International Hospitality Management BA (Hons)



Edinburgh offers an ideal place to study international hospitality

Overview

Edinburgh Napier is #1 Modern University in Scotland (Times' World University Rankings 2024).

With its rich history, abundance of attractions and world-famous festivals, the city is a centre for travellers and tourists from all over the world. Hospitality and tourism businesses flourish here, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to gain work experience.

You'll develop your skills in the design, delivery and management of food, beverage and accommodation to top industry standards within a global business environment.

With options of a 24-week work placement, this course will equip you with the knowledge and practical preparation you need to successfully pursue a career in international hospitality management.

The interior of an empty restaurant. There are tables and chairs, and many paintings on the walls.

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

N220

Placement:

Yes

Study Abroad:

Yes

Course details

You'll study the principles of international hospitality management and apply these to practical situations in hotels and restaurants, preparing you for a career in the hospitality and tourism industries.

You'll specialise in hospitality business with the opportunity to study modules in tourism, leisure, marketing and languages. You'll learn practical skills in hotels and restaurants, as well as developing transferable skills in research, academic writing, communication and interpersonal relations, presentation and time management.

You'll also have the opportunity to learn from within the industry via a work placement or live project.You may also be able to study abroad through our international exchange links in Europe and the USA.

We offer tuition that is supported by highly experienced teaching staff and strong industry links.

Lead Academics

Dr Gavin Urie is a Lecturer in Hospitality Management and the Programme Leader for BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management. He specialises in food and beverage management, accommodation management, sustainability, experience design, business skills and the development of alternative economies within hospitality provision. Gavin completed his undergraduate degree (BA (Hons) Community Arts) and postgraduate degree (MSc International Hospitality & Tourism Management) at the University of Strathclyde before moving to Edinburgh Napier University to complete his PhD. Gavin’s research focused on the growth of network commensality (pop-ups, supper clubs, etc.) and how these experiences contribute to alternative economies of hospitality. He also looked at the social interactions, use of space, understanding of tradition, background and upbringing in creating memorable meal experiences from both a guest and host perspective. Gavin has appeared at a number of internationally recognised conferences and contributes to various academic publications.

Dr Paul Barron is Professor in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Edinburgh Napier University. Upon completing his first degree in Hotel Management, Paul embarked on a successful, 8 year, management career in the Hospitality industry. Paul commenced his academic career as a lecturer in Hospitality Management at Glasgow Caledonian University and completed his MSc in Human Resource Management. Paul then spent 11 years as Senior Lecturer The University of Queensland, Australia and was awarded his PhD in 2003. This study formed the largest examination of international students' educational experiences in Australian universities and is held as a key element of research in the field of hospitality management education. Paul joined Edinburgh Napier University in 2007 as Reader in Hospitality Management and gained his Professorship in August 2015. Paul continues to study the education experience of students studying hospitality, tourism and events at university and, more recently has undertaken funded research that examined the emerging Generation Y consumer in the UK, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore. Current projects are regarding employee engagement, knowledge transfer and an analysis of career destinations and aspirations of festival and event graduates.

Dr Ahmed Hassanien's professional experience includes both practical and academic roles in the tourism industry. He has more than 22 years of teaching experience at a number of international Universities. He has reviewed many academic articles for international academic periodicals. In 2004, he won the 'Teacher of the Year' award from the University of Wolverhampton. Also, he was awarded the 'Caparo Prize' for the most outstanding piece of pedagogic research in 2006. He is currently an associate editor of the International Journal of Customer Relationship Marketing and Management and is on the editorial board of The International Journal of Human Capital and Information Technology Professionals. Ahmed has published widely in international refereed conferences and periodicals. Most of his research work is done in collaboration with international colleagues and research students. 

How will my degree reflect sustainability and sustainable development?

The Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) – established under the UN Global Compact – places a clear onus on Higher Education to ‘transform management education and develop the responsible decision-makers of tomorrow to advance sustainable development’. The Business School is a PRME signatory, and we seek to influence professional practice and policy nationally and internationally, helping to drive key societal, economic and environmental impacts.

Our mission is ‘to empower communities to apply business knowledge for positive societal impact’ and we work constantly to embed practical actions into our curriculum, to promote sustainability and relate these to the key ideas of sustainability, as reflected in the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes now reflect one or more of the SDG, and our research is targeted to solve real world problems, mapped against the criteria used in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Ranking.

The most recent annual league table for Sustainability - compiled by People & Planet, the UK’s largest student campaigning network - again places Edinburgh Napier in a top 3 position among Scotland’s 19 universities. This reflects their assessment of our performance across a range of environmental and ethical considerations, which include carbon reduction and management, and education.

What is distinct about equality, diversity and inclusion?

Edinburgh Napier University is enriched by the diversity of perspectives, cultures and backgrounds brought by all within our global community. We are committed to a positive environment where diversity and inclusiveness is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, age, ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status or whether pregnant or on maternity leave. We commit ourselves to providing a learning, working and social environment that is free from discrimination, prejudice, intimidation, stigmatisation and all forms of harassment and bullying.

The Business School's vision: 'To be the Business School for empowerment, enterprise and employability for all'.

Our mission statement: 'Empowering our communities to apply business knowledge for positive societal impact'.

  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

    You'll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and independent study. There is a work placement option in Year 3.
  • note and pen

    Assessments

    You'll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and independent study.
  • briefcase

    Work placement

    You're in the right place if you want real life, hands-on experience. Our strong links to industry allow us to offer an optional 24 week work placement available across all three of the subject areas: hospitality, tourism and festival & events.

    Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.

  • study abroad

    Study abroad

    You can choose to study abroad through our international exchange links in Europe and the USA.

    Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Introduction to International Hospitality, Tourism and Events
  • Intercultural and Organisational Management
  • Marketing
  • Hospitality Operations Management
  • Accounting for Business
  • One option

Year 2

  • The Management of Hospitality Systems
  • Customer Care and Service
  • Introduction to HRM
  • The Study of Food, Wine and Gastronomy
  • Facilities Planning for Hospitality, Tourism and Events
  • One option

Year 3

  • Hospitality Business Development
  • Global Service Management
  • Hospitality Supervision and Training Skills

A choice of:

  • Live Project and one option, or
  • Work-Based Learning (24-week work placement)

Year 4

  • Leadership, Innovation and Technology for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
  • Sustainable Development in Hospitality
  • Global Hospitality Management
  • Dissertation
  • One option

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for International Hospitality Management?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the Undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Minimum Year 1

SQA Higher

  • Standard Entry Requirement: BBBC
  • Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BCCC

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A Level

  • CCC

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • H2, H3, H3, H3 at Higher Level

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit).

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades D*D (Distinction*, Distinction)

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

  • Minimum grades MM (Merit, Merit).
  • A Level grade C

T level

  • Pass, with grade C or above in the core component.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 27 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4. 

Scottish HNC

  • Other HNC subjects may be considered for year 1 entry where a C in the graded unit is achieved.

Minimum Year 2

HNC

  • Pass HNC in Hospitality with grade B at SCQF Level 7 in the graded unit.

SQA Advanced Higher

  • BBC
  • Basic Food Hygiene Certificate required.

A Level

  • BBB
  • Basic Food Hygiene Certificate required.

Minimum Year 3

HND

  • Pass HND in Hospitality or Professional Cookery with grade B at SCQF Level 8 in the graded unit(s).

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.


We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland £1,820 £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £9,250
Overseas and EU £16,680 £17,520
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

A swimming pool on the rooftop of a hotel.

Your qualification acts as a stepping stone to graduate management training schemes with major multinational hotel groups, or can be a route into junior management positions in a range of sectors.

This course offers excellent preparation for employment in:

  • Food and beverage management
  • Accommodation services
  • Human resources management
  • Financial management
  • Sales and marketing
  • Tourism management
  • Retail management
The reception desk of a luxury hotel, with one person sitting in a chair by the reception desk.