BA Hons Hospitality and Tourism Management & Human Resource Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

This programme combines hospitality & tourism management with human resource management, so you’ll learn both how to run tourism- and service-oriented businesses and how to lead and manage people. It’s excellent if you enjoy operations, guest experience, events, or destination work, but also want to understand recruitment, employee well-being, conflict resolution, and how people fit into business strategy.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1
In the first year, you start with a broad grounding: introductory modules in Hospitality & Tourism (things like cultural heritage, festivals, and events), and in HRM you’ll get basics through something like Managing People. Also, all students participate in the Management Development Programme, which builds skills in business fundamentals, communication, team work and academic study.

Years 2 & 3
In these years you deepen both strands. On the Hospitality & Tourism side, you’ll study modules such as Service Encounter Management, Destination Positioning & Management; plus opportunities to plan or run events, and maybe take a workplace placement or internship to gain practical experience. On the HRM side, you move into modules on recruitment & selection, training & development, managing conflict, equality & diversity, and work psychology & employment relations. The HRM content becomes more contextual and applied, while tourism/hospitality work becomes more strategic and experiential.

Year 4 (Honours / Final Year)
In your final (Honours) year you do specialist work and independent study. This includes a dissertation in Hospitality & Tourism Management (you choose your topic) plus advanced modules like Tourism Analysis & Case Studies. On the HRM side you’ll likely study more specialist or comparative modules (global HRM, organisational behaviour, employment relations, etc.). There may also be options to study abroad, or do a major work placement.

Focus areas:
“Hospitality & tourism operations; service encounters; destination marketing/management; event planning; HRM functions such as recruitment, training, conflict management, diversity; leadership and organisational behaviour; practical experiential learning & placements.”

Learning outcomes:
“You’ll graduate able to manage service-led businesses in hospitality or tourism sectors; understand and apply HRM principles to build effective workforces, manage conflict, diversity and wellbeing; think strategically about destinations, guest experiences, operations and staff experiences; and gain practical skills through placements or project work, along with strong communication, leadership, and ethical awareness.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The degree is delivered by the Strathclyde Business School, which is triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) — a marker of quality in business education. The hospitality/tourism modules align with professional bodies in the sector (such as the Institute of Hospitality, the Institute of Travel & Tourism etc.) which helps with industry recognition.

Reputation (employability rankings):

The hospitality & tourism industry is large and growing; in Scotland alone it contributes strongly to the economy and creates many jobs. This degree gives you direct relevance to that sector.
Strathclyde is well-known for strong teaching in HRM and business, and its Business School is respected, especially for combining practical and strategic business education. Graduates of this programme go into roles like hotel or events management, HR roles in service industries, operational leadership, and management trainee positions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Industry Work Placements – In Year 3, you can undertake a professional placement in hospitality, tourism, or HRM, gaining real-world experience with partner organisations in the UK or abroad.
Event Management Projects – You’ll plan, organise, and deliver a live event, handling everything from logistics and marketing to budgeting and guest engagement.
Guest Lectures and Case Studies – Industry leaders from tourism boards, hotels, and event companies regularly visit to discuss real management challenges and trends.
Management Development Programme (MDP) – Across your degree, you’ll take part in workshops and consultancy-style projects designed to build leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in real business contexts.
Independent Dissertation – Your final-year dissertation allows you to focus on a topic of your choice in hospitality, tourism, or HRM, applying research and analytical skills to real industry issues.
Study Abroad Opportunities – The programme offers international study options, helping you understand global hospitality operations and HR practices.

Facilities and Digital Tools

Modern Learning Environments – You’ll study in interactive teaching spaces and seminar rooms designed to support teamwork, discussions, and project presentations.
Field Trips and Industry Visits – Students participate in visits to hotels, tourism attractions, and hospitality venues, seeing first-hand how these businesses are managed.
Industry Engagement – The university collaborates with a wide range of hospitality and tourism partners, giving students access to real client projects and networking opportunities.
Research and Resource Access – You’ll use specialist databases, management simulations, and case materials for both hospitality and HR coursework.
Library and Learning Centre – A well-equipped library and digital study platforms support research for assignments and the dissertation project.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Hospitality and Tourism Management & Human Resource Management at the University of Strathclyde develop a valuable blend of people management, service leadership, and strategic business insight. This combination prepares them for dynamic careers in global hospitality, travel, and HR-focused roles. Typical job roles include:

Human Resources Manager in hospitality or service industries
Hotel or Resort Operations Manager
Training and Development Officer
Tourism and Events Coordinator

These roles allow graduates to combine leadership skills with a passion for people and service excellence, making them highly employable across international sectors.

University support for employability:

Strathclyde’s Careers and Employability Service offers tailored career guidance, employer networking, and placement opportunities in hospitality, travel, and HR fields.
The Business School Employability Hub connects students directly with companies through internships, career fairs, and live business projects.
Students can benefit from work-based learning opportunities, where they apply their classroom knowledge to real industry challenges, often leading to graduate job offers.

Industry partnerships and practical experience:

The university maintains strong links with major organisations in tourism, events, and HR sectors, ensuring the course reflects current industry demands.
Collaborative projects and guest lectures are often delivered by professionals from hospitality groups, airlines, and international tourism boards.
Students are encouraged to gain experience through placements or part-time work, supported by the university’s network of employer partners.

Employment outcomes and salary:

Around 95–96% of Strathclyde graduates secure employment or further study within 15 months of graduating.
Graduates entering the hospitality or tourism sector typically start around £25,000–£28,000, progressing to £40,000–£50,000 with managerial experience.
The combination of HR and hospitality knowledge gives graduates flexibility to move between service management, talent development, and business strategy roles.

Accreditation and long-term value:

The Human Resource Management component of the degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), offering direct eligibility for Associate Membership.
This professional recognition enhances long-term career prospects, particularly in leadership and HR roles within global service industries.
The degree’s dual focus provides transferable skills in management, communication, and strategic planning — all highly valued in international business environments.

Graduate outcomes:
Many graduates go on to work in hospitality management, HR consulting, or talent development for global hotel chains, travel companies, and tourism organisations. Others establish careers in corporate HR departments or move into managerial positions in events, resorts, and destination management firms.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students may progress to postgraduate studies such as an MSc in International Hospitality Management, MSc in Human Resource Management, or MBA in Leadership and Tourism Management. Those aiming for research or teaching careers can pursue a PhD in Hospitality Management, Organisational Behaviour, or Tourism Studies. Graduates may also continue professional development through CIPD Chartered Membership or specialised certifications in global hospitality operations and leadership.