International Tourism Management

The International Tourism Management Programme leads to a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Studies after the successful completion of the equivalent of three years of full-time study. Each semester has a focus relevant to the aims of the programme. The thematic semesters consist of: Semester 1 Introduction to tourism and business administration Semester 2 Introduction to business administration, economics and tourism Semester 3 Development of destinations and tourism products and services Semester 4 Study abroad at a partner university Semester 5 Tourism research methods and project work Semester 6 Event studies, special interest tourism and thesis The major subject field of the programme is the academic discipline of tourism studies. Each year of the programme builds upon the courses from the previous year with successively more advanced content. Progression through the program is dependent upon successful completion of the courses. In the first semester, the principles and practices of tourism and the importance of tourism for development at local, regional and international levels are discussed. Alongside courses that focus on tourism as a subject, students also engage in introductory business courses that enable them to understand the relationships between tourism as an activity and tourism as a business. In the second semester, students are introduced to the role of tourism in society, and festivals and events are examined. Key business courses provide background and pertinent skills for an understanding of small business enterprises in the tourism sector. Semester three examines the development of destinations, tourism products and resources, and involves practical applications. A key element of this semester is understanding tourism as experience. Semester four is the exchange semester to one of our partner universities. As an alternative, students can choose a course from the University’s other departments. Semester five develops qualitative and quantitative research skills. This semester also involves project work with practical application. In the sixth and last semester of the programme, students will extend their knowledge in event studies and special interest tourism. Special interest tourism allows students to engage with current world-leading research that is being carried out by tourism experts while also providing opportunities for students to further define thesis topics. The programme concludes with a thesis: this is an independent piece of research in which students combine all the skills and knowledge that they attained throughout the programme. The courses combine lectures, seminars and contact with the tourism industry in the form of guest lectures and study visits, and group and case-study work. Assessment is done through individual and group assignments, seminars and written examinations.