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Course Detail

BA Honours International Tourism Management

BA Honours International Tourism Management

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Learn about the course below
Start
September
Duration
3 years full time
Attendance
Full time
Fees
157,500
Course leader
Lulu Baddar
  1. Programme Content

Introduction to the Programme

Our cutting-edge degree combines theory and practice, with a focus on global trends and current developments in international tourism. The theory element provides a distinctive social science perspective covering such topics as sustainability, cultural tourism and tourism in developing countries. Students will also have the opportunity to blend their knowledge of tourism with business-related subjects, especially given that the programme concerns the management of this important sector. The practical component offers a range of exciting placements and field trip opportunities, enabling students to build professional industry experience. This programme thus provides students with the chance to specialise in this growth industry, which offers excellent career prospects around the world. Tourism is a multifaceted sector, constantly evolving to meet the diverse needs of customers. The degree utilises a variety of assessment methods, comprising of a mixture of examinations, coursework, class tests, peer review, individual and group presentations, learning diaries and portfolio work.


Why Study BA Honours International Tourism Management?

  • The focus of the programme on sustainability within tourism will prepare you for the changes that are taking place in the tourism industry.
  • You are offered the opportunity to travel abroad to further enhance your international experience.
  • Our ITM programme has strong links to the tourism industry and offers you many site visits to provide hands-on insight into careers in this field.
  • Students graduating from this programme find jobs across the tourism and management sectors.

Course Fees : AED 157,500

Programme Content

The programme provides students with a theoretical and applied understanding of international tourism, with an emphasis on the following elements: characteristics of tourists; tourist behaviour and demand; tourism products and supply; and the wider business environment in which tourism operates. The programme's content encourages students to acquire key transferable skills, including analytical thinking and problem solving, along with the ability to work effectively in teams and be able to present and communicate management ideas with confidence. The subject content encourages students to identify a range of challenges for the industry: innovations in technology; tourism management strategies; progressive planning and policy directives; new methods of marketing, branding and re-branding; operational and strategic awareness, including awareness of other sub-sector industries (especially hospitality and events); ideas for business innovation; changing attitudes towards the use of the environment; and purposeful approaches to customer care. The programme will develop students' intellectual capabilities, especially critical evaluation, synthesis, reasoned argument and research, which all play a vital role in encouraging students to become autonomous learners.

Please refer to our Academic Calendar for further information: http://www.mdx.ac.ae/life-at-university/academic-calendar

Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.

  • Year 1

    • Tourism and Society (30 Credits) - Compulsory
      The module introduces students to those disciplines, theories, issues and techniques in the social sciences that are relevant to the understanding of tourism in a broad social context. This includes the areas of sociology, psychology, political economy, economics, anthropology, politics and environmental studies. It also aims to show how these disciplines inform debates within tourism with particular emphasis upon the examination of the impact of tourism. A key aim is to demonstrate to students that an understanding of the social side of tourism is not a supplement to the business approach, but is essential to the successful operation of this sector.
    • The Economic Geography of Tourism (30 Credits) - Compulsory
      The module aims to provide an introductory understanding of the economic geography and economics of tourism. It aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to understand tourism flows across time and space and to evaluate their economic impact. It will explore how economic considerations, both macro and micro, influence individual decisions around travel when to travel, where to travel, how to travel. It will then place these individual decisions within the wider context and explore how they in turn influence the national and international economy. It aims to provide students with an understanding of key economic concepts and theories, and with the skills necessary to evaluate the economic impact of tourism through interpretation of statistical data. A fieldwork component will not only introduce basic fieldwork skills but will also allow students to compare theory with practice, through an exploration of how people understand tourism and its relation to the wider economy.
    • Marketing Theory and Practice (30 Credits) - Compulsory
      This module is designed to provide students with an overview of key marketing concepts and techniques, as they apply in a variety of organisations and in both conventional and online environments. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the core role of marketing in determining the growth potential of an enterprise, including the value of the marketing mix in ensuring successful marketing implementation and the significance of external and internal operating environments for marketing practice.
    • Global Tourism Dynamics (30 Credits) - Compulsory
      This module aims to introduce students to the characteristics of the global tourism industry as well as the international traveller. The module will include a range of relevant topics including the concept and context of tourism, the development of tourism, tourist/employee behaviour and motivation, the structure, dimensions and characteristics of tourism as a service industry, various dynamic tourism business ideas, the characteristics of different operational sectors and their interaction within the tourism system, the role of intermediaries in the business of tourism, events, role of IT and the current and future trends of tourism business. The module will introduce the various topics that will be further investigated in the 2nd year modules- International Tourism Management, The Tourist, HRM in a Global Context, Business Environment, Operations Management and Consumer Behaviour.

  • Year 2

    • The Tourist (30 Credits) - Compulsory
      This module has two aims, firstly, to provide students with knowledge and understanding of key mainstream marketing and tourism specific consumer behaviour theories and models, and secondly, to develop students skills in researching and analysing tourist behaviour. Tourist behaviour and decision making before and during tourist trips will be explored including but not confined to: visitor attractions; events; weekend breaks; mass tourism; and specialist holidays. Students will be encouraged to look at different types of tourists. This module builds on the knowledge students will have obtained from first year MKT1113 Principles of Marketing and the TOU1010 Global Tourism Dynamics modules. It provides a foundation for final year modules TOU3330 Hospitality Tourism Marketing, TOU3925 Event Management and TOU3991 Final Project .
    • Researching people and places (30 Credits) - Compulsory
      This module aims to develop critical awareness of the range of appropriate quantitative and qualitative research methodologies available, and the underlying philosophical and ethical principles of research in the context of tourism. It will also develop a student s ability to relate theoretical material to real world case study material making clear the links between theory, method and data and in addition the module will develop students key employability skills.
    • International Tourism Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory
      This module aims to examine and analyse the theories and practices of tourism management. It explores the functions of management within the context of the tourism industry and examines management issues involved in different sectors of the tourism business. This module also aims to assist students in developing their professional skills and entrepreneurial skills in this dynamic industry such as creativity, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, project management, research and logical reasoning skills through planning and developing a day-tour itinerary.
    • Operations Management (30 Credits) - Optional
      This module aims to broaden and expand students knowledge of the concepts and techniques required for the design, operation and control of business processes. Cases and practical exercises are relevant to a variety of commercial, manufacturing and service organisations. The module builds on the IT and quantitative skills developed in the first year.
    • Human Resource Management in a Global Context (30 Credits) - Optional
      This module builds upon knowledge gained at level 4 about the business environment and about the general management functions operating within organisations and develops an understanding of the international context of dealing with people issues in organisations.
    • Consumer Behaviour (30 Credits) - Optional
      The aim of this module is to enable students to learn factors that influence consumer behaviour how we buy, what we buy, why we buy. Relevant theories of consumer behaviour will be explored and critiqued in order to explain these behaviours.
    • Business Environment Analysis (30 Credits) - Optional
      In this module you will begin to acquire the knowledge and skills typically required for more advanced study of businesses and in managerial decision-making. You will learn to analyse business environments and handle information using techniques, models and frameworks that will also start to build higher level employability skills.
    • Brand Management (30 Credits) - Optional
      The aim of this module is to develop a student s understanding of branding, brand management and brand communications. In particular, the module will focus on developing strategies to create and sustain successful brands and on developing efficient brand communication strategies.

  • Year 3

    • Tourism Policy and Planning (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    • Hospitality and Tourism Marketing (30 Credits) - Compulsory
      This module aims to facilitate students to apply generic principles of marketing management to the tourism industry, with a particular focus on distinguishing characteristics of hospitality and tourism products. This module centres on three themes: understanding of the process involved in systematic marketing analysis and strategic planning, the important role e-Marketing played in strategic planning and how it integrates with offline marketing, and a series of critical issues in hospitality and tourism marketing. The module builds on the knowledge students will have obtained in their second year TOU2012 The Tourists and complements other final year modules such as TOU3922 Cultural Heritage Tourism and TOU3925 Event Management.
    • Events Management (30 Credits) - Optional
      The aim of this module is threefold: to develop a critical understanding of the events industry, the impacts and legacy of events and event strategy, planning and management. During Term 1 students will be introduced to a range of corporate, sporting and arts and cultural events and festivals, from community festivals to hallmark and mega events and different academic perspectives on their classification. They will also explore their origins, current and future trends so that they develop a depth of knowledge of the event industry and analyse the impacts, sustainability and legacy of events. Taking a case study approach, the motivations and roles of the private, public and third sectors in the development and execution of events will also be discussed and analysed. The third theme in the module, the strategy, planning and management of events will be explored in Term 2 at the end of which students will develop an event strategy and implementation plan.
    • Global Supply Chain Management (30 Credits) - Optional
      This module aims to present the international nature of business supply chains and how companies are working in a global marketplace. Students will develop an understanding of how companies develop and manage their global supply chains through certain management techniques. They will use theories to evaluate the choices given by organizations and link them to management of these international networks.
    • Internship (30 Credits) - Optional
      The primary aim of the internship module is to provide students with the opportunity to undertake a period of work experience minimum 30 days . This will facilitate the student to gain an insight into, the world of work and appropriate conduct at work, and the process of becoming and staying employable through assertiveness, continuing development and reflection on both their development and the link between theory and practice. The student will also develop an understanding of the organisation, sector and the environment in which is operates.
    • Independent Tourism project (30 Credits) - Optional
    • The Service Encounter (30 Credits) - Optional
      This module builds upon knowledge and skills gained about general business functions and their impact on work. It explores, in more depth and on a critical basis, the interrelationship of the workplace and individuals in the organisation of services. It looks at contemporary issues unique to the organisation of work within services, including management approaches to control, the interaction between customer and service provider at the point of delivery and the role of aesthetics in service provision.
    • Strategic Management in a Hospitality Environment (30 Credits) - Optional
      This module builds upon student s knowledge of the business of the Hospitality Industry from both theoretical and practical experiences. The aim is to familiarise students with research and practice in the field of Strategic Management, Organisational behaviour, Human Resource Management, Work Psychology, Entrepreneurship, Business Strategy in light of current affairs, technology, culture and globalisation to develop an ability to apply decision-making theories to hospitality operations whilst appreciating the difficulties and consequences of making changes within an organisation. The module builds upon learning of Tourism as a business from Global Tourism Dynamics in the first year, and International Tourism Management in the 2nd year. It has links with Human Resource Management in a global context although not a pre requisite and works alongside the Service Encounter module to provide an Organisational perspective.
    • Managing Sustainable Tourism (30 Credits) - Optional
      Through the study of a wide range of case studies from diverse geographical environments this module aims to provide a broad critical understanding of the opportunities and constraints involved in achieving the balance between the environmental, social and economic aspects of tourism that is needed to achieve sustainable tourism. In addition the module will explore the role of sustainable tourism in the context of sustainable development.
    • International Marketing (30 Credits) - Optional
      This module puts marketing into the global context and shows the importance of international marketing in the era of globalisation. The module assists students to gain sound knowledge of international marketing and provides them with a thorough understanding of the nature of the international market place. Students will develop international marketing decision-making skills and know-how that will assist them in pursuing a career in international marketing or business.

Teaching

Taught sessions are held at our Dubai Knowledge Village campus (Block 16, 17, 04 and 19) during the week (Sunday to Thursday) between 8:30am and 6:30pm. Additional sessions might be scheduled over weekends or holiday periods and you can expect to receive plenty of notice for these. Attending scheduled weekly classes is an important requirement for completion of this programme.

You will be actively involved in a range of learning, teaching and assessment approaches as part of your programme. Such active approaches aim to put you at the centre of your learning so you are involved and engaged in all aspects of your assessment and learning. Your programme will require your active participation in learning activities and engagement with your fellow students both individually and collaboratively, working and learning with other students as part of a small group. Learning activities may also occur both within and outside the classroom.

Your learning will also be supported by technology. Increasingly your tutors will be using existing and emerging learning technologies to engage you in e-learning activities. Your programme may be facilitated using a variety of media and online tools (My Learning on UniHub, podcasts, wikis, etc.) which could allow you flexible access to a diverse range of online resources, quizzes and learning materials as well as collaborative tools with which you can engage and learn with your peers.

Not confined by the time and space associated with traditional teaching methods you may take part in online discussions and learning activities from wherever you are studying. By engaging with e- learning you will also be developing skills which are essential for your learning and are also highly valued by employers. These include but are not limited to: working flexibly, communication, understanding of IT, team working and creating shared understandings based on quality resources and access to global expertise.

Entry requirements

We accept students with a diverse range of entry qualifications and from varying backgrounds. The following international qualifications are normally considered for admission:

  • Successful completion of the Middlesex University International Foundation Programme (IFP)*** (equivalent programmes from other Universities/Colleges/Institutes will be considered).
  • Indian Secondary School Certificates issued by the CBSE/ISC boards/NIOS/All State Boards may be considered: minimum grade of 55% overall
  • British A-Levels: minimum two, maximum three subjects, with grades of B,B,C (three subjects) or with A*, A* (two subjects)
  • International Baccalaureate: completion of IB diploma with good grades
  • GCSE (or equivalent for other education systems) English and Maths with a minimum of Grade C are required
  • UAE’s General Secondary Education Certificate Examination Grade 12 (Tawjihiya) plus successful completion of the Middlesex University International Foundation Programme (IFP)***  or equivalent programmes
  • Pakistani National Curriculum: completion of Year 1 at a recognised post-secondary institution (university / college). Candidates that have successfully completed FSC/HSC are admitted to the Middlesex University’s International Foundation Programme (IFP)***
  • Iranian Pre-University Certificate: minimum overall grade of 12. Students completing the High School Diploma are admitted to the International Foundation Programme (IFP)***
  • Nigerian Senior School Leaving Certificate: Candidates are admitted to the International Foundation Programme (IFP)***
  • National Curriculum of the countries of Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan: Candidates are admitted to the International Foundation Programme (IFP)***
  • West African GCE: Candidates are admitted to the International Foundation Programme (IFP)***
  • BTEC Level 3 qualifications***** (suite of qualifications known as Nationals) may be considered for direct entry into an undergraduate programme 

Note: *** International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a one year programme to prepare students for entry to Undergraduate programmes 

***** BTEC qualifications (QCF) (suite of qualifications known as Nationals) are acceptable both on their own and in combination with other qualifications. Applicants are expected to have studied for the Diploma or Extended Diploma. The Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma and 90 Credit Diploma are expected to be studied in combination to equal that of at least the Diploma (for example, the Subsidiary Diploma would need to be offered in combination with either a Diploma or two GCE A levels). 

This list shows only a selection of qualifications. If your high school system does not appear here, please contact our Admissions Office admissions@mdx.ac.ae and we will be able to advise you further.

English Language Requirements (Undergraduate)

All programmes at Middlesex University Dubai are taught in English and applicants with previous education outside of English-speaking countries (such as the UK, the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand), must demonstrate English language proficiency as follows:

English Language Test

Entry Requirement

IELTS Academic

6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

TOEFL Internet-based

72 (17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading)

PearsonPTE Academic

51

PearsonPTE General

Level 3


Additionally, students with the following qualifications may be considered as having met the English language requirements:

English Language

Entry Requirement

GCSE/IGCSE/O-Level English

(as a first or second language)

Grade C or Higher

CBSE/ISC boards/NIOS/All state boards

Minimum grade of 70% in English

International Baccalaureate

Minimum grade 4 in English A1 (Standard or Higher Level) in IB OR a minimum of grade 5 in English B (Higher Level)

West African/Nigerian Curriculum

WAEC/WASSCE/SSSCE 

Minimum grade “C6“


For admissions related enquiries, kindly contact our admissions team on 0097143678100 / 0097143751212 alternatively you can email on admissions@mdx.ac.ae

Future Careers and Employability

As international tourism continues to grow, new opportunities for business and career development are created. Opportunities exist in such areas as: travel media; event marketing, planning and management; travel agencies and tour operators; airlines, airports and other transport sectors; museums and theme parks; travel and tourism consultancy; hotels and other organisations in the hospitality sector; and the recreation and sport industries. Opportunities not only exist in the private sector but also the public (government) sector, e.g., National Tourism Boards. As the tourism industry is essentially a service sector industry, graduates often seek work in such sectors as banking, finance and retail. Given that students have also gained the relevant knowledge and skills in business and management, they can expect to find work in the world of marketing and human resource management, for instance. Graduates may go on to postgraduate study in ‘International Tourism Management’, or related areas associated with the hospitality and event industries. Additionally, they can opt for postgraduate programmes in business and management.

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