Vancouver Island University

Bachelor of Hospitality Management

The Program

VIU offers a four year Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree, which includes a two-year Hospitality Management diploma. Students have the option to graduate with the Hospitality Management diploma after two years, or go on to complete the additional two years to graduate with the Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree. Hospitality diploma graduates from VIU or other Canadian institutions have the option of entering directly into the third year of the Bachelor of Hospitality Management program. Culinary Arts diploma graduates from VIU or other Canadian institutions can enter the 3rd year of the degree program after completing a bridging semester.

The program will involve the learner in an internationalized curriculum as well as culturally-diverse professional and social environments. They will be engaged in activities that develop their skills to synthesize and solve problems in a global context. The program balances academic and applied skills by designing learning opportunities where learners apply theories in hospitality business simulated environments as well as in co-operative/internship placements.

Career Opportunities

The degree graduates will continue their career development into middle and senior management positions in the following employment settings:

• Resorts
• Hotels, Inns
• Food & Beverage services,Restaurants, Dining Rooms, Pubs, Institutional Food services
• Management Consulting Companies

The employment opportunities are varied:

• Supervisory/Management which require advanced planning and leadership skills.
• Independent entrepreneurs, there are many business opportunities in the Hospitality sector which the graduate might pursue.
• Hospitality Business Development organizations which plan, develop and operate new business.
• Hospitality training organizations/Human Resources Management positions.
• Sales and Marketing.

Admission Requirements

Students must apply for the degree program after successfully completing the Hospitality Management diploma program. Admission to the third year of the program is limited.

• General admission requirements apply.
• Prospective students must hold a minimum "C+" average grade for their completed diploma, with a minimum "C" grade in individual courses.
• Letter of support from faculty at the sending institution.

Admission Following Culinary Arts Diploma

Culinary Arts diploma graduates may apply to the Bachelor of Hospitality Management program and will be enrolled in a bridging semester to prepare for entry into the 3rd year of the Hospitality Management degree.

Transfer from other Institutions

• Students wishing to transfer to VIU, after completing two-year diploma programs in Hospitality, Resort Management or Administration, will be considered for block transfer into the third year of the program.
• Transfer students must satisfy VIU's Degree English Requirement prior to graduation. All students should consult with the Program Degree Advisor upon admission to the program.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September and a limited intake in January. Applications are accepted between October 3 and March 31. For further information regarding late applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List.

Completion Requirements

The expected, normal time required to complete the degree program (years 3 and 4) will be two years for full-time students. Part-time students who may require a longer time to complete the program are encouraged to apply, as the department is committed to the provision of coursework through a variety of alternative methods (Prior Learning Assessment, online, evening, short intensive sessions).

Continuing Requirements/Minimum Sessional Grade Point Average

Students must maintain an average "C+", with a minimum "C" grade in any individual course in the program, and perform satisfactorily in work placement activity.

Students who fail to maintain these standards will be placed on academic probation for the following academic year. If the standards are not attained during the probationary year, the student will be asked to withdraw from the program for a minimum period of one academic year. The student may apply for probationary re-in statement after the withdrawal period, subject to available space.

Prior Learning Assessment

Students who have gained required skills, knowledge and competencies taught in the degree program in the Hospitality Industry may consider seeking recognition and assessment of their prior learning. Students who are successful in demonstrating prior learning to the extent required by the faculty will be granted appropriate credit toward the degree.

Work Placement Opportunities

Students in the third year of the degree will participate in either a Co-operative Education work term or an Internship. In order to receive a Co-operative Education designation, transfer students must have successfully completed two Co-op work terms in their diploma activity. Participation in the third Co-op work term is based on availability of space and academic performance with a minimum 3.0 (“B”) grade point average.

Special Expenses

Co-op Fees are due during the second month of each work term.

All fees and costs are subject to change without prior notice.

Program Outline

The Hospitality Management Degree students, during the third and fourth year, are required to complete the following courses:

• 12 required Hospitality/Tourism courses
• 2 Liberal Studies courses
• 3 upper-level Business/Management electives
• 3 open electives
• Co-operative education placement or Internship