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The hospitality and tourism industry encompasses many different industries. This includes accommodation, restaurants, bars, and transportation. It is a service industry, and can range from planning, management, maintenance, marketing and operations. The hospitality industry enables the rest of us to enjoy holidays, meals out, efficient transport and pleasant hotel stays.

An undergraduate degree in hospitality will give you a foundation of knowledge in the area. You will study modules on hospitality management, tourism development, human resources management, and restaurant management. These modules will allow you to develop your skills and experience in the hospitality sector, preparing you for your future career.

Your degree will be delivered in a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as practical sessions and potential field trips. You may be required to take part in a work placement module.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. This specialisation can influence the area in which you choose to work after you have graduated. Common specialisations include:

• Event Management
• Tourism Hospitality
• Casino Management
• Hotel Development
• Cultural Tourism
• Food and Beverage Management

If your degree requires you to write a dissertation in your final year, this will give you the opportunity to further research a favoured area of hospitality.

The accreditation of your degree will depend on where you choose to study. Different countries will have different accreditation systems. Typically, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of the Arts (BA), or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

Depending on where you choose to work after you have graduated, you may be presented with opportunities to earn professional or academic certifications and accreditations.

Generally, an undergraduate degree in hospitality will take three to four years. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years, when studied full-time.

Once you have successfully completed your degree, you can choose to either seek employment in your chosen area, or further your studies. Continuation of your studies could be in the form of a postgraduate degree, such as a masters or PhD, or a graduate certificate or diploma.

As a graduate of a hospitality management degree, you will find that there are many different career opportunities available to you. Because the hospitality industry is so varied, you will be able to work in a wide range of fields. You might choose to work in the hotel, cruise and resort industries in roles such as receptionist, activities coordinator or customer relations officer.

If you choose to work in the airline industry, you could take on roles such as flight attendant, reservations officer or ticketing manager. Within events management you could work to plan and implement parties, weddings, concerts or charity events. These roles, among many others, will provide you with many opportunities to further your professional development throughout your career.