TEF Gold

Plymouth Business School

BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management

UCAS tariff 104 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code N224
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of international hospitality management? Our BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management degree is tailor-made to equip you with the essential tools and hands-on skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic global hospitality industry.

6 Join this course from September 2026
 
Whether your aspirations lie in:
  • managing luxury resorts
  • commanding mega cruise ships
  • overseeing bustling restaurants
  • or orchestrating unforgettable experiences through hands-on learning and strong industry connections. 

Join us and unlock a world of endless career possibilities in one of the most vibrant and fast-paced industries today.
Modern luxury hotel reception counter desk with bell.
 

Careers with this subject
Our BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Mangement degree will open a variety of exciting career opportunities for you worldwide. 
The hospitality industry is one of the largest growing industries in the world, made up of a diverse range of industries and employers. 
Graduates typically go on to work in roles such as:
  • Accommodation Manager 
  • Catering Manager
  • Hotel Manager
  • Events Manager 
  • Business Development Manager 
  • Air Cabin Crew 
Some graduates choose to go into operational management, IT, marketing, and human resources roles. 
Recent graduates have gained their first-time employment in junior management positions in a wide variety of organisations. Major employers such as Princess Cruises, Hilton, Mariott and Sodexo have offered placements to students on our various hospitality management degrees which have led to future employment. 
You can also further your career prospects by completing a postgraduate qualification at the University of Plymouth.

Key features
  • Gain a competitive advantage and learn to meet the changing needs of the hospitality industry in rapidly changing times, on a course accredited by the Institute of Hospitality.
  • Gain up-to-date knowledge and contacts through our newly launched the University of Plymouth Hotel School, which has added a unique new dimension to the course and is designed to help secure you the best graduate employment opportunities.
  • Learn how to make effective and culturally-sensitive decisions to meet the changing demands of society and the economy.
  • Have the option of learning and practicing a new foreign language including Spanish, French, German and Mandarin. Developing a second language is valued by hospitality organisations as it helps you understand cultural differences and prepares you for a role in front of house operations.
  • Maximise your potential by learning through case study work, consultancy projects for real companies, research on new entrepreneurial hospitality organisations, and designing effective marketing campaigns. You'll also have the opportunity to publish your findings at academic conferences and in journals.
  • Take advantage of our high-quality teaching, informed by staff research, contributes to the tourism and hospitality groups excellent rating, 23 out of 24, given by the Quality Assurance Agency.
  • Boost your future career prospects and gain industry experience by taking the option to go on a paid work placement in your third year and receive the additional Certificate of Industrial Experience after successful completion.
  • According to the UNWTO, one in eleven jobs worldwide are now in tourism and hospitality, so you will enhance your career opportunities through our focus on employability.
  • Develop your knowledge of the world's fastest growing industry on a degree designed to empower you to innovate and inspire. You'll learn how to make effective and culturally-sensitive decisions to meet the changing demands of society and the economy - whether as the manager of a hotel, a resort, a conference centre or a cruise ship. 
  • Develop transferable skills in problem solving, data presentation, communication, team work, negotiation, as well as specific talents such as expertise in revenue management, use of social media, emotional intelligence and contemporary food and beverage management.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    STO4002
    The Business Environment: A Global Perspective 40 credits

    This module introduces students to essential understanding and competencies in the dynamic and changing nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, including the management of risk and business resilience.

    60% Tests

    40% Coursework

    THE4008
    Introduction to International Hospitality Operations

    This module develops a model understanding of the international hospitality sector in the context of hotel, restaurants and broad ranging hospitality operations. Fostering an understanding of the essential business and sustainable management practices for international hospitality operations, which include food and beverage, front office, accommodation and environmental considerations. It includes engagement with external learning element, such as industry operation in providing a practical perspective to theoretical reading.

    THE4009
    Global Hospitality Landscape

    The module offers an exploration of the dynamic and multifaceted world of international hospitality operations. Through a blend of business frameworks and real-world case studies, examining the diverse cultural, economic, and social factors shaping the global hospitality landscape. The module uses HOTS a Hotel Management simulation experience, allowing students to make business based decisions which covers topics such as market trends, consumer behaviour, sustainable practices, and the impact of globalization on hospitality operations.

    THE4011
    Management and Entrepreneurship in Tourism, Hospitality and Events

    This module explores a range of issues relating to the effective development of regional, national and/or international organisations and ventures in the tourism, hospitality, and event industries. Students will recognise how entrepreneurial thinking can drive growth and adaptability and will develop the necessary entrepreneurial skills to identify opportunities for innovation and business development, including opportunity recognition, strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. The module includes a focus on the importance and relevance of social responsibility and resilience strategies and equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical tools to thrive in dynamic and evolving industries.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    THE5011
    Service Innovation in the Cruise Industry 20 credits

    This module introduces you to the management of passenger services on-board cruise liners, focussing on the provision of quality service, as a component of the cruise product.

    100% Coursework

    THE5018
    Digitalisation and the Visitor Experience

    This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand the transformative role of digital technologies in shaping visitor experiences within tourism and the global hospitality industries. It explores how digitalisation impacts the customer journey, enhances service delivery, and influences destination management. You will gain the knowledge through practical experiences to use digital tools, analyse emerging trends, and develop innovative strategies for creating personalised, seamless visitor and consumer experiences. The module encourages critical thinking about the ethical, social, and operational challenges posed by digital transformation.

    THE5019
    Service Marketing in Practice

    This module will introduce you to key marketing principles and theories, emphasising their practical application. You will learn to develop marketing strategies that respond to industry trends, technological advancements, and changing consumer needs. Additionally, you will develop skills in conducting market research and analysing data to generate actionable insights.

    Optional modules

    PBS5001C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business 20 credits

    Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5002C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade 20 credits

    In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5003C
    The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action 20 credits

    Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.

    100% Coursework

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

104

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level - 104 UCAS points from a minimum of 2 A levels.
BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma - DMM in any subject
BTEC National Diploma modules - If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
Access - Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction.
T level - Merit in any subject.
International Baccalaureate - 26 - 30 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level.
English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.
Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a foundation year to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.
English Language requirements - We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .

Fees, costs and funding
2025-2026 2026-2027 *
Home £9,535 £9,535
International £17,600 £18,150
Part time (Home) £795 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.


Tuition fee price changes

In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about fees and costs of studying.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.

Real experience every step of the way

Graduate standing on the deck of a cruise ship
Placement opportunities

Boost your future career prospects and gain industry experience by taking the opportunity to go on a paid work placement in your third year and receive the additional Certificate of Industrial Experience after successful completion.
Student event at Drake's Circus as part of their Event Management degree
Experiential learning

You will engage in a series of live client projects, providing hands-on experience in addressing contemporary industry challenges. Guest speakers will share their expertise and offer valuable perspectives on current trends and practices.
The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) Society
Institute of Hospitality

Membership of the Institute of Hospitality provides access to a wide range of benefits, promotes networking with industry contacts and helps members develop professionally to achieve their full potential.
 
"From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the lecturers on the programme for being wonderful and supportive. I would like to thank my supervisor too, who guided me on the right path, helping me with my vision and encouraging me to do better when needed. Without the support of the lecturers and my supervisor Sheela, I do not think I would have produced an amazing dissertation which helped me achieve a first-class honours in this field.
My time at the University of Plymouth has molded me into a strong person, brimming with self-confidence!"
Vihangi De Silva, BSc International Hospitality Management graduate 
Vihangi De Silva
 

Optional placement year

You have the option of spending your third year in an industrial placement.
The placement year consists of an extended period of professional work experience in a relevant business organisation. It extends your commercial awareness and knowledge of the business environment, provides an opportunity for personal development, and equips you with the experience and skills necessary to gain suitable employment on graduation. We have excellent links with a large number of placement providers, and many of these have worked with our students for a number of years.
Optional placement year logos

Our students have completed placements with the following organisations

Exploring the cruise industry

BSc (Hons) Tourism and Hospitality Management student Molly Braham explains how undertaking an optional placement year working on-board for Carnival UK as part of the course was invaluable.
"Placement is such a fantastic opportunity for not only your personal development but it allows you to make contacts within the industry."

What do our graduates say?

Charissa Chan - BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management graduate
Charissa Chan - Assistant Vice President, Human Resources, Hong Kong
David Lane square
David Lane - Hotel Director, Salisbury-Stonehenge
Lai Ting Kwan
Lai Ting Kwan - Graduate
Luke Slater resize for montage
Luke Slater - Project Manager, UK

Staff list

The routes you can take onto this course

Courses and study degrees with foundation dartmoor
Degrees with foundation years
UPIC students sitting on a bench
University of Plymouth International College (UPIC)
Group of students sitting on grass
Funding, scholarships and bursaries