Our tourism management course combines theory with practice – with a focus on the latest global trends and developments in international tourism – and a career-enhancing opportunity to learn the world’s most widely spoken language.
You’ll study career-relevant topics such as sustainability, cultural tourism, tourism in developing countries, and gain an insight into distinct social science perspectives. You'll also have the opportunity to build your professional industry experience – in the UK and abroad – with a range of work placements and residential field trips.
Aside from gaining the knowledge and skills to embark on a career in international tourism management, you’ll also learn Mandarin with the help of an expert language tutor. Research shows that doing a degree with a second language enhances students’ international employability, which especially applies to the Tourism and Tourism-related industries, even more so if students are already fluent in English.
To assist students in terms of their international employability, we offer Aviation and passenger transport management for students who are keen to work in the transport sector, Customer Service Management and Hospitality Business Management for students who wish to develop a career in hospitality management.
Our colleagues in the department of Marketing, Branding and Tourism have been able to utilise their extensive experience as highly successful industry practitioners to develop modules that combine academic rigour with a clear focus on strategic, contemporary professional practice.
You’ll have the flexibility to study our international tourism management course over three or four years, with the option of taking two periods of residence abroad in China, or a year-long exchange, placement or combination of both. Study Abroad in China offers students in-depth insight of international tourism industry not in China, but also other Asian countries.
Funded by British Council, several of our students received their placement in varied Chinese cities, such as Qingdao, Chengdu and Shanghai. Our partner university, Beijing International Studies University also provided scholarships for our students with advanced Mandarin and great performance in China.
You’ll also take part in a range of industry-relevant UK field trips throughout your course and spend a week at an international tourist destination. The majority of the cost for these excursions is included in your tuition fees.
Roles for graduates include Customer Service Agents, Project Managers, Marketing Executives and Travel Consultants, with graduates of our course building their careers with companies including Etihad, Eurostar, Marriott, Radisson Blu Edwardian, Thomas Cook, Travel Republic and Virgin Holidays.
When it comes to support, you’ll be matched with a Personal Tutor to get the backing you need. You’ll also get support from our Student Learning and Graduate Academic Assistants who have personal experience in your subject.
Take the first step towards your career and apply for our course today!
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Your studies will be focused on tourism's impacts and wider significance in a dynamic and changing world, and throughout the course you will develop an understanding of the academic and applied aspects of international tourism. You will graduate, armed with an understanding of the characteristics of tourists, including tourist demand, demand trends and tourist behaviour, as well as the products and structure of the industry and the business environment in which it operates.
You will take Mandarin language classes in Year 1, 2 and final year, and you will advance your studies to include business communications in Mandarin.
You will graduate with the confidence to examine, critique and evaluate various impacts of tourism upon economies, communities and the environment and how these impacts can be effectively managed.
You will also develop key transferable skills including analytical thinking and problem solving along with the ability to work effectively in teams, and be able to present and communicate business management ideas with confidence.
This module aims to introduce the essential everyday conversations, simple vocabulary and sentence structure (speaking and listening) of Mandarin. It aims to form basic skills in listening to and speaking Mandarin and develop students’ understanding of contemporary China’s society and culture.
This module aims to introduce the basics Chinese language with simplified characters as used in Modern China. All of four skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) are practised in every lesson, and especially the emphasis is on reading and writing, for non-native speakers of learning Chinese. It is expected that students are able to recognise 500 words and to hand-write 150 characters, as well as composing a short dialogue in 80-100 words on a given topic.
This module aims to provide students with space to explore the social context of tourism and to learn to think as social scientists. That entails developing their skills in reading, critical thinking, and in written and verbal communication. We start with where students find themselves, and by encouraging them to work in ever-widening circles we hope that they will discover the complexity of what appear to be relatively simple issues.
The module aims to provide an introduction to the key sectors that are integral to the tourism business, whilst exploring the dynamic relationships between them. It also acquaints the students with significant stakeholders at both organisational and industry levels. Through creating an awareness of relevant industry trends and happenings, the module provides an overview of the opportunities and challenges, along with focus on vital skills and competencies needed by students starting a career in the tourism industry.
This module aims to build upon and extend students’ ability to listen, speak, read and write Mandarin Chinese in tourism and business contexts, and to promote an understanding of Chinese culture in general. Students will be able to conduct business communications in order to employ relevant specialised vocabularies and underlying cultural assumptions.
This module aims to build upon and integrate students’ four language skills, including listen, speak, read and write Mandarin Chinese in relate to Chinese culture. Students will be able to apply relevant vocabularies, conversations and underlying cultural assumptions in tourism and business contexts.
This module aims to examine theories and practices of tourism management. It analyses critically the challenges faced by the tourism industry in the context of contemporary management functions and tourist/visitor behaviour which is a fundamental part of the module content. This module also assists students in developing professional and entrepreneurial skills in this dynamic industry such as creativity, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, project management, research and logical reasoning through planning and developing a bespoke tour itinerary guided by consumer behaviour theories.
This module aims to develop critical awareness of a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and techniques relevant to academic investigation of tourism industry issues. It will also develop students’ ability to relate theory to real world case study material, making clear the links between theory, method and data. Specific attention will be paid to exploration of key research methods and techniques and their applicability to a range of tourism-related research contexts. Changes in approach, especially the rise of qualitative approaches and techniques, will be considered. The module will also seek to promote students’ ability to think critically –or critique –existing research.
This module aims to develop abilities of students to independently conduct theoretically informed, ethically-rigorous primary data collection in a mature, international tourism destination. Students will be challenged to systematically analyse the data sets that derive from these collection processes, and to synthesise such findings with relevant secondary source material. Furthermore, students will need to clearly communicate the findings generated via the above processes by way of a creative group presentation, and a written experiential learning narrative (ELN) that conforms to professional, academic standards.
This module aims to generate critically informed understanding of the relationships between the tourism industry and key public passenger transport modes (including aviation, rail, coach and bus systems). The current standing of these modes -in terms of public –private relations, industry funding and management arrangements, and demand trends -will be situated within their recent historical context. The module will also directly address sustainability issues, and afford a strong focus to practical considerations relevant to securing employment in these sectors.
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of tourism enterprise and the significance of the small businesses, which dominate the tourism sector. Enterprise-related concepts such as entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity will be analysed. Revenue management theory and practice as well as the impact it has on tourism and hospitality businesses and customers is also a major component of this module. Students will gain the knowledge and skills required to make appropriate management decisions for sustainable financial success.
This module examines the shift in the last decades in the world economy that has given rise to the emerging economies (China and Latin America) phenomenon, and how the contexts it generates, impact businesses and tourism in them. Furthermore, the module examines the thriving relationship between China and Latin America that has been developing for the last decades and analyses the mutual impact for businesses and tourism on both sides.
The module aims to enable students with little or no previous knowledge of these languages to acquire basic language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) so as to be able to communicate at a basic level on everyday situations.
The year abroad is designed in order to get students to fully experience the culture and everyday life of Chinese-speaking societies by spending a full year at a Chinese university. This module also allows students to set goals for important aspects of the Immersion Year, to log and evaluate their experiences, to review their goals and to record and assess details of personal and academic development in a Mandarin-speaking environment.
Due to current COVID-19 circumstances, you may not be able to study abroad for your placement year. If this is the case, you can pick one of the following options:
This module aims to review, consolidate and further enhance students’ existing language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) of Mandarin in business and tourism contexts so that they can function more comfortably and confidently in modern China. It is also intended to help students to access macro and micro Chinese economic situations and specific business,culture and society through a selection of case studies.
This module aims to review, consolidate and further enhance students’ existing language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) of Mandarin in business and tourism contexts so that they can function more comfortably and confidently in modern China. It is also intended to help students to analyse specific tourism,business culture and modern China’s society through a selection of case studies.
This module examines some of the contemporary issues facing tourism through a global to local framework. The module aims to provide a critical awareness and understanding of alternative policy and planning approaches and the institutions involved in formulating policy responses. Case studies are used to explore the potential and limitations of different theoretical approaches.
This module aims to develop students’ understanding of theories and business practice concerning building strong brands in travel and tourism. Students will learn how certain content in social media managed to engaged with target audiences and viewers in a compelling way and achieved branding agendas simultaneously, and even went viral online. The module not only promotes creative thinking and problem solving skills but also develops students’ abilities to create branding solutions and a coherent plan in selected social media platforms.
The aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of the events sector, the impacts and legacy of events. Students will be introduced to a range of corporate, sporting, arts and cultural events and festivals, including community, hallmark and mega events. This module will also cover different perspectives on events classification, origins, current and future trends. The motivations and roles of the private, public and third sectors in the development and execution of events will also be discussed and analysed.
This module aims to introduce the concept of supply chain management and related theories. The module seeks to provide students with the knowledge and tools necessary to critically analyse the Tourism, Hospitality and Aviation Industry Sectors with regard to current industry practices. Students are also able to view tourism products as a value-added chain of different service components and identify ways to effectively manage the interrelated tourism business operations to better meet customer needs and accomplish business goals.
This module aims to develop an understanding of event planning, management and operations in all types and scales of events. Its focus is mainly on the practical considerations of running an event. Throughout this module students will develop their own event concept and implementation plan including: event concept, theme and design, venue selection, project management, event marketing, staging and logistics, human resource and financial management, risk management, health and safety and the legal context and lastly evaluation of events.
This module aims to introduce you to the extent and variety of city tourism, to assess its impacts in different types of cities and to examine pertinent contemporary issues that have emerged around its expansion, such as gentrification, commodification, socio-spatial divisions and regeneration. The module places urban tourism in the context of changes in the economy, in politics and in leisure in order to critically assess its impacts on its stakeholders, and evaluate its potential and the pitfalls.
The primary aim of the work placement module is to provide students with the opportunity to undertake a period of work experience (minimum of 30 days) from which they learn about, business in general, and the organisation and the sector within which it operates as well as the key drivers of business success. The work placement will provide an insight into the world of work and appropriate conduct at work. The module will therefore facilitate students in the process of becoming and staying employable through assertiveness, continuing development and reflection on both their development and the link between theory and practice.
Due the conditions created by the pandemic, Middlesex University has taken the decision to postpone the taking of the period abroad (either as Summer Placements of Full Year of Study Abroad) until July 2020-21, when the situation will be reviewed.
This module aims to let students to fully experience the culture, life and everyday life of Mandarin-speaking societies by spending a full year at a hot university in a Mandarin-speaking country. This module also allows students to set goals for important aspects of the Immersion Year, to log and evaluate their experiences, to review their goals and to record and assess details of personal and academic development in a Mandarin-speaking environment.
Due the conditions created by the pandemic, Middlesex University has taken the decision to postpone the taking of the period abroad (either as Summer Placements of Full Year of Study Abroad) until July 2020-21, when the situation will be reviewed.
This module aims to let students to fully experience the culture, life and everyday life of Mandarin-speaking societies by spending a full year at a hot university in a Mandarin-speaking country. This module also allows students to set goals for important aspects of the Immersion Year, to log and evaluate their experiences, to review their goals and to record and assess details of personal and academic development in a Mandarin-speaking environment.
This module aims to build upon and extend students’ ability to listen, speak, read and write Mandarin Chinese in tourism and business contexts, and to promote an understanding of Chinese culture in general. Students will be able to conduct business communications in order to employ relevant specialised vocabularies and underlying cultural assumptions.
This module aims to build upon and integrate students’ four language skills, including listen, speak, read and write Mandarin Chinese in relate to Chinese culture. Students will be able to apply relevant vocabularies, conversations and underlying cultural assumptions in tourism and business contexts.
This module aims to provide students with space to explore the social context of tourism and to learn to think as social scientists. That entails developing their skills in reading, critical thinking, and in written and verbal communication. We start with where students find themselves, and by encouraging them to work in ever-widening circles we hope that they will discover the complexity of what appear to be relatively simple issues.
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of key economic concepts, theories and skills necessary to evaluate the economic impact of tourism. It enables students to employ a data-driven approach to the evaluation of resources and opportunities in tourism as tourism professionals. The fieldwork will introduce basic research skills and also allow students to link theory to practice.
The module aims to provide an introduction to the key sectors that are integral to the tourism business, whilst exploring the dynamic relationships between them. It also acquaints the students with significant stakeholders at both organisational and industry levels. Through creating an awareness of relevant industry trends and happenings, the module provides an overview of the opportunities and challenges, along with focus on vital skills and competencies needed by students starting a career in the tourism industry.
This module aims to review, consolidate and further enhance students’ existing language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) of Mandarin in business and tourism contexts so that they can function more comfortably and confidently in modern China. It is also intended to help students to access macro and micro Chinese economic situations and specific business,culture and society through a selection of case studies.
This module aims to review, consolidate and further enhance students’ existing language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) of Mandarin in business and tourism contexts so that they can function more comfortably and confidently in modern China. It is also intended to help students to analyse specific tourism,business culture and modern China’s society through a selection of case studies.
This module aims to examine theories and practices of tourism management. It analyses critically the challenges faced by the tourism industry in the context of contemporary management functions and tourist/visitor behaviour which is a fundamental part of the module content. This module also assists students in developing professional and entrepreneurial skills in this dynamic industry such as creativity, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, project management, research and logical reasoning through planning and developing a bespoke tour itinerary guided by consumer behaviour theories.
This module aims to develop critical awareness of a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and techniques relevant to academic investigation of tourism industry issues. It will also develop students’ ability to relate theory to real world case study material, making clear the links between theory, method and data. Specific attention will be paid to exploration of key research methods and techniques and their applicability to a range of tourism-related research contexts. Changes in approach, especially the rise of qualitative approaches and techniques, will be considered. The module will also seek to promote students’ ability to think critically –or critique –existing research.
This module aims to generate critically informed understanding of the relationships between the tourism industry and key public passenger transport modes (including aviation, rail, coach and bus systems). The current standing of these modes -in terms of public –private relations, industry funding and management arrangements, and demand trends -will be situated within their recent historical context. The module will also directly address sustainability issues, and afford a strong focus to practical considerations relevant to securing employment in these sectors.
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of tourism enterprise and the significance of the small businesses, which dominate the tourism sector. Enterprise-related concepts such as entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity will be analysed. Revenue management theory and practice as well as the impact it has on tourism and hospitality businesses and customers is also a major component of this module. Students will gain the knowledge and skills required to make appropriate management decisions for sustainable financial success.
This module examines the shift in the last decades in the world economy that has given rise to the emerging economies (China and Latin America) phenomenon, and how the contexts it generates, impact businesses and tourism in them. Furthermore, the module examines the thriving relationship between China and Latin America that has been developing for the last decades and analyses the mutual impact for businesses and tourism on both sides.
The module aims to enable students with little or no previous knowledge of these languages to acquire basic language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) so as to be able to communicate at a basic level on everyday situations.
The year abroad is designed in order to get students to fully experience the culture and everyday life of Chinese-speaking societies by spending a full year at a Chinese university. This module also allows students to set goals for important aspects of the Immersion Year, to log and evaluate their experiences, to review their goals and to record and assess details of personal and academic development in a Mandarin-speaking environment.
Due to current COVID-19 circumstances, you may not be able to study abroad for your placement year. If this is the case, you can pick one of the following options:
The primary aim of this module is to develop students’ understanding of the project management process along with a range of consultancy, research and problem solving skills. It will also give students the opportunity of presenting their research both verbally and in a written report to the client and offer them recommendations, which they may wish to implement in the future. The skills and techniques students gained as a result of this module will enhance their employability.
This module examines some of the contemporary issues facing tourism through a global to local framework. The module aims to provide a critical awareness and understanding of alternative policy and planning approaches and the institutions involved in formulating policy responses. Case studies are used to explore the potential and limitations of different theoretical approaches.
This module aims to develop students’ understanding of theories and business practice concerning building strong brands in travel and tourism. Students will learn how certain content in social media managed to engaged with target audiences and viewers in a compelling way and achieved branding agendas simultaneously, and even went viral online. The module not only promotes creative thinking and problem solving skills but also develops students’ abilities to create branding solutions and a coherent plan in selected social media platforms.
The aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of the events sector, the impacts and legacy of events. Students will be introduced to a range of corporate, sporting, arts and cultural events and festivals, including community, hallmark and mega events. This module will also cover different perspectives on events classification, origins, current and future trends. The motivations and roles of the private, public and third sectors in the development and execution of events will also be discussed and analysed.
This module aims to introduce the concept of supply chain management and related theories. The module seeks to provide students with the knowledge and tools necessary to critically analyse the Tourism, Hospitality and Aviation Industry Sectors with regard to current industry practices. Students are also able to view tourism products as a value-added chain of different service components and identify ways to effectively manage the interrelated tourism business operations to better meet customer needs and accomplish business goals.
This module aims to develop an understanding of event planning, management and operations in all types and scales of events. Its focus is mainly on the practical considerations of running an event. Throughout this module students will develop their own event concept and implementation plan including: event concept, theme and design, venue selection, project management, event marketing, staging and logistics, human resource and financial management, risk management, health and safety and the legal context and lastly evaluation of events.
This module aims to introduce you to the extent and variety of city tourism, to assess its impacts in different types of cities and to examine pertinent contemporary issues that have emerged around its expansion, such as gentrification, commodification, socio-spatial divisions and regeneration. The module places urban tourism in the context of changes in the economy, in politics and in leisure in order to critically assess its impacts on its stakeholders, and evaluate its potential and the pitfalls.
The primary aim of the work placement module is to provide students with the opportunity to undertake a period of work experience (minimum of 30 days) from which they learn about, business in general, and the organisation and the sector within which it operates as well as the key drivers of business success. The work placement will provide an insight into the world of work and appropriate conduct at work. The module will therefore facilitate students in the process of becoming and staying employable through assertiveness, continuing development and reflection on both their development and the link between theory and practice.
Due the conditions created by the pandemic, Middlesex University has taken the decision to postpone the taking of the period abroad (either as Summer Placements of Full Year of Study Abroad) until July 2020-21, when the situation will be reviewed.
This module aims to let students to fully experience the culture, life and everyday life of Mandarin-speaking societies by spending a full year at a hot university in a Mandarin-speaking country. This module also allows students to set goals for important aspects of the Immersion Year, to log and evaluate their experiences, to review their goals and to record and assess details of personal and academic development in a Mandarin-speaking environment.
Due the conditions created by the pandemic, Middlesex University has taken the decision to postpone the taking of the period abroad (either as Summer Placements of Full Year of Study Abroad) until July 2020-21, when the situation will be reviewed.
This module aims to let students to fully experience the culture, life and everyday life of Mandarin-speaking societies by spending a full year at a hot university in a Mandarin-speaking country. This module also allows students to set goals for important aspects of the Immersion Year, to log and evaluate their experiences, to review their goals and to record and assess details of personal and academic development in a Mandarin-speaking environment.
This is an event plan for an art exhibit created by a student on the Event Planning module. The portfolio explains how the exhibition would be marketed, as well as showing some examples of the artwork.
This student created a wedding planning business and planned a wedding for a fictional couple. They made sample floor plans of the venue, as well as menus and invitations. Here you can see an example of ‘wedding favours’ they would provide for their clients.
This is a plan for a murder mystery birthday party created by a student on the Event Planning module. Pictured is a model of the venue as it would be decorated for the party.
This student organised a Bulgarian traditional event, and documented all the details. The event would include various activities to promote Bulgarian culture.
This student organised a memorial event for a Nepalese hip hop artist. Pictured is merchandise that would be sold at the event.
One student organised a fundraising and awareness event called ‘Saving the Planet’. The aim of the event is to encourage attendees to reduce the use of disposable plastics in their everyday lives.
This student planned a summer camp called ‘Sea Scout Summer Camp’. The image shows the programme of activities planned for the children, and bracelets they would learn to make at the camp.
This is a plan for a wine tasting event. It documents the various wines and food that would be provided for guests. It also details where the event would take place and how the venue would be laid out.
This is a plan for an African-themed wedding. Here you can see wedding favours and an example table plan for the event.
There is an exciting diversity of tourism careers across the private, public and voluntary sectors, with roles for graduates within the tourism sector including;
International Tourism graduates have gone on to work in areas including local authorities, tourist boards, airlines, airports, travel agencies, hotels, museums, heritage centres, sports, meeting and event companies. Some of the companies our graduates have been employed by include City of London Corporation, Etihad, Eurostar, Marriott, Radisson Blu Edwardian, Thomas Cook, Travel Republic and Virgin Holidays. A number of graduates also go on to do further study for a Master’s Degree or PhD qualification.
Naila Malik
International Tourism Management BA graduate
I really enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. Having a diverse range of students made class debates much more interesting. My experience and degree from Middlesex helped me develop and strengthen key skills which all employers look for. I left Middlesex confident and knowing I would secure a good job.
Marta Chrostowska
International Tourism Management (Spanish) BA Graduate
After graduation, I left to go to China for the Study China Programme, which is managed by another university and funded by the UK Government - applications begin every March.
The Study China Programme attracted me with a unique opportunity to experience Chinese life, culture, language and business. I was studying at the Zhejiang University (Hangzhou) - one of the top higher education institutions in China. Whilst there, I got an insight into business, I attended many cultural activities, met lots of people, I did an intensive course of Mandarin and travelled. I visited Hangzhou, Suzhou, Beijing and Shanghai twice – I fell in love with this city.
Take a look at Marta’s artwork which was inspired by her time in China.
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.
Start: September 2022
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Code: N88I
Start: September 2022, EU / International induction: September 2022
Duration: 4 years full-time
Code: NVR4
Start: October 2022
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Code: N802
