Recent searches
You do not have any recent searches.

INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

CertHE

Award

CertHE

Duration

1 year FT

Entry

September and February

Fees

View fees

Department of Hospitality and Tourism
Discover more at our next open day

Saturday 15 August 2026

Join our Clearing open day
Open for clearing There are places available on this course

Almost 348 million jobs worldwide are expected to be supported by the sector (WTTC, 2024)

Travel and tourism is forecast to contribute $11.1 trillion to the global economy (WTTC, 2024)

Our International Hospitality and Tourism Management CertHE is a one-year recognised higher education qualification that provides an introduction to the hospitality, tourism and visitor economy sectors.

Through your studies, you will explore key areas such as customer experience, hospitality operations, tourism environments, business management and sustainable industry practices. You will develop an understanding of how organisations across the hospitality and tourism industries operate, while building valuable professional and transferable skills.

Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality, this course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to progress into a range of hospitality and tourism roles. Successful completion guarantees progression onto our International Hospitality and Tourism Management BA (Hons).

This course is not open to international students.

Why should I choose to study International Hospitality and Tourism Management CertHE?

  • TRIPS – Take on hospitality and tourism projects in the UK, with essential trip costs covered by us – past destinations have included Bristol, London and York

  • INDUSTRY-INFORMED TEACHING – Learn from hospitality and tourism specialists while developing industry-relevant skills, including experience with the Opera hotel management platform

  • INDUSTRY APPROVED – Study a course accredited by the Institute of Hospitality and at an Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Centre of Excellence, with opportunities to attend industry events and work on live projects

  • TOP FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION - We came third in the UK for overall student satisfaction among universities in the National Student Survey 2026 (when taking the average score for student satisfaction for each of the 26 questions in the NSS)

Our facilities

University College Birmingham is renowned for its hospitality and tourism facilities, including our award-winning restaurant, where students develop practical hospitality skills.

You will gain experience using Opera Cloud PMS, a leading hotel property management system used by global hospitality brands, helping you develop valuable operational and digital skills.

You'll also have access to specialist hospitality and tourism industry resources, with digital learning supported through our online platform, Canvas.

Course breakdown

  • Modules

Core Modules

Global Hospitality Environment

In this module, you will uncover the key players, sectors and events that shape the global hospitality industry. Learn how external factors such as geopolitics, economic shifts and emerging markets influence hospitality businesses, while gaining insight into the legal frameworks that regulate the industry. Discover the social, cultural and economic significance of hospitality, and explore how digital innovation and sustainability initiatives are transforming the sector. By the end of the module, you will have the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the global hospitality industry and its future opportunities.

Hospitality Service Excellence

Through a blend of theory and practical experience, you will explore customer service excellence, quality control, food safety and sustainability, which are key elements of successful food and beverage management. You will develop practical skills in table service, cocktail making, and the use of digital tools for inventory and supply chain management, while building the professional attributes needed to thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. The module will also enhance your problem-solving, adaptability and leadership skills, preparing you for a range of hospitality careers. Whether you aspire to manage restaurants, hotels or innovative food service businesses, you will gain the knowledge, confidence and practical experience needed to succeed.

Personal Branding

You will be introduced to the concept of future employability readiness through the Personal Branding module. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to build your personal brand as a future professional or entrepreneur. This will include developing an external profile and engaging with a range of experiences related to your programme of study, all designed to prepare you for successful placement and work experience opportunities.

Digital Content Creation

In this module, you will explore the principles, tactics and tools used for the effective curation of digital content that resonates with today's consumers. You will learn how to develop compelling narratives, multimedia content and digital marketing strategies to engage diverse audiences. With a focus on practical application, this module will help you develop the essential skills needed to design innovative content campaigns that reflect evolving industry trends and sustainability goals.

Tourism Destination Success

This module provides a comprehensive overview of the key factors that contribute to the success of tourism destinations. You will explore topics such as the development of compelling tourism products and visitor experiences, connectivity, active local community involvement and effective government support. You will reflect on the challenges destinations face, including managing overtourism, adopting sustainable tourism practices and maintaining competitiveness over time. You will also develop valuable employability skills, focusing on analysing tourism data trends, conducting destination audits, and identifying key challenges and best practice within the tourism sector.

Rooms Division Management

Rooms Division Management is your gateway to understanding the operational functions that keep hotels running successfully. This module explores the roles of front office and housekeeping teams, demonstrating how they work together to deliver seamless guest experiences. You will learn the fundamentals of managing guest bookings and stays, maintaining room standards and enhancing customer satisfaction. The module also examines the use of contemporary digital technologies to improve the guest experience and includes practical sessions using one of the world's leading property management systems.

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

Entry requirements

Applicants must be aged 19 years or over at the start of the course.

Formal academic qualifications are not required. Instead, applicants need to be able to demonstrate relevant experience and a strong commitment to learning. Typically, this will include at least three years of work, voluntary, caring or other significant life experience.

All applications are considered individually, and applicants may be asked to attend an interview to assess their suitability for Level 4 study and discuss their goals for the course.

International Hospitality and Tourism Management CertHE is open for Clearing 2026

Still exploring your university options? Whether you are applying now, changing your plans or looking for a different course, you can apply to UCB through Clearing.

Apply through Clearing

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Teaching takes place through weekly lectures and seminars across two 12-week semesters. Each semester, you will study three 20-credit modules, supported by our weekly Skills for Success module and personal tutorials to enhance your academic and career development.

Assessment is industry-informed and is designed to reflect the wide range of roles and skills in the aviation sector. Our assessment aims to prepare you for employment by developing specialist knowledge and practical skills needed by industry, giving you a competitive advantage in the graduate job market. 

You will be assessed through a variety of methods, such as-

Industry live projects
Online simulations
Digital presentations
Digital content creation
Student debates and discussions
Business pitches
Academic posters & Infographics
Industry standard toolkits
Every assessment is designed to bring you closer to the career you want, helping you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the skills, experience and edge to make a real impact.

Throughout your journey, you will be supported by personal tutors and module leaders who tailor their guidance to your individual needs- ensuring you always feel confident, capable, and ready to succeed.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Home student tuition fees

If you are a home student enrolling on a CertHE at University College Birmingham, the 2026/2027 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,790.

View tuition fees for home students

Please note: the 2026/27 fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students. 

£3,000 Cost of Living Allowance

We are committed to supporting students who may be facing financial challenges due to the rise of living costs. If you are a full-time undergraduate student, studying a one year course starting in September 2026, with home fee status and plan to pay your fees using a student loan, you’ll be eligible for a £3000 Cost of Living Allowance. 

Further information and terms and conditions can be found here: £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance.

Kick-Start Scheme

As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, 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 may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.

Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.

Our International Hospitality and Tourism Management CertHE opens doors to a world of opportunities in one of the fastest-growing global sectors. The tourism industry contributes over £6 trillion to the global economy annually, creating demand for skilled professionals with an international perspective.

"This hospitality and tourism management course combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing you to excel in roles across tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, visitor attractions and destination management organisations worldwide.

Karla Keating-Nel Head of Department – Hospitality and Tourism

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Travel consultant

Average salary: £22,000 - £34,000

Event coordinator

Average Salary: £20,961

Hotel porter

Average salary: £21,000 - £27,000

Hotel receptionist

Average salary: £22,000 - £26,000

Food and beverage supervisor

Average salary: £25,000 - £30,000

Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the certHE  will enable you to move onto our full degree course International Hospitality and Tourism BA (Hons).

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

Find out more

Daniel's Story

Daniel's passion for hospitality started in childhood, helping his father cook at home. From peeling potatoes in local pubs to becoming an award-winning hospitality professional, his journey showcases where dedication and ambition can lead

Read more

Take the next step...

 

Back to top