International Hospitality Management

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 1 written exam, typically for 2 hours
• 3 reports
• 2 oral assessments
• 2 practical skill assessments

Year 2

• 1 written exam
• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 3 reports
• 1 practical skills assessment

Year 3

• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 4 reports
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 poster presentation

Year 4

• 6 reports
• 1 dissertation

Feedback

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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:

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.

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

What is needed for a BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBCC
• GCE A Level: CCC
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3
• IB Diploma: 26

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

Entry to Year 1

• SQA Higher: BCC/CCCC

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3.

Applicants from Foundation Pathway Providers

Entry to year 1 or year 2 may be possible for students who have completed a Foundation Certificate or Foundation Undergraduate Pathway programme, from an approved UK provider, at 60% or above. For courses which require a specific subjects match, such as English or Maths, these would need to provided in addition to the Pathway Programme Certificate or result.

Advanced Entry

All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.

International Students 

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £30 Travel (for study trips)