Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management (Hospitality Specialism) - Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA)

Essentials

Duration: 2.5 Years Part-time
Start date: 15th September 2025
End date: 27th August 2028

Course fee: FREE

The Tourism and Hospitality sector is vital to the Northern Ireland economy. It is an exciting and vibrant area to work in, with the opportunity to visit many interesting places and meet people from all over the world.

Northern Regional College is offering a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management for people who either want to get into the industry or who are already working in the industry and want to improve their career opportunities by starting a new role.

World-famous sites like the Giant`s Causeway and Titanic Belfast attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Our hotels and restaurants are internationally recognised and major sporting and entertainment events play a vital role in promoting Northern Ireland as a popular destination.

This qualification allows you to work and study at the same time. You will start by gaining an overview of the wider industry and its markets, then specialist units cover topics like Management, Events Operations, Finance, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Domestic and Global Tourism and Managing Specialist and Corporate Events.

Your programme of study will allow you to obtain a Foundation Degree in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management, validated by Ulster University. Successful completion of a summer bridging module will allow you complete final year of either the university`s BSc Honours in International Hospitality Management, or the BSc Honours in International Tourism Management, or BSc Honours in Events Management.  Bridging options for final year entry are possible subject to academic performance and mapping modules or pathway.

Special Features

Employability

You will gain valuable knowledge, practical skills and work experience as well as a recognised qualification, a combination that will help to increase your future employability prospects, improve your CV and open up new career opportunities for you.

Earn While You Learn

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July 2024; and

satisfy Ulster University’s general entry requirements including;

• GCSE English Language grade 04/C or above or Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Communication, and
• GCSE Maths grade 04/C or above or Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Application of Number; and 
• Have a minimum of 56 UCAS points from appropriate level 3 qualifications, achieved through the completion of A Levels, National Awards, Access, or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.

Or

Provide evidence of their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL).

Attendance at a pre-entry advice session is mandatory prior to enrolment.

Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.