International Hospitality and Tourism Management BA (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: Undergraduate
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Develop skills essential for a career in hospitality and tourism management, as well as broader themes in business management that will root your understanding of hospitality and tourism in the wider business environment.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU London (Greenwich, London) and
Coventry University London (City of London)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

NIDF

Start date

September 2024
November 2024

Available through Clearing

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Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year

The foundation year aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in management. You’ll seek to learn all the key components of successful leadership, along with essential knowledge of general business operations domestically and globally.

Degree

Learn about the major trends which are transforming the industry – from a greater emphasis on sustainability to technological advances, and from changing customer expectations to new concepts of luxury.

  • Develop a sense of professional community, culture and identity through a range of applied learning experiences.
  • Build foundations for a successful future career in hospitality and/or tourism management by exploring networking opportunities with a range of organisations2.
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Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities

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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field

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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
  • Provides a grounding in key areas of business and management.

Degree

  • London location
    You will be studying in the heart of London's most engaging neighbourhood of new hotels and cutting-edge restaurants, as well as heritage tourism events and arts attractions.
  • Global learning experience
    This course considers hospitality and tourism from a global perspective, preparing you for a career which understands global issues and could be based anywhere in the world.
  • Real world experience
    The hands-on nature of this course, alongside the opportunity to undertake a work placement or internship2, aims to provide you with work-ready skills which should help you transition more quickly and easily into your professional career.
  • Prepare for your future
    Your course is designed to ready you for the fast-paced but exhilarating world of hospitality and tourism management. If you’re interested in starting your own business, you could get business start-up advice and support from our Enterprise Hub.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Institute of Hospitality logo

Institute of Hospitality (IOH)

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Hospitality (IOH) for the 2023/24 intake. Gaining IOH recognition for this course means that the quality of our teaching and student experience is recognised by the leading hospitality professional body. The IoH helps to connect our students with their colleagues in other institutions and with professionals around the world. If the recognition of this course or the modules on this course change, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible. Visit the IOH website  for further information.


Coventry University is considered one of the best universities for hospitality and tourism and the London campus is surrounded by hotels and restaurants. Some of the resources that we have over here are highly recommended and the staff have been great. You can consult them on anything, not just studies but future employment and internships.

Rehmat Kaur, BA International Hospitality and Tourism student, quoted in 2022
Rhemat sitting on a sofa smiling at the camera

What you'll study

The first year focuses on introducing you to key concepts and fundamental principles, to build your understanding of the hospitality and tourism industries. You will be exploring key skills in management practices, and the basics of good business.

Modules

In the second year, you will study core modules that explore practical applications of different aspects of hospitality and tourism management.

Modules

There’s 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’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

In your third year, you will focus on more strategic-related management practices and concepts. You also have the choice of conducting a research project or gaining professional experience through an internship2 or a simulation.

Modules

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

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

We designed the teaching and learning for this course to give you a strong academic knowledge of key theories and concepts to help you understand and appreciate current and relevant research in this subject area.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of a working environment.

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.


Teaching contact hours

You can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.


Assessment

Assessment methods vary and may include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which generally take place at the end of each six-week block.

You also have the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts to current practice through real-life scenarios, case studies and a variety of class activities. The course will also give you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your essential analytical skills and respond to employer-related problems by making a set of clearly evaluated recommendations.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Please contact registry.london@coventry.ac.uk for more information about studying this course part-time.

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of Year 1, you will progress onto Year 2 in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.


Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 10 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Coursework
  • Tests
  • Essays
  • Practical or project work
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Formal examinations

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

This course takes a globalised approach to the curriculum, placing your learning in the context of international challenges, opportunities and regulatory frameworks. It will prepare you for working globally, whether overseas, or for a multi-national, or for a firm which trades internationally.

You may have the opportunity for an international field trip, and you could also arrange to do an internship (as part of your final major project) overseas. You may benefit from studying alongside a truly international cohort of students, learning from the perspectives they bring while developing your own ability to work cross-culturally2.

Studying hospitality and tourism can be a platform to careers in operations, sales and marketing, public relations, human resources, across a number of different sectors. The degree offers a number of transferable skills in an environment where you can discover something you will love.

Seth Lewis, International Hospitality and Tourism Management BA course director, quoted in 2022.
Seth Lewis portrait against white background

"Stepping out of this university makes you feel like a true professional"

Our students are at the heart of everything we do here at Coventry University London. Hear about Hitanshu, Shaikh, Amrin, Hani and Philippine’s experiences of studying with us in the City of London


Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

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Additional requirements may apply

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Request fee information

International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Please note: UK (home) tuition fees for the degree course years will be charged at the current Coventry University London UK (home) degree fee level. This was set at £9,250 for the 23/24 academic year.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 of £1,250 to cover your academic support.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Fees and Finance page.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

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 Pathways Programme for additional options.


Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU London’s Greenwich campus, which is located in the contemporary Mitre Passage building on the Greenwich Peninsula. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University London in the heart of the city.

Our CU London Greenwich site provides an outstanding learning environment and you will have access to our Library and Learning Services, fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites4. You'll also receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

People sitting in an outdoor cafe area in Greenwich.

Greenwich Peninsula

Close to city-wide transport routes, CUL Greenwich is a contemporary campus on the vibrant and bustling riverside Greenwich Peninsula. You'll be within walking distance of The O2 which is home to a shopping centre, cinema and over 30 bars and restaurants. The area also hosts a thriving festival, arts and entertainment scene.

The 6 Mitre Passage building photographed against a blue sky.

CUL Greenwich campus

The CUL Greenwich campus is based in 6 Mitre Passage – a modern 11 storey building just a 3-minute walk from North Greenwich tube station and the Jubilee line. You'll have access to our Library and Learning Services with study areas and laptops, classrooms with interactive teaching capabilities, fully equipped open-access IT suites and breakout spaces.

A smiling student graduating from CUL Greenwich at a graduation ceremony.

Student support

Our aim is to see you succeed, so we offer support from day one. You'll benefit from a Customer Service Desk with staff on hand to help with any queries you have, an academic writing service, and a dedicated wellbeing team with a Welfare and Disability Adviser and Student Counsellor. You also have the opportunity to access a Success Coach for 1-2-1 guidance.

Our International Hospitality and Tourism Management BA (Hons) students have access to a wide range of facilities4 to help you prepare for a successful career in hospitality and tourism management.

Take a virtual tour of our campus to explore all of the facilities available to you.

Talent Team

The Talent Team is our dedicated employability support team. They can assist you in applying for work placements and graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops. They also organise networking events to enable you to meet potential employers and industry contacts.

Find out what support you can get
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Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the theory and practice of hospitality and tourism management in the international arena.
  • Apply an enquiring, analytical and innovative approach to understanding of organisations in international hospitality and tourism industries, including key issues that have shaped, and continue to shape, hospitality and tourism management and the consumer environment.
  • Systematically utilise appropriate digital, financial, legal and economical solutions and techniques to analyse and present information to meet the requirements of different challenges involved in the management of hospitality and/or tourism operations.
  • Analyse and evaluate the business environment and its impacts on the international hospitality and tourism industry.
  • Apply appropriate hospitality and tourism concepts, models or techniques to identify, analyse and critically assess contemporary business issues within hospitality and tourism organisations in both local and international contexts.
  • Communicate effectively using appropriate written, verbal, visual or electronic format output in a national, international and intercultural context.
  • Critically evaluate and synthesise a range of views on a variety of business focussed issues within the international hospitality and tourism arena.
  • Appraise research skills and ethical considerations that are necessary to understand, explore and evaluate a specific topic relevant to the hospitality and tourism industries.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical and sustainability issues likely to arise in the conduct of business and professional practice and an ability to formulate solutions through dialogue with peers, clients, mentors and the wider community in a professional manner.

When you graduate, you could choose a career pathway in tourism or hospitality, or work for a large organisation which spans both.

You might join an independent hotel or a chain (either in the UK or overseas), on a graduate programme or in a permanent named role. You could work for a tour operator, a travel agency, an airline or a cruise company, or work in incentive or corporate travel. Roles will also be open to you in publishing, PR, journalism, IT or consultancy, for example, where they relate to hospitality and tourism.

Alternatively, you will have a wide range of skills which will appeal to employers in other industries, so you would be free to branch out beyond hospitality and tourism.

Where our graduates work

Our previous graduates have gone on to work at:

  • Mandarin Oriental
  • The Ritz
  • The Savoy
  • Red Carnation Hotels
  • Marriott Hotels
  • Corinthia Hotels

Further Study

Upon successful completion of our International Hospitality and Tourism Management BA (Hons) course, you may wish to continue to further your studies at postgraduate level. You can do that right here at Coventry University London, with our International Hospitality and Tourism Management MSc. You could continue to build on what you have learnt, further preparing you to build the managerial aptitudes needed to run operations and manage destinations sustainably.

We also offer alternative postgraduate degrees if you decide to take a slightly different route. You can explore all of your options, including other locations within the Coventry University Group. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

London gives me every opportunity to work with hotels, they're just a five minute walk! We have so many practical events; we had presentations with hotels recently where we spoke with the managers about how they work there. And the faculty is really experienced when it comes to the industry, everyone's from the industry which they are teaching.

Gaurav Gautam, BA International Hospitality and Tourism Management student, quoted in 2022
Gaurav Gautam

Global business connections at Coventry University London

Our strong global business connections provide students with access to real-life work experience, so you can put your skills into practice and make connections in the world of work


How to apply

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