Galway International Hotel School launches exciting new degree programme

This new Common Entry business degree offers the option to specialise in year 2 in one of the following disciplines: 

• International Tourism Management 
• International Hotel and Hospitality Management 
• Event Management with Public Relations

GIHS has a global reputation, the school has strong links with regional and international partners, several of whom attended the recent launch of this programme. 
The industry partners in attendance at the event highlighted that choosing a degree in tourism, hospitality, and event management opens up a diverse array of career opportunities in a dynamic field. The inclusion of an accredited global internship is also an important and attractive feature of the degree programme.

Cathal Esler, Human Resources Director, Choice Hotel Group, who attended the launch event on the day commented, “We are delighted to attend this new programme launch. GIHS has a proud legacy of nurturing top-tier graduates for our field. This innovative common entry degree promises immense value for leaving certificate students contemplating a future in tourism, hospitality, and event management.”
Industry demand for graduates has never been as high, the sector offers a diverse range of opportunities and can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy working with people and creating positive experiences.

Representatives from the second level, post-primary setting also attended the event. Guidance Counsellors interested in finding out more about this new programme were intrigued by the engaging modules and internship opportunities on offer.

Julie O'Connor, Synergy Careers and Guidance Counsellor, highlighted the pivotal aspect of the applied elements within the course, emphasising its appeal to prospective students, she commented, “This programme offers prospective students a valuable opportunity to explore diverse facets of the hospitality, tourism, and event industry firsthand, empowering them to make informed decisions about their academic and career trajectories. The common entry approach holds significant promise in facilitating this decision-making process, ultimately ensuring students find their perfect fit in both course selection and career path."

This common entry programme allows students get a taster of three different disciplines through a range of modules, which encompass practical and theoretical learning as well as guest lecturers and field trips to enhance the student experience. Cáit Noone, Head of Galway International Hotel School added, “This unique programme opportunity provides students with broader skillsets and a more varied first year curriculum allowing them to make the best possible decision to suit their career goals. The interest and demand for highly skilled graduates was evident at this event. Students will graduate with a highly sought after Bachelor of Business qualification. They will have acumen in a range of business subjects such as management skills, human resources, finance, marketing, economics and entrepreneurship. The degree includes accredited internship opportunities, with graduate employment opportunities available nationally and internationally.”

This common entry programme gives students the chance to stream into one of three level 8 courses in a chosen specialism. Jacinta Dalton, Head of Department in Culinary Arts and Service Industries further added, “This common entry programme allows students experience a taster of each of the three different disciplines. Following first year, students with the guidance of their lecturers, will then stream into year 2 of the level 8 programme of their choice. A common entry programme provides students with flexibility before deciding their chosen stream.”

She further added, “Working in the hospitality, tourism and event management sectors develops a wide range of transversal skills, including communication, problem-solving, time management, and leadership. These skills are valuable and highly sought after by employers. A world of opportunities await graduates from this programme and we are delighted to launch this exciting new programme at the Galway City campus.”

The ‘Change of Mind’ facility on the CAO is now open, applicants interested in applying to join this programme have until 5pm on the 1st of July to add this programme to their CAO choices. For more information on the Bachelor of Business in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (AU532), visit www.atu.ie/AU532

Featured image: L-R: Adriana Taheny (The Galmont Hotel), Jacinta Dalton ATU ,Head of Department of Culinary Arts & Service Industries, Douglas Niland (Glenlo Abbey Hotel) Cáit Noone, Head of Galway International Hotel School , Ronán Ó Halloran (Glenlo Abbey Hotel)   Cathal Esler (The G Hotel), Stefan Lundstran (The Galmont Hotel)