Program Overview

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International Hospitality Management - BSc (Hons)

Overview

Developing business leaders and entrepreneurs for the international hospitality industry with an emphasis on developing relevant transferable skills.

Summary

From events organising to hotel management, hospitality management graduates have a wide range of career options open to them. Do you aspire to a management position in the hospitality and tourism industry, in both private and public sectors of industry, nationally and internationally? This course of study is designed to develop your understanding of the importance of the practical components alongside the development of skills, knowledge and theoretical concepts, as required by managers within this global industry. Ulster University is ranked 1st in the UK for Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism (The Guardian University Guide 2025).

You are introduced to the wide choice of career opportunities available within the hospitality industry. Specialist pathways are available through optional modules, most notably through the introduction of optional specialist tourism and events management modules in each year of the course.

Specialist practical training takes place within the award-winning Academy restaurant and kitchens.

About this course

About

This four-year programme incorporates the practical aspects of Hospitality Business Operations which emphasise the application of skills and knowledge whilst combining the theoretical underpinning knowledge of business management. All practical modules are compulsory and are delivered in the fully operational Academy restaurant, bar and kitchens. (You will be required to provide appropriate dress whilst working in these practical environments).

The award-winning restaurant facility ensures relevant up-to-date training providing you with excellent practical skills and knowledge for entering the workplace. In year one you are introduced to the hospitality industry, study skills and practical skills development. The introductory optional modules include the specialist study modules, Tourism and the visitor experience, alongside Enterprising Events. Year two provides you with a greater in-depth knowledge of the supervisory and junior managerial skills necessary for the industry both at home and abroad. A major part of this development involves the practical training which takes place in the Academy Restaurant and kitchens.

Following a 48-week placement which takes place in year three, final year core modules develop your managerial knowledge whilst your choice of optional modules (noted within structure below) tailors your studies according to your career aspirations. If you have selected the specialist study in tourism you may continue with sustainable tourism management or alternatively with the events option you will study entrepreneurial event management.

Placement

Diploma in Professional Practice (International) (DPP(i))

Through the structured practical experience, placement – at home or abroad – assists in consolidating knowledge and skills learnt during years one and two studies and in developing individual maturity, self-awareness and confidence. The satisfactory completion of the industrial placement year leads to the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (International) upon graduation. During this year you undertake additional placement related duties. Some students use this period as an opportunity to travel and work with internationally based companies while others opt to be UK based. Companies include the Country Clubs (Florida), Disney World, Sandestin Resort (Penscola), Merchant Hotel (Belfast), RitzCarlton (Co.Wexford), Gleneagles Hotel (Scotland).

Alternatively you can opt to complete a period of study abroad.

Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS)

You can spend two semesters in an educational institution, which will provide exposure to alternative business cultures and protocols and enhance your personal and professional development. Successful completion of the placement leads to the award of the Diploma in International Academic Studies upon graduation.

Associate awards

• Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
• Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
• Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Attendance

Four years (including 48 week optional placement)

Practical sessions in the kitchen and restaurant will be scheduled into the evenings in year two.

Start dates

• September 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Lectures provide you with the theoretical knowledge for all modular areas outlined in the course structure with practicals and seminars providing the opportunity to participate in hands on aspects and realistic scenarios in relation to the hospitality sector. Regular talks and workshops from industry leaders provide further enhancement. You also have the opportunity to work on live industry projects and present your ideas and concepts to panels of industry experts, providing excellent opportunities to develop your creativity and innovation in relation to hospitality. Assessments range from coursework in the form of reports and essays to exams, to live industry projects. Alternative assessment methods are available.

Modules

Year one

• Hospitality Business Operations
• Hospitality and the Visitor Economy
• Space and Revenue Management
• Management in Action
• Enterprising Events (optional)
• Tourism and the Visitor Experience (optional)

Year two

• Hospitality Business Operations Management
• Fundamentals of People Management
• Accounting Studies
• Contemporary Marketing Practice
• Digital Innovation in Hospitality
• Tourism Industry and Impacts (optional)
• Responsible Business Events (optional)

Year three

• Industrial Placement (optional)
• Study Abroad (optional)

Year four

• Business and Professional Attributes
• Strategic Leadership
• The Business Plan (optional)
• Current Trends in People Management (optional)
• Research Paper (optional)
• Entrepreneurial Event Management (optional)
• Management Accounting (optional)
• Data and Performance Metrics Analysis (optional)
• Digital Marketing Management (optional)
• Contemporary Issues in Hospitality Management (optional)
• Sustainable Tourism Management (optional)

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grade C C C

Applied General Qualifications

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma

Award profile of MMM

We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.

Irish Leaving Certificate

96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Scottish Highers

Grades CCCCC

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades DDD

International Baccalaureate

Overall profile is minimum 24 points (including 12 at higher level)

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 55% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)

Overall profile of 45 credits at Merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)

GCSE

For full-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.

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

English language requirements for international applicants

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

It is desirable that applicants to this course have work experience and/or part-time employment in the hospitality industry.

Foundation Degree Applicants - If you have already obtained the required grade in the relevant Foundation Degree you can opt to complete bridging modules prior to progressing onto the final year of the course. Other qualifications may be considered for exemptions and/or advanced entry based on your prior certificated learning or prior experiential learning.

Acceptable alternative qualifications include:

Pass HND with overall Merit to include distinctions in 15 Level 5 credits/units may be specified.

Pass HNC with overall Merit to include distinctions in 45 Level 4 credits/units may be specified.

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met).

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Dublin Airport
• Galgorm Estate and Spa
• Hastings Hotels
• Jury's Inn
• Andras Group Hotels
• Merchant Hotel
• THE CLUB AT IBIS FLORIDA

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Account Manager
• Event Manager
• Food and Beverage Manager
• General Manager
• Hotel Property Project Manager
• Revenue Manager
• Sales and Marketing Manager

Career options

This honours degree programme is designed to prepare graduates for a wide choice of careers within the broad hospitality industry. These may include supervisors/managers at the top levels in hotels, restaurants, clubs, cruise liners, industrial and public sector organisations, such as hospitals, and educational establishments throughout the world. The optional module selections further extend these opportunities to careers within tourism, events and beverages sectors.

This honours degree is widely accepted and respected by all sectors of the industry.

Opportunities also exist for appropriately qualified graduates to undertake postgraduate study such as MSc International Hospitality Management or MSc International Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Work placement / study abroad

It is advisable to complete a 48 week placement in year three of the course. A full list of national and international placements are available. Companies include Country Clubs (Florida), Disney World, Sandestin Resort (Penscola), Merchant Hotel (Belfast), RitzCarlton (Co.Wexford), Gleneagles Hotel (Scotland). The satisfactory completion of placement leads to the award of Diploma in Professional Practice/ Diploma in Professional Practice (International) upon graduation. Alternatively, you can opt to complete a period of study abroad. During this period, you spend two semesters in an educational institution, which will provide exposure to alternative business cultures and protocols and enhance your personal and professional development. Successful completion of the placement leads to the award of the Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS) upon graduation.

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

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.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

There are a range of exciting prizes for the course in final year;

The Hastings Hotels Award for Excellence in Irish Hospitality - Highest Mark overall in BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management

Institute of Hospitality Award nomination

Tourism NI Event Management Award - Highest Mark in Event Management

Da Vinci Cup - Highest mark in Strategic Management

CHME Cup - Highest Mark in Business Plan or Research Paper

View Available Scholarships

See if you can access financial or other forms of support, including mentorship to excel in your studies.

Search our Scholarships (Opens in a new window)

Additional mandatory costs

Students are required to purchase both front of house and back of house appropriate dress for training in the realistic work environment of the 'Taste of Ulster' award winning Academy restaurant and kitchens. The cost of this is approximately £150.

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 where I am General Manager of the prestigious Farnham Estate and Spa.

Michael Weston – General Manager - Farnham Estate & Spa

‘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 Co-ordinator in Titanic Belfast and enjoying my 'dream job'.

Kerry Hamilton - Events Co-ordinator - Titanic Belfast

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