Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - International Hospitality Management

The International Hospitality Management programme at Derby equips students with the skills and knowledge to manage hospitality venues while also developing leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities essential for success in the hospitality industry. It emphasizes the interconnection between hospitality, tourism, and events within the wider 'visitor economy,' encouraging collaboration with Events and Tourism students to broaden career prospects. The programme offers the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in year two and is part of the Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism, which has been awarded the prestigious International Centre of Excellence (ICE) in Tourism and Hospitality accreditation. All modules align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, promoting consideration of the social and environmental impacts of hospitality alongside its economic benefits.

The BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management degree is designed to provide the management and operational skills necessary to succeed in the hospitality industry of the 2020s and beyond. The curriculum has been updated to include business management, new technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, producing graduates who are adaptable, creative, and capable of leading change. Modules have been redesigned to integrate core business disciplines, including Finance, Marketing, and HR, at points where they are most relevant. Students develop financial knowledge through business planning and enhance HR and leadership skills through organisational transformation exercises.

As part of the ICE-accredited Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism, the programme shares key generic modules with International Tourism Management and Event Management degrees, illustrating how these specialisms collectively form the 'visitor economy.' While maintaining a primary focus on hospitality through specialist modules and assessments, students also gain broader business management knowledge and can choose optional modules in event management and tourism, resulting in a wider skillset and greater career flexibility.

The curriculum covers modern hospitality and business management skills, including problem-solving, adapting to changing environments, creating innovative hospitality concepts and customer experiences, project planning, and evaluation. Digital technology is integrated throughout the course. Topics include the hotel industry, luxury hotels and resorts, revenue management strategies, operations management, and emerging technologies such as simulation, self-service systems, and AR/VR applications for guest experiences. Sustainability and circular economy principles are emphasized, including designing out waste, extending the lifecycle of products and materials, and regenerating natural systems. Optional modules cover areas such as hotel data analytics, menu design and sensory evaluation, talent management, and consumer behaviour.

Students also develop key transferable skills in research, data analysis, business development, financial management, and team leadership, alongside practical knowledge of hospitality software, including POS and inventory control. Graduates leave with a diverse skillset, practical experience, and the confidence to make a meaningful impact in the hospitality industry.