SETU has launched an innovative part-time degree that enables learners to combine paid employment with higher education while preparing the next generation of leaders for Ireland's hospitality and tourism sector.
Applications are now open for a new Bachelor of Business in Hospitality and Tourism Management, which commences in September 2026.
Developed in close partnership with industry, the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programme responds directly to the priorities outlined in the Government's national tourism strategy, ‘A new era for Irish Tourism 2025–2030’, which calls for stronger collaboration between higher education and industry to build the skills needed to support the sector's long-term growth.
Hospitality and tourism support more than 270,000 livelihoods across Ireland and continue to evolve as visitor expectations shift towards authentic, local experiences. While digital technologies and artificial intelligence are changing how businesses operate, the industry continues to rely on highly skilled people who can deliver exceptional customer experiences and strong leadership.
SETU's new programme has been designed to meet this demand by combining academic learning with structured workplace experience. Students remain employed throughout the programme, attending classes one day per week while applying their learning directly in the workplace through industry projects and professional development.
Jacinta Greene-Beatty, SETU Programme Leader, said the degree represents a new model for hospitality education in Ireland.
"This programme embodies the old Irish seanfhocal, ‘Giorraíonn beirt bóthar’ or 'two shorten the road'. It demonstrates what can be achieved when higher education and industry work together with a shared vision. Developed in partnership with employers, alumni and representative bodies, it creates a flexible pathway for people to earn a recognised business degree while continuing to build their careers, strengthening both the talent pipeline and the future of Ireland's hospitality and tourism sector."
Jacinta Greene-Beatty SETU Lecturer and Programme Lecturer
The programme was shaped through extensive consultation with an External Advisory Board comprising representatives from Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Hotels Federation, the Irish Hospitality Institute, the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, the South East Regional Skills Forum, County Wexford Chamber Skillnet, industry leaders, SETU graduates, and academic staff.
Research commissioned by the South East Regional Skills Forum also demonstrated strong employer demand, with more than four in five hospitality businesses surveyed expressing interest in participating in the programme.
“The launch of this programme at SETU is a significant and positive development for the tourism and hospitality sector. It reflects the ambition of SETU, alongside the many local tourism leaders who have supported its development, to further elevate the industry as a professional, dynamic and future-focused career choice. Through its work-integrated model, the programme creates accessible and compelling pathways into the sector, while building the practical expertise, managerial capability and leadership potential that will drive its continued growth and long-term success.”
Sarah Dolly Head of Tourism Careers at Fáilte Ireland
Industry partners have welcomed the initiative.
"This programme provides a valuable pathway for colleagues across the hospitality and tourism sector to advance their education and career while continuing to work and gain practical experience. It is a fantastic opportunity to develop future talent and strengthen hospitality and tourism across the southeast and beyond."
Sarah Millea Director of Human Resources, Mount Juliet Estate
The programme also receives significant support from County Wexford Chamber Skillnet, which is offering eligible participants funding of up to 40% of programme fees, while the Irish Hospitality Institute will provide complimentary student membership throughout the programme and graduate membership upon completion.
Graduates will develop expertise in hospitality and tourism management, leadership, customer experience, human resource management, sustainability, digital marketing, media, community representation, entrepreneurship and revenue management, preparing them for supervisory and management roles across hotels, restaurants, visitor attractions, tourism organisations, events and related experience led service industries.
Applications are now open and places are awarded on a first come first served basis to eligible candidates. SUSI part-time funding is also available for eligible candidates.
