Bachelors of Arts / Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts / Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management at The University of Queensland is designed for students who want to combine cultural understanding and critical thinking with practical industry skills. It suits students interested in global tourism, events, hospitality, and cultural experiences, where communication and people-focused skills are essential.

This program helps you understand societies, cultures, and visitor experiences while building strong management skills for careers in the global tourism and events industries.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a foundation in arts and tourism-related study. Subjects such as Introduction to Tourism, Culture and Society, and core arts courses help students understand how tourism and cultural industries function. The focus is on communication, critical thinking, and understanding global cultural systems.

Year 2:
In the second year, students move into more focused study in tourism, hospitality, and events. Courses such as Tourism Systems, Introduction to Event Management, and Hospitality and Service Studies develop practical knowledge of how experiences are designed and delivered. Learning becomes more applied through case studies and real-world examples.

Year 3:
In the third year, students take more advanced tourism and event management subjects alongside arts electives. Courses such as Tourism Marketing, Event Planning and Design, and Cultural Tourism build strategic thinking and industry awareness. Students also begin working on more independent, applied projects.

Year 4:
In the final year, students complete advanced coursework and capstone-style learning. Subjects such as Tourism and Event Leadership, Strategic Management in Tourism, and a final project or industry-linked experience allow students to apply their skills in professional contexts. Graduates finish with strong analytical and industry-ready capabilities.

Focus areas (in a string): tourism studies, hospitality management, event management, cultural studies, tourism marketing, service management, international tourism, arts and humanities, experience design

Learning outcomes (in a string): understand global tourism and cultural systems, design and manage tourism and event experiences, apply communication and critical thinking skills, analyse cultural and social trends, develop service and hospitality strategies, and build industry-ready professional skills

Professional alignment (accreditation): The program is aligned with industry expectations in tourism, hospitality, and events, with strong emphasis on practical learning, industry engagement, and real-world project experience.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Queensland is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities and is highly regarded in arts and humanities, supporting strong graduate outcomes across tourism, hospitality, cultural, and events industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Queensland, the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to engage directly with the industry through various hands-on opportunities. You'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance your learning experience and prepare you for a successful career in the dynamic fields of tourism, hospitality, and event management.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in this program:

- Internships and Work Placements: Gain real-world experience through internships with leading organizations in the tourism and hospitality sectors, allowing you to apply your classroom knowledge in a professional setting.

- Group Projects: Collaborate with fellow students on projects that simulate real industry challenges, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills essential for your future career.

- Field Trips: Participate in field trips to various tourism and hospitality venues, providing you with firsthand insights into industry operations and trends.

- Digital Tools and Software: Utilize industry-standard software such as Eventbrite for event management and other digital tools that enhance your learning and prepare you for the tech-savvy nature of the industry.

- Research Facilities: Access dedicated research facilities and libraries that support your studies, including resources for tourism and hospitality research.

- Industry Connections: Benefit from UQ's strong connections with industry leaders, providing networking opportunities and guest lectures from professionals in the field.

- Student Support Services: Take advantage of UQ's comprehensive support services, including career counseling and academic assistance, to help you succeed throughout your studies.

The combination of these experiential learning opportunities ensures that you graduate not only with a solid academic foundation but also with the practical skills and industry experience that employers are looking for.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management at the University of Queensland are well-prepared for a dynamic career in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. With a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, you can expect to pursue exciting roles such as Event Manager, Hospitality Manager, and Tourism Development Officer. The opportunities are vast and varied:

- University Services: UQ offers dedicated career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events with industry professionals to help you secure internships and job placements.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: The tourism and hospitality sector is thriving, with UQ graduates enjoying a high employment rate, often earning competitive salaries that can start around AUD 60,000 to AUD 80,000 annually, depending on the role and experience.
- University–Industry Partnerships: UQ has established strong partnerships with leading organizations in the tourism and hospitality sectors, such as Tourism Australia and major event management companies, providing students with invaluable networking opportunities and real-world experience.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by relevant industry bodies, ensuring that your degree holds significant value in the job market and meets the standards expected by employers.
- Graduation Outcomes: UQ graduates are known for their employability, with many securing positions in reputable companies both locally and internationally shortly after graduation.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your Bachelor’s degree, you have the option to further your studies with a Master’s in Tourism, Hospitality, or Event Management, or even pursue an MBA with a focus on these areas. This can enhance your expertise and open doors to higher-level management positions or specialized roles within the industry. Additionally, you might consider research opportunities or postgraduate certificates to deepen your knowledge in specific areas of interest.

Choosing to study at UQ not only equips you with the skills needed for a successful career but also sets you on a path for lifelong learning and professional growth.