Introduction

The BSc (Hons) International Tourism, Hospitality and Events has been designed to help you achieve an ideal balance between a broad understanding of business and specialist knowledge in international tourism, hospitality, and events within a global context. The course aims to equip students with a wide range of professional and managerial skills essential within the dynamic tourism, hospitality, and events sectors.

Programme Features

The course includes specialist modules that cover innovation and entrepreneurship in international tourism, hospitality, and event managers, as well as addressing the global challenges and future of tourism. There is also a module on international hospitality management, which will give you a wider perspective on operational practices and strategic decision-making processes. 

You will be supported to develop your skills in critical thinking and writing techniques during the course of the year with core modules which focus on employability, and contemporary business issues. During these modules you will develop personal applications, CVs, and cover letters as part of overall career planning to promote future employability. You will be asked to prepare an independent review of the literature on a contemporary business issue of your choice (discipline specific), which will develop independent thinking and learning, whilst applying knowledge to specific business issues.  

The relevance, rigour, and internationalisation of this course are set to meet some of the highest accreditation levels; there is ample support for you to develop the required academic study skills. Whatever your background, we will assist you in adopting the more critical and research-informed approach needed for an honours degree at a UK university. 

Modules

Career Development and Research Informed Learning 

This module equips you with the necessary knowledge and transferable skills to enhance your employability, future career development and academic studies for your final year of undergraduate study.

The module has been designed to develop your academic skills to support your current studies and ensure your transition into higher education. You will enhance your academic writing skills, develop your critical thinking ability, understand the role and value of research and understand how to effectively use academic journals, all within the context of business and management.

This module will also support your future employability and career development, exploring and reflecting upon your knowledge, skills, personality, values and interests to support you in making well-informed career choices.

International Hospitality Operations Management

This hospitality module is a fast-paced area of study which examines the key management practices in this vibrant global sector, enabling you to fully appreciate the diversity and complexity of provision. You will engage in critical debate and analysis of the concepts and frameworks that affect business and operational strategy.

You will gain essential knowledge for developing a career in the sector by examining contemporary issues within the International Hospitality sector and utilising theory and insights from a wide range of academic perspectives. International examples illustrate industry practice and demonstrate the diversity across different global locations and cultures.

Responsible Strategy 

In this module, you will learn about the context of responsible strategic thinking and how to identify and explore sustainable business opportunities as a source of competitive advantage.

Working together with your academic tutor and your peers, you will engage in theoretical debates and challenge current business thinking and practices to further advance the application of responsible strategy within the complexities of the global business environment. You will gain an insight into responsible decision making and how it impacts internal and external stakeholders.

The module will make use of digital learning tools to support the students’ learning and skills development.

Contemporary Business Enquiry

This module will help you draw on your range of knowledge and skills developed during your studies to review research literature and evaluate business and management responses to a contemporary issue. You will undertake an individual investigation into an applied business problem related to your programme specialism.

Upon successful completion of the module, you will have an advanced understanding of a business topic of contemporary interest and a practical understanding of how to use research in evidence-based decision-making in a global business world. This module will make you aware of current issues and areas of importance within your chosen academic discipline, thus giving you an advantage in the employment market.

The focus on the contemporary knowledge base, supported by investigative study skills, will be useful for those students aspiring to higher-level studies such as Masters’ programme.

Innovation and Creativity in Tourism, Hospitality and Events

Globally Tourism, Hospitality and Events (THE) are vibrant, dynamic industries where quality and delivery of enhanced experiences are fundamental. Consumers, however, are now more knowledgeable, sophisticated, and demanding.

THE organisations must provide innovative, creative, and specialised products to maintain loyal customer behaviour, attract new customers and ensure sustainability in an increasingly competitive global environment.

This module explores how this is done by incorporating a range of examples and examining the theoretical framework for understanding tourism, hospitality, and event innovation. It also evaluates the role of the entrepreneur within this process.

You will explore the development and operation of the following THE products

•    rural and gastronomic tourism
•    event innovation
•    creative attractions
•    innovation in restaurants and hotels
•    technology advancements and consumer engagement
•    destinations marketing and new resort/product development.

Global Challenges and Tourism Futures

Tourism can only exist in the long term if it’s managed responsibly, and yet it faces short demands for profit in a challenging environment.

This module explores the industry’s uncertain future by encouraging in-depth discussion and critique of key questions and challenges facing communities, industry and government.

You’ll explore four key areas including:

•    sustainable tourism development
•    the impact of climate change on tourism
•    human mobility, transport and globalization
•    how tourism can adapt to the challenges of an ageing population.

Assessment

Assignment(s), poster presentation(s), group presentation(s), literature review, report(s), etc.

 Recognition

This course is covered by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation for Newcastle Business School. According to AACSB, “Approximately 6% of the world's schools offering business degree education have achieved AACSB accreditation, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality, rigorous standards, innovation, and continuous process improvement”

Northumbria is the only university in the North East of England to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Institute of Travel and Tourism, which is the UK’s professional body for the travel and tourism industry. 

Top University - Tourism, Transport, Travel & Heritage Studies is ranked 2nd in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2026. 

QF Level

QF Level : Level 5 QR Registration No. : 24/000530/L5  Validity Period : 01/09/2024 - 31/08/2029

Importance of choosing a non-local top-up with QF Level 5 Employment Degree qualifications pitched at QF Level 5 are formally recognised by the HKSAR Government for employment purposes within the Civil Service for graduate posts. Further Studies Having been recognised at QF Level 5, this top-up degree programme meets the standard of locally-accredited bachelor's degree programmes.  Upon graduation, students can pursue their further studies at Master’s degree level in Hong Kong or Overseas. Financial Assistance and Scholarships Various HKSAR Government financial assistance schemes and scholarships are only made available to eligible students enrolled into programmes with QF recognition.

 Fees

• Application Fee : HK$200 (No application fee before the deadline!)
• Registration Fee : HK$3,500
• Tuition Fee: HK$83,260 by 2 instalments

Scholarships

 A variety of attractive scholarships are available to prospective, current and graduating SHAPE students.

Financial Aids 

​The following HKSAR Government financial assistance schemes are available to eligible students who pursue this programme at SHAPE:

Financial Assistance Schemes		Amount (HK$)
	Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme (NMTSS)	Up to $35,120 per year  [AY2025/26]
	Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)	Up to $95,090 (Tuition fee grant) Up to $9,200 (Academic expenses grant) Up to 59,540 (Living expenses loan) [AY2025/26]
	Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)	Up to the annual tuition fees payable in the academic year [AY2025/26]

For details including eligibility and subsidy amount, please refer to the hyperlink of each scheme.

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Career Prospects

This programme equips you to develop careers in management with national and multi-national companies by displaying a sophisticated understanding of tourism, hospitality and events management. 

Further Studies

• Having been recognised at QF Level 5, this top-up degree programme meets the standard of locally-accredited bachelor's degree programmes.  Upon graduation, students may pursue their further studies at Master’s degree level offered by local universities in areas such as Global Hospitality Business and International Hospitality Management.

• Graduates of this top-up degree programme can enjoy a 20% alumni tuition fee discount when they study a Master’s degree at Northumbria University’s UK campuses (London or Newcastle).

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