BA (Hons) Hospitality Entrepreneur

Why study this subject?

This sector contributes significantly to the national and global economy. It is continuously looking for new, transformational and innovative solutions; for graduates to be the hospitality pioneers driving the sector forward. This course will help you become the hospitality entrepreneur employers are looking for. 

Why study at BNU?

This course has been developed to mirror today’s Hospitality industry. Working closely with professionals, we’ve made sure the course helps you to develop the skills and knowledge the industry needs. You’ll engage in real-world, practical activities that will prepare you for a successful entrepreneurial career. 

Undertaking work experience at our Missenden Abbey Hotel and Conference Centre is an integral part of the BA (Hons) Hotel Entrepreneur programme. This unique approach to studying at BNU is underlined by our core belief that practical, hands-on experience must always complement a theoretical, research-informed teaching strategy. 

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities, by taking part in community projects organised in collaboration with local hotels. You’ll also be able to attend guest talks, industry visits and a wide range of networking events, conferences and seminars organised by our school and our industry partners.

What facilities can I use? 

During your time studying on this degree, you will spend time at Missenden Abbey Hotel and Conference Centre. A former medieval abbey with a history of over 800 years, Missenden Abbey provides the professional backdrop for linking theory to practice. It enables a unique, experiential learning approach that will help to cement your knowledge and skills during your studies. You’ll also benefit from the industry mentorship programme offered by our partner organisations, where you have the opportunity to learn directly from successful hotel leaders.

As well as this you’ll have access to our High Wycombe Campus. Here you’ll benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, as well as newly built study and social areas. Our Library is open 24/7 and offers a range of resources to support your studies. We also have a Student Learning Achievement Team, who offer tailored support with research skills, critical thinking and referencing . 

You’ll also be automatically a member of our Students’ Union, which was rated as 1^st in the UK in the 2023 National Student Survey. We are the only university in the UK to offer free access to a huge range of events and entertainment,  CV building activities,  as well as competitive and recreational sport and wellbeing activities to enrich your time with us as part of our ‘Big Deal’.

What will I study? 

Our BA (Hons) Hospitality Entrepreneurship course enables you to gain the skills, mindset and confidence needed to start or develop your hospitality entrepreneurial project. We will support you with developing solid business principles, alongside gaining an in-depth theoretical and practical industry knowledge.

You’ll study the core business concepts and strategies associated with hospitality entrepreneurship, including aspects related to developing, funding, planning, and marketing your entrepreneurial project. 

Throughout you time with us you’ll build up on core concepts, studying more specialised subjects focused on innovation, ethics, sustainability, and brand management. As well as this we’ll delve into critical issues, financial management and leadership – including an entrepreneurial business project that will give you the opportunity to develop and launch your business idea.

Studying a BA (Hons) Hospitality Entrepreneur degree at BNU is a unique opportunity for you to gain an in-depth, research-informed, theoretical, and practical understanding of core entrepreneurship approaches and strategies, as applied to various sectors of hospitality. 

Fostering a culture of innovation, growth and sustainability, this course is designed to embed a strong entrepreneurial mindset, providing you with a solid foundation in business management principles and a specialised knowledge of hospitality entrepreneurship.

How will I be taught and assessed? 

Our teaching and learning methods include lectures and seminars, case studies, hands-on projects, guest speakers, field trips, practical work experience and placement opportunities at our Missenden Abbey Hotel and Conference Centre. and with our industry partners. 

You will learn from highly experienced lecturers, who have strong industry links as well as research interests in various aspects related to hospitality and entrepreneurship. Our strong links with industry professionals and trade associations ensure that you will have access to unique guest talks, industry trade shows and seminars.

Placements are an integral part of your course. Your placement will be practice-led, allowing you to gain experience in all departments, including front and back of house operations. You’ll gain experience in the different areas of operations, including restaurant, events, and conference departments. In order for you to make the most of your placement experience, your shifts may include occasional late finishes, or weekend work – as this is an integral part of how hospitality businesses are being operated. You will also benefit from field trips, site visits and residential trips to some of the most iconic hospitality locations. These include places such as Urban Pubs and Bars, Flat Iron, The Ivy Collection, Zetter Hotels, but may vary from year to year.

You will be assessed through a range of traditional and innovative assessment methods, including:

• essays
• reports
• debates
• student-led seminars
• pitches
• live briefs
• podcasts
• case studies
• industry projects
• Dragon-Den style assessments

And creative live presentations.