Department of Hospitality and Tourism

Our courses are developed and taught by experienced lecturing staff with diverse backgrounds working in various industries. Lecturers can draw on their industry expertise and years of experience to make scenario-based discussions, debates and concepts come to life, supporting the linking of theory to practice within the context of global trends and challenges.

You will learn so much from our lecturing teams, who are passionate about their profession and eager to inspire and nurture the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals.

This is enriched by an international body of guest lecturers who share their knowledge and experiences to inspire you and enhance your learning. Students also have a lot to bring and as a team, we will also learn a lot from you. We encourage you to share your perspectives and viewpoints, especially when reflecting on your own life and placement experiences.

Industry live projects feature in many modules and this provides students with a hands-on opportunity to work with an industry client to propose solutions to a current issue or challenge. Examples of past live projects have included the planning and management of live charity events, sustainable airport practices at Birmingham Airport and Commonwealth Games legacy planning with the West Midlands Growth Company. 

Students have access to industry software platforms such as Opera Property Management Systems and HOTS (hospitality), CAPA (aviation) and Cvent (events planning). Furthermore, as an Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Centre of Excellence, students benefit from attending our annual ITT Future You student conference to network with industry professionals.

We have a fully functioning aviation suite – a specialist teaching facility where, in some modules, students (aviation and tourism programmes) can learn about cabin crew operations and management, and ground handling operations within a realistic airport/airline environment. In addition, our award-winning on-site restaurant is the base for students on hospitality programmes developing their front of house skills.

Placements are also key to success as employers want you to have real experience. We have excellent links with international hotel chains, world-leading airlines and attraction venues across the region and beyond, as well as globally.

Our support is exceptional, so much so, our students voted to make us the winner of the Student Support award at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022 and we came a close second in 2023. In 2024, we were voted the best for student support in the West Midlands.

Throughout your studies, you will not only have a personal tutor, but a link tutor during placements and module leaders to support you through academic modules. And we have a whole range of additional support services available, providing you with as much or as little support as you need to succeed in your degree. Our smaller teaching groups enable all students to grow and flourish, with strong peer support and friendship.  

Our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2021-24 is key to how we approach the educational journey, focusing on three main pillars that set out our commitment to your learning and teaching experience while you are studying with us.

• Pillar 1 – Provide accessible and inclusive teaching and learning across a wide range of vocationally-led courses
• Pillar 2 – Develop next generation opportunities and skills through innovative, future-focused curriculum and pedagogy
• Pillar 3 – Shape local and global sectors, promoting sustainable futures and global citizenship

Read our Learning and Teaching Strategy