James Halsall, studying for an MSc in International Hotel and Tourism Management

In the department we’ve got our own careers staff with lots of connections to different people in the industry. I’ve had access to some of the top chefs and establishments in London because of the contacts we have here. The likes of Mark Hix, Ken Hom, Madhur Jaffrey - it's fantastic!

I've had access to some of the top chefs

A massive positive is the research. It is a management degree so of course you get a lot of taught elements. But you also go out and do primary research, build a model, and test it.

There’s enough of a research element to lead onto doctoral studies.

My aim is to be an entrepreneur - to start up within the restaurant hospitality business. This course puts me in a professional setting with people who have spent at least three to five years in the industry. They understand the management problems and the theory, so you can really discuss issues in a lot of depth.

Hospitality

The Oxford School of Hospitality Management is recognised worldwide for the quality of its teaching and learning, its outstanding relationships with industry and the impact of its academic research.

Why study at Oxford Brookes?

Our postgraduate programmes are not only academically challenging – they also open up a world of opportunity for successful careers in international hospitality and tourism.

Our reputation is continually enhanced by the achievements of our alumni, who go on to shape the nature of industry practice.

We have been ranked top in the UK for employability of graduates in a survey by consultants Taylor Nelson Sofres, published in 2011. Each year over 40 leading companies visit the school, seeking to recruit talented graduates for careers in international hospitality and tourism.

You will be taught in a thriving multidisciplinary environment by academics who are committed to your intellectual development. In addition, there are lots of opportunities to interact with leading players from a variety of sectors. For example, Oxford Gastronomica, our specialist food studies centre, hosts a public lecture series which brings students together with iconic figures from the international culinary scene, and Bacchus, our student society, holds many educational and social events.

You will be located in Oxford, one of the world’s great cities. With a reputation built on education, literature and the arts, it attracts visitors from all continents, making it the perfect location in which to study hospitality and tourism. As a master’s student you will benefit from our close links with all sectors of the Oxfordshire tourism sector, from hotels and restaurants, to museums and theatres.

The school is recognised as a centre of excellence for research in international hospitality and tourism, coming top in
a recent survey. Cutting-edge research by our academics in areas such as environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility underpins students’ learning experience.

What are the benefits?

Capitalise on the school’s outstanding relationships with the worldwide hospitality and tourism industry.
Work alongside academics who are the leaders in their fields.
Be part of a truly international learning community, with students from over 25 different countries.
Secure challenging and rewarding employment and experience rapid career progression.
Remain part of an exclusive alumni network, Bacchus Alumni, throughout your entire career.
Follow a flexible curriculum that allows you to shape your learning experience to reflect personal interests and career aspirations.

Research

To find out more please see our research degrees pages.

Taught Courses

You will be taught by academics who are experts in their fields, benefiting from constant exposure to senior figures from industry, and developing skills that are essential for success in international hospitality and tourism.

Teaching and learning

The content of curricula is informed by research undertaken by the academic team. Your learning will be informed by articles and books written by your tutors across a diverse range of disciplines. In addition, their collaborative work with industry ensures that you are engaging with cutting-edge issues.

You will meet with a diverse range of learning experiences, each carefully designed to aid your intellectual and professional development. From lectures and seminars to interactive workshops, live case-studies, computer simulations and group work, you will be given every opportunity to achieve deep learning.

You will also benefit from a flexible curriculum, one that can be shaped to reflect your own interests and career aspirations.

Our school is truly international. You will be interacting with students from around 45 different countries. This provides you with excellent opportunities to extend your cultural understanding and to explore the challenges and rewards of working in multinational groups.

Work Experience

All our courses can be taken in sandwich mode over two years, allowing you to undertake a year’s full-time supervised work experience.

Facilities

You will have use of extensive dedicated resources, including the university library, specialist subject librarians, and a ‘virtual’ learning environment for every one of the modules in which you are engaged.

Developing your career

One of the most distinctive characteristics of the school is the strength of our relationships with organisations in the international hospitality and tourism industries. Not only does this provide you with insights into current management and leadership practice, it also greatly enhances your career prospects. All of the sector’s top companies visit the school, seeking to attract talented graduates into key positions.

Which courses can I study to start in 2012?

Food, Wine and Culture - MA
International Hospitality and Tourism Management - MSc
International Hotel and Tourism Management - MSc
International Hotel and Tourism Marketing - MSc