MONDAY 11 MARCH 2002

An alliance between TAFE NSW and the University of Technology, Sydney has created a unique degree program tailor made for students who have completed the TAFE Diploma of Hospitality (Management).

Graduates of the TAFE diploma who have attained a credit result or better now have the option of studying for another 18 months full time to add a UTS Bachelor of Management in Tourism and Hospitality to their CV.

The pathway program, offered through the UTS Faculty of Business, has had its first intake this year following the signing of an agreement with TAFE NSW in December.

Course Coordinator Ravi Ravinder of the School of Leisure, Sport and Tourism said the degree is not a stand-alone program.

"It has been specifically designed to build on the vocational skills and knowledge already attained by graduates of the well-regarded TAFE hospitality management courses," he said.

"The aim is to bridge the gap between hospitality and tourism courses, broadening the context from the specifics of hotel management and catering to consider the place of hospitality operations in the wider tourism industry.

"It explores the collaborative linkages and networks that are an integral part of the tourism industry and the strategies for more effective marketing of a hospitality unit."

ENDS

Further information, Ravi Ravinder, tel: (02) 9514 5278, e-mail: Ravi.Ravinder@uts.edu.au. News Release prepared by Terry Clinton, UTS Media Office, tel: (02) 9514 1623, e-mail: Terry.Clinton@uts.edu.au.