BA (Hons) Tourism Management (Full Time)

Build a sound career in the growing tourism sector by studying theory and practice on Solent's stimulating degree course.

Course overview

Tourism is a growing, competitive worldwide industry, which has created a demand for highly qualified managers.

The BA (Hons) Tourism Management degree at Southampton Solent University aims to provide you with the qualities, skills and knowledge to make an immediate contribution to the industry and develop a successful career in the world's largest growth sector.

Through lectures, small seminars and computer-based lessons, you will develop an understanding of the global tourism industry, exploring subjects such as tourism development and impact issues, management of visitor attractions, and contemporary tourism issues. You will also study related disciplines such as tourism geography, marketing and environmental studies.

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Industrial focus

The course offers a blend of theory and practice and will help develop the skills that are essential in employment. In addition, work experience can be undertaken to enhance your prospects and establish important contacts within the tourism industry.

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Industry Practice and Research
• Leisure Marketing
• Financial Planning and Reporting (half unit)
• Introduction to Organisational Behaviour in Leisure Services (half unit)
• Introduction to Tourism
• World Tourism Perspectives
• Tourism Impacts.

Year 2

Five core units and one option unit:

• Service Operations Management
• Research Methods
• Management of Visitor Attractions
• Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development
• Changing Tourism Environments.

Options:

• Customer Services Marketing and Sales
• Languages
• Cruise and travel operations impacts
• Tour Operations Management
• Curriculum Plus.

Five core units and one option unit:

• Project (two units)
• Cross Cultural Management OR Strategy for business
• Contemporary Issues in Tourism
• Natural and Cultural Heritage Tourism Management.

Options:

• Languages
• Global cruise and travel operations
• Hospitality management
• Small business enterprise
• International Marketing for Tourism and Travel
• Curriculum Plus.

Why choose this course?

Opportunities for valuable work experience.

Assessment

Work is assessed by a combination of essays, written examinations, seminar presentations, written reports, case studies, practicals, work placement, group work and final-year dissertation.

Key career skills

Presentation, management, communication and problem solving.

Projects/work experience

The Careers and Employability Service (CES) supports students to plan and organise their own placements through a series of group and one-to-one sessions. CES offers advice on how to find a placement, create a successful CV or application form and how to stand out at interview. 

Prime Minister's Speech on Tourism|

Graduate profiles

Louise Page

“After several gap years working for holiday resorts I decided it was time to go to university and better my career prospects. A friend of mine had studied at Southampton Solent University and highly recommended it. I enquired about the tourism courses and was pleased to discover the course was mainly assignment based – I’ve never been a fan of exams!

“As a mature student, I was concerned that I might find myself in a minority, but there is an amazingly diverse set of people at Solent. I loved meeting people of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Solent has a very social atmosphere and there are always special events going on where students can meet.

“My lecturers are all highly knowledgeable in their fields. I think it’s essential to learn from industry professionals like them to better understand the tourism industry. We are taught in a variety of ways: lectures, small seminars and computer-based lessons give the course a nice variety and keeps it interesting. People with different learning styles are catered for and it’s really enjoyable. My confidence has improved through individual and group presentations too.”

Victoria Patching

BA (Hons) Tourism Management graduate Victoria Patching is resolute in the belief that her degree helped her get a job in the tourism industry. “My degree has given me the knowledge, experience and determination to succeed," she says. "My education matched the job requirements and I’ve joined a company I am interested in with plenty of room for progression in the future.”

“My job involves a lot of continuous learning and selling tourism products and services to a variety of clients. I have to help design consumer packages plus help develop new ideas. I am really enjoying being challenged whilst furthering my knowledge of the industry.”

Along with Southampton's location as a tourism hotspot, Victoria admits that the University's welcoming atmosphere played a major part in her decision to study on the south coast: “Everyone was so helpful and friendly, from the lecturers to the students.”

“I really enjoyed the subject itself,” she continues. “We learnt through a variety of methods and subjects – the support from lecturers was inspirational.”

Already, Victoria is looking forward in her career: “I want to work my way up to a management position, then maybe one day travel the world for business or pleasure.” For any students wishing to follow her footsteps, Victoria is assured in her response: “Keep a positive attitude,” she says. “Have ambition, keep pushing yourself but don’t forget to have fun along the way.”