Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism at IT Tralee

The Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism (HCT) Department incorporates the three facets of the world wide tourism industry – culinary arts, hospitality and events and tourism. The HCT team have international industry experience combined with academic expertise to ensure students receive a grounded education in their chosen specialist field.

Facilities at IT Tralee include five kitchens, a training restaurant and bar, a demonstration kitchen, training reception and computer labs.

“As someone who manages event management businesses and hires people regularly, I’m very much looking forward to engaging with this innovative programme at
IT Tralee. The events industry is dynamic and challenging, but the course content in BA (Hons) in Event Management should provide an excellent foundation for a career in this industry.”
Mark Breen, Cuckoo Events.

The HCT lecturing team collaborate with industry through a number of forums, continuous professional development, active learning through industry projects, industry placements for students and working with local, regional and national organisations such as Taste Kerry, Go Kerry, Fáilte Ireland. 

The department is also involved in many international collaborations which include both academic institutes and industry – Johnson & Wales University Rhode Island, University College Birmingham, George Brown College and Durham College in Ontario, Canada. 

Culinary Arts 

The various Culinary Arts programmes provide a pathway for creative employment opportunities within all aspects of the food industry. The programmes reflect up-to-date developments and trends in both the national and international culinary arts industry. 

All programmes combine practical skills classes in state of the art kitchens with an in-depth theoretical knowledge-base and the development of communication, critical thinking, problem solving and personal skills in its participants. 

Students are also afforded the opportunity to partake in both national and international familiarisation trips, food industry competitions, and are introduced to many industry experts through guest lectures within the programmes.

Programmes at IT Tralee also include Food product design and food product development so employment in food companies is also an option for graduates. 

Event Management

Launched in 2018, the Event Management programme at IT Tralee is the only dedicated three year Level 8 Honours Degree in Event Management course in Ireland.  

The events sector in Ireland is a vibrant and diverse growth sector, which includes the management of anything from festivals to corporate events and conferences. 

This programme provides participants with practical hands-on experience, work placement, industry site visits and masterclasses from key figures in the Irish festival and events industry. Career opportunities include event management roles in specialist event companies and venues, large corporate organisations, non-profit/charity sector, sports venues, events and organisations.

Trainee Management Development

The Trainee Management Development programme offers those currently employed or wishing to enter into the hotel industry the opportunity to pursue a degree in hotel management while simultaneously working with a sponsoring employer. 

Each year the programme delivers 60 credits of study through a blended learning approach. This programme requires candidates to spend 2 blocks of 4 weeks per annum at IT Tralee. During this period, six modules will be delivered. The remaining modules are delivered on-line and through work based learning.

There are a range of career opportunities in the hotel sector including Head of Department, Duty Manager as well as specialising in any management position such as Human Resources, Marketing and Events.