Business Management (Tourism) BSc (Hons)

UCAS code N209

Duration

3 Years

4 Years

4 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Take a degree that gives you access to careers around the world in the multi-billion pound travel and tourism industry. Our Business Management (Tourism) course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience to work in a wide variety of roles.

The tourism sector covers everything from hospitality, hotels and visitor attractions to cruises and even space travel. It also involves specialist areas such as HR, understanding consumer behaviour, marketing, data analytics and brochure design.

Britain’s travel and tourism industry is worth more than £100 billion. But it is also having to adapt to challenges, including the need for digital innovation. In customer services, for instance, many businesses are now expected to have apps and virtual tours. We will look at some of these technological developments, along with other contemporary issues and future tourism trends.

There will also be a field studies trip to apply your knowledge to a real tourism setting. The live briefs will include work with some of Staffordshire’s successful venues, such as the Emma Bridgewater pottery factory and the Wedgwood Museum.

And to help give you the edge with employers, we offer double accreditation. It means you’ll get a leadership and management qualification from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) as well as your degree.

We offer other amazing opportunities too, including an international study exchange and the chance to gain an employability-focused extra award called Staffordshire EDGE.

All the tutors have vast experience working in a variety of industries and bring their knowledge to the classroom. You’ll graduate industry-ready with flexible and transferable skills.

The course is part of our suite of Business Management degrees, which share some core modules. Other options include a more broad-based BSc (Hons) Business Management award or degrees specialising in Events, Sustainability, Human Resource Management, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The tourism sector covers everything from hospitality, hotels and visitor attractions to cruises and even space travel. It also involves specialist areas such as HR, understanding consumer behaviour, marketing, data analytics and brochure design.

Britain’s travel and tourism industry is worth more than £100 billion. But it is also having to adapt to challenges, including the need for digital innovation. In customer services, for instance, many businesses are now expected to have apps and virtual tours. We will look at some of these technological developments, along with other contemporary issues and future tourism trends.

There will also be a field studies trip to apply your knowledge to a real tourism setting. The live briefs will include work with some of Staffordshire’s successful venues, such as the Emma Bridgewater pottery factory and the Wedgwood Museum.

And to help give you the edge with employers, we offer double accreditation. It means you’ll get a leadership and management qualification from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) as well as your degree.

We offer other amazing opportunities too, including an international study exchange and the chance to gain an employability-focused extra award called Staffordshire EDGE.

All the tutors have vast experience working in a variety of industries and bring their knowledge to the classroom. You’ll graduate industry-ready with flexible and transferable skills.

The course is part of our suite of Business Management degrees, which share some core modules. Other options include a more broad-based BSc (Hons) Business Management award or degrees specialising in Events, Sustainability, Human Resource Management, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The tourism sector covers everything from hospitality, hotels and visitor attractions to cruises and even space travel. It also involves specialist areas such as HR, understanding consumer behaviour, marketing, data analytics and brochure design.

Britain’s travel and tourism industry is worth more than £100 billion. But it is also having to adapt to challenges, including the need for digital innovation. In customer services, for instance, many businesses are now expected to have apps and virtual tours. We will look at some of these technological developments, along with other contemporary issues and future tourism trends.

There will also be a field studies trip to apply your knowledge to a real tourism setting. The live briefs will include work with some of Staffordshire’s successful venues, such as the Emma Bridgewater pottery factory and the Wedgwood Museum.

And to help give you the edge with employers, we offer double accreditation. It means you’ll get a leadership and management qualification from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) as well as your degree.

We offer other amazing opportunities too, including an international study exchange and the chance to gain an employability-focused extra award called Staffordshire EDGE.

All the tutors have vast experience working in a variety of industries and bring their knowledge to the classroom. You’ll graduate industry-ready with flexible and transferable skills.

The course is part of our suite of Business Management degrees, which share some core modules. Other options include a more broad-based BSc (Hons) Business Management award or degrees specialising in Events, Sustainability, Human Resource Management, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Business Management (Tourism)

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Business Management (Tourism)

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Business Management (Tourism)

Work placements

You can choose to complete a 12-month work placement between the second and final year of your course. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience and put your skills into action solving real problems.

There is also an international study exchange programme. We have partner universities in places such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Course content

On the course, you will explore topics from a real-world perspective. It will include live industry briefs and the chance to create your own consultancy to support an existing tourism organisation. You will also develop a wider understanding of how the business world operates.

Other modules will cover where the tourism money goes and how you can have an impact on different destinations. Responsible tourism can include being culturally aware and promoting ethical and sustainable practices.

You’ll understand different points of contact in tourism and will delve into demographics and how to design services with specific groups in mind, such as people with disabilities.

On the course, you will explore topics from a real-world perspective. It will include live industry briefs and the chance to create your own consultancy to support an existing tourism organisation. You will also develop a wider understanding of how the business world operates.

Other modules will cover where the tourism money goes and how you can have an impact on different destinations. Responsible tourism can include being culturally aware and promoting ethical and sustainable practices.

You’ll understand different points of contact in tourism and will delve into demographics and how to design services with specific groups in mind, such as people with disabilities.

On the course, you will explore topics from a real-world perspective. It will include live industry briefs and the chance to create your own consultancy to support an existing tourism organisation. You will also develop a wider understanding of how the business world operates.

Other modules will cover where the tourism money goes and how you can have an impact on different destinations. Responsible tourism can include being culturally aware and promoting ethical and sustainable practices.

You’ll understand different points of contact in tourism and will delve into demographics and how to design services with specific groups in mind, such as people with disabilities.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Business Placement 120 credits

Entry requirements

UCAS points: 112 - 120

 

UCAS Points: 48

UCAS points: 112 - 120

 

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

IELTS 6

IELTS 6

IELTS 6

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Facilities

The Catalyst

The building will combine business, networking and apprenticeship opportunities with dynamic teaching spaces and state-of-the-art digital facilities – the perfect launchpad for you future career. Read more

The Catalyst brings together the delivery of apprenticeships and skills, in a flexible, high-quality, digitally enabled space. It offers open, social and flexible learning spaces, emulating real world working environments and opportunities for digital engagement. The Catalyst is a unified building, bringing together social, study, teaching and support functions, where students can browse digital and physical resources, including books and a number of special collections. 

Transition Room

A space dedicated to you. The room has all the tech you need to work in groups on assignments, project plan and talk through your ideas.

Collaboratory

A cleverly designed room to allow you to work together in teams, communication is key in business and this space allows you to practice team dynamics in a safe space.

Careers

The degree will develop both your business and management skills, as well as practical experience of working in the tourism industry. Graduates can go on to a huge array of jobs.

Graduate Schemes with the following:

  • TUI Group
  • Whitbread
  • Marriott International
  • Green King
  • Flight Centre
  • Merlin Entertainments
  • Camp America

In travel and tourism, these could include leadership positions in:

  • Marketing
  • Visitor Attractions
  • Education
  • Public Relations
  • Conference Centre Manager
  • Customer Service
  • Passenger Transport Agent/Manager
  • Outdoor Activities/Education Manager
  • Ski Resort Agent
  • Accommodation Sector,
  • Currency Exchange,
  • Tour Operators
  • Tourists Boards
  • Ecotourism
  • Adventure Tourism
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Cabin Crew
  • Holiday Representative
  • Travel Agency

There are also numerous industries that make up the visitor attraction and resort management sector, including theme parks, zoos, museums and heritage sites. Other large employers include hotels, holiday parks and other accommodation venues.

Some of our graduates also start up their own businesses.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught via a combination of lectures, tutorials, industry visits and independent study. You will use resources including books, journals and digital databases, social media resource banks and more to immerse yourself in each discipline and you will be challenged to picture what the business landscape of the future will be.

Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your academic mentor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught via a combination of lectures, tutorials, industry visits and independent study. You will use resources including books, journals and digital databases, social media resource banks and more to immerse yourself in each discipline and you will be challenged to picture what the business landscape of the future will be.

Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your academic mentor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught via a combination of lectures, tutorials, industry visits and independent study. You will use resources including books, journals and digital databases, social media resource banks and more to immerse yourself in each discipline and you will be challenged to picture what the business landscape of the future will be.

Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your academic mentor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Assessment methods depend on the modules you will be studying. The primary methods of assessment are coursework and evaluative assignments, digital portfolio development, in-class tests, presentations (both individual and group) and examinations. Most modules include a Tutorial Assessment, which carry a weighting of around 10% and your attendance and participation in class will be reflected in the awarded mark.

Assessment methods depend on the modules you will be studying. The primary methods of assessment are coursework and evaluative assignments, digital portfolio development, in-class tests, presentations (both individual and group) and examinations. Most modules include a Tutorial Assessment, which carry a weighting of around 10% and your attendance and participation in class will be reflected in the awarded mark.

Assessment methods depend on the modules you will be studying. The primary methods of assessment are coursework and evaluative assignments, digital portfolio development, in-class tests, presentations (both individual and group) and examinations. Most modules include a Tutorial Assessment, which carry a weighting of around 10% and your attendance and participation in class will be reflected in the awarded mark.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments. Each module normally includes practice or 'formative' assessments for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module and the grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments. Each module normally includes practice or 'formative' assessments for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module and the grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments. Each module normally includes practice or 'formative' assessments for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module and the grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Year 0, 1 & 2
20% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
80% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 3
15% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
85% of time in independent study

Year 0, 1 & 2
20% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
80% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 3
15% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
85% of time in independent study

Year 0, 1 & 2
20% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
80% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 3
15% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
85% of time in independent study

Year 1

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

22% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
78% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

20% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
80% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and specialist teaching areas.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and specialist teaching areas.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and specialist teaching areas.

Year 1

37% practical assessments
57% coursework
7% written exams

Year 2

6% practical assessments
73% coursework
21% written exams

Year 3

30% practical assessments
70% coursework
0% written exams

Staff

Our teaching staff have a wealth of industry experience and are research active with links to business partners throughout the local region and internationally.

Our teaching is research-informed and you will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Amanda Payne

Senior Lecturer

Amanda is an active researcher and Course Leader for the FdA Visitor Attraction and Resort Management. She is working towards A PhD and is currently researching poverty alleviation through art and cultural tourism in Cambodia.

Amanda's profile

Frances-Marie Hitchen

Lecturer

Fran is a lecturer in Visitor Attraction and Resort Management, Business Management (Tourism & Events) and Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeships and has vast industry experience enabling her to provide real life industry knowledge.

Frances-Marie's profile

Victoria Gilbert

Lecturer

Vicky has worked at Staffordshire University for several years delivering Business Management. This is following experience of working within the Private and Public Sector and running a family business.

Paul Dobson

Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer for over ten years, specialising in digital and strategic marketing. This includes Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO), inbound and outbound Marketing, social media and influencer marketing.

Paul's profile

Jon FAIRBURN

Emeritus Professor

Professor Jon Fairburn is active in teaching, research, bid writing and public engagement. He has incorporated credited work experience into geography and tourism degrees as well as the MSc Digital Marketing Management.

Jon's profile

Dr Joe Hazzam

Interim Course Director

Joe is a Senior Lecturer, and course leader of the BSc digital and social media programme. Joe delivers workshops and masterclasses on social media and digital marketing strategies with 17 years of experience in strategic and digital marketing

Joe's profile

Karl Mccormack

Senior Lecturer

Karl has experience teaching on Apprenticeship and Foundation Degrees, BA accounting programmes, MBA modules. He has also taught as a subject specialist in forensic accounting, computerised accounting and management accounting.

Karl's profile

Bharati Singh

Course Director

Bharati is the Course Leader for the MBA and undergraduate Business Management and Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship courses. She teaches across the undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes within the Business School.

Bharati's profile

Dr Mohammad Wasim

Senior Lecturer

Ali has industry experience in roles such as product management, brand management and operations. He joined Staffordshire University in 2017 after completing his PhD in Management. He is Deputy Award Leader for Undergraduate Business Management.

Mohammad's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £16,750 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:

Cost of assessment for Micro Credentials

Registration fee for relevant professional body

Costs for study trips on core modules

Cost of assessment for Micro Credentials

Registration fee for relevant professional body

Costs for study trips on core modules

Cost of assessment for Micro Credentials

Registration fee for relevant professional body

Costs for study trips on core modules

Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:

Any Optional Study Trips

Travel to and from work placements

Accommodation and living costs are not included

Any Optional Study Trips

Travel to and from work placements

Accommodation and living costs are not included

Any Optional Study Trips

Travel to and from work placements

Accommodation and living costs are not included

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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