Program Overview

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International Hospitality Management - Degree Apprenticeship - BSc (Hons)

Overview

Transforming and unlocking the potential of hospitality business leaders to build a sustainable international hospitality industry.

Summary

Ulster University is 1st in the UK for Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism (The Guardian University Guide 2025).

The Degree Apprenticeship at Level 6 in BSc Hons International Hospitality Management (IHM) develops business leaders for the vibrant and evolving international hospitality sector, gaining knowledge of leadership and the associated skills necessary for management in this dynamic and exciting global industry.

About this course

About this course

About

The Degree Apprenticeship at Level 6 in BSc Hons International Hospitality Management (IHM) is an internationally recognised passport for successful progression into a leadership role in the hospitality sector. The two-year programme (Part-time) offers key strategic business management subjects. You will enhance your knowledge and critical thinking skills in the key strategic business management areas of leadership, strategic management, marketing, performance management, contemporary issues, and continuous business improvement.

Modules

• Contemporary Marketing Management This module examines and expands on the principle concepts and theories of marketing and their practical application to contemporary marketing management. It is a module that builds on the Contemporary Marketing Practice module at level 5. Issues include the management of the marketing concept, marketing environments, planning, research application and techniques, segmentation, the marketing mix, e-marketing and digital marketing within specific businesses at a local, national and international level as they apply to the marketing management function.
• Contemporary Issues in Hospitality Management This module requires students to research a contemporary issue relevant to hospitality managers from a range of perspectives, reflect on its significance and consider its implications for professional practice.
• Business and Professional Attributes This module aims to develop your skills, as well as your personal and professional development, in terms of developing the appropriate attributes of a future leader. You will learn how to promote an effective shared vision with others and promote a collective approach to solving problems with innovative solutions.
• Strategic Leadership in the Hospitality Industry This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various theories, concepts and frameworks related to strategic leadership by examining real-world case studies and engaging in critical analysis to understand the practical application of strategic leadership principles. It covers topics such as vision and mission development, strategic planning, decision-making, change management, organisational culture, and ethical leadership.
• Performance Metrics Analysis This module develops the students' knowledge, understanding, application and practice in relation to the core Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ratios and consumer behaviour analytics used in the hospitality and culinary industries.
• The Business Improvement Project The module aims to provide students with critical understanding of commercial business improvement processes. The module will enable students to professionally project manage a business improvement process within their current workplace.

Attendance

You will normally complete two modules per semester, with class contact time of approximately three hours per week per module. Apprentices will require off-the-job training one day a week (8 hours) in the main. Whilst not guaranteed , it is preferred that all modules will be delivered on a Monday. This is typically the least busy operational day in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry and also meets the employer's operational requirements.

Start dates

• September 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The course has a range of many exciting teaching, learning and assessment methods that include, class visits, guest lectures, and workshops on industry visits to resolve a strategic issue.

Standard entry conditions

A level

Please see Additional Entry Requirements

GCSE

For part-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first-degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Maths (or equivalent).

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE Maths.

English Language Requirements

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for UKVI purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Additional Entry Requirements

Applicants must have completed Ulster Foundation HLA Degree 40% Pass in all taught level 5 modules (HLA level 4 and 5) OR have five years experience in the hospitality industry at supervisory/management level. Applicants not having the general entry requirements may be admitted on the basis of APEL (Accreditation for Prior Experience and Learning).

University General Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold GCSE passes in English and Mathematics at grade C or equivalent. Entry equivalences: View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements (opens in new window).

Exemptions and transferability

Students enter at Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship having completed level 4 and 5 in partner colleges.

Successful completion of a Foundation Degree or HND (in Hospitality and Tourism), will allow consideration for admission to Level 6 HLA.

Applicants must hold GCSE passes in English and Mathematics at grade C or equivalent. Entry equivalences: View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements (opens in new window).

Students not having the general entry requirements may be admitted on the basis of APEL please contact the course director for more information

Eligibility

To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, you must:

• be a school leaver aged 16 or over;
• be newly employed (less than 6 months before the start of the course) or be about to take up employment on a permanent contract with a minimum of 21 hours per week;
• have achieved the minimum academic entry qualifications for the course;
• pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector;
• have a right to live and work in the UK.

Additionally:

• You can participate if you already have a degree, provided that it the course you are applying for is at a higher level than or unrelated to your previous qualification.
• You can still apply for a Degree Apprenticeship if you have been at your organisation for more than 6 months, provided you are entering a new job role that requires new competences/knowledge.
• You cannot participate if you are self-employed.

To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, your employer:

• must have a permanent base in Northern Ireland;
• must ensure that apprentices are enrolled on UK/HMRC payroll for the duration of the programme, and that all apprentices are paid a wage commensurate with the role and not less than the UK minimum wage;
• must not be a public sector employer.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Jury's Inn
• National Trust
• Swissport
• Radisson Hotel Group
• Intercontinental Hotel Group

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Hotel Property Project Manager
• Event Manager
• Graduate Manager
• Visitor & Convention Tourism Executive
• Wine Procurement Manager
• Tourism Officer
• Corporate Event Manager

Career options

Successful completion of the Degree Apprenticeship degree in BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management allows eligible apprentices to progress (as students) to the MSc International Tourism and Hospitality Management or MSc International Event Management.

Students achieving a higher degree are also eligible to apply to a Level 8 PhD on successful completion of the application criteria. This progression is governed by successful completion, meeting the application criteria and being successful in a further competitive interview process (outlined on the Ulster University website).

The BSc IHM Degree Apprenticeship qualification also provides opportunities at manager and senior management level in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing sectors. The hospitality industry is composed of a diverse range of industries and employers including hotels, restaurants, cruise liners and public sector organisations such as destination marketing organisations.

Graduates also can pursue avenues such as teaching, lecturing, training, research and consultancy in relation to hospitality and tourism management.

Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality also means that academic, vocational and professional standards achieved meet international Institute of Hospitality benchmark standards.

Work placement / study abroad

Not Applicable.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Institute of Hospitality (IoH)

Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality that academic, vocational and professional standards achieved are appropriate and programme content and delivery meet international Institute of Hospitality benchmark standards.

Fees and funding

Fees - Higher Level Apprenticeships

For the apprentice there's no cost to do a higher level or degree apprenticeship. You'll be paid as an employee of the company you're working for as well as receiving a university education that is paid for by the Department for the Economy.

2026/27 Fees

Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2025/26 entry.

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Testimonials

The International Hospitality Management course very much developed my interest in the Hospitality industry in particular hotel management. Having graduated on this course I have achieved success in the industry and have a general managers position in the Indigo Hotel of the Intercontinental Hotels Group.

Michael Musgrave – General Manager - The Indigo Hotel, Kensington London.

Studying the International Hospitality Management was one of the best decisions I have made. The course developed my knowledge and professional practical management skills for the Hospitality and Events Industry. After graduating in 2012 I decided to complete an MSc in Event Management. I am now the Events Manager in the Old Inn at Crawfordsburn and enjoying my 'dream job'.

Kerry Hamilton - Events Manager - The Crawfordsburn Inn.

As an alumnus of Ulster University it is a great pleasure to provide an employer testimonial. Since graduating I have worked for leading international hotel chains and have worked with and recruited a wide variety of staff. Having returned to work in my native Northern Ireland I am now in a position to employ placement students and graduates from Ulster University. In my view students who have studied International Hospitality Management at Ulster are among the best employees I have worked with throughout my experience of more than 25 years in the global hotel industry.

Hospitality students from Ulster are 'work ready' when they graduate and have very high levels of technical skills having acquired these in the award winning Academy Restaurant in the University. Professionalism and commitment to the highest level of customer service are the hallmarks of these highly motivated students. They typically display strong communication skills, flexibility and initiative and endeavour to develop themselves professionally at any opportunity. They also possess problem solving skills and have the ability to both work effectively in team and take on leadership roles as required.

Having studied at Ulster University I know that these skills are developed and instilled by academic staff who take a personal interest in the development of each individual student due to their professional commitment toward developing Ulster Hospitality graduates who exceed employer expectations.

Employer Testimonial from Mr Adrian McNally, General Manager, Titanic Hotel Belfast.