International Hotel and Hospitality Management - BA (Hons) Degree

Program Overview

Cardiff Metropolitan University's BA (Hons) International Hotel and Hospitality Management program equips students with the skills and knowledge for success in the global hospitality industry. Professionally accredited by the Institute of Hospitality, the program offers a blend of theoretical and practical learning, including work-based opportunities, optional language modules, and industry-expert insights. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in hotel and resort management, event management, tourism, and other hospitality-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Cardiff Metropolitan University's (Cardiff Met) BA (Hons) International Hotel and Hospitality Management

program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the dynamic and global hospitality industry. This program offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning, including:

• Underpinned by research from leading institutions, including the Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME), the Welsh Centre for Tourism Research (WCTR), and expert academic staff.
• Work-based learning opportunities in the University's purpose-built hospitality suite and adjoining kitchens, simulating real-world industry scenarios.
• Optional year-long work placement opportunities in the UK or abroad, allowing students to gain valuable practical experience in international hospitality settings.
• Optional language modules to enhance global career prospects and develop communication skills in key languages.

Program Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for successful careers in the international hotel and hospitality industry.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills essential for leadership roles in the field.
• Instill a strong understanding of the principles of sustainability and ethical practices in hospitality management.
• Foster a global perspective and cultural awareness to navigate the diverse landscape of the international hospitality industry.

Outline:

The BA (Hons) International Hotel and Hospitality Management program is structured over three years, with the option to include a foundation year for additional preparation. Each year focuses on specific areas of knowledge and skills development, progressively building upon the previous year's learning.

Year One:

• Foundations of Hospitality: Introduces the core concepts and principles of hospitality management.
• Culinary and Service Operations: Develops practical skills in food preparation, service delivery, and customer interaction.
• Marketing for Tourism, Hospitality and Events: Explores marketing strategies and techniques for attracting and engaging customers in the hospitality sector.
• People Development within Organisations: Examines human resource management practices and employee development strategies in hospitality settings.
• Revenue, Costs and Budgetary Controls: Provides a foundation in financial management and budgeting for hospitality businesses.
• Compulsory Optional Modules: Students choose one of the following:
• Practical Hotel and Hospitality Operations:
Gain hands-on experience in managing and operating a real-world hospitality environment.
• Spanish/Mandarin Chinese/French in Professional Contexts: Develop language skills for effective communication in the global hospitality industry.

Year Two:

• Hotel Operations, Tactics and Decision Making: Deepens understanding of hotel management procedures, strategic decision-making, and operational efficiency.
• Hospitable Events in the Third Sector: Explores the organization and management of events in non-profit and charitable organizations.
• Research Design in Practice: Develops research skills and applies them to real-world hospitality challenges.
• Compulsory Optional Modules: Students choose at least one of the following:
• Consumer Behaviour for Tourism, Hospitality and Events:
Analyzes consumer behavior patterns and preferences in the hospitality industry.
• People Management for Tourism, Hospitality and Events: Develops skills in motivating and managing teams within hospitality organizations.
• Business Start-Up and Entrepreneurship: Explores the principles and processes of starting and managing a hospitality business.
• Summer Work Placement: Gain practical experience in a professional setting within the hospitality industry.
• Technologies for Tourism, Hospitality and Events: Examines the application of technology in hospitality operations and marketing.
• Social Change and (In)equalities: Explores the impact of social and cultural factors on the hospitality industry.
• Optional Language Modules: Continuation of language studies in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, or French.

Year Three:

• Critical Hospitality: Examines the ethical and philosophical dimensions of hospitality management.
• Sustainable Hotel and Hospitality Management in a Changing World: Explores sustainable practices and their application in the hospitality industry.
• Strategic Leadership and Change Management: Develops leadership skills and strategies for managing change in hospitality organizations.
• Dissertation/Enterprise Project/Consultancy Project/Independent Research Study: Students choose one of these options to engage in independent research or project work, applying their knowledge and skills to a specific area of interest.
• Optional Modules: Students can choose from a range of specialized modules, including:
• Resort and Stadia Management:
Explores the unique challenges and opportunities of managing resorts and sports venues.
• Gastronomic Tourism: Examines the role of food and cuisine in attracting and engaging tourists.
• Marketing Communications in the Digital Age: Develops skills in using digital marketing tools and strategies to reach target audiences.
• Employee Resourcing and Volunteer Management: Explores effective recruitment, training, and management of employees and volunteers in hospitality settings.
• Destinations and Events: Analyzes the planning and management of tourism destinations and events.
• Leadership and Professional Development with Mentoring: Develops leadership skills and career planning strategies through a mentoring program.
• Optional Language Modules: Continuation of language studies in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, or French.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress, including:

• Essays: Assessing critical thinking, analytical writing, and research skills.
• Reports: Evaluating research findings, data analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
• Presentations: Assessing communication skills, presentation techniques, and audience engagement.
• Case studies: Evaluating problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Group projects: Assessing teamwork, collaboration, and project management skills.
• Live briefs: Simulating real-world projects and assessing students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills to practical scenarios.
• Portfolio: Showcasing students' personal development and achievements throughout the program.
Assessment criteria are tailored to each module and are made clear to students in advance. Feedback is provided regularly to help students identify areas for improvement and ensure their progress towards achieving learning outcomes.

Teaching:

The program employs a student-centered approach to teaching, with a focus on active learning and engagement. This includes:

• Interactive lectures: Providing clear explanations and engaging discussions on key concepts.
• Tutorials and seminars: Facilitating in-depth exploration of specific topics and encouraging student participation.
• Guest lectures and workshops: Providing insights from industry professionals and experts.
• Field trips and site visits: Observing real-world hospitality operations and gaining practical experience.
• Problem-based learning: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and challenges.
• Group work and collaborative projects: Developing teamwork and communication skills.
• Independent study and research: Encouraging students to further explore their interests and develop critical thinking skills.
The program's teaching team comprises experienced academics and industry professionals, who are passionate about hospitality management and committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.

Careers:

Graduates of the BA (Hons) International Hotel and Hospitality Management program are well-positioned for a wide range of careers in the global hospitality industry. Potential career paths include:

• Hotel and Resort Management
• Event Management
• Restaurant and Catering Management
• Tourism and Travel Management
• Human Resources Management
• Marketing and Sales
• Public Relations and Communications
• Entrepreneurship and Business Development
The program's emphasis on practical skills, industry knowledge, and global perspective prepares graduates for success in a competitive job market. Additionally, the program's strong industry connections provide students with valuable networking opportunities and potential job placements.

Other:

• The program is offered in a flexible format, allowing students to choose between full-time and part-time study options.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in international exchange programs, further enhancing their global perspective and career opportunities.
• The program offers a supportive learning environment with a dedicated personal tutor system and a range of student support services.