Our courses

Overview

The hospitality sector employs 3.2 million people, representing 10% of all employment, 6% of businesses, and 5% of GDP, and yet the sector is continually unlocking its full potential as one of the biggest engines for growth in the economy. 2020 was a difficult year, with an uptick in 2021 and 2022 moving forward, consumers remain as eager as ever to visit hospitality venues, and the economy will look to the hospitality sector to spearhead the UK’s economic revival as the pandemic ends. 

The structure of this course enables an understanding and evaluation of business concepts of management, whilst preparing graduates for the hospitality sector through the extensive use of contemporary case studies, guest speakers and off-site visits. This synthesis allows students to develop their knowledge whilst gaining commercial awareness and expertise within the industry.

*All students enrolled onto this degree will be able to access free membership into the Institute of Hospitality. Uniting professionals, Promoting excellence, Facilitating learning.

Structure and content

See below for the modules which you will study:

Foundation Year

• Research Skills
• Data Skills
• Communication Skills
• Professional Development Skills

Year 1

• Hospitality, Tourism and Events Environment
• Academic and Professional Skills
• Managing Quality in Hospitality, Tourism and Events
• Business Finance

Year 2

• Customer Service Management for Tourism and Hospitality
• Managing Human Resources
• Principles and Practice of Marketing
• Hospitality Management
• Sustainability in Career Development

Year 3

• Live Project
• Executing Business Strategy
• Contemporary Issues
• Undergraduate Major Project (Leadership in Practice)

For a more detailed overview of the course modules you can view the Course Information Sheet here.

Course Information Sheet

Entry requirements

ARU London's standard offer is 96 UCAS tariff points from 3 A Levels, e.g. BCC.

Alternatively, ARU London asks for:

• Irish Leaving Certificate: BBCCC.
• Scottish Highers: BBCCC.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in a business-related subject.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 24 points.

All applicants are required to have at least 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths. 

If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Applicants studying for other qualifications should contact ARU London to discuss their circumstances.

We also welcome applications from mature individuals who can demonstrate appropriate, relevant work experience.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on our assessment of your overall suitability for the course. We treat everyone as an individual which means we will look at your whole application including any relevant work experience and personal circumstances as well as your educational qualifications. Please contact admissions@london.aru.ac.uk for more information.

International Students Undergraduate Entry Requirements 

To join the first year of our undergraduate course you’ll need one of the following.

• GCE A levels from a recognised UK examination board.
• An International Baccalaureate with a minimum of 24 points.
• A university foundation course recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
• Relevant qualifications obtained in your home country: see our country-specific entry requirements.

If you've completed study at university level in the UK or your home country you may be eligible to enter directly into Year 2 or 3 of a related degree course at ARU. Find out more about transferring to ARU.

Teaching and assessment

Knowledge and understanding is assessed via a number of methods including a range of assignments. These assignments can be in a variety of forms from a written Management Report, to an analysis of a company report, to a presentation that responds to an organisational issue which allows opportunities for students to partake in a practical experience which syntheses theory and practice.

Formative assessment will be provided throughout the duration of the course, providing feedback to improve students’ knowledge and development, whilst allowing the opportunity to evaluate student academic needs.

Most modules will have at least two assessments which provides an opportunity to assess knowledge and understanding and a range of skills in an effective manner.

Intellectual Skills

These are assessed a variety of coursework and assignments and the major project. The written assignments have clearly delineated word limits to encourage the concise presentation of structured, well supported argument and opinion. The Major Project, at Level 6, allows students to demonstrate their mastery of cognitive skills at the highest level of attainment specified in the General Business and Management benchmark statements and affords students the opportunity to synthesize their knowledge.

Practical Skills

Assessment of practical skills is undertaken both formatively and summatively and involves assignments in various forms such as presentations, projects and reports. Students are also given many opportunities to critically appraise practical techniques in a variety of situations such as tutorials and simulations.

Transferable Skills

These skills are again assessed in a variety of ways, for example students may be asked to make a presentation to a particular audience (e.g. employers) as part of an assignment or they may need to be able to work as a team member in researching the information that will be needed for that presentation.

Timetable

Full-time Schedule:

Standard delivery:
Studying on campus 2 days a week which is Monday - Friday (10:00-17:00)

Employability

In today’s competitive jobs market, graduates need to stand out from the crowd to successfully secure that all-important first full-time job after university.

Your lecturers all have first-hand experience of business, and many continue to work in the hospitality sector. Therefore, the content of your degree will be directly relevant to the demanding, constantly evolving world of contemporary business. Furthermore, you will study business from a practical and academic perspective.

Our lecturers have a wealth of contacts and you’ll be studying alongside students from around the world, and we are a proud member of the British Hospitality Association. All great for networking and professional support.

Being one of the most important financial and business centres in the world, London is a world-class hospitality hub, offering the best examples of service and luxury accommodation. Our employability team can assist you to secure a part-time hospitality job, too.

During your studies, there will be the opportunity to participate in various events and one on one sesions run by our employability team with the specific objective of enhancing your future employment prospects. This includes CV workshops, interview techniques, career counselling and visits from prospective employers.

We encourage all students to consider their future when choosing what degree to study. We don't expect everyone to know what they want to do after university, but it is important that the associated jobs interest you.

Associated Jobs:

• Accommodation Manager
• Catering Manager
• Event Manager
• Hotel Manager
• Public House Manager
• Restaurant Manager
• Tour Manager
• Human Resource Officer

To learn more about where this course can take you, visit the guide from our employability team.

Graduate Career Opportunities in Hospitality, Events, and Tourism

Course Fees

Foundation year will cost £5,760

EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information. 

For 2024-2025 entry, the maximum government-approved undergraduate tuition fee for UK students is £9,250 per year. The University is able to charge this fee subject to an approved Access and Participation Plan for 2024-2025 and its current rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework

International Students 

For international students studying their undergraduate with ARU London the tution fee will be £16,700 per year. 

Course Aims

1. Facilitation of students learning, understanding and development of business and industry subject knowledge

2. To present an integrated approach to the industry embracing both theory and practice, accumulating in an understanding of the importance of working with others and the benefits of effective management through the principles of sustainability.

3. Provide a comprehensive study of business and management. Exploring the application of concepts with a focus on hospitality through research, contemporary issues and practice, enabling students to appreciate the importance of organisational culture, structure, resources, business development, ethical, technological, environmental and global contexts in which business and hospitality operates.

4. To provide an education in the terminology, concepts, principles and techniques utilised in business and hospitality

5. The embedding of personal and professional skills, to enhance and prepare students for a career in hospitality or to identify and choose from a range of alternative career options and professions within business.

6. To enable students to develop a wide range of intellectual and analytical abilities relevant to business in general and hospitality in particular and appropriate to an honours degree, including the ability to think critically and independently and analyse and synthesise effectively.

7. To ensure that students depart with a wide range of skills and competencies to work in a business environment, both home and international, with an appreciation of different ethical and cultural values that employers consider both essential and desirable in any new graduate.

Course Learning Outcomes

Hospitality Sector Understanding

Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality sector, focusing on its concepts, globalisation, business management, development, economic impacts, and resource use (A01).

Contemporary Issues in Hospitality

They will appreciate contemporary issues such as operational costs, disruptive technologies, global emerging markets, ethics, environmental concerns, labour shortages, CSR, evolving customer expectations, and risk management (A02).

Business Analysis in Hospitality

Graduates will analyse hospitality organisations, evaluating their structure, management, workforce, and ability to adapt to change while promoting sustainable development (A03).

Micro and Macro Environmental Awareness

They will understand how micro and macro environments impact corporate strategy, performance, and stakeholder interests (A04).

Global Context in Business

Graduates will consider the global context of business, focusing on social, political, ethical, technological, environmental, and legal factors (A05).

Sustainable Development and Cultural Impact

They will explore the root causes of unsustainable development and understand the social, economic, and environmental impacts, as well as cultural considerations (A06).

Finance, Marketing, and HR Management

Graduates will demonstrate understanding of the management of finance, marketing, and human resources, exploring how these resources are effectively used within operations (A07).

Decision-Making and Communication

They will evaluate decision-making methods and analytical tools, understanding their role in implementing business decisions and the importance of communication structures (A08).

Ethical Responsibility

Graduates will integrate ethics, personal responsibility, and professional conduct into their work (A09).

Multidisciplinary and Multicultural Awareness

Graduates will appreciate the relevance of multidisciplinary and multicultural approaches to business and hospitality management (B01).

Teamwork, Leadership, and Interpersonal Skills

They will perform effectively as individuals, team members, and managers, applying skills in communication, negotiation, conflict management, and collaboration (B02).

Case Study Research

Graduates will conduct research using case studies in business and hospitality, evaluating examples of good or poor practice (B03).

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

They will be self-assured in identifying complex problems, particularly in hospitality, and apply appropriate knowledge to resolve them (B04).

Critical Thinking and Analysis

Graduates will apply critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis to evaluate theories, models, and research in business and hospitality management (B05).

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

They will use quantitative and qualitative techniques to analyse and interpret abstract data towards a given purpose, using ICT and other resources with minimal guidance (B06).

Self-Reflection and Cultural Awareness

Graduates will reflect critically on their own behaviours and remain open to cultural and organisational differences within the business environment (B07).

Independent Learning

They will manage their learning effectively, acting autonomously within agreed guidelines (B08).

Personal Responsibility and Professional Conduct

Graduates will manage themselves effectively, incorporating personal responsibility, professional codes of conduct, and a focus on sustainability into academic and practical applications (B09).