KBU International College (KBU) will be launching a new programme in September 2011 to cater to the strong demand for qualified staff for the robust tourism and hospitality sectors.
The new BSc (Hons) in Tourism and Hospitality Business Management (3+0) degree is a joint collaboration between KBU and its partner, Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) of UK. According to Bashirah Arifin, Deputy Head of the School of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Management at KBU, SHU is rated as one of the top universities in the UK for helping students reach their full academic potential in the Guardian’s University Guide 2012. It designs its courses in conjunction with industry specialists – including over 70 professional bodies – so that students can be sure it delivers the skills employers are looking for. The most recent Research Assessment Exercise confirmed it as one of the premier centres for research in tourism and hospitality.
Bashirah adds that the partnership with SHU means that KBU will be able to tap into SHU’s reputed expertise and wide experience in this industry. Both higher learning institutions will be using the same academic calendar, academic materials and assessments throughout the 3 year course. KBU students will receive the same award as SHU students in the UK. There will also be opportunities for students to transfer credits should they be interested to experience studying in the SHU campus in UK for a stint.
Enrolment starts now. Students with a Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management, or other similar qualifications in Hotel or Tourism Management, are eligible to apply direct into Year Two of the degree course, subject to course matching by KBU. Upon completion of the degree, students have wide option to choose their career in hospitality such as hotel management, conference planning and theme park operation; food and catering services such as restaurant and tourism.
KBU also offers Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management (DHTM) where students are trained in a simulated work environment comprising a modern and well-equipped kitchen, Cafe De One, where customers will be waited and served food prepared by students; a mock hotel room where students are taught proper housekeeping such as bed-arrangement, cleaning and sanitation procedures; a mock-up front office called ‘Hotel De One’ and a mock-up travel agency called ‘Travel De One’. Such hands-on practical trainings ensure that students are adequately prepared and equipped when they step out into the real work place. In addition to these practicals, students are required to undergo a three-month compulsory internship in hotels or restaurants. An added advantage for KBU students is the access to One World Hotel, an international class five-star hotel which is owned by First Nationwide Group of which KBU is a subsidiary.
A Preview of the new degree programme will be held on 11th July 2011 at 6.00pm in the college. Faculty members from Sheffield Hallam University will be making the presentation and on hand to provide any additional information that parents/students may inquire. For further details, please contact KBU International College, Bandar Utama, at Tel: 03-77273200 or Fax: 03-77272733 or email: [email protected] or visit our website: www.kbu.edu.my. You can also join us at http://facebook.com/kbuinternational
