Tourism Hospitality

Overview

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• This program is an excellent choice for anyone looking to pursue a career in the tourism industry. With its diverse range of career options, cutting edge courses, industry connections, hands-on learning and strong career options, this program offers students the opportunity to build a successful and fulfilling career in one of the world’s most exciting industries.  
• This program was developed with industry – for industry, ensuring your skills are current and relevant.
• Learn from experienced faculty who come from industry and bring years of tourism and hospitality experience to the classroom, as well as strong industry connections.
• Learn the theory and practical aspects of the program through hands-on learning by working in the campus restaurant.
• Participate in local and/or provincial tourism activities and events, such as active exploration projects, event management, excursions, networking with industry partners and many other progressive learning experiences.
• There is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the annual Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) conference.

Other info

• A strong work ethic and a professional approach are key elements to your success in this program and career.
• Punctuality and attention to cleanliness are absolute necessities.
• As this program mirrors working in industry, you should be prepared to work industry-type hours, including early mornings, late nights and some weekends.
• If you have food allergies, dietary requirements or sensitivities to environmental conditions, be aware that you'll frequently be exposed to substances that may affect these sensitivities.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• You're required to complete industry seminars and certifications, including Responsible Beverage Service, Basic Food Safety Certification and Emergency First Aid/CPR Level C.
  • Additional certifications may be required depending on the electives you choose.
  • There may be additional fees associated with seminars or certifications related to your electives.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Tourism Hospitality

Career options

• This certificate prepares you to work in all tourism-related sectors anywhere in the world, including:
  • The craft beverage industry
  • Accommodations
  • Adventure tourism
  • Regional and international tourism
  • Customer service
  • Food and beverage operations
  • Tourism services
  • In the next decade, Nova Scotia will need thousands of highly-skilled employees, across all tourism sectors. The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) estimates 240,000 jobs will be available in the tourism industry by 2035.

Future study options

• Tourism and Hospitality Certificate graduates may apply for advanced standing into either Business – Tourism or Business – Hospitality. These programs are not available at all campus locations and are subject to change. A limited number of seats are available in each and will vary depending on the campus you apply to.
• Successful completion of the co-operative education (Co-op) credit course is required for entry into the Business - Hospitality and Business - Tourism programs.
• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a degree

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

ACTG 1015 - Basic Accounting for Managers
This course introduces learners to the role that accounting plays in the managerial decision making process. Learners will have an opportunity to create financial statements and learn how business decisions are influenced from a financial perspective.

COMM 1205 - Communications - Workplace Foundations
Effective communication is fundamental to career success. This course will apply the communication cycle to improve the impact of written messages, presentations, and interpersonal interactions.

COMP 1105 - Business Computer Technology
This course provides students with an introduction to acceptable practices and uses of the computer, including the role of social media in Business. It provides the foundation for using computers that will contribute to success in both the Business Administration program and future careers. This course is accepted toward certification with the Canadian Institute of Bookkeeping (CIB).

COMP 2110 - Spreadsheets I
This course introduces the student to electronic spreadsheets including their design and creation. Formulae and functions will be used to perform calculations on the spreadsheet data providing business solutions. Students will apply formatting skills to enhance the appearance and clarity of printed spreadsheets as well as using graphs to represent spreadsheet data. This course is accepted toward certification with the Canadian Institute of Bookkeeping (CIB).

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

TRHS 1000 - Introduction to Tourism
The learner will explore regional as well as global issues and trends in tourism. This exploration will begin with an examination of the Nova Scotia tourism sector, how it operates and what roles the learner may wish to pursue for further study and employment. This course will also focus on the economic, socio-cultural and environmental impact of tourism and tourism development from a national and global perspective.

TRHS 1020 - Guest Service Essentials
Tourism is a service based industry. This course is aimed at identifying and applying service techniques that consistently meet industry standards and customer needs. Service excellence is an integral part of attracting and retaining customers. Industry standards and personal management skills will be examined and applied.

TRHS 1030 - Food and Beverage Service Foundations
In this course, learners will gain a basic understanding of the principles of food and beverage operations. Using an applied approach, learners will explore service styles, bartending skills and a variety of foodservice operations.

TRHS 1040 - Introduction to Tourism Marketing
In this course, learners will explore consumer behaviour, marketing research, branding and consumer travel trends, as well as unique aspects of the tourism industry. Learners will also be introduced to marketing strategies and opportunities in the context of social media.

TRHS 1200 - Accommodations
This course is designed to provide the learner with an understanding of roles, contributions and responsibilities of the various departments in the successful operation of a hotel, resort, or inn. Learners will practice systems, procedures and communication techniques that ensure professional guest service throughout the guest cycle.

TRHS 1240 - Wine, Spirits and Beer Fundamentals
This course is an introduction to a variety of beverages and their production. Topics will include new trends in the beverage industry, wine producing regions of Nova Scotia and beyond, and food and beverage pairing.

TRHS 1250 - Leadership Essentials and Group Dynamics
In this course, you will explore the role of leadership within tourism and hospitality industries with an emphasis on strategic management. You will develop an awareness of the characteristics needed to be a successful leader. Topics will include leadership styles, group dynamics and conflict resolution.

TRHS 1260 - Nova Scotia Tourism
This course introduces the learner to Nova Scotia's environments, natural and cultural history, and their influences on provincial tourism. Using an applied learning approach, learners will also explore the principles of guiding and interpretation.

TRHS 2995 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal. This is a course of 175 hours spread over five weeks.

Tourism Hospitality Elective Course Requirement. Students must take four credits from a prescribed list of courses.