FDA International Hospitality and Tourism Management Foundation degree at University College Birmingham
FDA International Hospitality and Tourism Management at UCB is recognised as a nationally accredited UK degree and received Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
About this course
FDA International Hospitality and Tourism Management is a Foundation degree (FDA) at UCB. It runs 2 years, studied full-time.
For Tourism, transport and travel graduates from this provider, 70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 25% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Business & Management, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 70% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 70% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Global Hospitality EnvironmentCore
Module details
In this module you will uncover the key players, sectors, and dynamic events that shape the global hospitality industry. Learn how external factors like geopolitics, economic shifts, and emerging markets impact hospitality, while gaining insight into the legal frameworks that regulate the industry. Discover the social, cultural, and economic significance of hospitality, and explore how digital innovations and sustainability initiatives are transforming the industry. By the end of the module, you
- Hospitality Service ExcellenceCore
Module details
Through a blend of theory and hands-on experience, you will explore customer service excellence, quality control, food safety, and sustainability, key elements that define outstanding food and beverage management. You will gain practical skills in table service, cocktail making, and digital tools for inventory and supply chain management, while developing the professional attributes needed to thrive in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment. This module not only enhances your technical experti
- Personal BrandingCore
Module details
You will be introduced to the concept of future employability readiness in the context of your programme of study. You will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to develop your personal brand as a professional or entrepreneur of the future. This will include building an external profile and being introduced to a range of experiences related to your programme of study, all designed to prepare you for successful placement and work experience opportunities.
- Digital Content CreationCore
Module details
In this module you will explore principles, tactics, and tools for the effective curation of digital content that resonates with the modern consumer. You will learn how to develop compelling narratives, multimedia content, and digital marketing tactics to engage diverse audiences. With a focus on practical application, this module will help you to develop the essential skills needed to design innovative content campaigns that reflect evolving industry trends and sustainability goals.
- Tourism Destination SuccessCore
Module details
This module will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the key factors needed for the success of tourism destinations. You will delve into topics such as the development of compelling products and experiences, connectivity, active local community involvement, and effective government support. You will reflect on the challenges destinations face, including managing overtourism, adopting sustainable practices, and maintaining competitiveness over time. You will develop valuable employabilit
- Rooms Division ManagementCore
Module details
Rooms Division Management is your gateway to understanding the behind-the-scenes functions that make hotels run smoothly. This module dives into the roles of front office and housekeeping teams, showing how they work together to create seamless guest experiences. You will learn the essentials of managing guest bookings and stays, maintaining room standards and customer satisfaction. The module explores the use of contemporary digital technologies to enhance guest experience, and includes practic
Year 2 9 modules
- People Management and DevelopmentCore
Module details
This module will help you to gain the essential skills to effectively manage and develop a diverse hospitality workforce. You will explore key people management concepts, including workforce planning, recruitment, and talent development, while understanding the legal frameworks governing employment in the hospitality industry. You will learn how to design and deliver an effective training session. With a focus on building inclusive, high-performing teams, you will be prepared to navigate the cha
- Operational Financial ManagementCore
Module details
In this module, you will develop critical ability to interpret and analyse key financial and management data to influence departmental and organisational profitability. You will develop the techniques of effective pricing, cost management and budgeting to positively impact business's operations. You will gain knowledge of the application of performance indicators, commercial awareness and learn how to monitor and evaluate financial performance.
- Marketing Consultancy ProjectCore
Module details
This practical module is designed to provide you with real-world experience by working directly with a live Industry client from the Aviation, Tourism or Hospitality Industry acting as a marketing consultant. The context of the project will be to develop and implement a targeted marketing campaign focusing on showcasing a new product / service or new customer experience following the brief from the client. This project will enhance your employability skills and can be added to your CV as a live
- Business InnovationCore
Module details
You will be introduced to the principles and practices of research within the context of a business in the hospitality, tourism or aviation industry, providing you with the necessary skills to design and conduct research that solves business problems and enhances opportunities. You will explore key stages of the research process, from defining SMART aims and objectives, completing background research into key theories and thinking, and explaining research processes, to analysing findings and dev
- Sustainable Hospitality ManagementCore
Module details
In this module, you will move beyond traditional sustainability models to develop cutting-edge skills that position you as a next-generation hospitality professional. By exploring innovative approaches to ecosystem conservation, community engagement, circular economy principles, and regenerative design, you will gain the practical expertise that global businesses are desperately seeking. Whether you are driven by environmental passion, social impact, or a desire to create meaningful change, this
- Gastronomy and Food InnovationOptional
Module details
Global Gastronomy and Food Innovation will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of gastronomy, food cultures, and sustainable food management, giving you the knowledge, skills, and attributes required for a career in the evolving food and hospitality industries. You will gain insight into the cultural significance of food, the role of gastronomy in tourism, and the impact of global challenges such as food security and climate change. You will develop practical skills in sensory food ev
- Digital Communication for BusinessOptional
Module details
In today's fast-paced digital world, effective communication is a cornerstone of success in the tourism, aviation and hospitality industries. Digital Communication for Business will develop the essential skills to thrive in the tourism, aviation, and hospitality industries. You will harness technology to enhance operations, strengthen customer engagement, and drive business growth through hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, AI, and data communication. The module explores ethical an
- Niche TourismOptional
Module details
Niche Tourism delves into the growing importance of niche tourism markets, from adventure and wellness to cultural and religious tourism. You will examine the drivers shaping these unique sectors, explore the challenges they face, and evaluate strategies for sustainable growth. Through engaging case studies and practical research, you will gain the skills to critically assess niche tourism businesses and propose innovative or evidence-based solutions that meet the needs of modern travellers. Thi
- Event Tourism and the Visitor EconomyOptional
Module details
Within the module Event Tourism and the Visitor Economy, you will explore the role of medium to large-scale events in shaping a destination's visitor economy, examining how destinations bid for and host major events, considering operational planning, legacy, and stakeholder engagement. You will gain insights into the economic, social, and political impacts of events, along with the challenges and opportunities they present.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study the core disciplines of hospitality and tourism management, starting with foundational knowledge of organisations, marketing principles, and business economics. Year 1 typically covers how firms operate, customer segmentation and marketing strategy, and data skills for analysis. In Year 2, you'll usually move into operations and supply chain management, organisational behaviour and human resources, and strategic analysis, understanding how to improve processes and manage competitive advantage. As the course progresses, you can specialise in areas such as entrepreneurship, international business, digital business, marketing, people and HR, or consulting. A capstone project or consultancy brief in your final stage typically integrates learning across the whole degree, often with a real client or live venture element.
Who it's for
Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Recent accepted students typically had a UCAS tariff between 64 and 79 points. The course suits those seeking a structured pathway into hospitality and tourism management, or those aiming to progress to further study. English-language instruction is used throughout.
Careers & job market
Across Business & Management courses nationally, 87% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £24,000–£32,000 at 15 months; after three years, £21,250–£30,000; and after five years, £26,350–£37,200. These figures reflect national outcomes, not university-specific guarantees.
University & format
This Foundation Degree (FDA) is taught full-time over 2 years at University College Birmingham, a university based in Birmingham, England. Instruction is in English. The degree is awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body, making it nationally recognised. The university received a Silver rating for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Paid placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code N921). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at UCB →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Business & Management graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £23,000 | £21,000 – £27,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £18,500 | £14,500 – £22,500 | 125 |
| 5 years after | £22,000 | £17,000 – £27,500 | 145 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate / AnalystOn a scheme or first role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / ManagerOwning an area, marketing, finance, ops · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Head ofLeading a function and a team · 5–10 yrs
- 4Director / FounderRunning a business unit or your own company · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Business & Management nationally
National figures for Business & Management graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Business & Management courses at the same study level.
Compared with 3,421 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 55% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Welfare and housing associate professionalsSOC 2020 322 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,937
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 40; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Business & Management graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine reporting and data pulls
- First-draft decks and copy
- Standard forecasts and reconciliations
- Scheduling and admin workflows
More human than ever
- Strategy and judgement under uncertainty
- Leading, negotiating and selling
- Sense-checking and owning what AI produces
- Relationships with clients and teams
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Business & Management graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Consultancies
- Corporate graduate schemes
- Retail & FMCG
- Startups & scale-ups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Business & Management graduates.
Business Director, Marketing ScienceXcedeBusiness ManagerLGPS CentralBusiness Change ManagerIGA Talent SolutionsBusiness Case ManagerPeregrineBusiness DirectorMedialab GroupBusiness Rates SurveyorW TalentIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £23,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.9 out of 10: NSS 96% · in work or study 70% · continued 70%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University College Birmingham
Business and management across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University College Birmingham
5,216 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Business & Management right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to UCB from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by UCB; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check UCB’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with UCB and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at UCB
Business & Management at other universities
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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