Introduction
The Level 5 Foundation Degree in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management is aimed at those interested in progressing their career in the tourism and visitor economy. The course prepares learners to progress to higher management positions within tourism, hospitality and events, over 2 years, or 3 years part time. The course offers a variety of interesting opportunities such as the opportunity to participate in course related trips and visits, locally, nationally and overseas (subject to demand and restrictions). There are opportunities to gain supporting qualifications such as the Level 2 award for personal license holders qualification certificate whilst studying to increase employability within the industry. The course also has a level 4 hospitality management apprenticeship pathway, enabling students to study part time whilst achieving higher level qualifications.
What we do
Historically tourism, hospitality and events management courses have been buoyant with trips and visits which came to an abrupt halt with the imposed covid restrictions. The course has been kept alive though with the presence of guest lecturers including The General Manager from the Salcombe Harbour Hotel, The RAF, and sessions regarding overseas volunteering opportunities. A well received careers session was also hosted by lecturers and employability specialists whose experiences included Retail Travel, Hospitality and Events Management. Students have also been given the opportunity to complete the BIIAB Level 2 award for personal license holders.
Our industry is growing
It has been impossible to avoid the significant media attention of the catastrophic impact of Covid-19 on the hospitality and tourism industries, not just locally but also nationally and internationally as the world visitor economy has endured a rollercoaster ride for the last 12 months. Businesses have steadily reopened and make an attempt to recover sales before being plunged into heavy trading restrictions once again. There are over 1000 businesses in Torbay, employing over 12,000 people, and 20% of the local population, which generates in excess of £600m to the local economy (ERBID2, 2021). This is set to grow as industry returns after Covid 19 and the impact of the national and regional strategies gain momentum. Visit Britain (2021) forecasts a slow start to 2021 before a step change in the spring as restrictions ease and confidence returns. This will be followed by a recovery throughout the rest of the year and beyond, subject to current assumptions.
Exploring – Learning online and looking to the future
Adjustments to online teaching and learning have been a new experience to us all. However the students have proved their resilience and adapted quickly to new methods of working. Although we can’t wait to get back in the classroom again! As we emerged from national restrictions opportunities with local providers and global brands such as the Hilton have started to appear for students to take advantage of. Already the students have been given the opportunity to assist with the Teignmouth Airshow event in July, an event run by course alumni.
Your career path
Students can progress on to the BA Leadership and Management at UCSD or BA Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management or Tourism Management at Plymouth University. Previous students have gone into Hotel Management, Tourism Marketing, Airline Operations and Management, Area Resort representation, Events Management and Royal Household duties for example.