BA(Hons) Tourism Management Programme Specification from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

(pending departmental ratification)

Version: 2015/6.1

Last updated: August 2015

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BA(Hons) Tourism Management - Programme Specification

Key Facts

1. Study mode(s) and period of

registration

Full-time or part-time

Minimum 3 years maximum 6 years (full-time)

Minimum 4 years maximum 10 years (part-time)

2. Frequency of intake Annually in September

3. Awarding body Liverpool Hope University

4. Teaching location(s) Hope Park

5. Final award(s), including any

interim awards

BA Tourism Management; Diploma HE (240

credits, achieved by successfully completing two

full years of study); Certificate HE (120 credits,

achieved by successfully completing one full year

of study)1

6. Relationship with Subject

Benchmark Statement

The benchmark for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and

Tourism (HSLT), 2008 (the national expectations of

what a good degree in this subject should contain)

has been fully used in the development of this

provision.

7. FHEQ level(s) 4, 5 6 (first, second and third year at University)

8. Date of initial validation June 2012

9. Date of first intake September 2012

10. Date of last Review (if

applicable)

14th May 2013

11. Additional Costs to Students

(£estimate)

Purchase of key texts: likely to be £200 over 3 years

Field visits in Tourism Management (can be up to

£400) over 3 years. This has been subsidised by

the University in the past, and currently,

negotiations are being undertaken whereby the

University continues to offset the full economic

costs.

12. Professional Statutory or

Regulatory Body (PSRB)(s) (if

applicable) with date/outcome

of last PSRB approval

Not applicable

1 Note that interim awards are only given if for some reason students end their studies after one or two years.

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Aims and Learning Outcomes

PROGRAMME AIMS:

The programme aims to provide student with:

1. An introduction to the factors, current issues and practices affecting participation in the Tourism

Management and leisure industry

2. A detailed understanding of domestic and international Tourism Management destinations

including an informed understanding of the different forms of new and alternative Tourism

Management

3. An introduction to key theoretical concepts, principles and practices of Tourism Management in

Tourism Management

4. Critical consideration of the characteristics and behaviour of tourists, evaluating the relationships

and interactions between Tourism Management producers and consumers

5. A detailed understanding of the principles and practices of events management

6. The development of research and investigative skills demonstrated through an original piece of

research into any aspect of Tourism Management

7. Developing a broad based knowledge and understanding of a range of current models, theories,

concepts, research and issues relating to key aspects of Small and Medium sized Enterprises

(SME), Voluntary and Community Organisations including large organisations, in the private,

public and not for profit sectors within the dynamic context and changing environment in which

they operate (applied to Tourism industry)

8. Developing a capacity for critical analysis through the application of extended knowledge within

a business and management context (to include a Tourism Management context)

9. Developing a capacity for critical evaluation of information in order to plan and investigate

strategies in a business and management environment (applied to a Tourism Management

environment)

10. Giving students an understanding of the role and importance of stakeholders of different types

of organisations, across a range of sectors, and provide an understanding of the nature and

relevance of ethics in Business. (and Tourism Management)

11. Providing students with a high quality business degree level programme which develops a range

of relevant skills in preparation for employment or further study (focused on Tourism

Management )

12. Developing ability amongst students to become autonomous and lifelong learners

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Note that here and in the Curriculum Diagram the degree is shown in two halves, as Core – what every

student of the subject should be able to experience – and Additional, which presents the deepening and

enhancement that students taking it as a Single Honours programme will additionally be able to experience.

CORE: By the end of this year all students taking the Core should be able to:

Year One C.1) Understand and gain knowledge of current trends, practices and issues within

the Tourism Management industry

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C.2) Understand and examine a range of factors affecting Tourism Management

and leisure participation and choice

C.3) Examine and understand the nature of Tourism Management demand and

consumer markets

C.4) Demonstrate appropriate academic skills such as referencing, academic

writing, time management, and organisational skills; reflect upon their learning

and plan for the future

Year Two I.1) Analyse and demonstrate a detailed and critical understanding of the dynamic

nature of contemporary Tourism Management operations

I.2) Analyse and provide an informed understanding of the changing nature of

Tourism Management and tourists, and the rise of the alternative forms of

Tourism Management

I.3) A detailed and informed understanding and appreciation of Tourism

Management within its broader social, economic and political context

I.4) An understanding of research methodology and the ability to design and

execute a piece of research relevant to a Tourism Management issue

Year Three H.1) Undertake a critical evaluation of current and future trends in global Tourism

Management and the impact of Tourism Management development in both the

developed and the developing world

H.2) Critique the principles and practices of international Tourism Management

development and the promotion of global Tourism Management destinations

H.3) Critically analyse the knowledge and practical experience of the principles and

practice of events management, applied and demonstrated through the planning,

managing and staging a Tourism Management/leisure event

H.4) Critical evaluation of research methodology and the ability to design and

execute a piece of research relevant to a Tourism Management topic

Additionally by the end of this year students on Single Honours should also be able to:

Year One C.1. Examine a range of introductory organisational theories, in relation to both

the internal and external business environment, and be able to apply them to a

range of organisations (Small and Medium sized Enterprises, Voluntary and

Community organisations and large organisations) across different UK sectors

(private, public and not-for-profit)

C.2. Demonstrate, within a theoretical context, an understanding of business and

management principles from both a national and global perspective

C.3. Develop cognitive skills relevant to the study of business management

functions demonstrating an analytical and evaluative approach using written and

presentation formats

C4. Diagnose self and team skills and appreciate a range of study and resarch skills

including an some of the quantitative techniques available to business

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Year Two I.1. Evaluate the impact that the different functions of business management has

on organiastionsal development, and be able to apply them to a range of

organisations across different UK sectors (private, public and not-for-profit)

suggesting solutions for problems arising from that analysis

I.2.Critique and demonstrate the contribution of business and management

theories and practices to the area of business management

I.3. Evaluate, analyse and apply business management theories and practices in

the key areas of business management

I.4. Critique a range of primary and secondary research methods pertinent to

business managemnt and critically reflect upon it to enhance understanding of

the subject and capacity to think independently

Year Three H.1. Conduct an in-depth critical analysis of organisational theories and critically

apply them to their chosen sector (private, public or not-for-profit) providing

rationale for the recommendations for future developments of that organisation

and be able to communicate this effectively to specialist and non-specialist

audiences

H.2. Critically analyse a range of Strategic Management issues and apply within an

organisational context

H.3. Conduct an in-depth critical analysis of a range of business management

factors from a global and national perspective.

H.4. Critically review research developments within business management and

how they can inform practice or theory through the completion of an extended

research project

Teaching and Assessment

The normal pattern of teaching is that lectures, where all students are together, provide six hours of

contact time in the first year, and four in subsequent years; seminars, smaller groups usually of 15 to 20,

provide four hours per week, and tutorials, in groups of no more than about 10, two separate hours, in all

years. In addition tutors are available every week at designated times for one-to-one discussions.

Lectures are formal research-informed teaching events informed by both the Tourism and Business

Management disciplines. They are shared with students taking Business Management as a Major with

another subject; this mode of delivery is viewed as beneficial for all students, creating a wider learning

environment and opportunities for students to broaden their thinking.

Seminars and tutorials are specific to Tourism Management, the students meet together as a cohort, and

attend seminars and tutorials with the Programme Leader and staff who are experts in Tourism

Management. These creative learning engagements, taking place in smaller groups, enable students to

gain confidence in their own ability and to take more responsibility for their learning.

The tutorial system is key to delivery of the Tourism Management programme. These tutorials will be

significant in ensuring a high quality student experience and will reinforce the identity of the Tourism

Management course and its students.

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Assessment tasks have been devised in accordance with the university norms. Examinations are normally

held at the end of each academic year and in addition, students are required to complete a series of

assessment tasks during each year, which are linked to the topics covered in seminars and tutorials. These

typically include Business Reports, Essays, and a portfolio. In their final year, all students are also required

to complete a dissertation.

Curriculum Diagram

Year Indicative Topics Covered

One The historical development, concepts and theories underpinning the subject of

Tourism Management

The socio-cultural, economic and environmental impacts of Tourism Management

International and domestic Tourism Management - destination case studies

Tourism Management and Leisure demand and participation

Two Social, economic and political change in the Tourism Industry in the private and public

sectors

Structure and operations of the Tourism industry, including hotel, airline, tour

operators and travel agents

Tourism, mass Tourism Management and the circumstances in which it has developed

Forms of ‘new’, ‘alternative’ or ‘post-mass’ Tourism Management

The changing nature of tourists

Research methods for Tourism Management

Three Global trends, influences and demands on Tourism Management

Strategic marketing (including branding)

Planning, development and management of international Tourism Management

destinations and attractions

Organisational management principles and practices at international attractions and

destinations

Curriculum Diagram – Additional

Year Indicative Topics Covered

One Introduction and theoretical underpinning for OB

Individuals in organisations

Introducing Business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

Introduction to Strategy and Operations Management

Business organisations and the law

Human Resource Management (HRM)

Entrepreneurship

Micro economics

Marketing and MIS

Two Leadership

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Globalisation and markets

Sustainable development and social entrepreneurship

Strategic choices and decision making

Project Management

Knowledge creation

Performance and reward management

Macro economics

Money theory and social economy

Decision making and communication

Managing Finance

Three Organisational design and change

Management Information Systems (MIS)

Introduction to strategic choices

Performance and reward management

Macro economics

Money theory and social economy

Developments in the third sector

Strategic management

Project management

Further Information

Development of Key Generic (transferable) and Subject-specific skills for both core and additional

curriculum for students completing an Award in Tourism Management

An honours graduate in Tourism Management will be able to demonstrate a subject specific

understanding of:

the nature and characteristics of tourists and, in particular:

o be able to explain the patterns and characteristics of Tourism Management demand and the

influences on such demand (level C)

o have an understanding of the ways in which tourists behave at destinations (Level C and I)

o understand the cultural significance of Tourism Management for tourists and societies

(Level I and H)

the products, structure of and interactions in the Tourism Management industry, including being

able to:

o demonstrate an understanding of the structure, operation and organisation of the public,

private and not-for-profit sectors and their activities (Level C and I)

o evaluate the factors that influence the development of organisations operating in Tourism

Management (level C)

o analyse relations between consumers of Tourism Management and the providers of Tourism

Management services (Level I and H)

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relationships between Tourism Management and the communities and environments in which it

takes place, in particular:

o being able to evaluate the contribution and impacts of Tourism Management in social,

economic, environmental, political, cultural and other terms (Level C and I)

o having an understanding of, and being able to evaluate, the approaches to managing the

development of Tourism Management through concepts of policy and planning (Level C and

I)

o appreciating the ethical issues associated with the operation and development of Tourism

Management (Level I and H)

o having an understanding of the issues and principles of sustainability and social

responsibility in the context of Tourism Management (Level I and H)

Subject Specific Skills for the Additional:

Taken from the Business Management Major these are aimed at business. However through the seminar

and tutorial these will be focused on the tourist industry and Tourism Management

The range of subject-specific abilities that students would be expected to develop as defined within the

QAA Subject benchmark for ‘General Business and Management’ (2007) and implemented within this

programme are:

the inclusion of European, global and international business management principles and practice

competence in using business management theory, concepts and models of business problems and

phenomena to understand:

o markets - the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services

o customers - customer expectations, service and orientation

o finance - the sources, uses and management of finance; the use of accounting and other

information systems for managerial applications

o people - the management and development of people within organisations

o operations - the management of resources and operations

o information systems - the development, management and exploitation of information systems and

their impact upon organisations

o communication and information technology - the comprehension and use of relevant

communication and information technologies for application in business

o the changing role and business models of firms, companies and organisations within a rapidly

evolving social and business culture

competence in using cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis. This includes the:

o capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence,

o ability to detect false logic or reasoning, to identify implicit values, to define terms adequately and

to generalise appropriately

o effective use of problem solving and decision making techniques when using appropriate

quantitative and qualitative skills including identifying, formulating and solving business problems.

o ability to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the capacity to apply ideas

and knowledge to a range of situations

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o effective use of communication, oral and in writing, using a range of media which are widely used in

business such as the preparation and presentation of business reports

o numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation

competence in numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and

extrapolation

the ability to analyse, assess and communicate empirical information about business management

the ability to identify and deploy a range of research strategies including qualitative and quantitative

methods and the use of published data sources and to select and apply appropriate strategies for

specific research problems (level I and H).

through the programme of visiting speakers and annual research days, the ability to engage with

leading academics and business management professionals as they reflect on business management

policy development and research and professional practice.

Generic (Transferable) Skills

As these are generic skills they will mainly start to be introduced to students at level C and, as they

progress through to level H, they are required to become more critical and to challenge pre-existing ideas,

theories etc. Study skills will be introduced at level C and these will build into research skills half way

through the programme in order to aid the student at level H in the completion of the Tourism

Management related research project.

An honours graduate in Tourism Management will be able to demonstrate a generic understanding of the

following enabling them to:

apply knowledge to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems (year one)

describe, synthesise, interpret, analyse and evaluate information and data relevant to a professional or

vocational context (year one and two)

develop a sustained reasoned argument, perhaps challenging previously held assumptions (year one

and two)

demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills (year one onwards)

work effectively independently and with others (year one Onwards)

take and demonstrate responsibility for their own learning and continuing personal and professional

development (year one Onwards)

self-appraise and reflect on practice plan, design, manage and execute practical activities using

appropriate techniques and procedures whilst demonstrating high levels of relevant skills (year one

Onwards)

research and assess paradigms, theories, principles, concepts and factual information, and

apply such skills in explaining and solving problems (Year one to three)

critically assess and evaluate evidence in the context of research methodologies and data

sources (year one and two)

critically interpret data of different kinds and appraise the strengths and weaknesses of

approaches adopted (year two and three)

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plan, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of independent intellectual work

which provides evidence of critical engagement with, and interpretation of, appropriate data

(year two and three)

recognise and respond to moral, ethical, sustainability and safety issues which directly pertain

to the context of study including relevant legislation and professional codes of conduct (year

two and three)

undertake fieldwork with continuous regard for health and safety of self and others (year two

and three)

Special Features of the programme

There are a number of distinctive features of this programme:

It offers students a balanced curriculum which considers both applied and academic aspects of

Tourism Management.

It offers students the opportunity to specialise at Level H in academic or operational aspects of

Tourism Management, which is the foundation for a range of master’s programmes.

It can potentially equip students for employment in the Tourism Management industry Locally,

nationally and internationally

It seeks, particularly at Level C, to adopt an inter-disciplinary perspective by highlighting the inter-

relationships between Tourism Management and leisure.

The Single Honours offers students the opportunity to participate in fieldwork in a range of

locations in the UK and internationally.

Inclusive Curriculum Design Statement

An inclusive curriculum is one that takes into account students’ educational, cultural and social background

and experience as well as the presence of any physical or sensory impairment and their mental well-being.

Guidance can be found at

http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/documents/inclusion/disability/ICD_introduction.pdf

Liverpool Hope University is “committed to developing a framework that ensures that equality and diversity

are mainstreamed into the full range of its activities” (Equality and Diversity Policy, revised 2012). The

Tourism Management provision accords with this commitment in a number of ways:

Applicants will be treated on merit (in accordance with university policy) and without discrimination

Students will be treated with fairness and dignity during the course of their studies

Teaching materials will be accessible to a diverse range of students and will be adjusted to particular needs

as appropriate

This programme is likely to have particular appeal to those groups who are traditionally under-

represented in Higher Education

The programme will be housed within the Geography Department which has a long history of supporting

students with specific educational needs (including during fieldwork)

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This award recognises that ‘an inclusive curriculum is one where all students’ entitlement to access and

participate in a course is anticipated, acknowledged and taken into account’ (Higher Education Academy,

Inclusive curriculum design in higher education, 2011, p. 7). It seeks to reflect the following principles, as

enunciated by the HEA:

- Anticipatory: Adopting an anticipatory approach reduces the need for reactive and individualised

responses that can arise when inclusive issues have not been considered at the design phase;

- Flexible: it is open, versatile and responsive to an evolving student population, and to changes in

circumstances that may require adaptations to accommodate student availability;

- Accountable: it encourages staff and students to be responsible for the progress they have made

against equality objectives and actions agreed;

- Collaborative: it builds on partnership between students, colleagues and other stakeholders including

professional bodies, sector bodies, international partners and employers to enrich the curriculum

content and relevance;

This translates into this provision as follows:

- Anticipatory: students are encouraged to think about maintaining a quality experience in the classroom

as a way of widening the interests and aspirations of all students. In this regard the student voice is

heard and acted upon through a number of mechanisms. These include:

o Staff-Student Liaison Committee meetings, the minutes of which are laid before the

departmental meeting;

o Monthly meetings between class representatives and the Head of Department;

o Student feedback, notably in the small group sessions;

o Student representation in the wider framework of Faculty and University Boards and

Committees

- Flexibility: Members of the teaching team – often with the support of colleagues in Student

Development and Well Being as well as Student Administration - make every effort, within the

framework of University regulations and processes, to meet with individual student needs responsively,

creatively and fairly. This approach includes meeting with students in difficulty outside of office hours

or, subject to due process, setting alternative assessment forms;

- Accountability: The teaching team and students share a responsibility to uphold inclusivity and fairness

for everyone. Through the structure of small teaching groups, in particular, potentially harmful or

hurtful behaviour is intercepted and positive relations fostered;

- Collaborative: To ensure enhanced opportunities for students, the teaching team fosters collaborative

relations with a range of professional bodies.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

http://www.hope.ac.uk/undergraduate/howtoapply/entryrequirements gives full details. There are no

special requirements.

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In certain circumstances the University also permits study that students have already carried out at

University level to be taken into account – see

http://www.hope.ac.uk/aboutus/governance/qualityassurance/accreditationofpriorlearning/

This specification last updated:

August 2015

Updated by: