Course specification and structure
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UDTTOMAG - BA (Hons) Tourism and Travel Management (Top-up)

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Arts Level Honours
Possible interim awards
Total credits for course 120
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University, SAA Global Education PTE, Singapore, Stanfort Academy, Singapore
School Guildhall School of Business and Law
Subject Area Marketing and Creative Enterprise
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 1 YEARS 2 YEARS
Part-time 2 YEARS 4 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The BA Tourism and Travel Management was developed to answer the tourism and travel in-dustry demand for specialist destination managers and planners. Despite industry’s prime posi-tion as global income and employment contributor, this biggest service economy of the world suffers from insufficient investment in its workforce. In the United Kingdom, the UK Commis-sion for Employment and Skills (2014) identified four challenges at national level that need ad-dressing to meet customer expectations on the level of service: low productivity; low employee engagement; high employee turnover and low investment in skills. Through industry-focused curriculum, this course attempts to address those issues and provide an opportunity for gradu-ates to fill the gap in the current employment market, and at the same time learning effective management strategies that would increase their competence to manage future generations of employers and businesses in tourism and travel industries.
The course is designed to offer an intellectually stimulating and distinctive programme by com-bining in the syllabus a range of tourism studies disciplines and approaches, including market-ing, business management, quality, strategic and risk management, together with sustainable tourism management, cultural heritage and tourism-led regeneration, destination management, niche tourism and entrepreneurship.
Class-based contact is enhanced by multiple blended learning techniques, providing an on-line support and guidance. Learning and teaching includes guest speakers - e.g. tourism destination and visitor attraction marketers, regeneration specialists, sustainability advocates - to engage the student in contemporary challenges for practitioners and to enable appreciation of career opportunities and continuing professional development after graduation. Students have multiple opportunities to develop research and professional skills through practical projects, e.g. evaluat-ing tourism-based regeneration projects, advising on development of destination product portfo-lio, enterprise social media strategy or visitor management practices.

The teaching utilises our London location but also uses residential field course to provide stu-dents with the capability to practice field research techniques in an unfamiliar environment. We believe that university experience should be designed to enhance and support student’s profes-sional life hence we place as much emphasis on gaining skills relevant to the workplace as on learning the academic discipline. We embed employability in every year of student journey, starting from level 4 core modules via range of short- and long work placements opportunities (including a one-year sandwich placement) to the professional environment simulation modules such as destination management and marketing module.

Technology-enhanced and blended learning techniques are utilised throughout the course to support the curriculum and complement class-based contact. The course uses online platforms such as WebLearn and where possible social media, both in terms of providing student access to module materials, but also in terms of facilitating student interaction, supporting reflection and delivering feedback on assignments promptly and efficiently

The overall approach to learning and teaching focuses on making students independent learn-ers and developing their confidence to tackle assessments and progress as appropriate. The priority is to engage with the programme via the development of appropriate and inclusive ‘teaching’ styles while acknowledging that some students need additional support for this jour-ney.

All staff are periodically trained, their teaching is reviewed, and have regular reminders of the requirements for good practice in teaching and learning. Module architecture and assessment strategies are reviewed regularly for their robustness to ensure they fulfil the overarching strat-egy of the university for a supportive educational environment. The drive for independent learn-ing is achieved via the process of introducing ideas in the contact periods (face-to-face and online), stimulating debates and the use of assessment instruments to encourage discovery.

Course aims

The principal aim of the course is to provide an academically rigorous programme of study that gives student knowledge and understanding of core subjects relevant to business management with emphasis on the international context of business and the management of tourism and tourists.

The purpose of the course follows that set out in the QAA benchmark for Business and Man-agement (QAA, November 2019):
· Increasing understanding of organisations, their management, the economy and the business environment [with reference to tourism and travel organisations]
· Preparation for, and development of, a career in business and management
· Enhancement of a wide range of skills and attributes which equip graduates to become effective global citizens

Additionally, the aims of this course are aligned with the QAA benchmark for Events, Hospitali-ty, Leisure, Sports and Tourism (QAA, 2019) (see next section) through which the course learn-ing outcomes are delivered.

The underlying philosophy of this multidisciplinary course is to provide an education experience that gives a sound academic base focusing on the business environment of tourism and that is designed to demonstrate coherence and progression within the different business management disciplines.

The curriculum provides students with an understanding of the international business environ-ment and the techniques, concepts and principles that make businesses successful and effi-cient in the context of the tourist system. Students will have the opportunity to study the man-agement of tourism businesses, acquire real life and virtual business experience and explore the factors that influence business from an international perspective. Students will also be able to develop an appreciation of the wider context of their studies in terms of social and ethical issues and a respect for cultural diversity.

Course learning outcomes

The University learning outcome that cuts across the entirety of the London Metropolitan University provision, and thus, the BA (Hons) Tourism and Travel Management is:

On completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible professionals in their discipline (ULO)

The School has translated its mission statement into a set of learning objectives that translate into the lived experience of students and academics alike to produce the attributes differentiating GSBL graduates. Upon graduating with an honours degree in Tourism and Travel Management, students will typically:

1. Have the confidence needed to take leadership decisions in challenging situations (LO1).
2. Possess the necessary communication skills that will help them adopt a global and multicul-tural perspective in their professional context (LO2).
3. Be cognisant of the effects of the social and environmental effects of their decisions and will remain active citizens of the places they live and work (LO3).
4. Demonstrate application of creative thinking skills to practical problems, and possess the analytical and organizational skills to translate creative ideas to operational solutions (LO4)
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and characteristics of tourism as an area of academic and applied study (LO5), which includes:
- analyse and evaluate the concepts and characteristics of tourism as an area of aca-demic and applied study in relation to business, management and wider social science
- explain and challenge theories and concepts which are used to understand tourism in domestic and international contexts
- critique and challenge the definitions, nature and operations of tourism
- use a range of source material in investigating tourism
- critique and challenge the nature and characteristics of tourists and associated behav-iour characteristics
- demonstrate an awareness of the dynamic nature of tourism in contemporary societies
- explain, assess and challenge theories of sustainability and ethics in the production and consumption of tourism
- evaluate the intercultural dimensions of tourism
- demonstrate an understanding of technology and media and how those influence and change tourism products, operations, processes and behaviours
- critique the stakeholder relationships involved in destination management, development, policy, governance and strategy
- demonstrate an awareness of security, safety, risk and crisis management on regional, national and international scales
- evaluate the products, structure, operations and interactions within the tourism industry
- professionalising the tourism industry as both processes and structures, and profession-al identity and business acumen in professional development).
6. Demonstrate understanding of the nature and characteristics of tourists (LO6), including
- explain the patterns and characteristics of tourism demand and the influences on such demand
- understand the ways in which tourists behave at destinations
- understand the cultural significance of tourism for tourists and societies.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the products, structure of and interactions in the tourism industry (LO7), including:
- demonstrate an understanding of the structure, operation and organisation of the public, private and not-for-profit sectors and their activities
- evaluate the factors that influence the development of organisations operating in tour-ism
- analyse relations between consumers of tourism and the providers of tourism services
- analyse the role of government and policy makers in the development and manage-ment of destinations.
8. Demonstrate understanding of the relationships between tourism and the communities and environments in which it takes place (LO8), including:
- evaluate the contribution and impacts of tourism in social, economic, environmental, political, cultural and other terms
- understand and evaluate the approaches to managing the development of tourism through concepts of policy and planning
- appreciate the ethical issues associated with the operation and development of tourism
- understand the issues and principles of sustainability and social responsibility in the con-text of tourism.
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This top-up degree is designed on Level 6 with specific aims, as follows:

To utilise the skills and knowledge gained at previous levels of studying and challenge students in-tellectually and promote independent learning through an individual dissertation. (Contingent on the successful completion of Levels 4-5 equivalent cognate content).

Assessment strategy

The assessment strategy is based on the model of progressive and inclusive curriculum, QAA Sub-ject Benchmark Standards and University Assessment Framework, with study skills being intro-duced, then practiced and finally assessed in one or consecutive modules.

Assessment methods intend to be appropriate to the aims and level of the module and its desired learning outcomes, with difficulty of the assessment increasing per level A variety of assessment forms considers diverse socio-cultural body of students and intends to provide forms of engagement suitable to different learning needs. Many assessments allow for personalisation, with students being given a choice of the object of study.

An effort has been made to ensure spread of assessments with an annual assessment calendar is available to students at the beginning of the academic year, hence student’s practice of effective time management skills is essential in ensuring even workload.

Formative feedback and feed-forward is embedded in the course, where students can discuss draft work and early research findings. Modules use varied feedback mechanisms, including oral feed-back in taught sessions, written feedback on draft work (eg comments on blog posts), feedback sessions (in-class and online via Blackboard Collaborate), written and / or audio feedback on the fi-nal work and sometimes visual feedback (eg mind maps of feedback on draft work, eg dissertation).


All assessments (apart from artefacts and written exams) are submitted online via Weblearn/Turnitin to ensure timely submission and monitoring of engagement. Online submission enables anonymous marking and guarantees equal access for all module tutors and external markers to assignments.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

The Careers and Employability Team assists students in obtaining placements tailored to students’ needs and/or circumstances. Its service is targeted to support students before, during and after their placement. Placement preparation workshops or one-to-one interviews run during the year prior to the placement to provide advice and support on aspects such as CVs, job applications, in-terview technique and job search strategies. Individual support is provided during the placement, complementing the role of academic placement supervisors, and reflection and debriefing work-shops are organised in the year following placement. Staff have contacts with employers in many business sectors in the region and may also help arrange placements abroad.

The course provides opportunities for a wide variety of employability skills in the work-related modules. These modules are designed to enable students to gain business experience in the widest possible sense. They are flexible in delivery and will enable students to capture and build on their existing work and other experience. Students will be able to develop their action learning ability and reflect on their current and future course of action in setting goals for improved performance.

Course specific regulations

There are no specified part-time structures for this course. Students on a part-time mode of study are required to take between 30 and 90 credits each academic year to complete the degree pro-gramme within the maximum time length allowed (2 years for this top up course).

Modules required for interim awards

All core modules are required.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Reflective learning and personal development planning is central to the students’ academic and career development. PDP and Reflective learning are embedded throughout the curriculum.. Re-flective learning is linked to assessment throughout the curriculum and students have the oppor-tunity for formative feedback to guide them in the development of this key skill. Students’ experi-ential learning is encouraged throughout and action learning sets at levels 6 enhance reflective practice.

Generic and transferable skills are integrated into the context of the tourism industry in a wide range of modules that are delivered centrally. Assessment is customised to focus on research and enterprise in sector-context, which enables the promotion of best practice, such as:


· Incorporation of a formative assessment task for most modules at each level
· Publication and communication of assessment criteria from the outset of module delivery
· Provision of details on feedback, including timing and overall management at module and course levels

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

The Careers and Employability Team assists students in obtaining placements tailored to students’ needs and/or circumstances. Its service is targeted to support students before, during and after their placement. Placement preparation workshops or one-to-one interviews run during the year prior to the placement to provide advice and support on aspects such as CVs, job applications, in-terview technique and job search strategies. Individual support is provided during the placement, complementing the role of academic placement supervisors, and reflection and debriefing work-shops are organised in the year following placement. Staff have contacts with employers in many business sectors in the region and may also help arrange placements abroad.

The course provides opportunities for a wide variety of employability skills in the work-related modules. These modules are designed to enable students to gain business experience in the widest possible sense. They are flexible in delivery and will enable students to capture and build on their existing work and other experience. Students will be able to develop their action learning ability and reflect on their current and future course of action in setting goals for improved performance.

Career opportunities

We believe that your university experience should be designed to enhance and support your professional life. We place as much emphasis on gaining skills relevant to the workplace as on learning the academic discipline you're studying. We're committed to helping you enhance your job prospects and preparing you for a rewarding and successful career.

This course is designed to offer an intellectually stimulating and distinctive learning experience that will help you build a rewarding career. Many of our graduates have gained employment in business, government and third sector tourism organisations, as managers in road, rail, sea and air transport, tour operators, destination managers and planners, and in research and consultancy.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have one of the following:

  • 240 credits from a Higher National Diploma (HND), Foundation Degree (FdA/ FdSc) or equivalent international qualification in a relevant subject
  • 240 credits from years 1 and 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) in a relevant subject at a different institution

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2019/20 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 12 Dec 2019 Last validation date 12 Dec 2019  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes 100875 (tourism): 50% , 100102 (travel management): 50%
Route code TTOMAG

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
LT6086 Strategy in Tourism and Travel Core 15 NORTH AUT FRI AM
LT6091 Service Excellence for Creative industries Core 15 NORTH SPR TUE AM
LT6095 Tourism Destination Management Core 15 NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
MN6076 Leading Innovation Core 15 NORTH AUT TUE AM
FE6P04 Dissertation Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
MN6P05 Consultancy Project Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
LT6083 Event Sponsorship and Fundraising Option 15 NORTH AUT FRI AM
LT6089 Conference Management Option 15 NORTH SPR TUE PM
MC6091 Brand Management Option 15 NORTH SPR MON AM
MC6093 Global Marketing and Sales in the Digital Age Option 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
MN6070 Social Marketing Option 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
OL0000 Open Language Programme Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA