BA Honours International Tourism Management and Business Degree

Overview & facilities

BA International Tourism Management with Business Degree (Honours) seeks to provide you with knowledge of the most relevant Business subjects alongside key knowledge of the contemporary International Tourism industry.

The course is essentially multi-disciplinary and develops a wide range of transferable skills.Our location close to London provides many opportunities to witness contemporary International Tourism at first hand. International Tourism Management with Business Degree has a strong focus on current Global trends and issues in Business and International Tourism.

The staff team work closely together to provide you with the support you need to perform well on this undergraduate course. As you progress through the three years of the course there is an increasing emphasis on choice and self-directed learning. You will also have the option to extend your studies to four years by undertaking a placement year in year three.

Course highlights

• Study in London or Dubai, both international centres of tourism
• Wide range of exchange opportunities

Content & modules

At Middlesex- with adventurous field trips, an international environment, specialist staff and distinctive modules- we offer a fascinating journey to a career in the world's fastest-growing industry.

This course is based at our flagship Hendon campus.

Modules

• Year 1

  Economic and Financial Aspects of Business (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  In this module, students will gain an understanding of key macroeconomic and microeconomic principles that inform a great deal of marketing thought and practice. They will also gain important insights into how economics factors and the economy affect marketing decisions and outcomes. In addition, students will learn the fundamentals of accounting and finance necessary to make more effective marketing decisions and to assess the cost and financial implications/outcomes of those decisions.

  Principles of Marketing (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is designed to provide students with an overview of key marketing concepts and techniques, as they apply in a variety of organisations and in both conventional and online environments. More specifically, the module aims to develop students knowledge and understanding of the core role of marketing in determining the growth potential of an enterprise; the value of the marketing mix in ensuring successful marketing implementation; the significance of external and internal operating environments for marketing practice; and methods of identifying consumer targets and competitors.

  Quantitative Methods and Applications for Business (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides an interesting and enjoyable introduction to basic statistical and ICT ideas for the analysis and presentation of business data. It caters for students with little prior mathematical knowledge, and while students are expected to complete mathematical calculations by hand and using a computer the emphasis is on the interpretation and communication of quantitative results. The module encourages students with little mathematical background or a fear of mathematics to develop confidence and ability in quantitative skills for business and management areas, which can be built upon in further study. The main aim is to enable the student to become a discerning user of statistical methods and ICT in quantitative analysis.

  The Business of Tourism (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to introduce you to the general context of tourism and provide you with an overview of the business of tourism. This will include examining various definitions of tourism primarily from economic and management perspectives, the development of tourism, tourist behaviour and motivation, the demand for tourism, the structure, dimensions and characteristics of tourism as a service industry, the characteristics of different operational sectors and their interaction within the tourism system, the role of intermediaries in the business of tourism and the current and future trends of tourism business. This module will also integrate key study and management skills required for level-one students to allow you to develop your transferable skills, attitudes and abilities, all of which will become very useful in subsequent years of study and indeed in future employment.

• Year 2

  HRM in a Global Context (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module builds upon knowledge gained at level 1 about the business environment and about the general management functions operating within organisations and develops an understanding of the international context of dealing with people issues in organisations.

  International Tourism Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Embedded in the management discipline, this module examines and analyses the theories and practices of tourism management. It explores the functions of management within the context of the tourism industry and examines management issues involved in different aspects of the tourism business. This module also aims to assist students in developing their professional skills in this dynamic industry such as creativity, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, research and logical reasoning skills through planning a day-tour itinerary.

  Overseas Field Visit (30 Credits) - Optional

  The module aims to develop the ability to relate theoretical material from the core modules to real world case study material through providing students with first hand experience of seeing and exploring development issues within an overseas context. The module facilitates the development of key employability skills through the daily activities the students undertake in the field, and aims to help students develop field based skills of direct observation, data collection and collation and group work. On their return students are given the opportunity to reflect further, both collectively and individually, on their experience overseas and to further develop their skills in report writing and written presentation of work.

  Strategic Business Environment (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to provide an integrated view of internal and external business environment of organisations and to serve as an introduction to strategic analysis. The module also aims to evaluate elements of complexity in the business environment and to begin exploration of contemporary issues in business and management in preparation for more advanced study at level 3.

  Tourism Impacts and Sustainability (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to explore the impacts of tourism in relation to the economic, environmental aspects, the tourism infrastructures and the destination host communities. The module is designed to provide students with a foundation in theoretical and practical concepts of tourism impacts and to relate this systematically to the tourism industry. In addition the module introduces the concept of sustainability and sustainable tourism in the context of providing a response to some of the negative impacts of tourism. This provides a link to the core module at level three and to one optional level three modules.

• Year 3

  Consulting in Organisations (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module introduces students to organisation consulting. It builds on learning from prior modules, and provides the student with a theoretical introduction to consulting and the idea of organisation learning. Students undertake a live group consulting project as part of this module.

  Contemporary Issues in Business (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to familiarize students with strategy as a process. It introduces specific tools for strategic management, as well as generic corporate and business-level strategies. It also coaches students to develop critical appreciation of contemporary issues and practices in business, including a foresight dimension of anticipating future trends. It shows students how to analyze an organization in terms of the challenges and opportunities it faces and, based on assumptions and research data, how to turn this analysis into business decisions. Finally it teaches students how to formulate relevant strategies as a result of their research.

  Cultural and Heritage Tourism (30 Credits) - Optional

  1. To develop in students an understanding of the debates surrounding the growth of cultural and heritage tourism in the post war post colonial world 2. To develop a critical awareness of the characteristics and behaviour of cultural and heritage tourists 3. To explore some of the most popular types of cultural and heritage tourism and consider the implications for host populations 4. To critically evaluate some of the controversies surrounding different approaches to the management of cultural and heritage attractions

  Hospitality and Tourism Marketing (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to apply generic principles of marketing management to the tourism industry, with a particular focus on distinguishing characteristics of tourism. Drawing upon the services marketing theory and practice, this module addresses the nature of tourism product and the specific characteristics of tourism demand and supply that shape the marketing response. This module also investigates the process of marketing planning and the practical design of marketing plan within the context of hospitality and tourism industry.

  Independent Tourism Project Dissertation (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module is designed to provide the opportunity for students to undertake an individual investigation in a chosen area of interest in the field of tourism. It aims to encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning through conducting an in-depth study and demonstrate their abilities to select and appropriately use a wide range of sources to analyse, challenge and critically evaluate the views received. It also intended to facilitate students to acquire and demonstrate the acquisition of a range of research skills being applied to the approved topic.

  Managing Sustainable Tourism (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to provide a broad understanding of the various dimensions of sustainable tourism in both the developed and the developing world. It will critically review the concept of balance between environmental, social and economic components of sustainable tourism and develop an understanding of the opportunities and constraints associated with sustainable tourism. The module also aims to provide students with an analytical appreciation of a range of management tools that can be deployed in sustainable tourism initiatives. In addition the module will develop students critical awareness of the role of sustainable tourism in achieving sustainable development in different world regions.

  Placement Learning (30 Credits) - Optional

  Placement learning aims to link academic learning to a placement organisation providing an opportunity to apply, consolidate and develop skills and knowledge from University to the placement and future employment. This practical experience module provides the means for students to link academic work with the real world situation in order to conceptualise the meaning of theory in the wider world context. This module facilitates the embedding of transferable and graduate skills necessary for future career paths and employment. It is envisaged the student will reflect upon areas of knowledge relevant to the placement learning experience and develop personal knowledge through a review of their learning. The placement learning experience provides students with the opportunity to enhance their skills of self expression, communication, self reliance and co-operation. Students will also engage in risk assessment.

  Policy and Planning in Tourism (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To provide a wider context for the more specialised options and bring together,in a coherent framework, many contemporary issues and ideas raised in other modules. To analyse tourism planning and policy in a range of locations and at different scales from global to local. To identify some of the significant issues facing tourism policy makers in the 21st century and to compare and evaluate alternative policy approaches to these issues using case studies from different world regions. To critically evaluate theoretical approaches to policy and planning e.g.blueprint, top-down, bottom-up, boosterism, community based, participative using case studies. To explore the institutions and organisations involved in tourism policy formulation and planning, and examine and critically assess their contribution to the implementation of policy and planning. To provide students with useful ideas and frameworks for their independent project work.

  Strategic Managemet in a Hospitality Environment (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: Build on students prior knowledge of functional areas of management and their own hospitality-industrial experiences to develop a comprehensive, theoretically informed understanding of theories and models used in strategic management and business decision-making processes; examine the research and practical role of soft systems analysis, focusing on problems and opportunities in the international hospitality industry; to develop an ability to apply decision-making theories to hospitality operations whilst appreciating the difficulties and consequences of making changes within an organisation.

  Supply Chain Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: - develop an understanding about the integration of different business in creating value; - demonstrate the effects of planning in multiple organizations; - provide experience about the management of integrated business processes and develop a process understanding; present a integration of functional departments within and between different organization

  Urban Tourism (30 Credits) - Optional

  Urban tourism is a relatively recent addition to the pattern of tourism behaviour. The module aims to provide students with a description of the field, and to apply their knowledge of debates and controversies in tourism to it. Many of the issues that students will have encountered in other modules - sustainability, assessing impacts, the debate over authenticity, - can be applied to the urban field. Consideration of such issues opens the door to a critical interpretation of tourism that involves students developing their skills in argument and analysis.

Download the course specification

Entry & applying

We normally make offers between 200-280 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE Maths and English Language at grade C. BTEC National Diploma/International Baccalaureate/Advanced Progression Diplomas at equivalent tariff. Access to HE - Pass. Applications from candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed. Additionally overseas students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, eg IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 paper-based or 213 computer based

Entry requirements

We normally require 200-280 tariff points for entry onto undergraduate courses. However, some degrees may require additional entry requirements, for example a portfolio or an audition.

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Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. 

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

Students have progressed to positions in airlines, National tourism Offices and travel Agencies. Other graduates have gone on to further study at Masters level (e.g. Human Resource Management, Marketing)

What can you do with a Travel and Tourism degree?
Our BA Hospitality Management top-up graduates are highly successful in obtaining well-paid employment and many receive several job offers. As a graduate you will have excellent career prospects and the range of potential employers will be vast including within the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

Graduate Roles
Below are just a few career opportunities that would be open to you as a graduate.  

Hotel Receptionist
Hotel receptionists are responsible for making guests feel welcome, dealing with room bookings and cancellations, and handling general requests made by guests during their stay. In small hotels, your duties may include a wider range of tasks such as showing guests to their rooms and serving drinks in the bar.
With experience and supervisory responsibilities salaries can start from around £21,000 a year.

Hotel Manager
A hotel manager oversees the day-to-day management of a hotel and its staff. They are responsible for planning, organising and directing all hotel services, including front-of-house (reception, concierge, reservations), food and beverage operations and housekeeping. In larger hotels, managers often have a specific remit (guest services, accounting, marketing) and make up a general management team.
Trainee and assistant hotel managers can earn around £17,000 a year.
Managers of small hotels or deputy managers of larger ones can earn from £20,000 to around £35,000. Senior or general managers can earn up to £60,000 or more.

Accommodation Manager
An accommodation manager ensures that their establishment is run efficiently and that standards of cleanliness and maintenance are upheld (e.g. in rooms, bathrooms, public areas). They are responsible for budgets and ensure that their teams of staff are well trained and managed. Job titles vary; in hotels, accommodation managers may be known as housekeepers, in education as domestic bursars, and in hospitals as domestic services or facilities managers.
Salaries for a graduate trainee accommodation manager range between £16,000 - £20,000 depending on the location and size of the establishment. Senior level salaries range between £22,000 - £40,000+, again depending on the location and size of the company.

Restaurant Manager
A restaurant manager oversees the day-to-day activities involved in running a restaurant. They are responsible for maintaining high standards of food, service and health and safety. They are also responsible for the business performance of the restaurant and ensure it runs efficiently and profitably. Restaurant management can be fast-paced, highly demanding and very rewarding.
Typical salaries can range from: £16,000 - £20,000 plus bonuses, with the lower salaries for trainee assistant management roles. After ten to five years' experience this can rise to £30,000 - £40,000.

Event Organiser/Manager
An event organiser/manager is responsible for organising and running all kinds of promotional, corporate and social events. They control the whole project, from initial planning through to completion, making sure that all elements come together on schedule, to running the event on the day. The work is hands-on and often involves working as part of a team. Event organisers should possess a number of skills such as clear communication, excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Starting salaries for an Event organiser/manager can range from £16,000 to £21,000 a year. With experience, earnings can reach £25,000 to £40,000.
Management salaries in some high-profile companies can reach £50,000 to £80,000 a year.