Undergraduate course

BSc (Hons)

International Tourism Management with Foundation Year

Make a global impact with BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management. This hands-on course offers live projects and industry insight to prepare you as an effective, career-ready tourism and business professional.

Our typical offer

32+ UCAS points

Real-world industry input

You will gain valuable industry insight through tailored modules, expert guest speakers, and hands-on fieldwork - locally and internationally - helping you graduate with real-world experience and strong professional connections.

High-ranking and accredited

Study at a top-ranked South West university (Complete University Guide 2025), recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Institute of Travel and Tourism.  Benefit from strong industry partnerships, guest speakers, and future-focused learning that keeps your education relevant.

Skill-building foundation year

The foundation year will help you build essential academic and industry skills, preparing you for Year 1 and giving you the flexibility to progress into tourism or a range of business degrees at °µÍø½âÃÜ Business School.

About

Step into the thriving global tourism sector with a foundation year designed to build your academic and professional strengths. Develop core skills in critical thinking, research, and tourism insight while preparing to progress into Year 1 of our programme or other exciting degrees at °µÍø½âÃÜ Business School.
Through hands-on projects, international fieldwork, and modules shaped by industry demand, you’ll gain practical experience and career-focused knowledge. Accredited by ABTA and the Tourism Management Institute – and recognised as a Centre of Excellence – this course ensures you graduate ready to lead with confidence in the global tourism and business landscape.
Airline attendant picking the passenger's passport at the airport - 2211774506 Getty
 

Business of Success Scholarship (BOSS)

This exclusive scholarship offers £2,000 to help you reach the top. BOSS is designed to recognise and support 50 aspiring Business School students who are ready to make their mark.
 
BOSS Scholarship badge
 
 
 
 

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
 
A full list of potential progressions routes is listed under course details
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?
  • To build your confidence to study at university level.
  • To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
 
 
 

This course is for you if...

you want to launch an exciting career in tourism
Planet earth with arrows around
you thrive off connection with industry leaders
Three individuals below a globe, depicting community
you enjoy the flexibility to follow your interests
Finger pressing button
you want to benefit from a strong academic foundation
person with lines around their head, depicting experience

Details

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Foundation year

A supportive environment assists you in the transition to successful study in higher education. You begin to develop your knowledge and understanding of international tourism management, and progress to year 1 on successful completion of this year.
A group of students listening attentively during an education session, reflecting collaborative learning and active engagement in a diverse academic setting. 2203005620 Getty

Core modules

ACF3001
Financial Literacy for Business

Confused by finance? This module makes finance simple and practical. You’ll learn how money flows through a business, how to read key financial information, and how to make data-driven decisions. Through hands-on tasks and real examples, you’ll build confidence in budgeting, analysing performance, and communicating financial insights, so you can understand the language of business and use it in your studies and career.

BUSM3001
Academic Skills for Success

This module prepares you for success at university and in your future career. You’ll build key communication, digital, and professional skills through practical workshops and real-world tasks. Learn to work across cultures, write and present confidently, use digital tools to collaborate, and reflect on your strengths to grow and excel in your studies and the workplace.

BUSM3002
Contemporary Work and Organisations

Explore the changing world of work and what drives organisations. From start-ups and global brands to remote teams and green careers, you’ll discover the global trends that shape how people work and lead. You’ll also build the essential skills for success at university and beyond: thinking critically, communicating clearly, and understanding how to make an impact in today’s diverse, digital, and dynamic workplaces.

BUSM3003
Digital Skills for Business

Get hands-on with the digital tools that power modern business. You’ll explore how technology supports everything from marketing and finance to teamwork and project management. Learn how to find and use business information, present data clearly, and collaborate using digital platforms. Through practical activities, you’ll gain confidence, creativity and digital know-how, equipping you with the skills employers look for.

BUSM3004
Business Project

Turn your ideas into action in this hands-on module. You’ll work in a team to plan, deliver, and evaluate a real business or community project while developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Gain practical experience in project management, teamwork, communication, and leadership, building the confidence and skills to make an impact in any professional setting.

ECN3101
Understanding Business in Practice

Discover how the business world really works. This module introduces key ideas, structures and forces shaping modern organisations, from start-ups to global corporations. You’ll learn how businesses form, compete, and respond to global challenges. Through real examples and activities, you’ll develop an understanding of how business functions connect and how economic, ethical, and global factors influence success.

Year 1

Build a solid understanding of the tourism industry, learning the principles of sustainable tourism management. You also explore different forms of tourism and identify how these are used in destination development and promotion, gaining knowledge of tourism supply and demand.
Woman talking with classmates while studying together around table. Young people sitting at the table working on an assignment. 1071467916 Getty

Core modules

THE4007
Tourism Impacts and the Environment 20 credits

This module will develop your understanding of the roles tourism plays within and for societies, giving you an introductory overview of the impacts of tourism activity, associated tourist behaviour and sympathetic approaches to management. You will study theoretical concepts drawn from sociology, anthropology, leisure and tourism studies, providing you with a more critical awareness of the relationships between tourism and society, supported by international case study examples and opportunities for critical debate.

100% Coursework

BUSM4001
Organisational Behaviour

Do you want to get the most out of yourself and work more effectively with others? This module connects psychological insights with workplace realities, exploring motivation, team dynamics, leadership, and organisational culture. You'll develop the resilience, self-awareness and interpersonal skills that employers demand, learning to influence outcomes, perform effectively and thrive in any workplace.

BUSM4002
Digital Technology and Innovation

Understand how technology drives business transformation and disruption. This module covers emerging digital technologies, data tools, and collaboration platforms that are reshaping industries. You'll develop an innovation mindset, make informed decisions about technology adoption and gain technical proficiency that supports success in today’s dynamic business environment.

THE4012
An Introduction to the Global Visitor Economy

This module aims to introduce students to the global visitor economy and its interrelated systems, sectors and stakeholders. It explores how destinations function within the wider visitor economy system and examines visitor typologies and motivations. Students will develop foundational knowledge, analytical capability and professional skills required to understand and interpret how the visitor economy operates globally.

THE4013
Place, Communtiy and Tourism

This module examines how communities contribute to and are shaped by the visitor economy. Students will analyse the concept of place-making; the process through which destinations are designed, developed, and promoted to reflect local identity, culture and sense of place. Students will engage in experiential and collaborative learning to develop strategies that foster inclusive, resilient and authentic places for both residents and visitors.

THE4014
Designing the Visitor Experience

This module explores how memorable, meaningful and sustainable visitor experiences are designed, delivered and evaluated in tourism settings. Students will develop the ability to design and manage experiences that engage diverse visitor groups. The module builds awareness of how design thinking, storytelling and human interaction combine to shape the visitor journey and satisfaction.

Year 2

Discover what it takes to develop, manage and promote tourism businesses or destination. Increase your understanding of destination management on a regional, national and international level, gaining insight of tourism strategy development. If you choose, you can undertake a semester or year abroad at one of our partner institutions.
Woman abroad looking at her tablet. 498029099 Getty

Core modules

THE5016
Destination Management

This module explores the key concepts of destination management and the role of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs). Students will learn to conduct research to enhance destination sustainability and competitiveness. The module provides practical and theoretical insights into managing tourism destinations effectively.

THE5017
Festival and Event Management

This module provides students with the foundations both theoretical and practical necessary to plan, manage, and evaluate festivals and events. It emphasises the strategic role of events in tourism development, destination branding, and community engagement. Students will explore the key stages event planning and execution while addressing sustainability, risk management, marketing, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure successful outcomes.

THE5018
Digitalisation and the Visitor Experience

This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand the transformative role of digital technologies in shaping visitor experiences within tourism and the global hospitality industries. It explores how digitalisation impacts the customer journey, enhances service delivery, and influences destination management. You will gain the knowledge through practical experiences to use digital tools, analyse emerging trends, and develop innovative strategies for creating personalised, seamless visitor and consumer experiences. The module encourages critical thinking about the ethical, social, and operational challenges posed by digital transformation.

THE5019
Service Marketing in Practice

This module will introduce you to key marketing principles and theories, emphasising their practical application. You will learn to develop marketing strategies that respond to industry trends, technological advancements, and changing consumer needs. Additionally, you will develop skills in conducting market research and analysing data to generate actionable insights.

BUSM5003
Responsible Management and Regeneration

Explore how business can be a force for good. This module dives into responsible management, sustainability, and regenerative practices that restore communities and ecosystems. You’ll learn to rethink growth, design ethical strategies, and work with real social enterprises and CICs to make local impact. Build the mindset and skills to lead positive change in a world that needs new ideas.

Optional modules

THE5013
Creative Industries and Tourism: A Global Perspective 20 credits

You will review the scope, nature and development of the creative industries, drawing on international examples. In doing so, you will examine a range of issues affecting the planning, development, marketing and operation of the creative industries, such as the concern with authenticity, the tensions between conservation and business viability, politics and propaganda, funding, interpretation, place identity and the visitor experience and dissonance and the blurring between fact and fiction.

100% Coursework

THE5011
Service Innovation in the Cruise Industry 20 credits

This module introduces you to the management of passenger services on-board cruise liners, focussing on the provision of quality service, as a component of the cruise product.

100% Coursework

THE5012
Global Cruise Operations 20 credits

In this module you will consider the strategic nature of managing cruise lines, including risk avoidance, adherence to maritime legislations and continuity planning. Industry and scenario based case studies will help you to apply theoretical knowledge to of business continuity planning to realistic scenarios.

100% Coursework

Optional placement year

Apply your new-found skills on a work placement year in the UK or overseas, learning about the industry from those working in it every day. Our Placements Office supports you in finding your placement.
Young female tourist checking the arrival departure board on airport. 1175880136 Getty

Core modules

PBS600PLC
Placement Year

The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows the student to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation. Students on BA International Business may also or alternatively undertake a study placement at an approved partner institution.

Year 5

Develop your passion for tourism by researching a topic that excites you for your final thesis. Through the study of conceptual tourism, modules deepen your knowledge of challenges which arise in the modern tourism industry.
International students studying

Core modules

HRL6009
Leadership Practice 20 credits

In this module, you will explore the role of leadership within organisations, including both the practical and theoretical aspects of leadership, and how such concepts can change over time. You will reflect on your own ability to act as a leader and your role in teamwork-based scenarios.

60% Coursework

40% Practicals

THE6002
Business Strategy and Consultancy 20 credits

In this module, you will focus on exploring and understanding a range of theoretical approaches to developing strategies for businesses in the tourism, hospitality and events (THE) sectors and applying these principles to a live consultancy project. You can gain experience of working with a business in THE industries on a consultancy basis, either in a research or strategic development setting – you will engage with a client business to mutually identify a suitable project and develop findings and guidelines to inform a new strategic direction.

100% Coursework

THE6013
Crisis and Disaster Management 20 credits

This module will equip you with a sound understanding of the principles and practice of economic, environmental and political crisis and disaster management in the tourism industry.

100% Coursework

PBS6002
Final Year Dissertation

The module builds upon research and study skills developed in earlier modules. Students are required to undertake supervised independent research into a field of their choice that is relevant to their degree. Use should be made of appropriate research qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies.

Optional modules

THE6011
Service Innovation in the Cruise Industry 20 credits

This module introduces you to the management of passenger services on-board cruise liners, focussing on the provision of quality service, as a component of the cruise product.

100% Coursework

THE6012
Global Cruise Operations 20 credits

In this module you will consider the strategic nature of managing cruise lines, including risk avoidance, adherence to maritime legislations and continuity planning. Industry and scenario based case studies will help you to apply theoretical knowledge to of business continuity planning to realistic scenarios.

100% Coursework

THE6014
Tourism Development and Ethical Consumption 20 credits

This module focuses on the dynamics of tourism development and on ethical consumption within the tourism and hospitality industry, introducing you to processes of development, to issues underlying local involvement and to the range of ethical concerns in developing countries. Drawing on approaches to ethical consumption, you will reflect upon your own and others’ understanding and practice, exploring ethical responses to business situations and undertaking in-depth reflection and critique of ‘real life’ scenarios.

100% Coursework

Progression routes

This foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree and you will benefit from experienced university lecturers.
Whilst successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification in its own right, you will be able to confidently progress onto Year 1 of:
Or one of the following programmes within °µÍø½âÃÜ Business School:
 
 
 
 
 
 

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

 
 
 

Real experience every step of the way

We embed real employer engagement and CV-enhancing experiences throughout the course to ensure you're fully prepared for graduate success. Our optional placement year provides a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience, applying your academic knowledge in real-world environments. You'll develop a broad range of transferable skills and build a strong foundation for your future career. 
By graduation, you'll be equipped to enter the job market with purpose and stand out from other candidates, giving you a real advantage in securing your first role.
Young woman working in an office. Getty 2184233967
 
 
 

Placements 

You have the option to include a placement year after your second year in the programme, giving you the chance to work in a business or organisation for an extended period of time. Examples of placements previously undertaken by students include, Princess Cruises, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa, Rosewood Hotels Hong Kong and Country Club of Darien, USA.  

Study abroad

Opportunities to study a semester or year abroad during your second year at one of our partner institutions include, but aren't limited to: USA, Finland, Germany, Spain, Iceland, Slovenia, France and Australia. 
Tourism and Hospitality Field Work
 
 
 

Studying at °µÍø½âÃÜ didn’t really change my career aspirations or plans, it helped me to prepare for them. I learnt how to work independently, how to work in groups, and how to find information for myself. Speaking in front of people, doing essays, the placement year – it really helps set you up for the future.

Yamir, BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management
Yamir graduated before setting up his own surf company, and is now CEO of Planet Surf Camps based in the Canary Islands.
Yamir Prieto surfing, BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management
 
 
 

A new home to cultivate business leaders

Our Fitzroy Building has been transformed, becoming the new home of the °µÍø½âÃÜ Business School, providing students with specialist facilities and social learning spaces.
Among these spaces for business, management, accounting, finance and marketing students, you'll find the Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite for tracking stock markets and The Cube – support for our student and graduate entrepreneurs, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
Fitzroy Building from the outside
 
 
 

Meet your expert teaching staff

We’re Team °µÍø½âÃÜ. As one of our team, we’re here to help you succeed. 
Our expert lecturers and your own personal tutor will be with you every step of the way.
Dr Zoe Roberts Lecturer in Tourism/Events Management


Lecturer in Tourism/Events Management

Programme Lead
Professor Sheela Agarwal Associate Head of School for Research and Innovation


Associate Head of School for Research and Innovation

Associate Head of School - Research and Innovation
Mrs Mandy Aggett Lecturer in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management


Lecturer in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management

Show all
 
 
 

Develop your leadership skills on the water

Making the most of our waterside location, we develop your essential leadership skills in a unique and unforgettable way – out on the water at Mount Batten Watersports Centre.
While classroom learning provides a solid foundation, practical experiences play a crucial role in shaping effective leaders.
During your first semester you are challenged to develop and reflect on your current capacity to lead and motivate one another through a series of challenges including rock climbing and abseiling, bell boating and orienteering.
Students kayaking at Mount Batten
 
 
 

Life in °µÍø½âÃÜ

°µÍø½âÃÜ's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Careers

Georgia Francis

I really enjoyed the course content! It covered so many topics from the relationship between tourism and crime, sustainable tourism, and film and literary tourism. It gave me a great knowledge of the industry and set me up really well for my placement year in travel. I gained a huge amount of industry insight, learnt new languages, improved my cross-cultural competence, developed research skills and refined my time management and teamwork skills.

Georgia
BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management graduate

 
 
 
Lai Ting Kwan

°µÍø½âÃÜ offers many opportunities for students to gain experience, including field trips and operation visits, assistance on finding a placement job, as well as career investment. It makes our university life splendid and gives you every opportunity for a good career whilst having fun!

Lai Ting
BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management graduate

 
 

Careers with this subject

Our graduate managers are highly regarded by tour operators, destination management organisations and authorities, cruise companies, airlines, hotel chains and other organisations worldwide. Our graduates have gained employment with companies including, but not limited to: Virgin Atlantic, Ferrari World (Abu Dhabi), TUI, Hotel No5 Malaysia, and Flybe (pilot).
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Data is for BSc (Hons) Business Management.

Inspiring student and graduate entrepreneurs

From an idea to a fully-fledged business, the Cube offers advice, funding and support at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. The Cube can develop your creative skills and business acumen to maximise your future career.
“On my placement I ran my own business and got support from the Cube. They helped my business model and refine my skills.â€
Samuel Jaffe
Workshop at The Cube

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in
2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,790 per year
Module fees for repeated or part-time study
£815 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,955
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,465
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes

The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,955
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,465
 

Tuition fee price changes

Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at °µÍø½âÃÜ, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Business of Success Scholarship (BOSS)

This exclusive scholarship offers £2,000 to help you reach the top. BOSS is designed to recognise and support 50 aspiring Business School students who are ready to make their mark.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
32+ UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A levels

32+ points from a minimum of 2 A levels.

BTEC

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: Pass PPP-MMP in any subject.
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

All Access courses

Pass Access course (any subject) plus GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4 or above or equivalent.

T level

Pass in any subject.

City and Guilds Level 3

We will accept with a minimum of Merit overall alongside a good GCSE profile, including English and Maths grade C / 4.

International Baccalaureate

24-25 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level.
English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5.

IELTS

If overseas and not studying English within IB – Must have IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
N842
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years
(+ optional placement)

Course type

Full-time

Study location
°µÍø½âÃÜ
 

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
 
Our typical offer
32+ UCAS points
 
 

BSearch entry requirements for your country

English language requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
 

Need support with your application?

  • Personal statement guidance
  • student visa support
  • travel and arrival information
  • and more.
 
UCAS course code
N842
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years
(+ optional placement)

Course type

Full-time

Study location
°µÍø½âÃÜ
 
 
 

Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the °µÍø½âÃÜ.
 
Book your place
Man sitting outside with surrounded by friends
 
 
 
The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.