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

Study level: Undergraduate
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Develop key skills for a career in hospitality and tourism management, while also exploring broader business themes to deepen your understanding of the industry's role in the wider business environment.

Course features

Course option

Year of entry

Location

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

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

NIDF

Start date

September 2026
November 2026
January 2027
March 2027
May 2027
July 2027


Course overview

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

This International Hospitality and Tourism Management BA (Hons) course aims to prepare you for global careers in hospitality and tourism, combining practical learning, industry insights and international perspectives. It supports roles in hotels, events, destination management and marketing, and many other positions within the hospitality and tourism sector worldwide.

  • Gain in-depth knowledge of international hospitality and tourism, preparing for diverse roles in a fast-growing sector.
  • Build crucial management and decision-making skills to excel in hospitality and tourism operations worldwide.
  • Develop a strong theoretical foundation and strategic thinking to thrive in global hospitality and tourism industries.
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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

  • Develop into future professionals in the international hospitality and tourism industry through comprehensive theoretical and practical learning, taught by industry expert academics, enhancing your analytical and research skills.
  • Opportunities to apply for an internship with the aim of developing real-world skills and industry experience.2
  • Opportunities to attend industry events and guest lectures where you may be able to meet professionals and enhance career prospects, improving your networking and communication skills.2
  • Develop transferable skills like strategic thinking, problem-solving and financial acumen to succeed in diverse hospitality and tourism roles, equipping you with critical thinking, adaptability and innovation skills.
  • Learn to work well with people from different cultures and succeed in global hospitality and tourism by building cultural understanding and global awareness.

Hear from our students

Having followed Anth's journey through his life at Coventry University London, we caught up with him at his graduation to discuss his time here and his future.


What you'll study

Modules

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.

Modules

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.

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 each semester, 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 learnt 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

The Foundation Year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include:

  • formal examinations
  • phase tests
  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • projects
  • coursework
  • exams
  • individual assignments.

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.

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.


Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional 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

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.

"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

Typical entry requirements:

72 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. For T levels: overall grade of Pass (D or E on the Core) in the T level qualification in any subject.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

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.

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


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 £9,790 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 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 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 2028/29. 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.

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.

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

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.


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, CU London 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.

CU London Greenwich campus

The CUL Greenwich campus is based in 6 Mitre Passage – a modern 11 storey building just a three-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 one-to-one guidance.

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.

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
Two ladies smiling and sitting on purple armchairs and one man typing on a laptop

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 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

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

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.

Placement experiences

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

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

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