International Tourism Management BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG15 of Life on Land.

  The international tourism industry is a dynamic, changing sector and graduates from this course will be equipped with the creative tourism management skills and knowledge to allow them to adapt and be successful in this diverse business environment. This course has been specifically designed to meet the needs of industry and is composed of four compulsory modules, and two compulsory modules. You are encouraged to develop a critical understanding of tourism business theory combined with a proactive business development approach throughout the course.

  You will have the opportunity to study innovative modules such as the Tourism Consultancy project where you apply theory to a live project and put your project management skills to practice, gaining valuable experience that will enhance your job prospects. Our International Destination Management module allows you to analyse destinations in a variety of contexts (urban, rural, attraction, resort, regional, national and international) whilst incorporating industry best practice guidelines. Studying the Innovation in Tourism module will give you the chance to analyse the process of new product development and developments in the tourism industry through examining niche tourism products such as ecotourism, dark tourism, adventure tourism and cultural tourism.

  [i] UN World Tourism Trends 2018

  List of modules

  • Stage 1
    • Tourism Impacts and Sustainability (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI1003

      Status: Compulsory
      The aim of this module is to consider the positive and negative impacts that tourism activities have on national and international tourism destinations using a diverse range of case studies to illustrate issues and controversies. The module will also introduce the concept of sustainable tourism as a management strategy and analyses its use as a tool to effectively manage the impacts of tourism.
    • Service Industry Decision Making (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI1024

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with the ability to create and utilise basic financial information linked to operations budgeting planning and cost control in events tourism and hospitality. This information can then be developed to make contextualised decisions linked to the success of the service related business or event.
    • International Tourism: Concepts and Trends (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI1025

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with a basic understanding of the contemporary tourism industry in terms of hospitality and accommodation providers retail and business tourism conference and incentive organisers tour operators as well as airlines and passenger transport companies. It identifies the importance and power of the consumer in the ultimate success of a business operation.
    • Professional Development for Tourism and Events (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI1026

      Status: Compulsory
      This module explores the dynamics and characteristics of innovation in tourism hospitality and events industries and explains the evolution of business models and frameworks. Students will study the internal and external drivers of innovation in the ever-changing markets of events tourism and hospitality and focus on how and why businesses change their operations products and services in order to gain competitive advantage.
    • Entrepreneurship for Tourism and Events (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI1027

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with a support orientated forum in which to develop skills knowledge and understanding of the demands of university study and employer expectations of graduates. Module content will help to develop the transferrable skills attributes and attitudes required to succeed both as an individual and in a team based environment. A key aspect of the module is to allow students the opportunity for self reflection and self assessment.
    • Events and Tourism in the Media (10 Credits)
      Module code: LEI1028

      Status: Designate
      This module introduces the complex nature of the media as well as how events and tourism entities are presented and represented in this space. It also equips the students with the core knowledge of marketing techniques utilised by events and tourism professionals to gain media exposure for their market offerings.
    • Market Intelligence for Events and Tourism (10 Credits)
      Module code: LEI1029

      Status: Designate
      This module equips students with an understanding of the importance of market intelligence in contemporary events and tourism industries. It also guides students in building their core skills and knowledge to conduct basic market research activities interpret gathered data and use this to underpin business decision making.
  • Stage 2
    • Learning Through Work (WBL) (20 Credits)
      Module code: HRM2042

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide the learner with the opportunity to examine and analyse the specific characteristics or behaviours employability and job-related skills and knowledge required to be a successful and effective employee in their particular business sector/type of organisation.
    • Development Through Work (20 Credits)
      Module code: HRM2048

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to review their own employability skills in up to two relevant work contexts. Students will identify and evaluate different approaches to management and leadership making appropriate recommendations for improvements.
    • Managing Visitor Attractions (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI2001

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the developmental operational strategic marketing and micro/macro variables which influence national and international visitor attraction management. The module will allow students to explore these concepts through case studies scenarios industry best practice guidance and on-site learning activities at actual attractions. Content allows learners to consider visitor attractions from multi-faceted consumer and industry perspectives.
    • Tourism Management and Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI2002

      Status: Compulsory
      This module investigates the growth development and management of international tourism. It evaluates the role of agencies and stakeholders assessing the ways to balance the needs of the visitor with those of the host destination. It focuses on the practical processes of tourism management with reference to real-world examples of international tourism development.
    • International Resort and Spa Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI2011

      Status: Compulsory
      Resort and spa-based leisure is a key component within the tourism industry. This module examines and evaluates mixed use and 'life-style' resorts all-inclusive destinations casinos mega-resort developments adventure eco and luxury branded developments. Spa wellness therapeutic and relaxation-based visitor experiences form a significant area of study within the module.
    • Events and Tourism Research (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI2023

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to real world environemnts via assessing a range of contemporary themes and challenges currently impacting on the events tourism and hospitality industries. Students will consider the transient nature of the service sector and select areas of interest for further investigation and analysis.
    • Responsible Tourism (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI2025

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will examine the concept of sustainable development and its global application using a range of case studies. The purpose of the module is to enable students to become familiar with the ideological underpinnings management principles and practices relating to sustainable tourism and have a coherent and functional understanding of the key principles.
    • Career Launchpad for Events, Tourism and Hospitality (10 Credits)
      Module code: LEI2026

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables students to reflect on own work experience and interactions with others in order to understand how they perform in and contribute to various group environments. It further supports students in taking ownership of their own career path. The module includes support for completing the Changemaker Silver Employability Award.
    • Understanding the Tourist (10 Credits)
      Module code: LEI2028

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to facilitate student?s understanding of current and future tourist typologies and will explore the nature of the tourist in a range of contexts markets and locations. This will include the many variables that impact the tourism decision making process and subsequent provision for tourists including key determinants such as behaviours technology demographics and socio-cultural economic and political factors.
  • Stage 3
    • Professional Consultancy Project (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI3002

      Status: Compulsory
      This module develops your ability to formulate implement and manage a successful consultancy project within a relevant industry sector providing vocational currency and enhancing your employability skills. The module also provides you with the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the broader issues affecting that industry sector.
    • Innovation in Tourism and Hospitality Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI3003

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides the opportunity for students to explore and analyse the process of new product development and innovation in the tourism industry against a backdrop of pertinent contemporary travel and tourism issues and concerns. Overall the module aims to equip students with an approach to tourism management that recognises the value of innovation and creativity and acknowledges the sources and role of change in a dynamic tourism environment.
    • International Destination Management for Tourism and Hospitality (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI3014

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides a framework for analysis of the strategic nature and dynamics of tourist destinations and the challenges facing destination managers responsible for the planning management and marketing of tourism destinations. The module seeks to demonstrate the opportunities for hosts visitors and other tourism stakeholders to achieve their agendas and maximise their benefits in a balanced way without compromising the future. The module has a broad strategic management and international focus and is designed to provide students with a subject specialism in the field of destination management.
    • Service Excellence Design (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI3025

      Status: Compulsory
      This module explores methods strategies and practices that contribute to the delivery leadership and management of high quality service experiences. The module emphasizes the relationship between the service provider and the consumer through the consideration of how value is created; how information is transmitted; how services are made tangible; how the service experience is managed and how relationships are maintained in cross-cultural contexts.
    • Mega Event Legacies (10 Credits)
      Module code: LEI3026

      Status: Compulsory
      This module examines the concept of mega-events and their global use as a catalyst for urban regeneration social cultural and economic development of host cities / nations. It seeks to equip students with a critical appreciation of how legacies can be achieved through effective management of event impacts and regeneration.
    • Building Your Personal Brand (10 Credits)
      Module code: LEI3028

      Status: Compulsory
      This module supports students in developing their own personal brand to facilitate their successful engagement with recruitment practices in the events tourism and hospitality sectors. It provides opportunities to reflect on own experience skill set and participation in mock recruitment processes to build confidence and support the transition from university into the world of work.
    • Research Project (20 Credits)
      Module code: LEI4002

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables students to independently carry out an investigation of a current 'industry' or 'sector' issue relevant to their degree and their professional development. The students will make use of relevant academic concepts to structure their investigation and then collect and analyse a sample of secondary data.

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• Entry Requirements

  A typical offer would be BCC at A Level or DMM at BTEC. Standard entry requirements apply.

  Integrated Foundation Year Entry Requirements

  The standard entry requirements for the Integrated Foundation Year are DEE at A level or MPP at BTEC.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  21/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £9,250
  • UK Part Time: £1,465 per 20 credit module
  • UK Integrated Foundation Year: £6,780 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  • International Full Time: £13,000
  • International Integrated Foundation Year: £13,000 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  • Optional Work Placement Year: £1,000

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

  Additional costs

  The study trip to a European destination is optional and the cost should not exceed £500 for flights and accommodation. You will need to allow £100 for your expenses.

  There is an annual regional or national study trip to a tourism attraction or similar destination. In some cases you will be required to contribute to the cost of entry; this would normally not exceed £50.

  20/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK/EU Full Time: £9,250
  • UK/EU Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  • International Full Time: £12,900
  • Optional Work Placement Year: £1000

  Additional costs

  The study trip to a European destination is optional and the cost should not exceed £500 for flights and accommodation. You will need to allow £100 for your expenses.

  There is an annual regional or national study trip to a tourism attraction or similar destination. In some cases you will be required to contribute to the cost of entry; this would normally not exceed £50.

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• Accreditation

  Our International Tourism Management course is accredited by the Tourism Management Institute (TMI) and the Tourism Society, the professional bodies for tourism management in the UK.

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• Postgraduate Opportunities

  Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

  International Tourism Development MA

  International Hotel Management MA

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time degree at Northampton you will receive a laptop when your course begins. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks visit our Student Perks page.

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• Integrated Foundation Year

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for Events Management we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Events Management programme which includes a Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  Please see our Integrated Foundation Year page for more details.

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• Optional Work Placement Year

  You are encouraged to undertake a year-long placement in between Stages Two and Three of study. If you meet the entry criteria, and choose to take up a placement year you will find it an invaluable experience that helps you to apply your learning in your final year and prepares you for your career. Whilst on your Optional Work Placement Year you will study a 40 credit module ‘The Placement Year Experience – Organisations in Context’. We offer a lot of support in helping you to find a placement, which can be in the UK or overseas.

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• FAQs

  How will I learn?

  You can expect taught study for the International Tourism Management course to be a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops, usually totalling 12 hours per week. We recommend that you spend 24 hours per week in self-directed study time.

  What is the schedule like for this course?

  This course can be studied full-time over three years or over four years with an optional work placement year or Foundation Year. We also offer a flexible part-time study option.

  How will I be assessed?

  A variety of individual and group-based assessments are used in this course including written reports, client briefs, presentation, portfolio and examinations.

  Will I go on study trips?*

  In previous years students have participated in at least one optional study trip to a European destination. The cost of optional trips would not normally exceed £500 for flights and accommodation. You will need to allow approximately an additional £100 for your expenses.

  The International Tourism Management teaching team also aims to provide a regional or national study trip annually to a tourism attraction or similar destination. In some cases you will be required to contribute to the cost of entry; this would normally not exceed £50.00.

  *Future study trips are dependent on Government and local travel guides

  Are there any special features on this course?

  • Our course has been accredited by the Tourism Management Institute and the Tourism Society, the professional bodies for tourism management in the UK
  • The Faculty of Business and Law has excellent links, such as those with the Tourism Management Institute, Tourism Concern, the National Parks Authority and English Heritage
  • You can obtain student membership of the Tourism Management Institute and The Tourism Society, as part of this course. As a student member of these industry professional bodies you will be eligible to work towards a full professional membership.

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Careers and Employability

The travel and tourism industry offers a world of opportunities in attraction and destination management, marketing, tourism consultancy, conferencing, event management, tour operations and retail travel.

Many of our graduates have gone on to work for airlines, tour operators, visitor attractions, conference organisers and business travel both in the UK and abroad.