Experience a Business Degree with a Difference

This unique programme combines a strong business education with practical hospitality training, language studies, and paid international work placements.

You will begin by developing hands-on operational skills and core business knowledge before progressing to advanced management, finance, marketing, human resource management, and language studies. In your final year, you will transfer to the University of Galway to specialise in a business discipline of your choice, before completing an international trainee management placement with a leading hospitality employer.

By graduation, you will have gained the business expertise, industry experience, and specialist knowledge needed for a successful career in hospitality, business, and beyond.

Year 1: Study at Shannon College of Hotel Management

Build a foundation in hospitality operations through practical training across seven professional areas, rotating every two to three weeks. You will also study core business subjects including Financial & Management Accounting, Marketing, and Quantitative Methods, alongside a second language (French, German, Spanish, English, or Intercultural Communication).

Year 2: Professional Operative Work Placement

Undertake a 12-month paid work placement in leading hotels in Ireland and across Europe. This immersive experience reinforces your practical training while developing your understanding of industry operations, systems, and professional practice.

Year 3: Study at Shannon College of Hotel Management

Continue to develop your management expertise through hospitality-focused subjects while expanding your business knowledge in areas such as Business Finance, Human Resource Management, and Principles of Management. Language studies continue throughout the year, alongside prerequisite modules that prepare you for your final year at the University of Galway.

Year 4: Study at the University of Galway

Students transfer to the University of Galway for their final academic year, where they study core commerce modules while specialising in a business discipline aligned with their career ambitions. Specialisms include Accounting & Performance Measurement, Digital Business & Analytics, Economics & Public Policy, Enterprise, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Management, Marketing Management, and BComm Language.

End of Year 4: Trainee Management Work Placement

Following completion of the academic programme, students undertake a paid trainee management placement of at least nine months (typically 12–18 months) with leading international hospitality employers. Many companies recruit directly from Shannon College for management development programmes and graduate roles worldwide. Students complete a Viva Voce examination following their placement before graduating.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Earn while you learn through two paid industry placements. 
• Combine a full business degree with hands-on hospitality management training. 
• Transfer to the University of Galway in Year 4 to specialise in a business discipline of your choice.  Develop international experience, language skills, and leadership capability. 
• Build connections with leading employers through our extensive industry and global alumni network. 
• Graduate with the skills, confidence, and experience to succeed in hospitality, business, and beyond, backed by a 100% graduate employment record since 1951. 

The BComm (International Hotel Management) prepares graduates for exciting careers in hotel management, hospitality, and business across the world. Combining business education, practical hospitality training, language studies, paid international work placements, and a final-year business specialism at the University of Galway, students graduate with the knowledge, experience, and confidence sought by leading employers worldwide. 

With a 100% graduate employment record since 1951, Shannon College graduates go on to build careers in leading hotels and resorts across the UK, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, Australia and beyond. The combination of a hospitality management and a business qualification also opens doors to careers in marketing, finance, human resource management, consulting, entrepreneurship, real estate, retail, tourism, education, and many other sectors. 

Throughout the programme, students develop: 

• Leadership and people management skills 

• Business expertise through a specialist business discipline in Year 4 

• Commercial awareness and analytical thinking 

• Language skills and intercultural competence for international careers 

• Professional confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills 

Whether your ambition is to lead a world-class hotel, specialise in a business profession, launch your own business, or pursue opportunities with global organisations, the BComm (International Hotel Management) provides a strong foundation for a successful international career. 

Your Global Classroom

With international work placements built into the programme, the BComm (International Hotel Management) offers a truly global learning experience. Students have the opportunity to live, learn, and work abroad while gaining valuable professional experience with leading hospitality employers. These placements allow students to apply their learning in real-world environments, develop international networks, and build the confidence to succeed in a global industry.

Your International Experience

Year 2: Professional Operative Placement
Spend 12 months on a paid placement in a leading hotel in Ireland or Europe. This immersive experience develops practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional confidence while providing first-hand exposure to international hospitality operations.

End of Year 4: Trainee Management Placement
Following final examinations, students undertake a paid trainee management placement of 9–18 months with leading hospitality employers. Opportunities are available in destinations across Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, the Middle East, Australia, Asia-Pacific, and beyond, with many students progressing into graduate roles upon completion.

Summer Opportunities Abroad

Students may also take advantage of additional international work opportunities during the summer months.

Why It Matters

• By graduation, students will have gained up to 21 months of paid industry experience, giving them a significant advantage as they begin their careers. Along the way, they will:
• Develop international professional experience and industry expertise
• Strengthen language and intercultural communication skills
• Build a global network of industry contacts and mentors
• Gain confidence working in diverse, multicultural environments
• Develop the adaptability, independence, and leadership skills valued by employers worldwide
• More than a study abroad opportunity, this is a degree designed to prepare students for international careers in hospitality, business, and global leadership

A defining feature of the BComm (International Hotel Management) is the opportunity to gain 21 months of paid industry experience before graduation. These placements allow students to apply their learning in real-world environments, develop professional confidence, and build valuable international networks.

Year 2: Professional Operative Work Placement. Duration: 12 months (July – June)

What will I do?
The Year 2 placement is a paid professional operative placement designed to build on the practical training and language studies completed in Year 1. Students gain hands-on experience in at least two hotel departments, developing an understanding of industry operations, guest service, and business systems while working as part of a professional team.

Where will I be placed?
Placements are offered with leading hospitality employers across Europe, including France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Placement destinations are determined by students' language choice, visa requirements, and available opportunities.

How does the placement process work?
The Shannon College Placement Office works closely with students and employer partners to organise placements. Most employers conduct interviews as part of the recruitment process, and students are fully prepared through dedicated employability and interview training during Year 1. Academic performance, language ability, and career goals are all considered when matching students with placement opportunities.

Erasmus Funding
Students undertaking eligible European placements may apply for Erasmus+ funding to support their international work experience. Funding levels vary depending on the host country and current programme guidelines.

Practice Education
Paid work placements form an integral part of the degree and are a key reason why Shannon College graduates are so highly regarded by employers.

Students complete:

• Year 2: 12-month Professional Operative Placement
• End of Year 4: Minimum 9-month Trainee Management Placement
• Together, these structured placements provide 21 months of paid industry experience, with opportunities spanning Europe in Year 2 and destinations around the world for the final management placement

Shannon College of Hotel Management has built an international reputation for excellence in hospitality business education, earning recognition from industry bodies and global rankings alike.

Global Recognition
Shannon College is part of the University of Galway, which was ranked among the Top 50–100 institutions globally for Hospitality & Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. This recognition reflects the quality of our programmes, industry engagement, and graduate outcomes.

Professional Recognition
In addition to graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce (International Hotel Management), graduates are awarded full professional membership of the Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI), recognising their academic achievement and professional preparation for careers in hospitality management.

Industry Connections
Shannon College is a member of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), the global association for hospitality and tourism education. Through these industry connections, students benefit from a programme that remains closely aligned with international best practice and employer needs.

• Suzanne Kennedy
• Pamela Likely
• Deborah O’ Hanlon
• Brian Hegarty 
• Sarah Ryan
• Eithne Costello
• Keith Carden
• Orla Cullinane
• Tracy Hegarty
• David O’ Donovan
• Celine Ryan
• Loraine Kavanagh
• Edmeia Onda Kearney
• Dr Clément Desbos
• Dr Anais Guittonny
• Danielle Martin
• Dr Maria Palma-Fahy
• Stella Sloane
• Dr Finian O’ Driscol
• Celine Ryan
• Dr Sean T. Ruane
• Andrew Langford

The BComm (International Hotel Management) combines business education with practical hospitality training, language studies, and international industry experience. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in the workplace, allowing students to apply theory in real-world environments while developing the leadership, communication, and commercial skills valued by employers worldwide. In the final year, students transfer to the University of Galway to specialise in a business discipline, broadening their expertise and career opportunities.

How Will I Learn?

Practical, Hands-On Learning
From Year 1, students develop professional skills through practical training in areas such as Food & Beverage Service, Front Office Operations, Culinary Studies, Accommodation Services, and Skills for Work Life. These experiences build confidence and provide a strong understanding of hospitality operations.

Business-Focused Education
Students study a broad range of business subjects including finance, marketing, human resource management, entrepreneurship, strategy, and leadership. In Year 4, students transfer to the University of Galway to specialise in a business discipline aligned with their career ambitions, developing advanced expertise in their chosen area.

Industry Engagement
Regular guest lectures and employer presentations provide insights from industry professionals, helping students understand emerging trends, build professional networks, and explore career opportunities.

Paid Work Placements
Two integrated paid work placements allow students to apply their learning in leading hospitality businesses in Ireland and internationally, gaining valuable professional experience before graduation.

Languages & Intercultural Learning
Students develop language and intercultural communication skills that prepare them to work confidently in international and multicultural environments.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Assessment is designed to reflect both academic learning and professional practice and may include:

• Individual and group assignments
• Presentations and oral assessments
• Practical evaluations
• In-class tests and language assessments
• Project work and placement reports
• Written examinations
• Formal examinations take place at the end of each academic semester in Years 1, 3, and 4. During Year 2, students complete a placement project that allows them to reflect on their professional experience and apply their learning in a real-world context.

 

Throughout the programme, students receive regular feedback to support their academic, personal, and professional development.

Celebrating 75 Years

In 2026, we celebrate 75 years of hospitality  education. Founded in 1951 by Dr Brendan O’Regan, Shannon College of Hotel Management has grown from an ambitious idea in the Shannon region to become a world-renowned school as part of University of Galway which has a distinctive place in Irish and global hospitality education.

We hosted an event on May 13th 2026 to mark this milestone and welcomed over 150 alumni, partners and friends back to Shannon College. We were especially glad to welcome Dr Brendan O’Regan’s family as well as former staff members. Our students who have finished college for the year volunteered to come back and help out on this very special occasion which made it extra special.

The event was centered around the launch of a new ambitious vision for the future of Shannon College, including an outline of plans for a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art learning building and the launch of a new undergraduate degree – Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) in Global Luxury and Experience Management.

Read all about both of these exciting developments in this brochure - Shannon-75th-Anniversary-Booklet.pdf

As part of our celebrations, we hosted 2 panels. The first panel was titled ‘Down Memory Lane‘ and included graduates and a current student. Daniel McLoughlin (Class of 2012), Kate O’Connell (1980) and current Year 3 student Erin Brady. It was moderated by Tracy Hegarty (Class of 1990, Deputy Head of Shannon College) and was a great conversation of chatting about their different experiences as students – so much has changed but the core remains the same. Lots of laughter and the audience certainly got a feel for life as a SCHM student from 1980 to 2026!

The celebrations then moved into the Forte Auditorium where Head of Shannon College. Adrian Sylver welcomed all attendees and opened the session. The President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, then spoke and shared the vision for the future of Shannon College, including an outline of plans for a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art learning building. He also launched of a new undergraduate degree – Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) in Global Luxury and Experience Management.

Following his exciting speech, we welcomed a Panel of Alumni – all working in the luxury sector. Nicky Logue (1995), Christine Murphy (1998) and Ruth Scanlan (2001). Andrew Langford (2002 and Head of Placement Studies) moderated the session and all 3 spoke about their careers, the impact Shannon College has had (and continues to have) and their endorsement of the new degree just launched.

The session was closed by Professor Alma McCarthy, Executive Dean of the College of Business Public Policy and Law in the University of Galway and all attendees then made their way to the atrium where the students were serving delicious light bites and bubbles.

Former Head of Shannon College Dr Phillip J. Smyth proposed a toast to mark the occasion and the oldest graduate attending – Liam Silke (Class of 1964) cut the cake along with 2 Year 4 students – Hannah O’Flanagan and Laura Shanahan.

It is an incredibly exciting time for Shannon College of Hotel Management, and we are so grateful to everyone who joined us on the day to celebrate both our legacy and the beginning of an even brighter future.
A special thank you to our students who volunteered their time and energy to help prepare and deliver the event. Our students are the true reflection of why Shannon graduates continue to succeed across the world.
Thank you also to our dedicated staff for your enthusiasm and commitment, and finally, to all our guests who travelled near and far to celebrate this milestone with us.
Here’s to the next chapter. 

 

Alumni Awards 

Isabella Condon – Gold Service Scholar 2025

Isabella Condon, originally from Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, and a graduate of Shannon College of Hotel Management in 2023 has been named the Gold Service Scholar 2025 .

Currently working as junior assistant manager at the two-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London, Isabella previously joined the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park as part of its rising‑fan management training programme before her promotion in 2024 .

Selected from a record 10 finalists in a prestigious competition final held in January at the Corinthia London and recognised at an awards ceremony on 10 February at Claridge’s, Isabella stood out in live service tests before VIP guests.

As Scholar, she will enjoy a curated programme of professional development opportunities: exclusive work placements at Mandarin Oriental properties in Bangkok and Hong Kong, a Rocco Forte hotel, the Waterside Inn in Berkshire, visits to Laurent‑Perrier, EHL Lausanne, Graham’s Port in Porto, and even a Buckingham Palace garden party—along with lifelong membership in the “Team Gold” network.

An Interview with 2025 Scholar, Isabella Condon - The Gold Service Scholarship

Course queries:
Joan Markham
Admissions Officer
Shannon College of Hotel Management
E.joan.markham@universityofgalway.ie
T:0353 91 497212

Programme Director(s):
David O’ Donovan
Accounting & Finance Lecturer
Programme Leader BBS & BComm Programmes
Shannon College of Hotel Management
College of Business, Public Policy and Law
E: david.odonovan@universityofgalway.ie
T: 00353 91 497234

Q: What's the difference between the BComm and the BBS?
A: The BComm and BBS share the same foundation. Students study together during Years 1, 2 and 3 at Shannon College, complete the same paid work placements, and graduate with a Level 8 business degree.  The difference comes in Year 4. BBS students remain at Shannon College, focusing on advanced hospitality management and strategic leadership. BComm students transfer to the University of Galway, where they specialise in a business discipline such as Marketing, Finance, Management, Human Resource Management, Accounting, or International Business.

Q: Can I transfer between the BComm and the BBS?
A:Yes. Students may apply to transfer between programmes after Year 1, subject to academic requirements and the availability of places. Students wishing to transfer from the BBS to the BComm must achieve a minimum average of 70% in Year 1 examinations.Students wishing to transfer from the BComm to the BBS must successfully pass all Year 1 modules.Transfer requests must be submitted in writing to the Programme Leader before enrolling in Year 3.

Q:What careers can I pursue with this degree?
A: Graduates of the BComm (International Hotel Management) build successful careers in hotel management, hospitality, and business across the world. The combination of practical hospitality experience and a Year 4 business specialism creates opportunities across a wide range of industries. Shannon College graduates have gone on to careers in marketing, finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, human resource management, tourism, real estate, retail, education, technology, and many other sectors. Whether you want to manage a world-class hotel, specialise in business, start your own company, or work for a global organisation, this degree gives you the knowledge, experience, and international perspective to achieve your ambitions.

Q: Do I need to have studied Business or Accounting before applying?
A: No. Many students begin the programme without prior experience in business subjects. Modules are designed to support students from a wide range of educational backgrounds, with concepts introduced from the fundamentals and additional tutorial support available throughout the programme.

Q: Where will I study throughout the programme?
A: The BComm (International Hotel Management) combines learning on campus with valuable industry experience.

• Year 1: Study at Shannon College of Hotel Management, where you'll build your practical hospitality skills, business knowledge, and language capabilities.
• Year 2: Complete a 12-month paid professional work placement with a leading hotel in Ireland or Europe.
• Year 3: Return to Shannon College to further develop your hospitality management expertise while preparing for your final year of study.
• Year 4: Transfer to the University of Galway to specialise in a business discipline aligned with your career ambitions.
• After Year 4: Begin a paid trainee management placement with a leading hospitality employer in Ireland or overseas before graduating.

This unique structure allows you to combine practical industry experience with a specialist business education, graduating with the skills, confidence, and international experience to succeed in hospitality, business, and beyond.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a third language, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. 

Additional Requirements
Interview Details - All applicants must attend a selection interview, for which up to 300 points may be awarded. Shannon College will contact all students directly by post after the CAO closing dates to arrange their interview. Please notify Shannon College’s Admissions Office if you do not receive correspondence shortly after the CAO closing dates. Interviews are normally held in April and July. Courses are not restricted.

Alternative Pathways
The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications
If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office
Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.  

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€4,950	€2,500	€15,300	€340	€2,840	€7,790	€15,640

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €2,500 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI. Student  levy for year 1 includes a €200 meal charge
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU tuition.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Uniforms
Students will be required to purchase a set of uniforms for this programme. This includes college business suit, restaurant uniform, chef uniform, accommodation services uniform, kitchen knives and kitchen safety shoes. (€676.40 for 2023/2024)

Erasmus Funding
Students may be eligible to receive an Erasmus Mobility Grant to support their Placement, funded by the EU Lifelong Learning Programme: Erasmus. Erasmus is the EU’s flagship education and training programme enabling 300,000 students to study and work abroad each year. The grant amount varies and will be based on the recognised cost of living in each country.

Other Costs 

Costs	Approx. Amount	Details
Accommodation		For the 2026 2027 academic year, year 1 students are living in Thomond Village, old cratloe road and Cratloe wood student village, old cratloe road, Limerick. This purpose built student accommodation is privately managed by PMI. It offers a range of bedroom options to include, twin, single, double and ensuite rooms. Each apartment has 3 bedrooms and a shared living space. Both accommodations offer on site security, reception and maintenance.   Costs range (per student per year) from €5,110 to €6,730 approx.   Please see links here - https://www.pmi.ie/Student-Accommodation/Locations/Booking/11   Booking fee is €400
Utilities Deposit	€500	A utilities deposit of €500 is payable and will be offset against the utility bills.
Uniforms	€697	Includes college business suit, restaurant uniform, accommodation uniform, chef uniform, kitchen knives and kitchen safety shoes.
Books	Approx €160	Most books are available online and in the college library. You will be required to purchase some lecture packs during orientation.
Health Insurance		Health insurance is mandatory for visa purposes. The cost will differ depending on the type of health insurance you choose to purchase. Please see the link below for further information. www.universityofgalway.ie/international-students/offerholders/immigration

Fee breakdown below is for International Students only.

NON EU FEES 

Year	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Non-EU Fee
Year 1	€16,000	€340	€16,340
Year 2 – 12 month work placement	€5,550	€140	€5,690
Year 3	€16,000	€140	€16,140
Year 4	€16,000	€140	€16,140
9 month Work Placement
Total Cost :	€53,500	€760	€54,310

At Shannon College of Hotel Management, we are committed to recognising talent, rewarding achievement, and supporting students to reach their full potential. A range of scholarships are available for Irish, EU, and international students, helping to make a Shannon College education even more accessible.

University of Galway Excellence Scholarship

As part of the University of Galway Excellence Scholarship Scheme, two scholarships are awarded annually to high-achieving students entering Shannon College undergraduate programmes. Award Value: €1,500

Scholarships are awarded based on exceptional performance in the Leaving Certificate or A-Level examinations.

Shannon College Hospitality Rising Star Scholarship

This prestigious international scholarship recognises students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, passion for hospitality, and strong potential for future success in the industry. Award Value: €15,000, distributed across Years 1, 3 and 4 of the programme. No additional scholarship application is required. Recipients are selected through the admissions and interview process.

Shannon College Global Achievement Scholarship
Designed for high-achieving international students, this scholarship recognises academic excellence, ambition, and a commitment to personal and professional success. Award Value: €5,000. No additional scholarship application is required. Recipients are identified during the admissions process.

The Address Collective Excellence Scholarship
The Address Collective Excellence Scholarship supports high-achieving undergraduate students who qualify for SUSI funding and are pursuing studies in hospitality, business, or related fields. Award Value: €2,000 per student (€1,000 in Year 1 and €1,000 in Year 3) Four scholarships are awarded annually, helping students achieve their educational and career ambitions. Kilkea Castle Scholarship Open to both domestic and international undergraduate students, the Kilkea Castle Scholarship recognises academic potential and a commitment to excellence in hospitality education. Award Value: €2,000 Four scholarships are available each year for students commencing their studies at Shannon College.

Additional Scholarships & Awards
Throughout their studies, students may also have opportunities to apply for or be recognised through a range of scholarships, prizes, and industry-sponsored awards supported by Shannon College alumni and hospitality partners. In 2026, more than €30,000 in scholarships and awards were presented to graduating students in recognition of academic excellence, leadership, and achievement

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), should apply directly through the University of Galway Online Application System - https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login 
 
Applications open on the 1st October each year for the following September.   

Please contact Joan Markham – Admissions Officer at Shannon College of Hotel Management - joan.markham@universityofgalway.ie if you have any queries or need more information   

Further Information 
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.