Sheffield Hallam University has co-launched a unique collaborative degree course and joint PhD programme with partner institution, La Trobe University in Australia

Press contact: Greg Mattocks-Evans | g.mattocks-evans@shu.ac.uk

The undergraduate degree programme in International Hospitality and Tourism Management will see students at Sheffield Hallam gain a unique global perspective by spending one year of their course at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia.

Once international travel restrictions ease, eligible students who begin their course at La Trobe will mirror the experience of their UK counterparts, with a cohort of La Trobe students spending their second year of study in Sheffield.

"To be able to study on a course that gives you a global insight is incredibly valuable"

Natalie Haynes, the Collaborative Course Leader from Sheffield Hallam said: “The hospitality and tourism sector is one of the fastest growing globally and contributes around 10% of global GDP, so to be able to study on a course that gives you a global insight is incredibly valuable.”

“This is a really exciting opportunity for students from opposite sides of the globe to study a specially designed programme of learning, including 120 hours of work experience.

“This programme builds on a relationship with La Trobe that has been more than ten years in the making, which was formally codified last year and is the fulfilment of our goal to create a truly international experience for our students.”

The new degree programme is the latest development in the Global Strategic Partnership officially established in 2019 between both Sheffield Hallam and La Trobe. A joint PhD scholarship programme between the two institutions has also been launched which will see three students from each institution work on a new research project.

Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Chris Husbands said: “We formed our strategic partnership with La Trobe University in 2019 with the aim to address significant social, cultural and economic challenges together.

“This partnership provides students with an international learning experience, as well as opportunities to work collaboratively on research projects with global impact. It enables us to share good practice and innovative approaches to higher education.”

"A fantastic opportunity for students to experience life in another part of the world"

La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar said: “I look forward to welcoming Sheffield Hallam tourism and hospitality students to Melbourne, and to hearing about the experiences La Trobe students have while studying in Sheffield.

“This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience life in another part of the world while gaining qualifications that enhance their employability outcomes.

“We know how important it is to collaborate globally to deliver impact and drive transformation, which is why the new joint PhD scholarship programme is a tremendous opportunity for researchers.”

Students who complete the degree course will also gain an International Diploma of Higher Education from La Trobe, as well as their UK degree.

Students on the joint PhD programme, which is due to start in February 2021, will be enrolled on a PhD at both institutions and will benefit from the research community, networking and collaborations of the global partnership between Sheffield Hallam and La Trobe.

Both universities business schools are also AACSB accredited, placing them amongst some of the best schools from across the globe.