BA (Hons) Business and Management (Tourism Management)

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Business and Management (Tourism Management) program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a stimulating and vocationally relevant learning experience. It is structured to progressively build foundational business knowledge in the first year, introduce core tourism management concepts and industry practices in the second, and culminate in specialized tourism studies and an independent project in the final year. Students benefit from interactive lectures, engaging seminars incorporating tourism industry case studies, practical workshops utilizing relevant software and planning tools, and opportunities for collaborative group work on real-world tourism scenarios. A key element involves understanding the economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism and the importance of sustainable and ethical practices. The program fosters a collaborative and industry-connected atmosphere, encouraging students to develop their expertise within the specialized field of tourism management and its broader business context.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Business and Management (Tourism Management) program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals with a strong specialization in the tourism industry. Core business modules typically cover areas such as marketing, finance, operations, and strategy. Tourism-specific modules delve into topics such as destination management, sustainable tourism development, tourism marketing and branding, visitor attraction management, event tourism, tourism policy and planning, and the impact of culture and heritage on tourism. The program emphasizes the development of essential management skills relevant to the tourism sector, including strategic planning for tourism destinations, marketing and promotion of tourism products, managing visitor experiences, and understanding the principles of sustainable tourism. Students will engage in case study analysis of tourism destinations and businesses, practical projects involving the development of tourism plans and marketing strategies, and potentially collaborative projects with industry partners. The final year often includes a significant research project or dissertation focused on a specific area within tourism management.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Business and Management (Tourism Management) program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within the School of Business and Management and the wider Faculty of Business and Law. The faculty often comprises experienced tourism professionals and academics who are actively engaged in research related to sustainable tourism, destination management, tourism marketing, the impact of technology on tourism, and the socio-cultural aspects of tourism. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current industry trends, academic insights into tourism development and management best practices, and innovative approaches to tourism planning and marketing. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests within tourism through assignments and their final year project, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills relevant to understanding the tourism landscape.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA (Hons) Business and Management (Tourism Management) program places a strong emphasis on connecting students with the professional tourism industry. The program actively fosters relationships with tourism organizations, destination management companies, hotels, attractions, and other industry stakeholders through guest lectures by tourism leaders, workshops on specific tourism management skills led by experts, and networking events within the tourism community. Students often have opportunities for industry placements and internships with a wide range of tourism businesses and organizations, providing valuable hands-on experience and industry connections. The curriculum often incorporates real-world case studies and projects that involve direct engagement with existing tourism destinations or businesses, or the development of solutions for identified needs within the sector. The university's career services also provide tailored support for BA (Hons) Business and Management (Tourism Management) graduates seeking to launch their careers in this dynamic industry.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Business and Management (Tourism Management) program at Bath Spa University incorporates a strong global perspective by examining international tourism destinations, cross-cultural tourism management considerations, and the impact of globalization on the tourism industry and travel patterns. The curriculum may include case studies of successful international tourism destinations, discussions on managing tourism in diverse cultural contexts, and the exploration of global trends in tourism development and marketing. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on tourism. Furthermore, the program may touch upon topics such as sustainable tourism in a global context, the impact of global events on tourism, and strategies for attracting international tourists, preparing graduates to operate effectively in the interconnected global tourism marketplace.