International Hospitality and Tourism Management BSc (Hons) & Foundation Year

Course Overview

Welcome to Arden University’s Bachelor of Science (Hons) in International Hospitality and Tourism Management with Foundation Year. If your ambition is to manage a hospitality venue, start a restaurant chain, or thrive in hospitality and tourism administration, this degree with a foundation year equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge for success in higher education. It’s a great choice whether you’ve been away from formal studies for a while, or lack the qualifications for a standard university degree.

AU curriculum will provide you with a truly global education in this dynamic industry, giving you the confidence to work among cultures and establish worldwide connections in your career. You’ll learn cutting-edge industry insights and gain hands-on experience, setting you up for success after graduation.

The BSc (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management with Foundation Year degree also focuses on sustainability and the integration of technology within the industry. You’ll gain a solid foundation in management fundamentals, learning the latest management theories and their real-world applications – vital for successful management careers in the sector. During Level 5 (Year 3) of your degree, you‘ll have an opportunity to undertake a work placement module so that you can gain real life, hands on experience in the hospitality sector.

As an Arden student you’ll also have access to the Arden Enterprise Incubator (AEI). Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, already at the early stages of setting up your own business venture, or just looking to enhance your business acumen, the AEI programme will help you nurture an entrepreneurial mindset, innovate, and grow your business once it’s up and running. You’ll be able to join Arden’s community of entrepreneurs, industry experts, and experienced academics, as well as gaining access to a wealth of resources to aid you in the pursuit of your goals based on how far along you are on your business journey.

Course details and modules

Your course modules combine a foundation year followed by a full undergraduate qualification.

In the age of digital transformation, staying ahead requires a keen understanding of technology’s role in shaping the hospitality and tourism landscape. The BSc (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management with Foundation Year at integrates technology seamlessly into the curriculum, ensuring that Arden’s graduates are not just familiar with the latest tools but are innovators in leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences, optimise operations, and drive sustainable practices.

From virtual reality simulations for hotel management to data analytics for tourism trends, students gain practical skills that align with the industry’s ever-evolving needs. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Arden’s graduates are not just job-seekers but industry leaders ready to shape the future of hospitality and tourism.

Study Options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at Arden’s campuses in London Tower Hill, London Holborn, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your International Hospitality and Tourism degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources Arden’ve put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.

Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

Office 365 subscription
Integrated zoom video conferencing
Career services through Arden Futures to ready you for your future career
Online library portal giving you access to thousands of books, journals, and articles
Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support

Modules

Foundation year

Preparing for University Success (20 credits)
Exploring the Business Environment (20 credits)
Advancing your Academic Skills (20 credits)
Becoming an Effective Leader (20 credits)
Planning for Your Future Success (20 credits)
Investigation & Innovation Project (20 credits)

Level 4

Academic & Professional Development for Hospitality & Tourism Managers (20 credits)
Managing People in Hospitality in Tourism (20 credits)
Finance for Hospitality and Tourism (20 credits)
Service Sector Marketing and Sales (20 credits)
Principles of Hospitality & Tourism Practice (20 credits)
Customer Service Management (20 credits)

Level 5

Core modules:
Applied Hospitality and Tourism Intelligence (20 credits)
Hospitality Operations Management (20 credits)
Professional Practice (work placement) (40 credits)
International Destination Management (20 credits)
Elective modules choose ONE from the following:
International Events Management (Option) (20 credits)
Hospitality Business Development (Option) (20 credits)

Level 6

Innovation in Hospitality (20 credits)
Tourism Crisis Management (20 credits)
Tourism Trends & Futures (20 credits)
Independent Study (20 credits)
Hospitality Strategy (20 credits)
Elective Modules: (choose a 20 credits module):
Project Management (Option) (20 credits)
Global Brand Management (20 credits)

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

Entry requirements

At Arden University applications are consider on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree .Arden team is more than happy to discuss your application.

Course fee

Foundatin Year	Fee
Fee per level	£9250

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

What do you need to study with us?

Arden’s aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.

That’s why AU keep AU requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (AU recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection. With this one tool, you’ll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and AU online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively.

AU will also support you with getting access to the design resources you need, wherever you study from, including assistance with obtaining any design software you need to successfully complete the course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the BSc (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management with Foundation Year, you should normally have:

At least 3 x GCSEs or 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years AU would also ask to see a professional CV.
If you do not meet these requirements, you may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and reference.

English proficiency

IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent.
Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

AU also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency.

Apply for the Course

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Career prospects

Perhaps you have a strong idea of where you want to go with your hospitality and tourism degree, or perhaps you’re still a little unsure. Don’t worry if you’re still weighing up your future career options. AU prepare you with a range of advanced multidisciplinary skills that employers from a variety of organisations will value, enhancing your career options wherever they might lie.

What can I do after Arden University?

Your foundation degree in hospitality and tourism will open up a wide range of career opportunities across the hospitality and tourism sectors. As you study with us you’ll have access to AU dedicated career services portal, where you can access additional ‘bolt-on’ e-learning courses, employer presentations, and search for jobs worldwide. Of course, your course lecturers are always on-hand to provide advice and guidance when it come to your professional future. Just a few of the possible roles you might want to consider after graduation could include:

Destination Manager
Hotel Manager
Travel Consultant
Tour Manager
Travel Agency Manager
Event Organiser
Travel Administrator
Food and Beverage Manager
Front Office Manager
Housekeeping Manager
Reception Manager
Rooms Division Manager
Restaurant Manager
Facilities Manager
Guest Relations Manager
Resort Manager

What will the BSc (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management with Foundation Year do for me?

What will the BSc (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management with Foundation Year include?

As well as developing important soft skills, up-to-date knowledge of hospitality and tourism functions, and career planning abilities, you’ll also be encouraged to develop a Personal Development Plan as you work through your degree. With support from Arden’s lecturers, this will help you track your progress and identify areas where you excel.

On the course, your assessments will be linked to real-world workplace issues and practices. Added to the benefits of our Arden Enterprise Incubator where you will be supported to start up or grow an existing business. You’ll graduate with hands-on experience in problem solving and identifying areas for business growth in the hospitality and tourism sectors – all highly desirable skills for today’s employers.

The BSc (Hons.) in International Hospitality & Tourism Management with Foundation Year will also give you the chance to:

Comprehend and appreciate the importance of the key skills, technologies, and competencies required to be successful in contemporary hospitality and tourism environments.
Identify and evaluate the roles and contributions of the key hospitality and tourism functions applicable to hospitality and tourism organisations and destinations.
Analyse hospitality and tourism challenges from a range of perspectives including consumers, suppliers, governments, and intermediaries.
Apply and evaluate hospitality and tourism concepts and theories in a range of hospitality and tourism contexts, challenges, and situations, including crisis management.
Develop your research, planning, and analytical skills.

Industry skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course is subject to approval by Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. The Institute aims to boost career development across the management sector and connect you with like-minded professionals across diverse sectors.

As the CMI possesses a Royal Charter, they are the only organisation in the UK that can award Chartered Manager status to their members – the gold standard in management. They are also active in business policy making across the globe, and ensure that their more than 140,000 members are represented in policy decision making.

As an Arden student, you’ll have free CMI Membership throughout your studies, giving you access to a range of additional resources including mentoring and career development services and invitations to networking events both online and offline.

Tourism Management Institute (TMI)

This course is subject to approval by Tourism Management Institute (TMI).

The Tourism Management Institute (TMI) is the professional organisation for anyone working in tourism destination management, supporting professionals who promote and develop destinations across the UK, Europe, and worldwide. The TMI supports professionals throughout their careers by providing opportunities for professional networking and sharing knowledge and expertise in destination management.

As an Arden student, you’ll have free membership throughout the duration of your studies, giving you access to a wealth of industry resources, career development guidance, and the TMI job vacancy portal, as well as networking opportunities and professional recognition that will improve your career prospects.

In addition to this, once you graduate with a TMI recognised degree, you’ll automatically be eligible for Associate membership of the TMI.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) membership.

Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.

This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange of best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives AU faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of Arden’s courses and teaching methods, ensuring that AU are able to provide you with the best possible university experience.

Arden Enterprise Incubator

As an Arden University student, you’ll have access to the Arden Enterprise Incubator (AEI) online platform to support you in the area of entrepreneurship. Whether students are exploring the idea of setting up their own company or need help and guidance launching or growing an existing business, the AEI provides everything students need to kick start their entrepreneurial journey, as well as to support and empower them along the way.

The AEI has a wealth of resources available including monthly master classes, boot camps, podcasts, blogs, external events, and mentorship. Mentors include Arden University lecturers and industry experts, so Arden’s students receive the very best support and expertise.

As an IOEE Centre of Excellence, AU foster an entrepreneurial culture among Arden’s students. AU are dedicated to supporting their continuous growth by promoting enterprising thinking and practical entrepreneurial skills.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with AU curriculum and your career goals.
Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.

Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT)

Arden university has been awarded University Recognition by the ITT. The Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) is the only membership organisation for travel and tourism professionals, suppliers, educators, and students across all sectors of the tourism sector. The institute’s primary function is to elevate professional standards in the travel industry and to provide tourism organisations and professionals with support and guidance.

As Arden University is a member of ITT, you’ll have free membership with the ITT throughout the duration of your studies. This provides you with access to a wealth of industry resources, continued education and training, careers advice, networking opportunities, and professional recognition that will improve your career prospects. In addition to this, you’ll also have the chance to attend regular UK-based events and industry conferences.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)

Arden University has joined an elite group of universities in the UK that are members of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). UNWTO has a current membership of 156 countries and is responsible for the promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism.

UNWTO places a strong emphasis on emerging topics in global tourism and the sharing of this knowledge with its members. That means during your course, you’ll have access to a vast database of the latest tourism resources, statistics, journals, and books.

Business Graduates Association (BGA)

Arden University’s Faculty of Business is an esteemed member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), an international quality assurance body of world-leading education providers who share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning. Membership with the BGA means that Arden University will support its students’ professional growth, allowing them to contribute to an international network in which ‘Leaders Never Stop Learning’.