Undergraduate Course

BSc Tourism Management

(Including Foundation Year)

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Overview

The details

Course: Tourism Management (Including Foundation Year)

UCAS code: N835

Start date: October 2019

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 4 years

Location: Southend Campus

Based in: Essex Pathways

This course is now closed for 2019 entry.

BSc Tourism Management (Including Foundation Year) is open to Home and EU students. It will be suitable for you if your academic qualifications do not yet meet our entrance requirements for the three-year version of this course and you want a programme that increases your subject knowledge as well as improves your academic skills.

This four-year course includes a foundation year (Year Zero), followed by a further three years of study. During your Year Zero, you study four academic subjects relevant to your chosen course as well as a compulsory English language and academic skills module.You will spend Year Zero of your four year degree studying at our Colchester Campus. For your second, third and fourth year of study, you will be based at our Southend Campus.

You are an Essex student from day one, a member of our global community based at the most internationally diverse campus university in the UK.

After successful completion of Year Zero in our Essex Pathways Department, you progress to complete your course with Essex Business School.

Generating one in every eleven jobs, travel and tourism is one of the largest sectors in the world. Globally, the industry is forecast dramatic growth over the next decade. In the UK, a weakening Pound following the Brexit referendum is set to make Britain an even more attractive holiday destination.

For graduates who can combine management expertise with industry knowhow, travel, tourism and leisure holds exciting career opportunities.

This practical course in tourism management provides industry-specific knowledge and applied management skills so you can excel in a career in travel, tourism, event management and customer service. Your introductory first year grounds you in the main functional areas of business, so you also have the flexibility to enter any area of management or start your own tourism business.

You have the option to undertake an industry work placement year to further enhance your CV and can tailor your studies to your interests with a choice of optional modules.

You study a broad range of topics, such as:

tourism management and operations
the organisation, design and promotion of large scale events
destination marketing and consumer behaviour
intercultural management and globalisation
the meeting, incentive travel and exhibition sector (MICE)
the services industry and customer satisfaction
organisational behaviour
ecommerce and innovation
business strategy and entrepreneurship

In your final year, you put your knowledge into practice by completing an applied research project, such as a business plan or dissertation, on your choice of tourism topic. This practical assignment could make use of Essex Business School’s unique location in Southend-on-Sea, a seaside tourist and leisure destination just an hour from the UK’s capital city and one of the most entrepreneurial counties in the UK.

We’re ranked 25th in the UK for research quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019), ensuring you learn about the latest academic thinking on issues affecting today’s business world. We’re focused on responsible management and sustainable business, with our students and staff joining us from all over the world.

This BSc Tourism Management course develops your critical thinking, analytical, communication and intercultural skills. We explore tourism at both international and domestic (UK) levels and examine its importance to the local, regional and global economy.

You learn about the sector’s structure and organisation and the factors determining the success of a tourist destination. By examining issues such as environmental sustainability, as well as the cultural, societal and political context in which tourism operates, you can develop the confidence to solve existing and future industry challenges.

Why we're great.

You learn in a tourist destination just an hour from London.
We're ranked in the UK's top 25 in the UK for research quality (TGUG 2018)
We develop your practical tourism management skills and knowledge.

THE Awards 2018 - Winner University of the Year

Our expert staff

Our academics have a global understanding of business, specialising in both established and developing markets. They are at the forefront of entrepreneurship research and challenges effecting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and use this knowledge in their teaching to ensure your education is at the cutting-edge of real-world business issues.

Our staff specialise in areas including:

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
business-to-business relationship marketing
branding
marketing management
new product development
social entrepreneurship

We are home to industry renowned figures, including our world leading Professor of International Business Professor Vania Sena, who has been funded by several bodies including: ESRC, Innovate UK, Nuffield Institute, NESTA, Leverhulme Trust, IPO, UKTI and British Academy.

Specialist facilities

Our BSc Tourism Management is based at our Southend Campus, a dynamic seaside resort and one of the South of England’s most famous tourist destinations. Southend-on-Sea is home to the world’s longest pier, a theme park, leisure attractions and a wealth of holiday accommodation, providing potential opportunities for work experience and useful context for your assignments. London Southend Airport is also close by.

We are just an hour’s train journey from the UK’s capital city, home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions.

Our campus is situated in the heart of the town centre, with a host of restaurants, bars and shops, and just a few minutes’ walk from the seafront.

You have access to excellent facilities, including:

24-hour computer suites and study pods
extensive library
employability support, events and initiatives
study skills advice
GP, dental practice and multi-faith chaplaincy
our cosy SU Lounge, with pool tables and large-screen TV

The Hive Enterprise Centre is located close to Campus, providing access to networking events and business meetups that offer finance and marketing support for startups.

Your future

This course is suited to those looking for a career in business management, as well as those looking for roles such as:

Travel Agency Manager or agent
Hospitality Manager
Tour Manager
Meeting, Convention and Event Manager
Tourism Officer
Customer Service Manager
Marketing Executive

Today’s graduate job market is competitive, with employers looking for candidates who understand how business works. An Essex education prepares you for the world of work.

The Essex Business School Placements Team are winners of the National Undergraduate Employability Awards 2018: Best University Placement Service (Under 100 Placements).

“In a graduate labour market where you need more than just a good degree, I believe that Essex offers our student unparalleled opportunities to develop relevant, transferable skills and wither interests sought by today’s employers.” Vicki Doughty, Essex Business School Placements Manager.

Your course develops your transferable employability skills in analysis, critical thinking, presentation and communication. Specialist modules foster your professionalism and introduce you to the graduate recruitment process, including practical advice to excel at interviews and assessment centres.

Our graduates can develop rewarding careers in a range of disciplines including financial analysis, management, public administration and accountancy. Many work at high-profile organisations and innovative SMEs across the globe, such as:

PWC
EY
AVIVA
John Lewis Partnership
WeFarm, a social enterprise helping farmers out of poverty
Footprint Digital, a fast-growing digital marketing agency

Many have also started their own successful ventures. Recent examples include:

ethical fashion range Fikay Fashion, by EBS graduate and 2018 Alumnus of the Year, Aaron Jones BEM (who has since gone on to become CEO of AI Marketing company, See Fashion)
the Nordics’ largest entrepreneurial jobs portal, startupmatcher.com
crowdfunded Zizzy Bar, a mobile events service with more than 10,000 Instagram followers

You benefit from a range of career support and employability opportunities from the School, including access to employer talks. The University’s Employability and Careers Centre can also provide information about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

UK and EU applicants should have, or expect to have:

72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent.

Examples of the above tariff may include:

A-levels: DDD
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP

All applicants must also hold GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above.

Essex Pathways Department accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants. If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria, please get in touch for advice.

Essex Pathways Department is unable to accept applications from international students. Foundation pathways for international students are available at the University of Essex International College and are delivered and awarded by Kaplan, in partnership with the University of Essex. Successful completion will enable you to progress to the relevant degree course at the University of Essex.

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please select your country page where you'll find this information.

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 5.5 overall. Specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.

Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels required. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications

If you are an international student requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

Our Year 0 courses are only open to UK and EU applicants. If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to your chosen degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College.

Structure

Example structure

We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of compulsory and optional modules chosen from lists. Below is just one example structure from the current academic year of a combination of modules you could take. Your course structure could differ based on the modules you choose.

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field, therefore all modules listed are subject to change. To view the compulsory modules and full list of optional modules currently on offer, please view the programme specification via the link below.

See full list of modules

Introduction to Business Management

What are the key concepts in business management today? Explore core elements within the field of business management, covering topics in banking, finance, management and accounting. Apply theoretical concepts to key organisations, companies and institutions. Develop your analytical skills and practical knowledge of this dynamic sector.

View Introduction to Business Management on our Module Directory

Introduction to Economics

What is economics? And what are the main economic theories and principles? Build your understanding, studying topics in microeconomics and macroeconomics. Develop your knowledge of economic implications and build your analytic skills in using simple mathematical techniques and economic diagrams.

View Introduction to Economics on our Module Directory

Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business

Want to use mathematical techniques to solve problems? And to calculate basic statistical measures? Develop mathematical skills like number work, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics that can be used on any course requiring mathematics above Higher GCSE standard. Learn to solve relevant problems and know how to present data clearly.

View Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business on our Module Directory

Research and Academic Development Skills

Academic Skills covers the key areas that you will experience during your degree, preparing you for aspects of academic study at undergraduate level. The module enables you to develop and enhance your existing abilities by focusing on the core skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in an academic context. It does this with both generic texts and also, crucially, those related to your subject area. Academic Skills provides strategies for successful communication and interaction through independent and collaborative learning offering opportunity to further enhance your research skills. The content is designed to ensure that you acquire a range of transferable employability and life skills.

View Research and Academic Development Skills on our Module Directory

Introduction to Accounting and Finance

Explore the principles of financial and management accounting; the recording of transactions; the preparation of financial statements and their analysis; the principles of cost accumulation and decision making in businesses; techniques of cost control; the management of working capital; the sources of funding and investment appraisal.

View Introduction to Accounting and Finance on our Module Directory

Business Creation and Growth

This module expands your knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices involved in starting and growing a business. You develop a greater understanding of the various aspects involved in new venture creation and growth, from opportunity identification, evaluation and implementation through to continued growth and management. Using practical exercises, case studies and videos, you learn about the business life cycle from start-up to growth and maturity and explore business development from economic and behavioural perspectives.

View Business Creation and Growth on our Module Directory

Business Economics

This module introduces you to key economic theories and concepts, covering highly topical issues affecting the business world. Using real-life case studies, you explore the key microeconomics principles and concepts that can help to explain why economic activities occur and explore whether it is possible to improve economic situations for society.

View Business Economics on our Module Directory

Introduction to International Business

This module provides a preliminary understanding of international business. You are introduced to the global business environment and how this impacts upon corporations and their decision to operate internationally. You explore the different strategies organisations can adopt when entering international markets and examine aspects of managing multinational corporations, such as marketing, human resource management and global supply chain management.

View Introduction to International Business on our Module Directory

Introduction to Quantitative Analysis

Gain a basic understanding of the wide variety of techniques available for analysis in business management. This is especially relevant in today's data-driven society, where large, complex data sets are widespread across many different sectors.

View Introduction to Quantitative Analysis on our Module Directory

Principles of Markets, Marketing and Selling

This module provides a broad introduction to marketing at national and international levels. You explore the marketing of both products and services in organisations of different sizes, with a particular focus on entrepreneurial organisations. You explore the marketing environment for new ventures and the challenges of marketing in regional, local and global marketplaces. Other topics include the use of marketing information and research, strategic marketing planning and the marketing mix.

View Principles of Markets, Marketing and Selling on our Module Directory

Research and Study Skills for Professional Development

This module encourages you to become an active, independent learner, with the ability to reflect on business situations and form your own opinions. We cover areas designed to help you adjust to a university business education so you can perform to your full academic and professional potential. We explore the importance of referencing, constructing a coherent argument and developing writing skills for a variety of purposes, such as academic essays, exams and reports. We develop your analytical skills, critical thinking, presentation and communication skills to help you get the most from your time at university.

View Research and Study Skills for Professional Development on our Module Directory

Personal Career Development

Develop your career awareness and employability skills through presentations, panel discussions and skills workshops. This module allows your to plan your career from the beginning of your degree through personal development planning and engaging in opportunities.

View Personal Career Development on our Module Directory

Business Research Methods

This module introduces a number of business and management research methods, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship and small business. You explore philosophical research issues, such as selecting appropriate research methods and judging the quality and value of findings. You learn how to write a research proposal and design and plan quantitative and qualitative research. This includes collecting data, analysing findings and presenting results.

View Business Research Methods on our Module Directory

Introduction to Tourism Management

This module introduces key tourism concepts and examines the socio-cultural, economic, political and environmental context in which the industry operates. You explore the importance of tourism to the local, regional and global economy and gain an understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities. We introduce supply-side and demand-side tourism, destination management and sustainability issues. You examine the different roles of the tourist and host, including the impact of cultural change upon societies, and address the complexity of customer satisfaction.

View Introduction to Tourism Management on our Module Directory

Internationalisation of the Services Sector

This module explores how tourism products and services are distributed across the world. It looks at how the internet is transforming the ways in which new products are brought to market, including the emergence of new travel and tourism players, such as Airbnb. You explore the impacts of political, social and economic changes upon industry. Example topics include: international visitor flow, the global aviation and cruise industries, the internationalism of tourism labour markets, the sharing economy and space tourism.

View Internationalisation of the Services Sector on our Module Directory

Organisational Behaviour and Management

To be an effective manager or leader, you need to understand organisational behaviour. This module provides awareness of the organisational factors and management processes influencing the behaviour and performance of people at work. You explore different perspectives on organisational processes, covering topics such as group development and teamwork, leadership, change management, organisational culture and development interventions.

View Organisational Behaviour and Management on our Module Directory

Consumer Behaviour

Examine the various determinants of consumer behaviour, the theories of consumer behaviour and their application to managerial decision-making. You also gain an appreciation of understanding consumer behaviour in areas of new product testing, and advertising, distribution and pricing research.

View Consumer Behaviour on our Module Directory

Successful Futures

This module links subject understanding to employability, ensuring you’re prepared to take advantage of graduate opportunities at the point they’re advertised. You gain an understanding of the graduate labour market and recruitment processes, as well as timelines for recruitment and interview and assessment centre techniques. You also learn about options for postgraduate study.

View Successful Futures on our Module Directory

Managing Innovation (optional)

Explore the relationship between the innovation process and the use and management of technology, together with its links to the development of business strategy, dynamic interactions with innovation networks, learning processes and government support for innovation.

View Managing Innovation (optional) on our Module Directory

International Business Strategies (optional)

Discover the content and processes of international market expansion, gaining insights into pre-entry decision making and post-entry management. You discuss theoretical perspectives on international expansion before exploring different modes of international expansion including non-equity and equity modes.

View International Business Strategies (optional) on our Module Directory

Strategic Entrepreneurship (optional)

This module equips you with the analytical and strategic skills needed to start and grow a successful business. We use case studies and practical examples to introduce the strategic issues and challenges affecting different stages of the business cycle. You learn how to create a value proposition and competitive advantage in complex entrepreneurial environments. You work both individually and in groups to discuss the different strategies for achieving business development and growth. Topics include entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial capabilities, resources, developing business models and building entrepreneurial culture by providing strategic direction to organisations.

View Strategic Entrepreneurship (optional) on our Module Directory

Business-To-Business Marketing (optional)

Discover the importance of studying and understanding buyer behaviour in the business to business market, and distinguish the marketing strategy, planning and implementation for the same from buyer behaviour in consumer markets. You build an awareness of multiple stakeholder groups in business markets and the notion of managing networks, alliances and partnerships across the diverse stakeholder groups.

View Business-To-Business Marketing (optional) on our Module Directory

Communication and Intercultural Skills

To succeed in international management, it is vital to appreciate the cultural differences of your staff and customers. This module aims to equip you with the necessary communication and intercultural skills needed to manage people from different cultures in a changing and competitive global landscape. We explore theories of culture and develop your cultural self-awareness and confidence to manage across national boundaries in a highly interconnected world.

View Communication and Intercultural Skills on our Module Directory

Tourism Operations

This module explores the breadth of tourism operations, including large scale events, attractions, gaming entertainment, incentive travel and the lodging business. We equip you with the conceptual framework and practical skills needed to project manage and control sustainable tourism operations and events. You learn about the supply of food and beverages and the organisation of staff, suppliers and contractors. We discuss service design and improvement, funding, sponsorship, marketing, public relations and cross-cultural awareness.

View Tourism Operations on our Module Directory

Tourism Marketing

This module introduces key theoretical concepts, issues and trends in tourism marketing. You explore the complexities and challenges of destination marketing, including the need to persevere societal and environmental sustainability of tourist destinations. Topics include integrated communications and marketing channels, services marketing, product development, destination partnerships, place strategy and pricing.

View Tourism Marketing on our Module Directory

Business Strategy

Enhance your understanding of the concepts and nature of strategy and its interactions with the macro environment, industries/sectors and business operations. You develop your skills analysing opportunities and threats, managing strategic capability and resources, understanding competitive advantage, competition and collaboration, directions and methods of business development, as well as managing strategic change.

View Business Strategy on our Module Directory

Research Project - Tourism Management

This module enables you to put your knowledge into practice by undertaking an applied research project, such as a business plan or dissertation, on your choice of tourism topic. You may choose to draw on the course’s unique location in Southend-on-Sea, one of the South of England’s most famous seaside resorts, or its close proximity to London tourist attractions.

View Research Project - Tourism Management on our Module Directory

Business Model Innovation (optional)

Over the last two decades, technology has led to the creation of a vast range of new business models and value propositions; the likes of Amazon, Airbnb and Uber have fired the imagination of young entrepreneurs all over the world. This module takes a scholarly view of business model innovation. You examine the strategy behind various business models, learn their strengths and consider how they can protect companies against competitive threats.

View Business Model Innovation (optional) on our Module Directory

Supply Chain Management (optional)

This module explores the connections between manufacturing operations, purchasing, transportation, delivery and logistics. You learn how these areas must be managed as a singular process and examine the links between partners in a supply chain, such as vendors, carriers and information systems providers.

View Supply Chain Management (optional) on our Module Directory

Business Ethics (optional)

This module builds on your understanding of management and organisation by considering the ethics of business activity. You are introduced to the origins, practice and theory of business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR). You consider a range of perspectives and use business literature to critically examine organisational ethics and analyse its challenges.

View Business Ethics (optional) on our Module Directory

International Human Resource Management (optional)

Learn how to procure and allocate human resources for international markets, how to identify training and development needs, and how to motivate human resources internationally. You develop a cross-cultural understanding of how to build a corporate culture, through understanding the policies and practices needed for managing international operations.

View International Human Resource Management (optional) on our Module Directory

Services Marketing (optional)

This module introduces key concepts, issues and trends in services marketing and explores the differences between promoting products and services. You learn how consumer behaviour is central to effective service design and examine how customer relationships are developed and maintained. You gain an understanding of how services are distributed online and through traditional channels and examine how service quality and productivity can be improved. You also look at complaint handling and how marketing communications channels can be employed to recover a service in the event of issues.

View Services Marketing (optional) on our Module Directory

Marketing Communications (optional)

This module introduces the role of communications in marketing. You explore communication theories and models and learn how to produce a marketing communications plan. You examine the marketing communications mix, including tools such as advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing, public relations and sponsorship. You learn how packaging and merchandising contribute towards corporate and brand identity, as well as the impact of word of mouth. You examine the impact of rapid technological change on marketing communications and the challenges of changing market conditions and public perceptions.

View Marketing Communications (optional) on our Module Directory

Teaching

You learn via a combination of lectures, seminars, class exercises and case studies.
Presentations and notes are uploaded online before lectures to help you prepare.
You complete your final year project in consultation with a personal supervisor.

Assessment

You are assessed through in-class tests, coursework and end-of-year exams.

Dissertation

You undertake an applied research project, such as a tourism business plan or dissertation, in your final year. This can be on your choice of topic, but your work must be related to travel and tourism.

Fees and funding

Home/EU fee

£9,250

International fee

£15,000

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Home and EU fee information

International fee information

What's next

Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.

Applications for our full-time undergraduate courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Applications are online at: www.ucas.com. Full details on this process can be obtained from the UCAS website in the how to apply section.

Our UK students, and some of our EU and international students, who are still at school or college, can apply through their school. Your school will be able to check and then submit your completed application to UCAS. Our other international applicants (EU or worldwide) or independent applicants in the UK can also apply online through UCAS Apply.

The UCAS code for our University of Essex is ESSEX E70. The individual campus codes for our Loughton and Southend Campuses are 'L' and 'S' respectively.

For information on transferring from another university, applying when you are not at school or college, and applying for readmission, please see How to apply and entry requirements

Applicant Days and interviews

Resident in the UK? If your application is successful, we will invite you to attend one of our applicant days. These run from January to April and give you the chance to explore the campus, meet our students and really get a feel for life as an Essex student.

Some of our courses also hold interviews and if you're invited to one, this will take place during your applicant day. Don't panic, they're nothing to worry about and it's a great way for us to find out more about you and for you to find out more about the course. Some of our interviews are one-to-one with an academic, others are group activities, but we'll send you all the information you need beforehand.

If you're outside the UK and are planning a trip, feel free to email applicantdays@essex.ac.uk so we can help you plan a visit to the University.

With its lively, state-of-the-art facilities and a close-knit international community, Southend is the perfect environment for living and learning.

If you're joining our School of Health and Social Care, East 15 Acting School, Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, or Essex Business School, you may well be studying at our Southend Campus.

Famous for its beach resort and pier, Southend-on-Sea stretches along seven miles of award-winning coastline, providing plenty of opportunities for a wide range of water sports and leisure activities.

How to get to Southend Campus

Find out more

If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360 degree virtual tours allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour and Southend virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

Our staff travel the world to speak to people about the courses on offer at Essex. Take a look at our list of exhibition dates to see if we’ll be near you in the future.

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its course finder is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep prospective students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.