The School for the Visitor Economy is a cross-university school providing the local and international hospitality, tourism and event management industries with qualified professionals and research.
We deliver industry-based programs across all qualification levels, from pre-vocational certificates through to PhDs. We also offer customised accredited training programs designed to meet the specific needs of businesses within the sector. Our courses in hospitality, tourism and event management allow you to build pathways across VU's other offerings related to visitor economy needs, such as food science, transport and logistics, management and marketing, sports management, our prestigious MBA program and many more.
Our courses are informed by key industry partnerships. We work with our many partners to provide you with hands-on experience so you graduate with a professional network and key industry knowledge.
We provide evidence-based research and consulting in tourism under one entity for compelling results and impact. SVE’s multi-disciplinary approach draws on expertise across VU such as:
We work with a high-level industry advisory panel and industry partners to make sure our training, education and research is closely aligned with industry needs. You will have access to work integrated learning opportunities, which will ensure you gain hands-on professional work experience and graduate job-ready.
You will join a large network of alumni, industry partners and tourism researchers you can stay connected with after graduation.
Our hospitality students can also access Victoria University Polytechnic's award-winning 150-seat training restaurant, VenU. There, you will be able to practise your skills in a live environment with paying customers.
VU also has strong research capabilities, with the cross-disciplinary expertise to respond to future industry challenges and developments with evidence-based solutions.
You can study a wide range of courses, from certificate and diplomas all the way through to masters degrees and PhDs. We offer a range of study areas, including hospitality, commercial cookery, travel and tourism, event management, and business.
Our courses enable you to pathway seamlessly between VU TAFE units and higher education courses. You can re-enter education at any point in your career to top-up your skills or qualify for promotion.
The School undertakes and facilitates cross-disciplinary research within the Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities. Our research underpins growth and sustainability in tourism destinations and visitor-economy–related businesses.
Our strong industry links and partnerships allow our researchers to respond nimbly to industry problems and evolving opportunities.
Key current research themes include:
We offer customised accredited training programs designed to meeting the specific needs within the sector.
VU TAFE offered free (fully subsidised) training to fast-track new workers into entry-level roles in Victoria’s rapidly recovering hospitality and tourism sectors.
Delivered in 2022 with the sector reopening with a strong workforce demand, many businesses reported they were unable to find skilled workers following an exodus of hospitality and tourism staff during COVID-forced business closures.
