Integrated Foundation - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - International Tourism Management

The BA (Hons) International Tourism Management degree at Derby includes an optional foundation year as part of its four-year study programme, providing students with an early advantage in their academic and professional development. The foundation year allows for the strengthening of skills, knowledge, and confidence, with extensive support from expert staff, before advancing to stage one of the honours degree. This year is also beneficial for those considering a career change or wishing to build a strong foundation in new subject areas. The degree is continuous, meaning there is no need to reapply after completing the foundation year successfully.

The programme equips students with the skills to manage and promote destinations while developing leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities necessary to excel in the tourism industry, a sector that has required significant reshaping and rebuilding following the Covid pandemic. Opportunities for international experience include studying abroad for a semester in stage two, participating in overseas field trips, and undertaking a placement year in the UK or abroad. The course emphasizes the integration of tourism, events, and hospitality within the broader 'visitor economy,' fostering collaboration with Events and Hospitality students and broadening career prospects. It is delivered through the Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism, which holds the prestigious International Centre of Excellence (ICE) accreditation, and all modules are aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to encourage consideration of social and environmental impacts alongside economic benefits.

The curriculum has been updated to equip students with the management and operational skills needed to succeed in the tourism industry of the 2020s and beyond. Greater emphasis has been placed on business management, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, fostering modern, adaptable, and creative thinking capable of challenging the status quo. Business disciplines such as finance, marketing, human resources, and leadership are taught contextually throughout the course, allowing practical application, including business plan creation and organisational transformation.

The programme shares core modules with International Hospitality Management and Event Management degrees, illustrating how tourism, events, and hospitality interconnect within the visitor economy. While maintaining a focus on tourism, students also develop broader business management expertise and can choose optional modules in event management and hospitality, resulting in a wider skill set and expanded career and postgraduate opportunities.

Key areas of learning include modern tourism management and business management skills, problem-solving, adapting to changing environments, creating sustainable experiences, and planning, managing, and evaluating projects. Emerging topics such as sustainable tourism, e-tourism, technology, and niche sectors including food, nature-based, and adventure tourism are also addressed. Students gain experience in research, data analysis, business launch, financial management, and team leadership, graduating with a versatile skill set, practical problem-solving abilities, and confidence to make an impact in the tourism industry.

The programme provides access to additional professional training and industry insights through ABTA, the UK’s largest travel association representing travel agents and tour operators. As an ABTA partner, students can complete online training courses, earn CPD (Continuing Professional Development) certificates, and stay informed about travel trends, travel law, and industry developments, enhancing professional knowledge and employability.