Undergraduate study

We give students the flexibility to choose a degree style that suits them. Our two-year accelerated degrees (BA Hotel Management and BA Events Management with Hospitality) allow you to fast track the start of your career and spend less money along the way. These degrees are a little bit more intense - we're still giving you all of the content that a longer degree would give, but doing so in much less time! 

If you're ready to work harder, learn faster and succeed sooner, these degree options might be for you. But if you want a more traditional degree structure, our three-year options could be right up your street. Unsure? Talk to us - we're always happy to chat about what might suit you. 

Our degrees are different. Here you will spend some weeks in lectures and others gaining hands-on work experience in Wivenhoe House hotel. Your placement is fully integrated into your course so that you are constantly learning and reflecting on your experiences alongside your business management lectures. This also allows you to take on more responsibility in the hotel as you progress through your degree and graduate ready to start your career as a future manager.

In response to the COVID19 pandemic, the department has developed a substantial virtual industry-engaged component for students that aims to substitute their practical experience, if they are unable to enter the hotel due to government restrictions. 

As an Edge Hotel School student you will be issued with a uniform to wear for your shifts in Wivenhoe House and when representing the School externally. You will just need to provide your own white shirts and black shoes.

 Wivenhoe House is a 4* country house hotel set in parkland on the Colchester campus. The original building is an 18th century Grade II listed house with 16 individual suites and bedrooms and the grand lounges downstairs. The traditional main house is complemented by the modern garden wing which is home to 24 contemporary bedrooms, 3 conference suites and the brasserie restaurant. The conference and events function at Wivenhoe House hosts over 300 events, including over 50 weddings, annually.

You will also have access to outstanding facilities on the University of Essex's Colchester Campus to support your studies. There are communal study spaces, an Edge Hotel School section in the massive library and lots of online resources for you to access. 

Our academic staff includes lecturers with both professional and academic backgrounds to ensure you are taught by people with industry-relevant experience themselves.  Among our staff are published authors including a former hotel General Manager,  a Food and Beverage Manager for award-winning cruise lines, an organiser of the BRIT Awards and London Fashion Week and a Dr. (PhD) with international research experience.

During your studies you will benefit from an annual careers fair, where employers from across the industry will come to network with you and discuss graduate opportunities. There are also guest lectures from hospitality and events leaders, workshops from industry professionals and conferences to support your career development and to help you build your professional network.

Supporters of the Edge Hotel School include  BaxterStorey, Claridges, Dorchester Collection, Edge Foundation, Hand Picked Hotels, The Landmark London, Levy UK and Ireland, Master Innholders, Moet Hennessey, Milsoms Hotels and Restaurants, Royal Lancaster London, the Savoy Educational Trust, St Julians Scholars - among many others. 

The Professional Performance Assessment (PPA) which takes the form of a mock interview is used throughout our courses to allow you to reflect, practise and improve your interview skills before embarking on interviews for your first graduate role.

Our award-winning Languages for All programme gives Essex students the opportunity to learn a language alongside their degree, at no extra cost, for one year. Learning a language is an invaluable skill to have in hospitality. Having access to the Languages for All programme during your degree studies will boost your employability even further.

You can apply to study at the Edge Hotel School directly through our admissions team by filling in our application form. You can also apply via UCAS.