Hospitality Business Management with Conference and Events – BSc (Honours)

At a glance

Develop core hospitality skills coupled with the skills needed to enhance customer experience during an event. You learn to combine strategic thinking and solid event planning skills before an event with the flexibility and quick thinking required on the day. Then put these skills to the test on placement with a prestigious event provider such as the Grosvenor House, JW Marriott or MGM Mirage, Las Vegas.

Key points
• Combine knowledge of hospitality management with an understanding of events. • Gain experience of using innovative technologies to enhance event delivery.
• Apply for placements with top hospitality providers such as Hilton.
• Work or study overseas during placement for the international version of this award.

What is hospitality business management with conference and events?
The hospitality industry is competitive, fast growing and international, currently doing £68 billion of business a year in the UK alone. Hospitality business management is about delivering an experience that meets expectations for the customer whilst making a profit.

Events are a large part of the hospitality industry and include • wedding venues • conference and exhibition centres • corporate hospitality • private events • events catering.

This course

Learn how to create and deliver a range of tailored hospitality packages, from product launches to charity balls that exceed customer expectations. You develop the strategic and creative thinking, research and planning skills needed for organising events and recruiting and managing effective teams. But you also learn to combine these core skills with the fast thinking and flexibility required on event days.

You are taught by lecturers with considerable industry experience internationally in a wide range of roles, including research and consultancy, training and development, food and beverage operations, hotel management, banqueting and conferencing.

In your first year, you develop your understanding of key principles in corporate hospitality. Then year two develops your understanding of conference and hospitality operations.

You then have the chance to apply what you’ve learnt in the work place with a paid placement. Placements are a valuable way of increasing your employability and starting salary. We help you find a suitable placement, and provide support while you are there.

You can emulate the success of past students who have worked for major event and hospitality providers such as • Hilton London Metropole • De Vere Hotels • Marriott Hotels • MGM Mirage, Las Vegas • Thistle • Compass • Sodexo.

Your final year allows you to further apply your skills and theoretical understanding and develops your ability to make strategic decisions.

We encourage you to make your own contacts with industry throughout the course. As a student, you get the opportunity to • attend trade shows • take part in industry visits • act as a student ambassador at open days, on course committees and with employers.

You can opt for the international version of this course which places greater emphasis on the global hospitality industry. To do this, you must take a work placement or a period of study abroad.

Key areas of study
Key areas include • corporate hospitality • hospitality events business • conference and meetings • international hospitality • business and management • food and drink management • facilities management • finance • marketing.

Optional modules allow you to focus on your specialist interests.