BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management & Festival & Event

If you’re excited by the idea of working in a fast-paced, people-focused industry, Edinburgh Napier’s BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management & Festival and Event could be a perfect fit. You’ll study right in the heart of Edinburgh—the world’s Festival City—while learning how to run events, manage hospitality businesses, and create unforgettable experiences.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building the Basics
In your first year, you’ll get a real feel for how the industry works. Core modules like Introduction to International Hospitality, Tourism and Events and Hospitality Operations Management set the foundations, while The Business of Festivals & Events and Intercultural and Organisational Management give you insight into the global nature of hospitality and events. You’ll also build strong business skills through Marketing and Accounting for Business.

Year 2 – Getting Creative with Events
Second year is all about developing your skills and creativity. You’ll design and plan real experiences through modules such as Festival & Event Design and Delivery, and learn how major sporting and cultural events shape tourism. Alongside this, Event Management and Facilities Planning for Hospitality, Tourism and Events show you how to bring big ideas to life in a practical way.

Year 3 – Hands-On Experience
This is when theory meets practice. You’ll study Hospitality Business Development and Hospitality Supervision and Training Skills, and explore the growing world of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Events. The highlight is either a 24-week industry placement or a Live Project, giving you direct experience in the field and a huge boost to your CV.

Year 4 – Leadership and Strategy
Your final year pulls everything together. You’ll look at big-picture themes in Global Hospitality Management and International Festival & Events Environments, and explore sustainability through modules like Festival & Event Impacts and Sustainability. You’ll also take on a Dissertation, allowing you to dive deep into a topic you care about and showcase your expertise.

Focus Areas (in a string):
Hospitality operations, festival and event design, sustainability, MICE management, global leadership, independent research.

Learning Outcomes (in a string):
Plan and deliver hospitality and event experiences, evaluate sustainability and cultural impact, manage international operations, lead teams with confidence, and carry out independent research.

Professional Alignment (accreditation):
The degree is officially accredited by the Institute of Hospitality, a globally recognised body that signals to employers you’ve studied at a high professional standard.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Edinburgh Napier is ranked the #1 Modern University in Scotland (Times World University Rankings 2024) and is in the UK Top 10 Modern Universities for Hospitality, Events, and Tourism (Guardian University Guide 2023). The university also places in the Top 5 for career and graduate prospects among modern UK universities (Guardian Guide 2024).