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International Hospitality and Tourism Management

BSc (Hons) & Foundation Year

Summary

Study level

Undergraduate

Award

Foundation Year Entry Degrees

Full time

4 years

Location

Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham

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Faculty of Business and Innovation

What makes Arden University special?

Education for everyone, everywhere

Whether you're constrained by location, cost, time, or other life commitments, we're passionate about giving you access to higher education that fits into your busy, modern life.

You decide how and where to study

We offer a wide range of flexible undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in both our online and blended study modes.

Full support both online and on-site

We're also proud to offer non-standard entry, meaning your work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing your application.

Strong focus on employability

You will gain in-depth subject knowledge and transferable skills that employers from a huge range of industries will value. Many of our courses at Arden are also accredited by leading professional bodies in the UK.

Course Overview

Explore the World of Hospitality and Tourism with Arden University

Welcome to Arden University’s BSc (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management with Foundation Year; a future focused degree designed to prepare you for a successful global career in one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Whether your ambition is to manage a thriving hospitality venue, launch your own restaurant, or lead in hospitality and tourism administration, this programme equips you with the international perspective, practical skills and industry insight needed to thrive.

Our curriculum is designed to give you the knowledge you need while showing you how it applies in the real world. You’ll gain the confidence to navigate diverse cultures, build global connections, and gain hands-on experience through a credit-bearing work placement module in Level 5 (Year 3). This opportunity is your chance to put what you have learnt into practice in a real workplace, helping you gain industry experience and get career-ready before you graduate.

What makes this programme unique is its strong emphasis on sustainability and digital innovation. You’ll develop essential management skills while engaging with the latest trends shaping the hospitality and tourism sectors. Designed in collaboration with industry experts and professional bodies, the programme ensures you graduate with the confidence and capabilities to lead in a fast-evolving global landscape.

As an Arden student, you’ll also benefit from access to the Arden Enterprise Incubator (AEI), a dedicated programme designed to help nurture an entrepreneurial mindset. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow your business, AEI offers expert guidance, networking opportunities and resources to help you succeed.

Accreditation and Memberships

ITT Recognised

The Institute of Travel and Tourism is a membership organisation for travel and tourism professionals, suppliers, educators and students.

CMI Accredited

This course awards a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership and offers CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status.

TMI Recognised

This course is fully approved by the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), providing added professional recognition.

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Career development resources

You'll have online access to a huge range of career development tools from the day you start studying.

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Course details and modules

Your course modules combine a foundation year followed by a full undergraduate qualification.

Lead the Future of Hospitality and Tourism

In today’s fast-moving digital world, understanding how technology shapes the hospitality and tourism industry is key to staying ahead. At Arden University, our BSc (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management programme puts industry advancements at the heart of your learning, so you won’t just keep up with changes, but you’ll be ready to lead them.

From exploring virtual reality tools to analysing tourism trends using artificial intelligence (AI) insights, you’ll build a strong understanding of the latest innovations shaping the industry. Whether it’s using AI to personalise guest experience or streamline operations, this practical and future-focuses approach ensure you graduate with the knowledge and skills to lead in a fast-evolving, tech-enabled hospitality and tourism landscape.

The course gave me the confidence and skills to go for senior jobs that I wouldn’t have previously. I have been promoted several times since.

Martin Scahill

BSc (Hons) Business & Computing (Top-Up)

Modules

Foundation year

Preparing for University Success (20 credits)
Exploring the Business Environment (20 credits)
Advancing your Academic Skills (20 credits)
Becoming an Effective Leader (20 credits)
Planning for Your Future Success (20 credits)
Investigation & Innovation Project (20 credits)

Level 4

Academic & Professional Development for Hospitality & Tourism Managers (20 credits)
Managing People in Hospitality in Tourism (20 credits)
Finance for Hospitality and Tourism (20 credits)
Service Sector Marketing and Sales (20 credits)
Principles of Hospitality & Tourism Practice (20 credits)
Customer Service Management (20 credits)

Level 5

Core modules
Applied Hospitality and Tourism Intelligence (20 credits)
Hospitality Operations Management (20 credits)
International Destination Management (20 credits)
Hospitality Business Development (20 credits)
Elective Modules: (Students to choose 40 credits worth of modules):
Professional Practice (Placement) (40 credits)
International Events Management (20 credits)
Digital and Social Media Marketing (20 credits)

Level 6

Innovation in Hospitality (20 credits)
Tourism Crisis Management (20 credits)
Tourism Trends & Futures (20 credits)
Independent Study (20 credits)
Hospitality Strategy (20 credits)
Elective Modules: (choose a 20 credits module):
Project Management (Option) (20 credits)
Global Brand Management (20 credits)

Gain Real-World Experience with a Professional Placement

As part of your degree, you’ll have the option to complete a 40-credit placement module at Level 5, giving you the chance to apply your learning in a real-world hospitality or tourism environment. This structured work experience is academically supervised and assessed, meaning it contributes directly to your degree whilst enhancing your professional skills. It’s a valuable opportunity to build industry connections, gain practical insight, and graduate with a formal recognition of your workplace experience, making you stand out to future employers.

How do we assess you?

Industry-focuses assessments that prepares you for the real world

Forget traditional exams and dissertations. On the BSc (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management programme, your learning is assessed through practical, real-world tasks that reflect the challenges and opportunity of the industry. This means you’ll be better prepared to apply the skills you’ve gained on the programme to your professional role after graduation.

Throughout the programme, you’ll complete a variety of assessment designed to help you apply your knowledge in meaningful ways, such as writing reports, analysing case studies, creating business and destination development plans, and working on independent projects tailored to your interests. Your assessments will focus on personal discovery, digital innovation and applying theory to real hospitality and tourism scenarios.

Assessment methods

We encourage creativity and innovation in how you present your work. You might produce podcasts, videos, infographics, consultancy reports, campaigns, posters, interviews, or even lead a debate. It’s a fun, flexible and engaging way to show what you’ve learnt and build the skills you’ll use in your future career.

Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at our campuses in London Stratford, London Holborn, Nottingham, and Birmingham.

"I was already in the working world and running two businesses. Not to mention I also have a young family, so the freedom online learning offered, and the cost effectiveness of the course, was a big draw for me."

Adrian Williams

BA Business (Human Resource Management)

Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your International Hospitality and Tourism degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources we’ve put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.

Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

Office 365 subscription
Integrated zoom video conferencing
Career services through Arden Futures to ready you for your future career
Online library portal giving you access to thousands of books, journals, and articles
Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

What you need to study with us

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study in a flexible and convenient way. That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, our online university campus in the cloud, you'll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and our online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the BSc (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management with Foundation Year, you should normally have:

At least 3 x GCSEs or 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years we would also ask to see a professional CV.
If you do not meet these requirements, you may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and reference.

English proficiency

IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent.
Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

Course fees and funding

Find your country

I am a student from

Use the dropdown above to find course fees and funding information for your country. If you can’t find information for your country in the dropdown, visit our International support page.

Meet the faculty

Dr. Stephanie West joined Arden University in November 2020 and is the Head of the School of School of Leadership & Service Industry Management. In addition to her wealth of healthcare industry experience, Stephanie has held a number of Senior Academic and Leadership positions in Health, Social Care and Applied Science faculties at a variety of universities across the UK.

Stephanie will provide leadership to the School of School of Leadership & Service Industry Management, ensuring that it delivers high quality academic provision and student satisfaction across all courses.

Dr. Stephanie West

Head of School - School of Leadership & Service Industry Management

Career prospects

Perhaps you have a strong idea of where you want to go with your hospitality and tourism degree, or perhaps you're still a little unsure. Don’t worry if you’re still weighing up your future career options. We prepare you with a range of advanced multidisciplinary skills that employers from a variety of organisations will value, enhancing your career options wherever they might lie.

What will the BSc (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management with Foundation Year do for me?

What will the BSc (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management with Foundation Year include?

As well as developing important soft skills, up-to-date knowledge of hospitality and tourism functions, and career planning abilities, you’ll also be encouraged to develop a Personal Development Plan as you work through your degree. With support from our lecturers, this will help you track your progress and identify areas where you excel.

On the course, your assessments will be linked to real-world workplace issues and practices. Added to the benefits of our Arden Enterprise Incubator where you will be supported to start up or grow an existing business. You’ll graduate with hands-on experience in problem solving and identifying areas for business growth in the hospitality and tourism sectors – all highly desirable skills for today’s employers.

The BSc (Hons.) in International Hospitality & Tourism Management with Foundation Year will also give you the chance to:

Comprehend and appreciate the importance of the key skills, technologies, and competencies required to be successful in contemporary hospitality and tourism environments.
Identify and evaluate the roles and contributions of the key hospitality and tourism functions applicable to hospitality and tourism organisations and destinations.
Analyse hospitality and tourism challenges from a range of perspectives including consumers, suppliers, governments, and intermediaries.
Apply and evaluate hospitality and tourism concepts and theories in a range of hospitality and tourism contexts, challenges, and situations, including crisis management.
Develop your research, planning, and analytical skills.

What can I do after Arden University?

Your foundation degree in hospitality and tourism will open up a wide range of career opportunities across the hospitality and tourism sectors. As you study with us you’ll have access to our dedicated career services portal, where you can access additional 'bolt-on' e-learning courses, employer presentations, and search for jobs worldwide. Of course, your course lecturers are always on-hand to provide advice and guidance when it come to your professional future. Just a few of the possible roles you might want to consider after graduation could include:

Destination Manager
Hotel Manager
Travel Consultant
Tour Manager
Travel Agency Manager
Event Organiser
Travel Administrator
Food and Beverage Manager
Front Office Manager
Housekeeping Manager
Reception Manager
Rooms Division Manager
Restaurant Manager
Facilities Manager
Guest Relations Manager
Resort Manager

Industry skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course is subject to approval by Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. As the CMI possesses a Royal Charter, they are the only organisation in the UK that can award Chartered Manager status to their members – the gold standard in management. With 140,000 members, the institute aims to boost career development across the management sector and connect like-minded professionals.

As an Arden student, you’ll have free CMI Membership throughout your studies, giving you access to a range of additional resources including a mentoring service and invitations to networking events both online and offline.

Upon completion of this CMI-accredited course, you will be awarded CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership and gain CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status. This recognises you have the skills needed to be an effective manager, helping you stand out from the competition and start your management career journey - with a CMI qualification and a clear pathway to full Chartered Manager status.

*Upon completion of your course, the CMI award and level of chartered status awarded will depend on your level and length of study, whether you entered your course with Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) or if any compensation is applied on your modules throughout the duration of study. If this criteria applies to you, you may receive one of the 2 different levels; an Award or Certificate.

Tourism Management Institute (TMI)

This course is fully approved by the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), providing added professional recognition.

The Tourism Management Institute (TMI) is the professional organisation for anyone working in tourism destination management, supporting professionals who promote and develop destinations across the UK, Europe, and worldwide. The TMI supports professionals throughout their careers by providing opportunities for professional networking and sharing knowledge and expertise in destination management.

As an Arden student, you'll have free membership throughout the duration of your studies, giving you access to a wealth of industry resources, career development guidance, and the TMI job vacancy portal, as well as networking opportunities and professional recognition that will improve your career prospects.

In addition to this, once you graduate with a TMI recognised degree, you'll automatically be eligible for Associate membership of the TMI.

Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT)

Arden university has been awarded University Recognition by the ITT. The Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) is the only membership organisation for travel and tourism professionals, suppliers, educators, and students across all sectors of the tourism sector. The institute's primary function is to elevate professional standards in the travel industry and to provide tourism organisations and professionals with support and guidance.

As Arden University is a member of ITT, you'll have free membership with the ITT throughout the duration of your studies. This provides you with access to a wealth of industry resources, continued education and training, careers advice, networking opportunities, and professional recognition that will improve your career prospects. In addition to this, you'll also have the chance to attend regular UK-based events and industry conferences.

Business Graduates Association (BGA)

Arden University’s Faculty of Business is an esteemed member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), an international quality assurance body of world-leading education providers who share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning. Membership with the BGA means that Arden University will support its students’ professional growth, allowing them to contribute to an international network in which ‘Leaders Never Stop Learning’.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) membership.

Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.

This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange of best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives our faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of our courses and teaching methods, ensuring that we are able to provide you with the best possible university experience.

Arden Enterprise Incubator

As an Arden University student, you’ll have access to the Arden Enterprise Incubator (AEI) online platform to support you in the area of entrepreneurship. Whether students are exploring the idea of setting up their own company or need help and guidance launching or growing an existing business, the AEI provides everything students need to kick start their entrepreneurial journey, as well as to support and empower them along the way.

The AEI has a wealth of resources available including monthly master classes, boot camps, podcasts, blogs, external events, and mentorship. Mentors include Arden University lecturers and industry experts, so our students receive the very best support and expertise.

As an IOEE Centre of Excellence, we foster an entrepreneurial culture among our students. We are dedicated to supporting their continuous growth by promoting enterprising thinking and practical entrepreneurial skills.