Foundation Degree (FdA) Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management

For every 10 credits, students should engage with around 100 notional hours of learning. This will be approximately 30% direct learning contact and 70% independent student learning.

Year 1 (Level 4)

Event context (10 credits, compulsory)

Within this research module, you will critically discuss the reason societies create events, and how they impact their host community, the environment, the economy, culture and tourism, instilling the knowledge and competencies required to identify and formulate strong and viable event concepts, and to use them as a basis for effective design. (Portfolio of coursework 60%, Case Study 40%).

Event Creation (10 credits, core)

This module aims to demonstrate the relevant methodologies to creativity, innovation and new product development (NPD). Examining entrepreneurship, branding, outsourcing and understanding Stakeholder briefs. You will then discover the processes of concept, design and pitching. You will take a hands-on, practical approach to event design, planning and design management by producing a pitch for a stakeholder (role play simulation). This can include CAD (computer-aided design), infographic poster, eventscape etc. to communicate your concept and how the event environment can be shaped to influence the emotional responses of attendees. (Role play 100%)

Event Production (20 credits, core)

This module is concerned with both the operational management/project management of events, combining with the creation and development of events. It brings awareness to the interesting and exciting challenges of working with stakeholders and the vital project management skills required by the events industry. Issues such as sustainability, globalisation and ethics are also analysed. Ultimately it aims to establish transferable project management; and design skills necessary for employment within the sector. (Written Assignments 25%, Reflective account 25%, Project portfolio 50%)

Employability Based Learning 1: Career Planning (20 credits, core)

This module enables students to carry out a number of employment related tasks required by employers to increase the opportunities of employment. To achieve this, students will reflect on their own learning and development to date, developing through this process a greater awareness of their own interests, skills and personal characteristics in the context of careers and work experience and identifying what is important to them in making an effective career decision. Students will develop their understanding of what they need to do to be employable and compete effectively in the job market, identifying resources, support and opportunities to achieve this. (CV and Cover Letter 10%, Action Plan 10%, Evaluation Day 30%, Reflection 50%)

Business Finance (20 credits, compulsory)

The module introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of accounting and finance. The module will focus on understanding the key concepts and principles of financial accounting in order to be able to interpret financial statements. The course focuses on the fundamentals of financial accounting and will begin by introducing students to accounting and finance concepts and terms, before moving on to financial and management accounting techniques which will include the production of financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements and forecasts. This knowledge will be used to enable the student to interpret financial information using financial ratios, with a view to improving the quality of decision-making. (Open Book Exam 50%, Report (Individual) 50%

Information Management (10 credits, compulsory)

The module introduces the variety of information types encountered in business and the importance that Information Technology plays in underpinning modern business practice, and investigates the purpose of information systems in business. It will promote an understanding of the variety of systems essential for a full and effective use of technology and examine the increasing number of methods of communication in speeding up the use of information. In addition, it will identify effective statistical methods for managing information and decision making within an organisation. (Investigation 50%, Presentation 50%)

Marketing and Innovation (20 credits, compulsory)

This module introduces students to marketing principles, and the importance marketing planning. Students will examine how to apply the marketing mix to achieve results. They will learn the underpinning theories and models and apply them to real–world examples. (Written Assignment 40%, Report (Group) 40%, Presentation 20%)

Research and Study Skills (10 credits, core)

This module develops the study skills of the students, enabling the production of sound academic writing and introducing the concept of critical thought. It will enable students to develop skills in academic research, writing and reflection. (Written Assignment 100%)

Year 2 (Level 5)

Human Resources Management (20 credits, compulsory)

This module aims to enable students to understand the development of HRM and the resource view of the organisation. It will discuss the principal functions and activities of Human Resource Management and the contribution to the achievement of organisational objectives. Students will explore the processes of recruiting, selecting and developing the talent and skills of the organisation, and the links between performance and reward in a contemporary context. (Written Assignments 100%)

Conference and Event Management (20 credits, compulsory)

This module will develop the students understanding of the diversity, protocols and operations underpinning the modern conference and event management sector; developing and applying skills that take into consideration the holistic design and operational factors required to meet client needs. (Report 40%, Case Study 60%)

Employability Based Learning 2: Skills for Leadership (20 credits, compulsory)

This module develops the students’ understanding of various topics needed in modern leadership, and maps to Chartered Management Institute (CMI) units. These include presenting and communicating data that supports decision making, management of individual and team performance and how to improve performance. (Written Assignments 100%)

Research Methods (20 credits, compulsory)

The aim of the module will be for students to understand and reflect upon the nature of a research proposal, the aims and applications of research, and the methods and procedures for conducting research with competent use of a statistical software. (Research Proposal 50%, Presentation 50%)

Event Theories (10 credits, compulsory)

Change is not only likely, it is inevitable. This module critically reviews theories, concepts and practices applicable to emerging issues that exemplify the dynamic working environment confronting event managers today. The identification and exploration of these emergent issues provides students with a functional knowledge of trends and a critical understanding of how these affect the shaping of overall organisational strategy and decision-making. Students will discuss the specific emerging themes relating to consumer theories and look back at reputation management, lessons learnt and hypothesise how public relations may be shaped in the future. (Report 100%)

The Live Event (30 credits, core)

This module is designed to amalgamate all of the skills and knowledge students have acquired into the full practical realisation of an event. Students will actively participate as a member of an Event Management Company and focus on developing project management and event operation skills by planning, designing, implementing and evaluating a live event. (Portfolio 45%, Group Pitch 20%, Reflective Journal 35%)