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BA (Hons) Business and Tourism

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Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.

You’ll be supported in your studies and preparing for your future

Develop key tourism management and business skills

Tailor your studies around your core strengths and interests

This course includes the options of:

Work placement*

Study abroad*

*No fees are charged for this year


UCAS code	N1N8
Institution code	H36
School of study	Hertfordshire Business School
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Entry requirements

UCAS points A Level BTEC
96 CCC MMM

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Find out more about International Entry Requirements.
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
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UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
96	CCC	MMM

Why choose this course?

You will develop key tourism management and business skills on a course which received a satisfaction score of 87% overall in the National Students Survey 2020
You will get to study real world case studies and have the opportunity to visit an overseas destination (Coronavirus pandemic permitting)
The course gives you the opportunities to do a work placement in small or large corporations, developing key employability skills, both domestically and internationally
All students have the option to study abroad
We’re rated TEF Gold, making us one of the best universities for teaching and support.

What's the course about?

Indicative course structure

The course looks in depth at a range of core business areas, including accounting, marketing, operations and human resources. At the same time, you’ll gain a specialism in tourism, in which you’ll explore career planning in the tourism industry, passenger tourism transport, visitor attraction management, strategic tourism planning and responsible tourism. There's also the chance to travel and experience different cultures and study tourism’s impact on domestic and international destinations.

Your main campus is de Havilland 

You’ll share this campus with students from business, law, sport, education, and humanities subjects. The student housing is close to our Sports Village which includes a gym, swimming pool and climbing wall. You can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner in our on-campus restaurant or bar (in the newly built Enterprise Hub) on days you don’t feel like cooking. You can also use the common room to play pool, video games or just to hang out with friends.  Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.   

What will I study?

Alongside traditional teaching methods of lectures, seminars and tutorials, we operate a web-based student support system called StudyNet where you can expect to find a range of material and communications about every module.

The teaching method for most modules on the course is a one hour lecture followed by a one hour seminar. Typically, a new topic will be introduced in each lecture. The seminars provide an opportunity to discuss and obtain feedback on the topic introduced in the previous week's lecture. Usually, assessment is split between coursework and examination. Coursework may take a variety of forms and could be individual or group work.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Principles of Marketing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This initial marketing module, which assumes no prior knowledge of marketing, aims to introduce students to some of the key ideas of marketing and is suitable for both marketing and non-marketing students. It examines the environment within which organisations operate and the role of marketing within the organisation so that students can understand the context within which marketing personnel work, and the different activities which are carried out under the umbrella term of 'marketing'. Concepts central to an understanding of marketing are considered - segmentation; targeting and positioning; the product life cycle; the 4Ps; buyer behaviour, etc.
Economics for Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to understand the economic context of modern business by introducing and developing an appreciation of the utility of economic approaches in studying the business environment. The basic tools and approaches which economists use; demand and supply and industry analysis, among others; will be introduced and applied to help understand the economic issues involved and the public policy which can be derived. Economics, of course, provides one of the key pillars of a solid education in business and this module represents some first steps in this direction as well as highlighting some of the major contemporary issues in our society.
Quantitative Methods for Business (UJH)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the student to a number of essential mathematical and statistical techniques that are extensively used in business and management. Particular attention will be paid to the circumstances in which the methods considered should be employed. The following quantitative methods are likely to be included in this module: equations and graphs; measures of location and dispersion; weighted averages and indices; probability and normal distribution; basic optimisation; critical path analysis; correlation and simple linear regression; time series forecasting; investment; simulation. Appropriate software (eg Excel) will be used to support learning.
Accounting for Managers	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to accounting from the manager's viewpoint. Areas covered include the collection and reporting of accounting information to both internal and external users, as well as the use and interpretation of publicity available accounting information. The role of accounting in supporting the management functions of planning, control and decision-making is also covered.
The Tourism Industry Framework	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will explain the nature and significance of the travel and tourism industry by providing an overview of the various elements within which it operates. Through discussing the historical perspective of the growth of the industry, the context of the present day industry structure will be reviewed. Definitions and industry terminology are explained, alongside industry framework models that contextualise the study of tourism. By identifying tourist flows and factors influencing the demand for tourism, students will be able to explain the growth of the tourism and the industry that supports it.
Study & Research Skills for the Tourism Industry	15 Credits	Compulsory
The aims of this module are to enable students to develop their understanding of key topics relevant to research in the tourism industry and to enhance their academic and study skills in order to facilitate the transition to higher education. The module is composed of several themes which will include communication, thinking, and methods of enquiry, IT-literacy and the nature of knowledge. These will allow students to effectively match problem-solving techniques to different scenarios. In doing so, students will be expected to operate in teams, reflect on practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement. The module selects a series of issues that are pertinent to tourism professionals and management issues within the tourism sector.
Global Tourism Geography	15 Credits	Compulsory
Global Tourism Geography underpins our understanding of Tourism as an industry, and explores tourism demand, supply and resources of destinations worldwide, using a variety of theoretical concepts. It includes a spatial analysis of the supply of tourism resources (attractions, accessibility, facilities and infrastructure) and demand side issues such as travel trends and tourist flows. Students will gain a geographical perspective by comparing factors influencing the nature and spatial distribution of tourism resources globally and an understanding of how the development of tourism impacts various environments. We will examine factors influencing the development of tourism and potential limitations of continued expansion by summarising travel patterns, trends and flows and define the consequences of development for tourism. Students will also identify the issues and consequences of the redevelopment of tourism destinations globally, and present development and management criteria for resource use by tourists in a variety of environments
HR Management for the Tourism & Event Industry	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to identify the knowledge and skills essential in managing and developing people in the labour intensive industry. It is essential for students to possess a holistic view of employees’ needs, management’s wants and industrial relations in order to create sustainability in the Tourism Hospitality and Event industries. The module covers topics such as current trends and issues in the industries in general, and a range of approaches to manage and develop people in these industries in particular.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Exploring Business Ethics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to examine and reflect on the ethical behaviour of organisations and employees. To apply ethical theories to real and current organisational cases and activities and reflect on what responsibilities organisations have to society. It discusses guidelines, laws and external pressures and the impact these have on the ethical behaviour of organisations. The behaviour of employees and the individual choices that may when faced ethical dilemmas is also analysed. Content includes: ethical theorists, child labour, bribery, price fixing, working conditions, corporate social responsibility and whistleblowing.
Enterprise	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, students study the nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship, its importance to society and the individual personal opportunities that developing enterprise skills provides. Students will also work in a team to identify a new business opportunity and take this idea through the full business planning cycle, ending in a formal presentation of their proposed enterprise. Topics covered will normally include: - Concepts of enterprise and entrepreneurship - The economic impacts of enterprise - Insights into developing new ideas - Construction of business plans - Sources of advice and support schemes - Net working
Tourism Passenger Transport	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module examines tourism passenger transport at the tourism generating region in terms of the hub or node, in the tourism transit zone and at the destination. Competition within and between sectors is explored, with use of theories and models. Students will also be introduced to external pressures and industry responses, the importance of innovation, especially in facilities, plus changing consumer demand and expectation and the import part this plays in the necessary maintenance of quality of passenger experience. Environmental policies and awareness are reviewed and their effectiveness discussed. Socio- cultural impacts of passenger transport decision making at the terminal and at the destination are identified and evaluated.
Career Planning in the Tourism Industry	15 Credits	Compulsory
The aims of this module are to enable students to acquire knowledge and personal skills to enhance their employment prospects whilst continuing to develop their academic skills. It will enable students to research employment issues and opportunities in tourism management and to develop an action plan to help them secure eventual employment. It will also help students to continue to develop their employability skills. Throughout the module, use will be made of industry speakers, CASE guides and Careers and Placements service materials.
Social & Cultural Impacts of Tourism	15 Credits	Compulsory
This course builds upon the first year introduction to impacts of tourism. It introduces new ideas as it considers social groups, cultural impacts and inter-cultural relationships. As tourism often creates changes in society, the course discusses topics such as inequalities of power, prostitution, gender role changes, agents of change, and how different backgrounds and expectations may influence behaviours. It is important to understand motivations for travel, as they impact upon host/guest relationships. Students may be able to reflect on their own and others' behaviour and possible social or cultural impacts.
Business Operations	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to provide a solid understanding of business operations methods. Students will gain experience together with knowledge of techniques and tools to support decisions made within the context of business operations in a contemporary environment.
Project Management in Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to project management principles, tools and techniques that may be used in a business project to fulfil client needs. Project management is essential in all business development and this module gives students hands-on experience of managing the project planning process. The module content and assessment strategy allows students to apply generic techniques thus developing skills and knowledge transferable to business. Students will develop a project initiation document using techniques such as work breakdown structure, precedence tables and activity network diagrams. Stakeholder and risk analysis will also be considered as these are key considerations as part of project management. Students benefit from greater flexibility and support due to a blend of face-to-face lectures and workshop seminars as well as on-line discussions. The module provides a sound basis for further professional studies such as the Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate in Project Management.
Destination Marketing Research	15 Credits	Optional
Destination marketing is often a public sector activity with many stakeholders. These can be at a national, regional or local government level, but many other images influence consumers’ sense of a place. This module draws on foundation marketing modules and develops students own research skills by exploring theories and concepts invaluable to issues of consumer buyer behaviour. The multi-disciplinary roles of DMOs, public and private sector tourism businesses will be explored using case studies. The research project may involve a variety of sources and methods.
International Field Trip	15 Credits	Optional
The module is designed to provide students with an insight and understanding into the nature of tourism and events, alongside a critical appreciation of the range of influences that can impact on the destination. Field trips are a critical tool for creating episodic memory and the creation of memory though experience within destinations is a unique feature of the module. This can be useful in providing a future reference point about tourism, events and the experiences associated with them.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Business and Commercial Awareness	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is essentially supported by lectures and workshop-based, where students will role play members of an organisational management team as they develop plan and implement a new product or service for their organisation. The lectures will present theoretical underpinnings for each of the activities required for the case. The workshops will allow students the opportunity to apply theory and develop the skills required via a selection of shorter case based exercises. The module will consolidate functional business knowledge and provide students with an opportunity to integrate theories and gain experience in a simulated business environment.
Leadership and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores leadership and management within the context of the business organisation, complementing the knowledge and understanding of strategic issues developed through studies on the companion module 6BUS1143 Business Strategy. It examines the development of leadership and management theory as well as discussing contemporary applications of theoretical approaches. Leadership styles and models are analysed, including their impact on follower performance. Students will be constantly reminded that the leaders of organisations often experience strategy in action/implementation as a messy, unstructured process. Up-to-date real world examples will be used, together with textbook cases, to appraise the effectiveness of particular organisational leadership styles and to show how strategic leaders and their followers interact in practice.
Tourism Planning	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module investigates the role of the public sector role in planning for tourism development. Students will explore supply-side considerations in developing tourism destinations, and understand the role of local, regional and national level government agencies in controlling as well as supporting tourism development. Students will examine methods for increasing public participation in the policy-making process and consider the challenge of balancing the interests of a variety of tourism stakeholders. The module outlines the various policy tools available to planners in seeking to influence tourism development, and students will investigate the effectiveness of many of these using case studies of theory in practice.
Tour Operating (Mass Market & Niche)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides students with the opportunity to explore the role and purpose of ex UK outbound tour operators, examining the geographical, product and customer contexts in which mass market and niche tour operating has evolved. Students may study suppliers of products such as sex tourism, adventure tourism, dark tourism, ecotourism, food & wine tourism and health tourism. In addition, students will examine tour operator business decision making. Students will debate the changes in consumer attitude and demand which have brought about the changes in tour operating supply, evaluate factors which could affect demand further and consider the response of both the tour operators and the destinations in which they operate.
Contemporary Research Themes in Tourism Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will enable students to explore the relevance of current research publications in tourism and apply associated theories to issues confronting tourism managers in practice. A number of issues will be introduced in themed lectures and students will choose an issue to explore in more depth. Students are expected to draw on the whole range of knowledge and skills developed in their degree programme when reviewing research literature, and also demonstrate a range of graduate attributes through the assessment, especially the Research conference.
Aviation & Airlines	15 Credits	Compulsory
Aviation and airlines have undergone enormous changes in the past 50 years. International flag carriers have had their traditional ‘official’ status challenged by the ‘no frills’ or Low Cost Carrier model of operation. Chartered airlines have had to adapt their operational model to cope with sophisticated tourists who not content with the standard package have developed their own tour itineraries. The Internet has transformed bookings; pricing strategies and feedback channels. The VIP market has burgeoned, yet all aviation is subject to rigorous planning, political and legislative constraints. This module with equip future graduates to seek employment in this dynamic environment.
Strategic Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to a range of issues and challenges confronting strategic leaders of a diverse range of organisations in a turbulent global environment. It will focus on the many conflicting perspectives within the subject of strategic management and consider the problems involved in researching and developing strategies and plans and implementing them within the limitations of the organisation. It considers a range of analytical techniques and concepts, both applying them and critically evaluating their usefulness through the use of case study work. The module identifies the contradictions and paradoxical nature of strategic decision-making and strategic planning. It also focusses on the development of students’ professional skills critical to effective strategy development and implementation. In particular, the module focusses on analytical and critical research skills, team work, leadership and professionalism.
Digital Economy	15 Credits	Compulsory
Topics will include - Definition of digital economy. Development of digital economy. Digital economy as part of the total company profile. Approaches to digital economy. Internal and external effects of digital economy. International methods of digital economy. Strategic advantage and barriers/ challenges faced through the adoption of digital economy.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities
Work placement
Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process. In past years students have completed placements with:
- KPMG
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Clark & Co Accountants
- Lloyds TSB
If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Elizaveta Zaskalko

Meet Elizaveta Zaskalko who has explored the tourism industry and shared her passion for travel. She currently works at Expedia Inc as Associate Market Manager.

Current job role	Associate Market Manager
Year of graduation	2016
Course of study	BA (Hons) Tourism Management with French

A passion for travel

Elizaveta always had a passion for tourism and knew her career would be within the industry. She currently works at Expedia Inc as Associate Market Manager in the Join Expedia Team (JET) and is responsible for the acquisition of new hotels in Kent.

She started at Expedia straight after graduating from the University in 2016, in the role of Market Associate in the Account Management team. After a year in post she decided to step out of her comfort zone and apply for a promotion in the expanding JET team.

Studying at the University gave her a vast knowledge of the tourism industry which she previously lacked and prepared her for entering the sector. Tourism is a diverse and global industry with many career opportunities for new graduates.

She says, 'When I started my studies, I knew that I wanted to work in the tourism industry but had no idea which part of it. As I progressed, I learned about so many different branches of the industry and it really helped me to narrow it down to the one I actually really enjoyed.'

Strong employment links

'The best thing about my course is that it prepared us for the working world. The programme had a huge focus on employability, which I think was incredibly useful. Coming out of university I knew where I wanted to go, what I wanted to do and how to achieve it.'

The employment focus and links to industry embedded into Elizaveta's degree are what persuaded her to study at Herts. Our courses are designed to give students great opportunities, prepare them for professional life and provide them with direct access to their chosen profession through expert teaching and tangible industry connections.

Elizaveta says, 'An important factor for me choosing to study at the University was being able to do an industry placement year, as it's very hard to get a job without work experience nowadays. My placement year was very challenging but it was one of the most useful experiences I have had so far.'

The best thing about my course is that it prepared us for the working world. The programme had a huge focus on employability, which I think was incredibly useful. Coming out of university I knew where I wanted to go, what I wanted to do and how to achieve it.

Alumni Stories

Ellie Fowler

Meet Ellie Fowler who has excelled professionally since graduating in 2019. Ellie currently works as an Operations Communications and Activity Executive for Greene King.

Current job role	Operations Communications and Activity Executive
Year of graduation	2019
Course of study	BA (Hons) International Tourism Management

University experience

Ellie emphasises how her course really helped her to progress professionally and land her current role. She says, 'My studies helped me by teaching me all I needed to know about business and how different businesses work/operate. I didn't just learn about "how to go on holiday," I learnt how these travel companies run their businesses from all different levels and it made it clear to me to see I was interested in working in the Head Office side of things rather than front facing.'

She thoroughly enjoyed her course and highlights how useful the skills she learnt were in furthering her career. She continues, 'The travel knowledge you learn is very helpful. I like being able to educate and help people with all things to do with the travel industry.'

Ellie encourages students to embrace their studies with open arms and notes, 'The advice I'd give to new students is to be motivated and more organised from the beginning. I would definitely recommend doing a placement year abroad with this degree because not only does it give you vital industry experience, it also shapes you as a person. Without this experience I wouldn't be where I am today, and I definitely wouldn't have friends all over the world!'

Aspirations for the future

Ellie plans to progress in her role and take on more responsibilities. She says, 'I aim to get higher into operations for Greene King and then hopefully move to work for a bigger tour operator, as the tourism side is more suited to me.'

I would definitely recommend doing a placement year abroad with this degree because not only does it give you vital industry experience, it also shapes you as a person.

View our Alumni profiles

Elizaveta Zaskalko Ellie Fowler

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Business and Tourism	Download

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Tourism Management	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2021

Start Date	End Date	Link
20/09/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time)
23/09/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
21/09/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2022

Start Date	End Date	Link
20/09/2022	31/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time)
23/09/2022	31/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
21/09/2022	31/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2021
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2021/2022 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £13450 for the 2021/2022 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £13450 for the 2021/2022 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Please note that some of the images and videos on our course pages may have been taken before social distancing rules in the UK came into force.

BA (Hons) Business and Tourism

This course includes the options of:

Work placement*

Study abroad*

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Indicative course structure

Your main campus is de Havilland

What will I study?

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

A typical day

Student Blogs

Things you need to know before studying Event management at University

Student Blogs

Why I chose Herts

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Elizaveta Zaskalko who has explored the tourism industry and shared her passion for travel. She currently works at Expedia Inc as Associate Market Manager.

A passion for travel

Strong employment links

Alumni Stories

Meet Ellie Fowler who has excelled professionally since graduating in 2019. Ellie currently works as an Operations Communications and Activity Executive for Greene King.

University experience

Aspirations for the future

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2021

2022

Fees 2021

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is de Havilland 