or tourism companies in both domestic and international markets.
Resort Manager: For those interested in a more leisure-focused career, the program provides the foundation to become a Resort Manager. The placement year, particularly if spent in a resort setting, would be highly beneficial. Resort Managers oversee all aspects of a resort's operations, including accommodation, food and beverage, recreational activities, and guest services, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors.
Cruise Line Management: The international nature of the program and the emphasis on providing excellent customer experiences make Cruise Line Management a viable career path. Graduates could start in various roles on cruise ships, such as in hospitality services, guest relations, or food and beverage, with the potential to progress to management positions. The placement might offer relevant experience in a customer-facing role in a large hospitality operation.
Airline Ground Operations Manager: While focused on hospitality and tourism, the program's business and operations management aspects, combined with a placement in a relevant sector (even if not directly aviation), could lead to a role as an Airline Ground Operations Manager. They would be responsible for the smooth running of an airline's operations at an airport, including check-in, baggage handling, and customer service.
Hospitality Consultant: Graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, combined with the analytical and problem-solving skills developed during their studies and placement, could pursue a career as a Hospitality Consultant. They would advise hospitality and tourism businesses on various aspects of their operations, such as improving efficiency, enhancing customer service, or developing new business strategies.
Entrepreneur in Hospitality or Tourism: The program can also provide a strong foundation for graduates with entrepreneurial aspirations. The business acumen gained and the practical experience from the placement can be invaluable for those wishing to start their own hospitality or tourism business, such as a boutique hotel, a specialized tour company, or an event management firm. They would have a better understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities to launch a successful venture.
