International Tourism Management

Year 1

This year provides you with a solid introduction to the tourism industry with further focus on contextualised relevant management disciplines. Key industry specific subjects as well as vital wider business elements are studied, including Adventure and Activity Tourism and Digital Media Platforms and Practices.

Year 2

You continue to focus on both industry specific and general management areas including Tourism Destination Development and Consumer Behaviour respectively. You will develop key skills and specialist knowledge expected of a manager within the industry.

Year 3

The key focus is on industry experience, with a choice of year long industry placements available locally, nationally and internationally. If you choose to not follow a formal placement route you will study management disciplines in depth and have the opportunity of a shorter six month placement.

Year 4

You will engage in in-depth self-directed study, acquire an increased breadth of understanding of specialist management areas of tourism management and further develop the ability to analyse and critically appraise problems. You will develop strategic and critical thinking abilities and your Research Project will allow you to apply these through researching a self-selected tourism topic.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

Events

We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.

Learning Methods

Teaching is through a combination of lectures and contextualised modules. General management lectures may consist of over 100 students; although subject specific tutorials will be around 25 students. Each subject is nominally three hours per week over a 12 week term.

You are encouraged to discuss theory and ideas and develop your skills of analysis and interpretation. There is extensive use of industry engagement through visits, guest speakers, and live client projects and case studies, both local and international, are used to illustrate theory in practice.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 35 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Tutorial - 35 students per group, 8 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 6 students per group, 1 hour per week
• External Visits - 35 students per group, 16 hours per week

How long is a BA (Hons) International Tourism Management course?

An International Tourism Management degree can be successfully completed in 4 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.

Independent Study

In Year 4, substantial level of effective and committed independent study is required. This involves wider reading but also critical reflection. You will be expected to spend around 20-25 hours a week conducting independent study. Much of this will be directly linked to the Research Project.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Academic staff who teach on this course have extensive experience within the Tourism, Hospitality and other events industries.

Our staff have either achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, or are working towards this.  This is a professional recognition of lecturer practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning. Many of our staff feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.

Other staff members include industry experts, RGU lecturers from other subject areas, postgraduate research students and media technicians.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 1 written exam, typically for 2 hours
• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 4 report
• 2 oral assessments

Year 2

• 1 written exam, typically for 2 hours
• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 4 report
• 1 oral assessment

Year 3

• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 5 reports
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 poster presentation

Year 4

• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 4 reports
• 1 dissertation
• 1 oral assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to undertake a 48-week paid placement locally, nationally or internationally. On the taught/direct entry route, Year 3 involves a taught Term 1 and the option of a 6-month placement in Term 2.

Past placements have included Tui Travel, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Disney Worldwide Services (USA), Waccabuc Country & Golf Club (USA) and Menzies Aviation.

You can choose to source your own placement or access our Placement Office, who will support you in sourcing and validating a suitable position.

Study Abroad

In Years 2 and 3, there are opportunities to study with partner institutions in Europe as part of the Study Abroad programme, as well as other opportunities further afield including Singapore and South Korea. For more information visit:

Job Prospects

The tourism industry is a dynamic, customer-focused industry and provides you with exciting opportunities worldwide across diverse sectors including tourism, travel, leisure or within the hospitality industry.

Is International Tourism Management a good career choice?

Previous  BA International Tourism Management graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

• Food and Beverage Manager
• Event Manager, Glamis Castle 
• Executive, London Events Management Company
• Customer Services Supervisor, VisitScotland 
• Hospitality and Commercial Manager, Stratosphere Science Centre.

Several of our tourism graduates have also gone on to launch their own successful business.

Read our interview with VisitAberdeenshire CEO Chris Foy as he gives us insight into working in the tourism industry:

What is needed for a BA (Hons) International Tourism Management degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBCC
• GCE A Level: CCC
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3
• IB Diploma: 26

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: BCC/CCCC

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3.

Applicants from Foundation Pathway Providers

Entry to year 1 or year 2 may be possible for students who have completed a Foundation Certificate or Foundation Undergraduate Pathway programme, from an approved UK provider, at 60% or above. For courses which require a specific subjects match, such as English or Maths, these would need to provided in addition to the Pathway Programme Certificate or result.

Advanced Entry

All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.

International Students 

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International Collegeat Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £30 Travel (for study trips)