FAQs

What is the difference between the Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) in International Hotel Management and the Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) in International Hotel Management ?

The BBS in International Hotel Management and BComm in International Hotel Management are very similar courses. Both degrees are Level 8 business degrees and students spend Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Final Year Placement studying and working together. In Year 4, the BBS students study at Shannon College and focus on general business and advanced hospitality modules while developing strategic hotel management skills. In Year 4, the BComm students study at University of Galway’s main campus, specialising in one business discipline. The BComm students do not take any hotel management modules during Year 4.

What does the interview process involve?

Every student who applies for a place in Shannon College will conduct an entrance interview as part of their application process. This interview will take place in person where this is possible or via Zoom for student who live overseas.

The interviews will take approximately 20 minutes. There will also be time at the end for students to ask any questions that they may have.

The interview is a great opportunity for applicants to earn points by displaying their skills, experience, knowledge, enthusiasm and potential. We recommend that you prepare for the interview by reflecting on these areas along with doing general research into the hospitality industry and the course modules we offer here at Shannon College.
You will find more information on the interview process and sample interview questions on the Shannon College Website or on our social media platforms. 

Irish /EU Applications:
https://www.nuigalway.ie/shannoncollege/courses/how-to-apply/interview-details/

International Applications:
https://www.nuigalway.ie/shannoncollege/courses/how-to-apply/undergraduate/

How do I apply to Shannon College of Hotel Management?

Undergraduate Applications:

All Irish and EU Applications for undergraduate studies must be made through the CAO at www.cao.ie

International students must apply directly through the admissions office at Shannon College.
Please download the application form: Non EU Application Form and return to: joan.markham@nuigalway.ie

Postgraduate Applications:

All postgraduate applications are made through: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login

Can I transfer between the BBS in International Hotel Management and the BComm in International Hotel Management?

1. BBS to BComm:

BBS students who wish to transfer to the BComm must achieve a minimum grade average of 65% in Year 1 examinations. Transfer requests must be made in writing to the Head of Programme prior to enrolling in Year 3. The number of transfer places available is limited each year.

2. BComm to BBS:

BComm students who wish to transfer to the BBS must pass all modules in Year 1 examinations. Transfer requests must be made in writing to the Head of Programme prior to enrolling in Year 3.

Where will I be located on my placements?

Placement forms a very important element of the undergraduate studies at Shannon College. Students will spend their second year and their final year working in hotels around the world.

Year Two Placements
Irish/EU Students:

Shannon College’s placement partner hotels for Irish and EU students are located in France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain and the UK. A student’s foreign language option and visa requirements determine the placement country. Students benefit both professionally and personally from working and living in another European country.

International Students:

International students (Non-EU students) will be placed in one of our partner hotels in Ireland. For international students, the Year 2 Placement is an exciting experience as it allows them to live and work in a different destination in Ireland to where they studied in Shannon in Year 1.

Final Year Placement:

At the end of Year 4, students commence a trainee management work placement for at least nine months until graduation (normally a 12–18 month contract). International hotel companies and properties visit Shannon College to recruit students onto management development programmes and as direct hires in properties around the world. After nine months, students complete a Viva Voce examination before graduating.
Current students are placed in properties in Ireland, the UK, Central Europe, Dubai (and other UAE locations), the US and Asia. The dynamic growth of the global hotel industry presents great opportunities and placement partners are continuously recruiting students for new and dynamic locations, such as China and South East Asia.

Will I be paid while I am on work placement?

Yes, all placements as part of the programme are paid, professional work placements.

Year 2 Placement

Salaries will vary for each student depending on where they are working. Ireland and The UK pay the minimum industry wage. In central Europe hotels provide a training contribution to students that will vary from country to country.

Final Placement

The salaries in the final year placement can vary greatly according to the country, the Hotel Company, position etc. The highest salary in 2017/2018 was approximately €39,800 and a small number of students would have secured this salary.

Where is Shannnon College located?

Shannon College of Hotel Management is located on the grounds of Shannon International Airport in Co Clare. Our campus sits in between the city of Limerick and the town of Ennis, both approximately 20 minutes from Shannon.

Where is the student accommodation?

Our student accommodation is located in Bunratty Village, approximately 10 minutes from the college campus. All 1st year undergraduate students are guaranteed a place in the student accommodation which is managed by Rent an Irish Cottage.
The accommodation is ideally located beside bus routes to Ennis, Limerick, Dublin, Galway and many other locations.