BA (Hons) Cruise Industry Management (Full Time)

Equip yourself for a career in the fast-growing area of cruise tourism, studying close to one of the UK's busiest ports.

Course overview

The BA (Hons) Cruise Industry Management at Southampton Solent University aims to meet the demand of the rapid growth in cruise tourism. It focuses not only on cruise ships and cruise organisations but also the related sectors that support the industry, including suppliers, logistics, public sector and the hospitality industry.

You will gain theoretical knowledge through a blend of cruise industry, tourism, management and business units as well as the professional skills required for careers in the cruise industry.

You will explore subjects such as cruise tourism development and impact issues, marketing and contemporary issues in cruise and tourism.

Industrial focus

During the first year you will develop skills to prepare you for a six-week work placement between Year 1 and Year 2. You will also take part in a compulsory cruise field trip in Year 1 so you can experience a cruise voyage first hand.

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Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Cruise Industry Principles and Practice
• Financial Planning and Reporting (half unit)
• Hotel Operations
• Industry Practice and Research
• Introduction to Organisational Behaviour in Leisure Services (half unit)
• Introduction to Tourism
• Leisure Marketing.

Year 2

Five core units and one option unit:

• Cruise Operations Impacts
• Customer Service, Marketing and Sales
• Hotel Management
• Research Methods for the Leisure Services Industries
• Work-based Professional Studies.

Options:

• Curriculum Plus (excluding Work Based Learning and CV and Career Building)
• Management of Visitor Attractions
• Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development
• Service Operations Management
• Tour Operations.

Year 3

Five core units and one option unit:

• Contemporary Issues in Tourism
• Cross-Cultural Management
• Globalisation of the Cruise Industry
• Project (two units).

Options:

• Curriculum Plus (excluding Work Based Learning and CV and Career Building)
• Event Organisation (L6)
• International Marketing for Travel and Tourism
• Natural and Cultural Heritage Management
• Strategy for Business. 

Why choose this course?

• Located in one of the UK's busiest ports.
• Opportunities for valuable work experience on cruise ships.
• Focus on cruise ships and related industries such as suppliers, logistics, public sector and the hospitality industry.
• Tailored to employers' needs.

Assessment

Essays, written examinations, seminar presentations, written reports, case studies, group work, work placement and final year dissertation.

Key career skills

Presentation, management, communication and problem solving.

Projects/work experience

You will have the opportunity to take part in a cruise field trip. Students in 2011 sailed on the P&O Cruise ship Ventura and had a behind-the-scenes tour, gaining greater insight into the operations of a mega cruise ship as well as enjoying the experience of being a cruise passenger.

You will also have the opportunity to work in reservations, marketing and sales with leading cruise companies, or work in the voluntary sector, hospitality sector or travel agents.  

Graduate profile

Lina Bukeviciute

Originally from Lithuania, Lina came to the UK looking for new challenges and experiences. To prepare herself for undergraduate study she joined the English Language Foundation year at Solent.

“This course gave me a clear understanding of essay writing, referencing and presentation skills. Plus, the Language Centre was excellent for improving my English.

“I joined the degree a year later. At first, I found it difficult to write long essays and make presentations to a large class. However, my tutors were very supportive, as were the other students - many of who were international students too.”

Lina’s favourite units were cruise-focussed, further fuelling her interest in the industry. She relished the opportunity to visit many illustrious vessels, including the QEII, the Independence of the Seas, and the Oceana. “I’ll never forget those experiences,” she reveals.

Lina now aims to get the cruise industry job she’s always wanted. “I am so glad to have come to Southampton and to Southampton Solent University,” she concludes. “The four years of study and late nights are sure to pay off. Finishing this course has given me so much confidence in myself and what I want to achieve in my life.”