BA International Tourism Management is a three-year undergraduate degree, with an optional placement year or study abroad opportunity to extend your studies.
This degree prepares you for a global career in the international tourism industry. You’ll explore tourism products, systems and services, learn how destinations are marketed and managed in a digital era, and build the practical, strategic and management skills needed to work across sectors such as travel, hospitality, transport, visitor attractions and event-based tourism. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Why this course
The global tourism industry is one of the world’s largest employers and economies, supporting hundreds of millions of jobs worldwide with ongoing growth expected in coming years. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
This course provides a blend of academic insight and real-world experience that reflects the dynamic nature of international tourism. You will study topics such as tourism evolution and behaviour, destination marketing, cultural and heritage tourism, sustainability challenges, digital engagement and service excellence. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
A key strength of the programme is its integration of vocational learning with industry engagement, including project work, guest speakers and opportunities to collaborate with tourism organisations. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Options for a year abroad or a professional placement allow you to gain international experience and strengthen your employability in the global tourism sector. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Who should apply
Students passionate about travel, culture, destinations and global experiences
Those interested in management, marketing and strategic planning for tourism
Learners who enjoy combining academic study with practical industry projects
Anyone aiming for a career in international tourism, hospitality, transport or related sectors
What you’ll learn
Tourism systems and services: Understand how different sectors of the tourism industry operate
Destination marketing: Explore strategies to attract and engage visitors in a digital world
Cultural and heritage tourism: Analyse traditional and specialised forms of tourism
Sustainability challenges: Examine environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism
Customer behaviour and experience: Learn how motivations shape travel and service expectations
Strategic and digital management: Build skills in leadership, digital engagement and revenue strategies
Your learning experience
Industry engagement: Learn through real-world tourism projects and consultancy experiences
Field visits and site work: Gain practical insight through destination analysis and site assessments
Expert teaching: Taught by staff with international experience in tourism management and research
Study abroad and placement opportunities: Broaden your academic and professional horizons overseas
Guest lectures and networking: Connect with industry professionals and tourism organisations
Careers and outcomes
A degree in International Tourism Management prepares you for a range of global career paths, including:
Tourism and destination management: Strategy, planning and operations
Travel and transport: Roles with airlines, cruise lines and travel operators
Visitor attractions: Management, marketing and customer experience
Hospitality and events: Coordination, planning and service leadership
Marketing and sales: Tourism promotion and digital engagement
Employers of graduates from this course
Graduates can work with a wide range of organisations in the international tourism and travel ecosystem, such as:
Travel and tour operators
International airlines and cruise companies
Visitor attractions and cultural heritage sites
Hospitality groups and resorts
Tourism boards and destination marketing organisations
Why we're great.
Our lecturers have international industry experience to support your learning and development
Edge Hotel School graduates go onto careers all over the world
You'll be studying in the oldest city in England - a key tourism hub
Entry requirements
UK entry requirements
GCSE: Mathematics and English C/4, or equivalent. We can consider OFQUAL regulated Level 2 Functional Skills in Numeracy as equivalent to GCSE Maths C/4. We are able to consider a range of equivalent English language qualifications, including OFQUAL regulated level 2 Functional Skills, Key Skills level 2, literacy units taken as part of the Access to HE Diploma, or a demonstration of the use of English through essay-based subjects at either GCSE or A-level equivalent. Advice on acceptability can be provided, please contact Undergraduate Admissions for more information.
Plus one of the level 3 qualifications below:
A-levels: CCC or 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
BTEC: MMM.
Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
IB: 26 points in the IB Diploma or 96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.
IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications.
QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 96 UCAS tariff points.
T-levels: 96 UCAS tariff points. We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.
Additional requirements
All applicants must be aged 18 or over by 31 October 2026 for October 2026 entry.
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 contact our Undergraduate Admissions team at ugquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.
English language requirements
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in an equivalent test that we accept.
Details of English language requirements and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.
Pre-sessional English courses
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
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the academic requirements for direct admission to this 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
Components and modules explained
Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.
Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.
Status
What this means
Core
You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory
You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.
In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.
Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:
HR
100
4
FY
The department or school the module will be taught by.
In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.
This is an introductory module that will provide a holistic overview of tourism management. The module content is a fundamental course that explores the context of tourism development, its current position, and influences on the demand for tourism.
The structure of the module will provide an understanding of the nature and meaning the industry and its management challenges to fully explore the context of tourism. This module utilises theoretical and practical aspects of tourism management as deployed by tourism organisations, business, and destinations.
Delivering Tourism and Hospitality Operations and the Customer Experience
(30 CREDITS)
This module will introduce you to the concept and importance of the centrality of the customer experience as fundamental to all activity within a hotel business. The module will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on and take part in delivering customer excellence within the various functions of the hotel operation.
This module introduces you to the regulatory frameworks for corporate bodies in the UK and sets the key financial documents into context (such as profit and loss, cash flow and balance sheets). Financial ratios and comparative measures are described and analysed in the context of micro-economics both internally and industry wide.
This module will enable you to analyse the macro, micro and internal business environments in which international hospitality and events businesses operate. A comprehensive understanding of the environments that an organisation operates in will enable you to interpret situations and allow you to make decisions that add value for stakeholders. The focus of the module is on the external and internal influences on organisations and the effect these have on business practices and internal aspects of organisational life. Contemporary business issues will be studied as they arise.
This module will introduce you to Conference and Events, which is a major supporting revenue stream for venue space hire, food and beverage sales, and accommodation demand within a hotel. The module will provide you with an understanding of the planning, organisation, delivery and evaluation of events, including taking a client brief, conducting a venue show-round, administration procedures, budgeting and risk management.
This module will enable you to acquire the understanding and knowledge of the operational characteristics of a tourism business enabling the business to achieve its objectives.
You will understand the process of the tourism business and recognise the opportunities and challenges of operating tourism business across the various sectors.
Niche Tourism will explore the personalisation of the individual travel experience and identify how these forms of tourism contribute to local economies and communities. The module focuses on contemporary and unique tourism topics and their associated travel activities to identify and demonstrate the valuable niche market for both multi-product and single-product destinations.
This module will equip you with a range of management and leadership skills to support your career development in the hospitality and event industries. You will identify how reflective practice enhances the effectiveness of managers, and assess your own skills set, identifying areas for development. You will show appreciation of the types of management skills that are transferable from academia to the work of hospitality and event managers, building on from the skills outlined within the Continual Professional Development module studied at level 5, for example team working, delegation and self-management.
In this module you will explore the subject of business ethics and the related concept of corporate social responsibility. The module assesses the business need for ethical practice, and examines the strategies through which ethical practices can become embedded. Furthermore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a key concept in business operations and organizational management in recent years. The module will examine the background of CSR, its current applications, challenges, limitations as well as the different forms it can take such as HR policy and codes of conduct, legislation, and administration.
This module has been designed to enable students to integrate their subject knowledge with an understanding of sustainable development, acquiring the skills and competencies essential for addressing the urgent sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
This module will develop your understanding of the underlying themes and forces acting on an organisation relating to its digital business, and in particular e-marketing. This is an evolving and growing aspect of modern marketing and you will research different strategies used throughout all industries to gain customers and improve brand recognition. You will learn about revenue management and the use of data to inform decision makers when maximising revenue in hospitality and events.
The purpose of this module is for you to consolidate your professional and personal learning and to focus on the development of techniques and strategies for self-management of your continuous professional development. You will develop critical self-reflection skills as well as provide an understanding of the role and relevance of research for managers in decision making. The module will also provide opportunity to develop a range of skills to prepare you for career advancement and employment opportunities.
This module continues your development from the level 4 Tourism Operations by providing you with the opportunity to develop the knowledge of operational management within visitor attractions. This module will further develop your knowledge and application required for the successful planning and organising of the delivery of products and services to customers in all aspects of visitor management operations. You will understand the value of data to inform managers on trends, performance and analysis and review the use of technology applied to the running of a visitor attraction business.
Contemporary Issues in the International Tourism and Hospitality Industry
(15 CREDITS)
This module will enable you to analyse current contemporary issues that impact on management, staff, operations and customers within the international hospitality industry. Contemporary management practice will be studied within changing organisational, consumer and environmental contexts to enhance your understanding of factors that impact on competitive positioning within the industry.
For your 8,000 word dissertation, you will manage a piece of individual research in the context of the commercial hospitality industry. You will be expected to demonstrate expertise with a range of business data, research resources and methodologies, as well as personal communication skills.
The Consultancy Project consists of an individual report, a group presentation and a group report focusing on a project in the hospitality industry. Working with fellow students you will work with an external hospitality client to resolve an issue that they are facing using research, data and analysis.
The aim of this module is to develop your awareness of entrepreneurship and innovation so that you have an awareness of the knowledge and skills needed to start a business in the hospitality and event industry. You will be expected to create an innovative business plan considering all relevant constraints and describe actions to comply with these. The plan will be expected to show how the business will be sustained and contingencies if targets are not met and options for expansion. This must be justified using valid and reliable research.
This module will provide you with an understanding of the need for effective human resources practices within hospitality. You will develop a critical awareness of the role of performance and reward management strategies on staff motivation, retention and business performance as well as becoming competent in carrying out job interviews and selecting the right candidates within hospitality recruitment.
Business Strategy for the Hospitality and Events Industries
(15 CREDITS)
You will analyse the strategic implications of managing within dynamic industry environments and evaluate the necessary theories, tools and skills needed to develop realistic, coherent and effective strategy for hospitality and events organisations. You will engage in critical analysis of different strategic options developing a critical understanding of vision and mission statements, and the nature of strategic change. You will provide a critical analysis of change management strategies, and overcoming barriers and resistance to strategic change.
Management in International Tourism and Hospitality
(15 CREDITS)
In this module, you will investigate how tourism and hospitality businesses operate globally in terms of the markets they work within as well as domestic legislation and the impact of culture on employees.
You will also study the intricacies of global customer culture and its impact on expectations and behaviour and how hospitality firms try to adapt and personalise their offer.
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.
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You can find further information on how to apply, including information on transferring from another university, applying if you are not currently at a school or college, and applying for readmission on our How to apply and entry requirements page.
If you receive an undergraduate offer to study with us in October 2026 and live in the UK, you will receive an email invitation to book onto one of our Open Days. These events provide the opportunity to meet your department, join interesting taster sessions, tour our campus and accommodation, and chat to current students. You can visit our Open Days event page for more information, including terms and conditions.
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