Higher Education Course of the Week – AU221: Tourism and Hospitality Operations at ATU Donegal

Tourism and Hospitality Operations at ATU Donegal is a three year full time program designed to equip students with the operational skills to work within the Tourism and Hospitality sector. With a programme involving work outside in nature, practical classes, field trips and a period of work experience, graduates will be able to secure employment in businesses and organisations in Ireland and abroad.

A specific area of focus on the programme is the operational side of hospitality management. Students will focus on subject areas such as restaurant and bar operations which involves property checks, bar preparation, inspections and cleaning. Other subjects include beverage management, rooms division management and culinary skills. Study of these particular subjects are combined with modules in tourism such as tour guiding and Tourism Destination Development. There will also be a large focus on the development of digital savvy skills.

Modules of study include:

-        Bar Operations

-        IT & Study skills

-        Introduction to the Tourism industry

-        Professional Business Communications

-        Food and Beverage Cost Control

-        Specialised Restaurant

-        Culinary Skills

-        Events Management

See the full list of modules here. Please note that the most up to date information on the course outline can be found on the university website here.

Entry Requirements:

As of 2022, points required for entry into this course were 166. Applicants will need a minimum of O6/H7 in English or Irish.

This course will accept applications from students with any QQI Level 5 or 6 Major Award. View courses that fall into this category here. Mature students may apply to this course and are encouraged to do so.

Career Progression:

The most common employers of graduates of this course are businesses in the Tourism and Hospitality sector, tourism organisations and hotels. Many graduates work in the areas of sales, marketing, food and beverages, events, conferencing and as tour guides.

Sample careers:

-        Catering Manager

-        Brand Manager

-        Bar Manager

-        Digital Marketing Executive

-        Events / Conference Coordinator

-        Events Marketing Assistant

-        Events Marketing Manager

-        Restaurant (Food and Beverage) Supervisor