La Trobe University > Courses > Tourism and hospitality

Tourism and hospitality

An exciting area of growth and innovation, a qualification in tourism and hospitality will prepare you to work within global companies, resorts, restaurants and hotel chains.

Tourism and hospitality at La Trobe

Be globally recognised. Our course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to work in the tourism and hospitality industry worldwide.

While studying as a tourism and hospitality student, you’ll receive:

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification by The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR)
  • Responsible Service of Food (RSF) certification by La Trobe University
  • Galileo certification (Travel Agency Booking System) if you obtain 80% or higher in final exam.

Be confident that your university is ranked in the top six universities in Australia and top 50 in the world for hospitality and leisure management (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017).

Study key business disciplines including accounting, economics, finance and marketing, as well as completing major study in tourism and hospitality. Develop key skills in food and beverage services, accommodation management, gastronomy, destination marketing and service operation management.

Graduate career ready. You’ll gain hands-on experience in using front-of-house and travel management booking systems by participating in our hotel management computer simulation, as well as taking part in our work placement opportunities.

Career outcomes

A qualification in tourism and hospitality is your key to working in various areas across many sectors. You could consider working in positions such as:

  • restaurant manager
  • café manager
  • food and beverage manager
  • hotel manager
  • conference and event manager
  • human resource manager
  • marketing manager
  • resort manager.

Short courses

We also offer single subject study. Visit our short courses page to find out more.

Courses

Doctor of Philosophy

Location: Melbourne Albury-Wodonga Bendigo City

Start dates: AnytimeAnytime

Duration: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time4 years

Master of Arts

Location: Melbourne

Start dates: AnytimeAnytime

Duration: Two years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years

Student and graduate profiles

Find out about the experiences of one of our Tourism and hospitality students.

La Trobe graduates

Where have graduates found work opportunities?

Our recent graduates have started their careers within mid-tier and local firms, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations, and have risen to high-level positions as company directors in commercial organisations such as:

  • Hilton Worldwide
  • Mantra Group
  • Park Hyatt
  • Destination Melbourne.

How much can I earn?

The wage of an tourism and hospitality graduate can vary greatly based on your specialisation, position and organisation you find work in. Below is an estimation of the salary and career path of an tourism and hospitality graduate.

  • tourism and hospitality graduate $50,000 - $55,000 per year*
  • coordinator or manager position $50,000 - $100,000 per year
  • corporate position or higher $90,000 + per year

*Average salary range for roles located in Melbourne and Sydney, as advertised on Seek, 2017

Industry links

What are industry links?

Industry links are organisations that work with us to shape our curriculum and provide partnership and placement opportunities. We look for strong links with industry, schools, community groups and other stakeholders to ensure you develop the best theoretical and practical skills required in your chosen career.

How do industry links affect me?

Our business industry links consider La Trobe graduates for internships, placements and employment opportunities, as they know our teaching and content standards. Our business industry links include:

  • 3M
  • CPA Australia
  • Drake
  • Oxford University Press
  • RACV
  • Rio Tinto
  • Westpac Banking Corporation
  • Peninsula Hot Springs
  • Westpac Banking Corporation
  • Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Victoria Tourism Industry Council.

Find out more about La Trobe Business School.

Alternative pathways

Are there alternative pathways into a tourism and hospitality courses?

Going straight from school to university isn't an option for everyone. If you have not completed year 12, didn't get the score you needed or are working on ways to transition into tertiary education, we have options for you.

  • Aspire Program - Be recognised for the difference you make. Refer to dates to see if your eligible for an early offer.
  • Course transfer - Start your studies in one business course and apply for transfers into another. *
  • Tertiary Enabling Program - Successfully complete our 17-week program and improve you academic results to be eligible for a range of courses.
  • Work Recognition Program - If you are over 21 years of age, you may be eligible to gain entry into a Bachelor of Business based on your work experience.
  • Diploma in Business - Successfully complete a Diploma in Business at one of our regional campuses and transfer into second year of the Bachelor of Business.
  • La Trobe College Australia - Successfully complete a Diploma in Business with our pathway provider, and get guaranteed entry into a second year of our Bachelor of Business.
  • TAFE diplomas - Do a relevant course and get Advance Standing for your prior learning.**

    • * Other than Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics of Bachelor of Laws.
    ** Minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) required for entry into some courses. You may also be eligible for Advance Standing

    If you'd like some more information, contact our future students team on:

  • T: 1300 135 045
  • W: Future Students website
  • Enquire online: Ask La Trobe

    • Or see alternative course pathways.

Our tourism and hospitality staff

Experience the business industry in the classroom. You’ll learn from academics and Professors of Practice who have expertise across a range of industries and sectors. Our staff work with industry to:

  • link our courses with industry
  • design industry-relevant curriculum
  • reflect best practice nationally and globally through lectures, workshops and executive programs.

View staff in tourism and hospitality staff or view all staff from the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Commerce.

Placement opportunities

Be career ready. Extend your learning beyond the classroom by testing your knowledge in a ’real world’ role. Create your industry network and gain practical skills through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and placement subjects. Work with your course coordinator to find opportunities that best suit your skills and interests. Previous students have found internship opportunities within organisations such as:

  • Mantra
  • VECCI
  • Backpackers World
  • Peninsula Hot Springs.

Refer to course specifics above to see what placement opportunities exist for you.

International study opportunities

Give your qualification a global edge with international study. As a part of La Trobe Business School, you may be eligible for a number of opportunities, including international exchange with one of our 100 partner universities or to visit Vietnam for two weeks as an elective through the Tourism and Hospitality International Study Program. The study tour offers an exciting opportunity to experience first-hand Vietnamese culture, food, tourism and hospitality offerings.

Contact us

International students

Local students

Find us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram