of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Why should I choose this course?
- WORK PLACEMENT – Experience the industry first-hand during your hospitality degree through a paid 12-month placement, with opportunities to work around the world
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Perfect your skills in a practical environment by working in our award-winning training restaurant
- SPECIALISE YOUR STUDIES – Build specialist knowledge through your own research project and a variety of optional modules such as gastronomy or festivals and events tourism
- INDUSTRY APPROVED – Gain additional industry recognition by graduating with a degree accredited by the Institute of Hospitality
- TEAM SCOTLAND PARTNERSHIP – Our University will be the home for Team Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, offering exciting opportunities for our students to work with the team and its athletes
Our facilities
University College Birmingham is renowned for its outstanding food and hospitality training facilities. Our award-winning restaurant on campus provides the perfect environment for students on our hospitality courses to boost their skills across different service styles.
Course breakdown
Students on the FdA have the option of progressing onto the final year upon completion of the foundation degree.
- Year 1
- Year 2/3
- Year 3
- Year 4
Core Modules
Events Industry in Context
The events industry is a fast-growing sector increasingly used as a vehicle for economic activities. This module will introduce you to the industry and develop your awareness of the diverse profile of events. You will also develop an understanding of the motivations for the market demand and the impact this has on a variety of stakeholders.
Food, Beverage and Accommodation Applications
You will be introduced to a variety of functions in this area and the close relationship that exists between them when used in hospitality operations. You will examine the dynamic nature of the hospitality environment, considering current issues and trends such as sustainability and ethical trading as well as investigating how managers effectively deliver bottom-line profits.
Hospitality and Tourism Business Principles
You will explore key business principles relevant to the hospitality and tourism industry and become aware of business aspects such as finance and accounting. You will also come to understand the commercial environment in preparation for your placement.
People and Organisations
To help you with the fundamentals of understanding the management of people, you will be looking at the internal structure of large and small organisations. This module also examines current business theory, with a focus on the practice of managing people within a variety of organisations.
The Hospitality and Event Customer Experience
Like it or not, perception is reality as far as the customer is concerned, but do they see us in the same way as we see ourselves? It is essential that service providers understand the needs and wants of their customers and the relationship between service marketing, the service product, service setting and service delivery system. But first we need to identify who exactly our customers are and their characteristics.
Employability Enhancement
How do you get the job that you want and get ahead in your professional life? How do you ensure that you stand out and maximise every opportunity for career progression and enhancement? This module will develop your self-awareness and reflective skills, allowing you to then develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are demanded by the sector's top employers.
Work Placement
Work Placement
You will gain valuable work experience on a 48 week work placement. This is an exciting opportunity to put what you have learned into practice, broaden your experience and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers. Year 2 is the work placement year for foundation degree students. BA (Hons) degree students start their year in industry in the second semester of year 2 and finish it at the end of the first semester of year 3.
Core Modules
Dynamics of Business Events
You will be looking at the nature of the business events sector, examining the scope of business events, identifying stakeholders, considering funding options and event competency standards. You will source business leads, manage client relationships and conduct pre-event and post-event activities, as well as considering the future of the business event sector.
People Management for Hospitality Managers
Effective people management impacts the extent to which your business succeeds or fails. This module will explore the practical and theoretical people management skills required by 21st Century managers in order to maximise the success of their business, through their most important resource: their people. We will explore the role of the line manager throughout the employment journey and evaluate best practice procedures to attract and retain your staff.
Management of Food and Beverage Operations
You will have the opportunity to apply management principles in a 'live' realistic working environment. You will demonstrate your management skills in order to ensure the execution of a successful function and demonstrate the need for effective control and revenue-generating procedures.
Marketing Communications for Hospitality
The hospitality industry faces a huge challenge in terms of adapting and promoting services in an interconnected world. As a result, you will examine the tactics, strategies and ways that marketing managers use media communications to secure business.
Operational Finance for Hospitality and Tourism
Managers of hospitality operations are required to have a sound understanding of the financial performance of the business. This often involves interpretation and analysis of financial data before making decisions to positively influence financial performance. In this module you will build your understanding of the key aspects of financial management in hospitality businesses. You will also have the opportunity to develop this further in a simulated hotel environment whereby you will be able to quantify the impact of your decisions on the profitability and liquidity of the hotel.
Hospitality Investigations
The problems and questions facing current hospitality and tourism managers are becoming more unique and complex in nature. Therefore, as a hospitality manager, you will be required to engage in a range of research activities within your role. This module will prepare you for this and for future research within academia, providing an opportunity for you to develop, design and propose a piece of research which focuses on an interesting and contemporary topic area or issue within your industry.
Plus one option from:
Gastronomy
Gastronomy is the study of the relationship between culture and food. As a module developed for food lovers, it will provide you with an appreciation of past, present and anticipated future gastronomic trends. You will develop a sound knowledge of contemporary food issues such as the development of food tourism, food events and festivals and discuss how restaurants are incorporating current trends.
Managing Pub and Bar Operations
You will develop your knowledge of the skills that are used within the pub and bar sector – one of the most diverse sectors of the hospitality industry. This will lead to an understanding of the sector’s structure, trends in legislation, current issues and management operations involved in the efficient running of a pub.
Stadium and Arena Management
You will develop an appreciation of key operational considerations contributing to the successful management of a broad range of stadium and large event arena environments. You will improve your knowledge and understanding of the importance and relevance of good facility design, effective venue programming and pricing strategies, compliance with relevant health, safety and environment legislation and methods and systems that monitor and evaluate venue performance.
Training and Development Skills for Managers
Whether you're carrying out induction training for a group of new starters or teaching someone to make a new cocktail, training and developing staff is a vital component of a manager's role. You will examine how adults learn, barriers to learning and how to engage with and execute a learning activity in order to give you the workplace skills you need to effectively train and develop staff.
Sustainability in Hospitality, Tourism and Events
In a world characterised by climate change, pollution and scarce natural resources, there is an increasing need for the hospitality industry to demonstrate a commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Today’s hospitality leaders promoting sustainability recognise the opportunities inherent in adapting their businesses to a more sustainable approach.
Social Media in Festivals and Events
In social media, the consumer markets a product or service to other consumers, and this mode of communication is increasingly prevalent in the festivals and events industries. You will be provided with the knowledge to understand and operate social media within the industry and its impact as a powerful promotional tool.
Events Planning
Based upon well-established events planning models, you will gain a sound understanding of the implementation and evaluation of festivals and special events. You will look at growth and development trends, related policy issues and the overall role of events in tourism and leisure. Event typologies and the scope of events will be reviewed and the impacts on residents and visitors will be considered.
Core Modules
Hospitality Operations Management
You will evaluate and apply operations management concepts and techniques to hospitality operations in an international context. You will look at quality and performance management within the industry and how effective management leads to strategic objectives.
Strategic Hospitality Management
You will learn the full range of strategic management issues encountered when determining the direction of the organisation. You will use analytical tools in the context of service sector-based case studies and learn procedures and techniques for a range of elements taught on this course. You will be able to identify long-term threats and opportunities for organisations in order for them to develop successfully.
Winning Event Bids
This module provides the opportunity for you to explore, analyse and assess the creative processes which contribute to the production of creative events and innovative event management. The overall aim of the module is to emphasise the skills required for 'pitching' a creative and effective event bid with the aim of winning an event contract. This will require you to effectively integrate a range of tools and techniques to communicate the event.
Plus one option from:
Financial Strategy
An opportunity to consolidate your financial planning knowledge, you will learn how to synthesise and evaluate business performance and strategy. You will develop an in-depth knowledge of financial concepts and how companies portray themselves through their annual reports.
Strategic Human Resources Management
In order to offer meaningful career pathways, what sort of strategies should a business consider? How can it meet the challenges it faces while creating an environment that retains talented employees? You will be exploring contemporary strategies in HR that shape benchmark employers in the industry.
Festivals and Events Tourism
You will study the policy and planning issues surrounding festivals management, events tourism and destination management. You will understand that the links between heritage, culture, the arts and festivals are very important, and you will look at promoting and enhancing destinations as a part of a regional tourism strategy.
Cross-cultural and Global Management in Hospitality
You will explore the ways in which a culturally diverse organisation can make use of a diverse range of perspectives offered by international team members and their varied expertise. You will focus on employees who have a global perspective in achieving success for their organisation by implementing international strategy with an awareness of cross-cultural differences.
Personal Effectiveness and Behavioural Skills
You will identify ways to improve your professional and personal potential by making positive changes and managing yourself. You will benefit from developing your soft skills and self-awareness, which will help you achieve success when managing people.
International Marketing
We live in an interconnected world, so it's important to examine how organisations explore new market opportunities beyond national boundaries. As a result, you will become more aware of the technological, communication and transportation challenges businesses face and the options they consider when seeking a foothold in a new country.
Managing Adventure Events
This module addresses the multi-faceted aspects of events within the adventure tourism industry. It focuses on the preparation, research and analysis of a variety of adventure-related events. You will enhance your individual, group and generic professional skills, while the module will provide you with an in-depth understanding of events and adventure development and the various theories that help in understanding the development process in tourism. It will also develop your knowledge and understanding of the key issues associated with international tourism development and globalisation. It will provide a critical appreciation of the nature of public policy and planning in relation to tourism development. In addition, you will evaluate the role and relevance of the various event organisations involved in the development of the adventure tourism destination.
Research option:
Research Project
You will have the opportunity to engage in an independent research project of your choice. You will have support with preparing your proposal and understanding the competent characteristics of good research. An appointed tutor will help guide you through this important and rewarding process.
Enterprise and Innovation Showcase
This will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities in researching, planning and delivering an industry or community-related project. You will research a new business product, service or system within food and beverage enterprises and develop it into an idea that you can exhibit at an event to your peers and industry professionals.
The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.
Entry requirements
Hospitality with Events Management BA (Hons)
A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CCC-CDD.
BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of MMM-MMP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 96-80 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96-80 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
Hospitality with Events Management FdA
A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CD-DD.
BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of PPP-PP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Apprenticeship: Achieve an advanced apprenticeship (Level 3).
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 56-32 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 56-32 UCAS Tariff points.
Non-tariff: Non-UCAS Tariff-based Level 3 qualifications are also considered for entry. Please complete our enquiry form here to check your eligibility.
Work-based: We also give equal consideration to applicants who are currently in work and wish to apply to University College Birmingham. To apply, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating management or supervisory duties. Your application must also include a reference from your line manager supporting your entry to higher education. For further details, please contact Admissions.
EU/international students
For entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
In light of COVID-19, we have made some changes to the way we deliver our teaching. We are continually following the guidelines and measures put in place by the UK Government to ensure our students and staff are safe on campus, whilst remaining committed to providing high-quality education. The information below explains how teaching will take place in semester 2 (or semester 1 for those joining us in January) for each level/year of this course.
Assessment
Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:
- Coursework – 55%
- Practical assessment – 37%
- Written examination – 8%
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2015-2020.
Uniform and kit costs
This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £250-300, depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)
Kick-Start
As a new student studying this degree full-time, you will receive £300 per year via our Kick-Start Scheme (eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You might even qualify for an additional £500 per year.
Tuition fees
UK/EU students
If you are a UK/EU student enrolling on a full-time foundation degree or a BA/BSc in 2020/21, your fee for this academic year will be £9,250 per each full year. A half year tuition fee is £4,625. UK/EU students do not pay tuition fees for any placement periods.
International students
If you are an international student enrolling on a a full-time foundation degree or a BA/BSc in 2020/21, your fee for this academic year will be £11,500 per year.
If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year, or £250 for a half-year placement.
Latest updates
Join the conversation and check out the latest updates from our Department of Hospitality and Tourism.
UCB Hospitality | |
UCB Tourism |
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
Work placements
Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and they may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our hired@UCB team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Our FdA and BA Hospitality with Events Management courses both feature a paid 12-month work placement, during which you will not incur any tuition fees.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa (South Carolina)
- Ritz Carlton (Naples, Florida and Colorado)
- Wequassett (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)
- The Savoy (London)
- The Peninsula (Hong Kong)
- Andrew Brownsword Hotels (whole collection)
- Fairmont St Andrews (Scotland)
- The Sea Pines Resort (South Carolina)
- Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa (Ireland)
- Ashford Castle (Ireland)
- The Greenwich Country Club (Connecticut)

The modules have given me insight into aspects of the industry which I'd never have thought of. My favourite module was Management of Food and Beverage Operations, which gave great insight into the organisation of small events, with each group of students tasked with designing and creating an event from scratch.
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Hotel manager (small hotel or deputy of larger hotel)
£27,500 - £31,000
Conference centre manager
Average Salary: £30,000
Accommodation manager
Average Salary: £31,000
Event manager
Average Salary: £33,000
Catering manager
Average salary: £22,000 - £45,000
Marketing executive (graduate)
Average Salary: £37,500
Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the BA (Hons) degree will enable you to move onto our postgraduate courses such as Global Meetings and Events Management MSc/PGDip, International Hospitality Management MSc/PGDip or Hospitality with Tourism Management MSc/PGDip (Pathway A). If you are interested in teaching, you could also progress onto our PGCE course.

Whitney’s Story
Attending a hospitality careers event during her degree quickly led to a foot in the door for budding events planner Whitney.
Course statistics
BA (Hons)
FdA
Meet your lecturers








Hero image courtesy of Taylor Lynn Corporation.