International Hospitality Management BA (Hons)

Program Overview

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This fully accredited (BA Hons) International Hospitality Management degree from Robert Gordon University combines both the academic and specialist aspects of International Hospitality Management.

It provides you with the opportunity to study and experience the industry’s many sub-sectors through both practical and theoretical teaching methods, including field trips, placement and industry masterclasses.

We have strong industry relationships which ensures the course is continuously evolving in line with sector demand, providing you with many opportunities to meet and listen to working professionals in the hospitality industry through guest lecturers and attending conferences and events.

Complementing the specific hospitality focus, the course also emphasises a strong understanding of the key management disciplines, ensuring you are ready to step right into management positions in your chosen field.

Program Outline

Year 1

This year provides a solid introduction to the Hospitality industry with further focus on contextualised relevant management disciplines. You will learn through a unique sect of modules including Service Sector Management, Marketing, Food and Beverage Operations and Working in Hospitality Environments.

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Year 2

This year continues to focus on both industry specific and general management areas including Food and Beverage Management and Hotel Operation Management, helping to develop the key skills and specialist knowledge expected of a manager within the industry.

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Year 3

The key focus is on industry experience, with a choice of year long industry placements available locally, nationally and internationally. If you choose to not follow a formal placement route you will study management disciplines in depth and have the opportunity of a shorter six month placement.

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Year 4

Includes in-depth self-directed study and the opportunity to increase your understanding of specialist areas of Hospitality Management. This year develops your strategic and critical thinking abilities and your ability to analyse and critically appraise problems.  Your Research Project applies this through researching a self-selected tourism topic.

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Events

We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.

Visit Us

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Modules

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our

course and module disclaimer

for more information.

Detailed module information

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Learning Methods

Teaching is through a combination of lectures and contextualised modules; you are encouraged to discuss theory and ideas and develop your skills of analysis and interpretation. General management lectures may consist of over 100 students; subject specific tutorials will be around 25 students. Each subject is nominally three hours per week over a 12 week term.

Throughout the course, there is a significant focus on industry experience and we engage with key players in the hospitality industry extensively, particularly those who influence the direction and growth of the industry in the UK. You will have the opportunity to build your practical experience through field trips, guest speakers, masterclasses and live client projects.

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Activity Summary

Lectures

- 16 students per group, 4 hours per week

Tutorial

- 16 students per group, 8 hours per week

Project Supervision

- 6 students per group, 1 hour per week

External Visits

- 16 students per group, 16 hours per week

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How long is a BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management course?

An International Hospitality Management degree can be successfully completed in 4 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.

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Independent Study

In Year 4, a substantial level of effective and committed independent study is required. This involves wider reading but also critical reflection. You will be expected to spend around 20-25 hours a week conducting independent study. Much of this will be directly linked to the Research Project.

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Staff Delivering on This Course

Academic staff who teach on this course have extensive experience within the hospitality sector having worked in variety of roles in Tourism, Hotel Management, Hospitality and Events.

Our staff have either achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, or are working towards this.  This is a professional recognition of lecturer practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning.

Other staff members include industry experts, RGU lecturers from other subject areas, postgraduate research students and media technicians.

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Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

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Year 1

1 written exam, typically for 2 hours

3 reports

2 oral assessments

2 practical skill assessments

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Year 2

1 written exam

2 written assignments, including essays

3 reports

1 practical skills assessment

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Year 3

2 written assignments, including essays

4 reports

1 oral assessment

1 poster presentation

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Year 4

6 reports

1 dissertation

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Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

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Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

The Inclusion CENTRE

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Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

CampusMoodle

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Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

Academic writing

Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)

Maths and statistics

English language

Information technology support

STUDY SKILLS SUPPORT

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Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

University Library

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Placements

In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to undertake a 48-week paid placement locally, nationally or internationally. On the taught/direct entry route, Year 3 involves a taught Term 1 and the option of a 6-month placement in Term 2.

Past placements have been undertaken at The Mariner Hotel, Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel (France), AECC, Gleneagles, Burning Tree Country Club (USA) and Waccabuc Country Club (USA).

You can choose to source your own placement or access our Placement Office, who will support you in sourcing and validating a suitable position.

PLACEMENTs at rgu

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Study Abroad

In Years 2 and 3, there are opportunities to study with partner overseas institutions in Europe as part of the Study Abroad programme. For more information visit:

STUDY ABROAD

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Job Prospects

Hospitality is a thriving and innovative business sector and there is a major demand for able graduates with in depth specialist knowledge and skills. There are fantastic opportunities for varied and challenging careers in this sector including management roles in events, hotels, tourist services and leisure, or more specialist roles in HR management and guest services.

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Is International Hospitality Management a good career choice?

Previous  BA International Hospitality Management graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

Front of House Manager

Assistant Restaurant Manager

Events Co-ordinator

Clusters Sales Researcher for an International Hotel chain

Brasserie Manager

Find your CAREER Path