Tourism and Hospitality Management BA (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

The tourism and hospitality sector is rapidly expanding locally and globally. It offers a wide range of career opportunities, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, event planning, travel agencies and tourism boards, contributing billions to the UK economy.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

198N

Start date

January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Why study this course

Foundation year

The foundation year creates opportunities for you to develop vital business skills and to put theory, both traditional and contemporary, into practice with real-world scenarios. It also aims to prepare you for study at undergraduate degree level.

Degree

Tourism is a key area of the domestic and global economies. As such, there is a real demand for talented individuals who understand the management of tourism and hospitality businesses and who can help develop strategic and operational business solutions.

This course is designed to ensure that our graduates are the talented and knowledgeable individuals needed for the tourism and hospitality industry, providing you with the skillset to be successful in this growing market.

This industry is fast-paced and challenging, requiring flexible, hardworking and determined individuals to head the evolving industry. Working in this industry opens the possibility of exciting working conditions, meeting people from all cultures and using creativity to solve problems in your day-to-day activities. A degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management develops a range of transferable skills that are valuable in various industries. These skills include communication, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, customer service, and organisational abilities.

As a broad, successful and widely respected degree, students who study this course can benefit from varied career prospects. This course incorporates general business and management principles, so you could progress into the hotel industry, events management, travel operations and many more.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Upon successful completion of the course, the degree element of this course is accredited by the following for the 2025/2026 intake:

Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality

The Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH) is the UK’s leading specialist professional awarding body for qualifications in the growing hospitality and tourism sector. Graduates of our degree course are awarded a Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management, a professionally recognised qualification.

What you'll study

You will be introduced to the impact of globalisation on countries, cultures and the tourism and hospitality industry. This introductory year aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the key issues and problems in the contemporary development of hospitality and tourism. You’ll explore management and marketing principles, the global environment and tourism basics, gaining a solid foundation for progression into years two and three. Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for an HNC in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Modules

Understanding the Global Hospitality and Tourism Industries - 30 credits

Looking at internal and external factors you will consider tourism and hospitality globally. As an introduction to the course, you will look at cultural diversity with the interactions and practices of an international company looking to invest in the UK. You will also understand the basics of how to analyse a business.

Compulsory

Hospitality Operations - 30 credits

In this module we examine day-to-day business planning and operations from a managerial perspective. You will cover several vital aspects that not only impact employees, customers and the business but also many of the important financial protocols. Considering all operations, you will also analyse the effectiveness of management practices, discussing approaches to achieve and monitor operational effectiveness.

Compulsory

Marketing and Financial Management in Hospitality and Tourism - 30 credits

Aligning with the financial aspects covered in the operational modules, you will look at fully integrated marketing responses at all levels, with the importance of branding, pricing and customer loyalty. This is connected with the importance of fiscal management and the need for a thorough understanding of revenue, profit and loss and capital investment.

Compulsory

Tourism Geographies - 30 credits

Developing general geographical knowledge, you will explore the importance of landmarks and tourist attractions. This will include a variety of destinations, tourist types and characteristics. This module also examines the impact of tourism on the UK and globally, including an examination of the social, cultural, geological and geographical features of tourist destinations.

Compulsory

You will be given the opportunity to learn to identify key theoretical and sociological approaches and analyse the ways in which social factors and institutions are constructed and represented. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for an HND in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Modules

Human Resource Management in Tourism and Hospitality - 30 credits

Human resource management is a fundamental element of performance in the tourism and hospitality sector. You will gain the skills required for successful human resources and people management, and you will see how transferable skills are implemented to improve business operations.

Compulsory

Sustainable Tourism and Destination Management - 30 credits

In this module, you can expect to develop knowledge on the emergence of alternative types of tourism and ethical practices as antidotes to traditional modes of mass tourism. The specific aims of this module are to investigate the multiple connections between different types of tourism, their uses and impacts on environments, and the emergence of new more sensitive and apparently more sustainable forms of tourism.

Compulsory

Strategic Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism - 30 credits

While focusing on contemporary management issues, you will discuss the changing nature of marketing from a strategic perspective. There is a real focus on brand identification and the importance of customer service, so you will aim to develop a planned and focused approach to long-term marketing campaigns including digital, social media and traditional marketing efforts.

Compulsory

Crisis Management and the Impact on the Global Hospitality and Tourism Industry - 30 credits

This module will examine crisis management in tourism and hospitality from the consumer and stakeholder viewpoints, while highlighting the impact of pertinent media management. Crisis management critically engages you with relevant theories and principles, as they relate to contemporary events such as virus outbreaks, terrorist attacks and tsunamis which have shaken customer confidence.

Compulsory

There is no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They are a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Previous students of this course have gained internships domestically and internationally at global companies such as the Cosmopolitan Boutique Hotel in Spain and in America through BSG placements in their executive country clubs. Sandwich or placement years are completely optional and do not count towards your final classification. However, they can be valuable experience and may help you to stand out from the crowd of graduates when applying for jobs.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This year you are working at a professional level, taking on a managerial perspective and clarifying your leadership skills. You will be building on the culmination of knowledge gained in previous years and focusing on transferable skills including project and time management. Centring on executive topics, you will cover events management, strategic business and present a professional-level consultancy project. You will become confident in your own development planning and demonstrate commitment to your continuous improvement as an aspiring manager of teams.

Students who successfully complete year three are awarded a BA (Hons) degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management and a Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH) Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management.

Modules

Emerging Issues in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry - 30 credits

Focusing on the current global market, this module explores recent research on the evolution of tourism policies, strategy making, implementation and measurement. You will develop a clear awareness of major, current, theoretical and policy issues. You will also cover tourism regulations and how they fit into contemporary policy and governance frameworks.

Compulsory

Strategic Business Impact - 30 credits

As a manager within a hospitality or tourism organisation, decisions must consider the internal business and macro environment. You will put your skillset to the test, undertake an analysis of the wider business environment and consider how to utilise outcomes to shape decisions made as part of a leadership team.

Compulsory

Event Management for Tourism and Hospitality - 30 credits

The module provides a theoretical and practical approach to planning, managing and evaluating events in the tourism and hospitality industry. It examines the skills necessary to become a successful events manager, such as marketing for events, financial reporting, project planning, event bidding and consumer behaviour. Students may have the opportunity to host a public event at the campus as part of their assessment.

Compulsory

Investigative Project in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry - 30 credits

The independent project is a strategic endeavour to demonstrate that business success in the industry is the product of efficient collaboration of key elements. Students can choose from a wide range of relevant topics and base them within a base destination of their choice.

Compulsory

The foundation year aims to provide the skills and knowledge relevant for progression onto degree-level study.

Modules

Business Communications - 30 credits

This module explores the application of communication in business through a variety of methods. You are required to undertake a range of practical activities such as role plays in different organisational and cultural settings and examine the relationship between management and workforce. You will also conduct thorough research of communications, using analytical theories as well as examining key management communication tools. Finally, you will identify your own, personal learning style, and have an opportunity to develop these skills within a supportive and culturally sensitive environment.

Compulsory

Management Skills - 30 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the skills required by managers and leaders in business. You will explore why having an effective manager is crucial to the success of an organisation, in addition to identifying successful characteristics of a manager and highlighting how they contribute to the development of a cohesive and productive workforce. We also encourage you to develop and refine your own management characteristics, as you look at relevant theories such as motivation, decision-making and problem-solving. You will get to practice a range of management activities and learn the competencies required to manage a business effectively.

Compulsory

Marketing for Business - 30 credits

The role of marketing within an organisation is critical to the success of any business. This module develops your understanding of the key principles of marketing and how these contribute to the achievement of business objectives. Marketing is a vibrant, fast-paced and exciting area of business and by the end of this module, you should know the role of marketing research, effective planning and the development of a fundamental tool, the marketing mix. You will also exercise your acquired analytical skills and evaluate key, contemporary techniques and their practical applications in a business setting.

Compulsory

Global Business - 30 credits

In today's highly competitive environment, there is an increasing number of small- and medium-sized firms that are involved internationally, and the trend is expected to continue due to the globalisation of the world economy, markets, and intensified international competition. 

You will explore the growing importance of global business in the 21st century, and consider a range of operational activities and their interdependent roles and impact upon the wider strategy of the organisation wishing to trade internationally. The module will cover the principles of international trade and global business and the challenges faced by organisations, cultural differences, ethics and logistics from the viewpoint of achieving both operational and strategic objectives. 

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Your initial foundation year focuses on applied learning geared to high-intensity teaching and study throughout the course. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary depending on year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and may include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

This course is available as a full-time three-year or optional four-year sandwich course, with the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field².

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our online learning platform, which is currently Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Due to the professional alignment of the course, phase tests will be a common feature when it comes to final assessments. However, a variety of assessment methods will be used. You’ll be required to deliver reports, presentations, essays and project plans as part of a group and individually.

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes, and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and may include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments.

Breakdown of final grade assessment:

coursework
interactive assessments
group work
presentations
case studies
investigative projects
academic posters and infographics
event management
human resource management.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Previous students have had the opportunity to participate in international field trips to Barcelona, Munich, Paris, Prague, Amsterdam, Madrid and Dublin.

Previous students of this course have gained internships domestically and internationally at global companies such as the Cosmopolitan Boutique Hotel in Spain and in America through BSG placements in their executive country clubs. Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed².

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

English language requirements

Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£5,760	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Applies to degree only:

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathway courses for additional options.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The modern CU Coventry Mile Lane campus has been designed to promote collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Facilities include:

indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a ground floor café
a ground floor library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
open access IT suites
student support and careers advice teams.

CU Coventry students also have access to facilities located on the Coventry University campus. These include the Lanchester Library and The Hub.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you will be able to:

demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the theoretical, analytical and practical aspects of policies, strategies and processes within a changing environment
critically appraise theories related to the development of a tourism management strategy including, the risk factors that need to be considered in the development of a successful strategy, such as, country, currency, cultural and competitor risk
develop appropriate research, alongside the ability to undertake reliable market research activities
operate, lead and collaborate in a team to solve problems of a practical (experimental) nature and to provide appropriate solutions
apply appropriate presentation and evaluation tools to establish the significance of research data produced.

As one of the strongest sectors in terms of growth and employment opportunities, the tourism industry contributes £200 billion of the UK’s gross domestic product with over 4.3 million jobs in the UK and over 10% of all jobs worldwide.

With a degree in tourism you have the opportunity to move into a wealth of careers, such as management, marketing, business and even crisis management.

Where our graduates work

Some graduates have gone onto further study in business, advertising, public relations, enterprise and branding at institutions across the UK and internationally, while others have gone on to work successfully in global companies such as the Marriott Hotel, Whitbread and Birmingham Airport.

How to apply

BA (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

This course with foundation year is not available to international students.

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. If a part-time option is available, part-time students should apply directly to CU Coventry. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

cuc@coventry.ac.uk

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Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Your next steps

Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Tourism and Hospitality Management BA (Hons) with foundation year

Course features

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Study mode

Duration

UCAS codes

Start date

Course overview

Why study this course

Foundation year

Degree

Accreditation and professional recognition

Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

International experience opportunities

Entry requirements

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

English language requirements

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Degree

Foundation year funding

*Irish student fees

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathway courses for additional options.

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

How to apply

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