What will I learn on this module?
Hospitality is the management, sale and consumption of services including food, accommodation, experiences. It is arguably the oldest industry in the world and continues to be one of the fastest growing. This module is designed to enable students to learn about a range of theoretical and practical approaches applied in the study of the origins, scope and management of hospitality in tourism around the world.
The course examines the wide range of hospitality types in the tourism industry, from homes shared via digital platforms such as AirBnB, to traditional resort hotels, packaged tours, adventurous expeditions, temporary hospitality at festivals and in restaurants. We will consider the phenomenon from a mixed, multi-disciplinary perspective.
From the earliest host-guest relationships to the multi-billion-dollar global industry it is today, we will consider the glittering towers of Las Vegas and Dubai as well as the street food sellers of any city around the world, and the mountain peoples who offer simple hospitality from meagre resources. Throughout we will explore the growing significance of digital interfaces in the mega-processes and changes at work in some parts of this vibrant, ever-changing industry.
Crucially, the core of the programme will provide a framework for analysis, marketing and management of this diverse industry – for both the sole trader, micro-business or SME to those with roles in large national and multinational hospitality-driven businesses. Based as it is on the endless possibilities of human communication, service and co-creation, we will demonstrate that this is at once one of the most challenging and also potentially the most vibrant and rewarding of industries.
Key themes:
Traditional hospitality, talent management and employability experience economy, co-creation, , services and experiential marketing, gastronomy,
digital data and interfaces, the sharing economy, social media, sustainability and new product development
How will I learn on this module?
The lectures will provide you with a theoretical underpinning of the module content, supported by workshops in seminar sessions and case studies.
The module has a supporting reading list that provides you with an opportunity to explore how hospitality has mushroomed into a global industry in its own right but also as part of the expanding tourism system.
The directed study will support and complement the work you have undertaken in face-to-face sessions.
Independent learning time is set aside for learning activities, self-identified by you, to gain a deeper and broader knowledge of the subject. You may undertake further reading.
The continuous practical nature of the seminars means that tutor (formative) feedback will be consistently provided. In-class evaluations and directed learning activity provide formative assessment. Blackboard Ultra, the electronic learning platform, will be used to distribute material and stimulate discussion.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Usually, each week of the module will begin with a lecture providing cases and theoretical commentary for students to consider. This will be followed by seminar-based exercises.
Part of the learning on this module will be intra-group – i.e. your own experiences and those of your colleagues are valid and highly valued aspects upon which to reflect about the organisation and management of hospitality. This is facilitated by the module leader and academic tutors contributing to the course.
Your module is supported via the e-learning portal, which houses a variety of lecture materials, seminars, case studies, multimedia and text files.
You will also receive a wide-ranging electronic reading list comprised of various books, conference papers and journal articles relevant to the material covered by the module.
In addition, some links to online videos and critical documentaries will be used to consider the ills and successes of the industry in its many forms.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1.1 Critically assess the values of current theories, models and concepts in hospitality organisations
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2.1 Apply a range of appropriate analytical, theoretical and management tools Examining the operations of the hospitality sector.
2.2 Apply learning derived to subsequent case studies and tourism and hospitality contexts
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3.1 Communicate and work effectively in a group
(PLO 1.2)
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a combination of formative and summative assessment tasks.
Formative assessment will be set in class and guided by your tutors, who will provide formative feedback to support your learning.
Summative assessment will be in form of an individual infographic poster (40%) and a 2500 word business report (60%)
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
From the earliest host-guest relationships to the multi-billion-dollar global industry it is today, we will consider the glittering towers of Las Vegas and Dubai as well as the street food sellers of any city around the world, and various mountain peoples offering simple hospitality from meagre resources to first-world climbers and adventurers. Throughout, we will explore the growing significance of digital interfaces and social interactions in this vibrant, ever-changing industry which began with the simple principles of caring for others, often in the host’s home. Students will therefore critically engage with a range of theoretical work and strategic models of hospital management.
The core of the programme will provide a framework for analysis, marketing and management of this diverse industry – for both the sole trader or SME and those with roles in large national and multinational hospitality-driven businesses. Predicated as it is on the endless possibilities of human communication and co-creation, we will demonstrate that this is at once one of the most challenging and also potentially the most vibrant and rewarding of industries.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
2 other options available
Department Newcastle Business School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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