Visitor Attraction and Resort Management BA (Hons)

UCAS code N836

Duration

3 Years

1 Year

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Get into the booming travel and tourism industry through our unique degree partnership with one of Britain’s most popular attractions. For our BA (Hons) in Visitor Attraction and Resort Management, you’ll gain an amazing insight into how Alton Towers Resort operates as a business.

Britain’s travel and tourism industry is worth more than £100 billion and covers everything from hospitality and the accommodation sector, to cruises and even space travel. It also includes specialist areas such as marketing, HR and understanding consumer behaviour.

You will spend a total of 250 hours on paid work placements in your first and second year, either at the Staffordshire-based theme park or at another tourism venue of your choice. This will put your studies into a real-life context – and you’ll even graduate on a rollercoaster!  

There will also be guest speakers from industry, study visits and innovative assessments such as blogs, newspaper articles, business plans and mystery shopper-style evaluations. The degree – the first of its kind in the UK – will prepare you for a wide range of exciting careers linked to the visitor economy.

After completion of the FdA Visitor Attraction and Resort Management programme this course will provide the additional year at level 6 and place the graduate in this discipline at the forefront of the field.

Focus within explores the management fundamentals of working within the thriving Visitor Attraction and Resort Economy.

The Visitor Attraction and Resort Industry (made up of the Tourism, Hospitality and Events sectors) is recognised as major contributors to the UK economy. In 2018, 3.9 million people were employed in the tourism industry with the ONS calculating that the tourism direct gross value added as £71.7 billion. Following the interruption caused by the pandemic, by 2026 the industry is now expected to be worth £27.6bn, a 43% increase.

To achieve and sustain this level of economic contribution it is critical that the sector is able to access highly qualified, skilled graduates who can become the leaders of tomorrow. Within the course, there will be an opportunity to work as a consultant at a chosen visitor attraction working on a mutually agreeable issue within the business.

  • Building upon an already achieved FdA qualification the course aims to:
    Provide an enhanced theoretical and ethical debate of in tourism, hospitality, and events literature, culminating an independent research project
  • Build upon the transferable skills gained in previous years and in line with the ‘Employability Framework’ to further increase employability both within their profession and in employment.
  • Provide opportunities to appraise diverse perspectives applied to a range of contemporary ethical, socio-cultural and financial issues in the visitor economy and to consider realistic responses to the real world.
  • Grant opportunities for students to engage with enthusiastic and well qualified staff who engage in research, enterprise and scholarship that informs teaching and learning at all levels.

 

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Visitor Attraction and Resort Management

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Visitor Attraction and Resort Management

Work placements

Work placements are built into the course, and you will be expected to complete a total of 250 hours in your first and second year.  

You can choose where you do your work experience so you can tailor it to your interests. It could involve working anywhere from a heritage site to a wildlife attraction. We also offer placement opportunities through our partnership with Alton Towers Resort, which is owned by the Merlin Group.

At Alton Towers, the placements go right up to supervisory roles and typically include spending time in different departments. You could be working on ticketing, customer service, retail, rides, general admissions, partnerships with schools and colleges, and areas like CBeebies Land.

Work placements

You can choose where you do your work experience so you can tailor it to your interests. It could involve working anywhere from a heritage site to a wildlife attraction. We also offer placement opportunities through our partnership with Alton Towers Resort, which is owned by the Merlin Group.

At Alton Towers, the placements go right up to supervisory roles and typically include spending time in different departments. You could be working on ticketing, customer service, retail, rides, general admissions, partnerships with schools and colleges, and areas like CBeebies Land.

Course content

The Visitor Attraction and Resort Management course will give you practical experience, skills and knowledge of the business environment, operations and management. We also have links to professional bodies, including ATHE, to improve your employment prospects.

Topics in the first year include managing the customer experience, hospitality and hotel management, and conference and events management. In the second year, you’ll look at marketing and digital communications, health and safety, and the legal and liability side of a business.

In your final year, you’ll explore core functions of management. There is also a module covering contemporary issues, such as how businesses are adapting by using augmented and virtual reality to promote hybrid experiences.

There will also be a creative enterprise, where you’ll draw up your own business plan and pitch your idea for a new visitor attraction. To round it off, there will be a consultancy project, where you will work with a business, and the chance to showcase your work at GradEX, our Final Year Show.

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

During the year, you will explore core functions of management. There is also a module covering contemporary issues, such as how businesses are adapting by using augmented and virtual reality to promote hybrid experiences.

There will also be a creative enterprise, where you’ll draw up your own business plan and pitch your idea for a new visitor attraction. To round it off, there will be a consultancy project, where you will work with a business, and the chance to showcase your work at GradEX, our Final Year Show.All the tutors have vast experience working in a variety of industries and bring their knowledge to the classroom. It means you’ll graduate industry-ready, with flexible and transferable skills

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.

Entry requirements

UCAS Points: 112 - 120

Completion of FdA Visitor Attraction and Resort Management. 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.

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

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. 
Watch video

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.

Think Tank

Business is not all about rushing around, mindfulness and thinking time is important to innovation. Use our Think Tank to come up with the next big thing – designed for entrepreneurs of the future.

Careers

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

Numerous industries 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. There is also the conference and events management sector.

You may want to specialise in a more technical career. Many visitor attractions now have their own apps and use virtual tours to promote what they offer. The possibilities are endless.

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. 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. 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

There is strong focus on coursework that prepares you ensures you are industry ready after graduation. Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. 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. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, an independent project and written examinations. 

There is strong focus on coursework that prepares you ensures you are industry ready after graduation. Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. 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. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, an independent project and written examinations. 

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

The course will provide students with opportunity to test their understanding of your subject informally before they complete the formal assessments. Each module normally includes practice or 'formative' assessments for which they receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades they receive for these 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. Students 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. 

The course will provide students with opportunity to test their understanding of your subject informally before they complete the formal assessments. Each module normally includes practice or 'formative' assessments for which they receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades they receive for these 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. Students 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. 

21% of time in lectures, seminars or similar

67% of time in independent study

12% of time in placements

21% of time in lectures, seminars or similar

67% of time in independent study

12% of time in placements

Year 1

21% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
67% of time in independent study
12% of time in work based learning

Year 2

21% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
67% of time in independent study
12% of time in work based learning

Year 3

18% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
82% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 1

25% practical assessments
75% coursework
0% written exams

Year 2

20% practical assessments
75% coursework
5% written exams

Year 3

25% practical assessments
75% coursework
0% written exams

Staff

Students will be taught by an expert 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.

Tonia Barrett

P/T Lecturer (Hrly)-Bus Manage Marketing

Fees

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

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.

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.

Our students

There's plenty of opportunities to network, collaborate and connect with industry professionals, senior leaders, not just within Merlin, but other companies and organisations as well. It's opened a lot of doors.

Gerogia Birkett

Health and Safety Advisor (Alton Towers)

I think the biggest change has just been my understanding of the wider industry. I had a few years experience at another visitor attraction, but I'd never seen it from the perspective that I see it now. From that management perspective, from the more holistic view, on how I tackle every day has changed because of the course and because of the people that I'm surrounded with now.

Jake Dawkins

Operating Multi-skilling Co-ordinator (Alton Towers)

From the first day, I knew I was going to enjoy it, and it it's just been a such a surreal experience. It's been so fun. It's been full of laughs. It's been full of ups and downs, like a roller coaster! But it's been amazing.

Callum Syer

Senior Shows and Attractions Host (Alton Towers)

I've never felt like the way that I felt when I was in uni and especially on this course. It's built up me as a person. My technological skills are far better than they used to be. I feel a lot more well-rounded than I did before I came. I wouldn't have picked any other course than VARM.

Nathan Moran

Senior Sales and Admissions Host (Alton Towers)

This course has taught me many things about how a Business operates, from the marketing and promotional side of the industry to how vital accommodating industry laws and appropriate budgeting is to each department, whilst maintaining high standards of customer service, which are all covered in university lectures.

Nick Kerry

Visitor Attraction and Resort Management FdA

The best thing about studying at Staffs is the experiences you get, the connections that you make and the general friendliness from all of the staff.

Simon Hope

Visitor Attraction and Resort Management FdA Graduate

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BA (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.

Have you considered?

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021