Hospitality and Food Studies

The hotel and catering industry is one of the largest industries for employment in the United Kingdom and, indeed, in the developed world. Often referred to as the hospitality industry, it includes hotels, aspects of leisure and tourism together with anything to do with food and drink.

From guest houses to international hotels, high street fast food outlets to famous restaurants, cross-channel ferries to luxury ocean liners, airports to aeroplanes - the variety is extraordinary. All of these sectors offer a wide range of careers. For example, most large catering businesses have personnel, financial and marketing managers, as well as the more obvious positions such as head chef, hotel receptionist or general manager. Progression is often rapid and it is possible to have a position of responsibility very early on in your career.

With experience, prospects for self-employment are also very good. An integral part of some of our courses is paid work experience. You can choose to undertake these work placements locally throughout the UK, mainland Europe and the USA.

Our latest multi-million pound building houses the Centre for Hospitality and Food Studies and was officially opened by Gary Rhodes in October 2002. The Centre is delighted to have Gary as its patron.

This state-of-the-art Centre provides excellent, specialist facilities for hospitality students, from a demonstration room complete with cameras and monitors to larders, stores, general kitchens, workshops, patisseries, restaurants, bars and reception areas.