BSc (Hons) Business & Hospitality Management with Foundation Year

Course Description

The BSc (Hons) Business & Hospitality Management with Foundation Year program is designed for students aspiring to build a successful career in the thriving hospitality industry, combining core business principles with specialized hospitality management practices. This course provides students with the essential skills and knowledge to manage and lead in hospitality businesses, such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, and event management organizations.

The inclusion of a Foundation Year offers a supportive entry point for students without traditional qualifications or those needing extra preparation before starting their degree-level studies. The foundation year focuses on academic development, helping students build essential skills in research, critical thinking, and business concepts that are crucial for success in the later stages of the program.

This four-year program is structured to provide a blend of theory and practical experience, preparing students for senior roles in hospitality management, including leadership, operations, and strategic planning. Throughout the program, students will engage with real-world business challenges, case studies, and industry placements, offering valuable exposure to the hospitality sector.

Why Study This Course?

• Industry-Relevant Knowledge: Learn essential business and hospitality management concepts, such as operations management, marketing, financial planning, and customer service excellence.
• Diverse Career Paths: Graduates will be equipped to pursue a wide range of careers within the hospitality sector and business management.
• Practical Learning: Benefit from real-world applications through industry placements, field trips, and case studies that develop practical, hands-on experience.
• Foundation Year: A built-in foundation year for students who may not meet direct entry requirements, offering additional support to ensure academic success.
• Accredited Program: The course is designed to meet industry standards, equipping students with the competencies required to thrive in the competitive hospitality management field.

Career Opportunities after Graduation

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Business & Hospitality Management with Foundation Year program are prepared for a range of exciting career opportunities in the hospitality and business sectors, including:

• Hotel Manager: Oversee the daily operations of a hotel or resort, ensuring a seamless guest experience and efficient management of staff and resources.
• Restaurant Manager: Manage restaurant operations, including customer service, staff supervision, menu planning, and financial management.
• Event Manager: Plan and coordinate corporate events, conferences, weddings, and other special occasions.
• Hospitality Consultant: Provide strategic advice to hospitality businesses, focusing on operational improvements and growth strategies.
• Tourism Manager: Develop and manage tourism projects, including destination marketing, travel services, and hospitality experiences.
• Business Development Manager: Focus on growing hospitality businesses by identifying new market opportunities and optimizing services.
• Operations Manager: Manage day-to-day operations in hospitality settings, ensuring cost-effectiveness and high customer satisfaction.

How Will I Be Taught and Assessed?

The course uses a combination of teaching methods to engage students, including:

• Lectures and Seminars: Core business and hospitality concepts will be introduced in lectures, while seminars offer a more interactive space for discussions.
• Workshops and Group Projects: These will help students work collaboratively on real-world hospitality challenges, developing problem-solving and teamwork skills.
• Industry Placements: Gain practical experience in hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and event venues, allowing you to apply theoretical learning to practice.
• Guest Speakers and Industry Experts: Professionals from the hospitality sector will share insights and up-to-date trends, enriching your learning experience.
• Case Studies and Field Trips: Study real-life cases from the hospitality industry and visit businesses to observe operations firsthand.

Assessments are a combination of exams, coursework, group projects, presentations, and a dissertation or capstone project. These assessments are designed to ensure students can apply their knowledge to practical business scenarios.

Modules

Foundation Year Modules:

• Academic Skills for Business: Develop research, writing, and analytical skills essential for higher education studies.
• Introduction to Business Management: Understand the fundamentals of business theory, operations, and strategic planning.
• Marketing Principles: Learn the basics of marketing theory and how it applies to businesses, especially in the hospitality industry.
• Personal and Professional Development: Build skills for personal growth, self-management, and professional success.
• Business Communication: Focus on effective communication in business settings, including presentations and reports.

Year 1 Modules:

• Introduction to Hospitality Management: Gain an understanding of the hospitality industry, its operations, and business challenges.
• Business Economics: Study the economic factors that impact business decisions in the hospitality industry.
• Organizational Behavior: Explore how individuals and teams function within organizations, focusing on hospitality businesses.
• Customer Service Excellence: Learn how to deliver exceptional customer experiences in a competitive hospitality market.
• Hospitality Marketing: Apply marketing principles specifically to the hospitality sector, focusing on branding and customer engagement.

Year 2 Modules:

• Financial Management for Hospitality: Learn the financial principles that are critical to managing a hospitality business, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability.
• Operations Management: Study the day-to-day operations of hospitality businesses, including logistics, resource management, and efficiency.
• Human Resource Management: Understand HR practices and strategies for recruiting, developing, and retaining staff in the hospitality sector.
• Strategic Management: Develop strategic thinking and planning skills to lead hospitality businesses in a competitive market.
• Event Management: Learn the principles and practices of organizing events, conferences, and special functions.

Year 3 Modules:

• Leadership in Hospitality: Explore the role of leadership and decision-making in managing teams within hospitality businesses.
• Sustainability in Hospitality: Study sustainable practices in hospitality management, including green certifications and eco-friendly operations.
• International Hospitality Management: Gain an understanding of global hospitality operations and cultural considerations in business management.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Hospitality: Learn how to develop and implement innovative ideas and business models in the hospitality industry.
• Research Project/Dissertation: Conduct independent research on a topic relevant to business and hospitality management, culminating in a dissertation.

Student Finance

For students eligible for financial support, funding options may include:

• Tuition Fees: Loans, grants, or scholarships to assist with the cost of tuition fees.
• Living Costs: Maintenance loans may be available to cover rent, food, travel, and other living expenses while studying.

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) Business & Hospitality Management with Foundation Year program offers students a comprehensive education in both business and hospitality management. With practical experience, industry insights, and a supportive foundation year, students are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in the global hospitality industry. Whether you’re interested in hotel management, event planning, or strategic business development, this program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a dynamic and growing field.