BA (Hons) International Tourism Management

Level One

Principles of Tourism Management

This module serves as an introduction to Tourism. Students are introduced to the nature of contemporary tourism, how it is conceived and how it has developed into a global industry. The focus is on the demand for tourism and the supply of the tourism product, examining the inter-relationships between the public, private and voluntary sectors in domestic and international tourism. Students are also introduced to the multi-faceted nature of tourism, both as an industry and as a maturing subject area. Emphasis will be placed upon the importance of using current contemporary sources in order to be able to comprehend the industry and the subject and to keep abreast of developments. The module will examine the key role of tourism as an agent of development and regeneration in locations from around the world. Students will gain an understanding of the structure and organisation of tourism related industries in the UK and elsewhere. They will gain insight into why people travel within and outside their own country. Emphasis will be placed on new tourism markets and the impacts of tourism at contrasting locations. The module aims to develop a discursive and analytical approach to evaluating the changing nature of tourism products and services.

Geography of Tourism

This module is concerned with the spatial distribution of tourism, focusing on the definition and description of tourist places and tourist mobility. It introduces a number of key geographic concepts, such as generating regions, tourism flows, destination places and geographic resources for tourism. 'Place' will be situated and explained in terms of developed and developing regions, and the notion of a 'region' itself will also be discussed. These concepts are then applied each of the world’s tourism regions as defined by the World Tourism Organisation, so that a more practical sense of global geography for tourism is reinforced. A discussion of future developments in the geography of tourism, such as tourism to the Antarctic and space tourism, will round off the module.

Principles of Marketing

This module is designed to provide an introduction to the theory and practice of marketing. We aim to familiarise students with the key concepts and issues of marketing, giving them a thorough grasp of the sort of marketing decisions there are to be made and what factors affect them. Learning is somewhat directive and progressively students will be required to become more independent in their work. There are two different assessment types: individual essay writing and a group presentation. These prepare students for future modules in the course.

Modern European Language

Students can choose to study French, German, Spanish, Japanese or Mandarin Chinese and will be placed in a class at the level which is most appropriate for them.

Tourism in Europe

The module will identify the characteristic features of Europe and European tourism, focusing on social, political and geographical aspects. Europe, as the main tourist destination in the world, requires particular attention. It has a long and well-developed history of tourism, but is also developing new destinations and new trends in tourist movement. Europe is also the largest generator of tourism in the world, making tourism a very important part of European economies and employment. It is also significant in terms of social and political change. Given these facts, it is important for students to learn about these trends and their implications for tourism in Europe and for students to be able to set tourism in Europe in its wider context of social, political and geographical flows.

Investigating Tourism and Sport

This module will introduce students to tools of analysis required to investigate the supply-side of tourism and sport within given geographical contexts. It will explore ways to collect, manage, analyse and interpret data, in order to follow the research process from start to finish. Students will develop and employ information technology skills to map, graph and interrogate secondary data from published sources and primary data collected by the students themselves.

Level Two

Research Methods for Tourism and Sport

This module provides students with a range of research skills, both quantitative and qualitative. In so doing it prepares students for their final year dissertation by giving them the skills, ideas and confidence to undertake a major piece of primary research. The module also encourages students to evaluate research using the key concepts of reliability and validity.

Principles of Tour Operations Management

This module introduces students to the structure and operating environment of the commercial tourism sector. This includes business, incentive and leisure travel, distribution, destination management, and connections with the transport and hospitality sectors. The main emphasis is on the application of business techniques/constraints in the management of tour operations. As such, students develop an understanding of commercial operations enabling them to examine relationships between different component sectors of the industry, transport, accommodation and services, in both generating and receiving areas. Emphasis is also placed on developing an understanding of distribution systems in commercial travel and tourism operations so as to illustrate links between key providers, intermediaries and consumers. Students are also required to draw on the regulatory frameworks in which the international travel and tourism business operates and to develop an understanding of provider and consumer environmental awareness.

Cultural and Heritage Attractions Management

The module begins with a critical appraisal of contemporary theories and processes of cultural change and their effects on attitudes to leisure and tourism. It then examines the ways in which culture and heritage have been interpreted in the context of tourism, paying particular attention to the concepts of commodification, authenticity and interpretation. These concepts are applied to a variety of types of cultural and heritage attraction in order to gain insight into how the visitor experience is managed. The module has a strongly international and multicultural perspective, drawing on a range of case studies from different cultural and country settings.

Modern European Language

Students continue on their chosen language route.

Study Abroad

Students study for one semester in one of the Department’s partner institutions, in Europe, Latin America or North America. During the semester abroad, students share classes with local students. Students benefit from having the opportunity to examine the nature of tourism in their respective countries and to 'socialise' in another culture.

Level Three

Optional Work Placement Year

Level Four

Strategic Management for Tourism and Sport

This module draws upon and integrates a range of business disciplines in examining the theory and practice of strategic management within a changing tourism, sport and leisure business environment. As well as examining the local and national dimensions of business strategy, the module recognises the increasingly international context of contemporary tourism and sport business activity. In so doing, the module bridges the gap between discrete functionalist disciplines and the broader issues involved in general business activity. The learning programme focuses on encouraging critical evaluation of the nature of strategy, its' roles in contemporary tourism or sport business and the practical difficulties in formulating and implementing tourism or sport business strategy.

Dissertation

This double module occupies a central role in the final year of the tourism and sports business management degrees. It provides the principal vehicle by which students can clearly illustrate their ability to synthesise the differing disciplinary approaches and theoretical perspectives they have studied over three years. It aims to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their competency as independent, reflective researchers.

Tourism and Development

The focus of this module is on the concepts, approaches and structures relating to tourism development. It critically examines the concepts that are considered central to understanding the nature of contemporary tourism development, both public and private. Strong and explicit links are made between these ‘big’ concepts and the politics of policy-making generally as well as in a range of specific tourism destination environments. The module adopts an international perspective, using examples of tourism development from a range of countries in the developed and developing worlds. The approach of this module is to develop a critical appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of tourism development.

Tourism, Sport and Regeneration (Elective A)

This module continues the conceptualisation of sport and tourism in terms of broader debates about mobility (Hall, 2005) and the changing interplay of production-consumption, in contemporary society. Sport and tourism have increasingly been used as key elements in local and regional redevelopment strategies, which seek to develop the ‘experience economy’ (Pine and Gilmore, 1999). This module seeks to critically examine the nature, form and outcomes of these strategies. Whilst sport and tourism are often presented as opportunities for places seeking growth and diversification, as with all entrepreneurial strategies they carry risks; of uncertain or unpredictable outcomes, dependency and homogeneity (Shaw and Williams, 2004). Success or failure are contingent rather than guarantied and reflect different conceptualisations of regeneration. In examining a series of case studies of sport/tourism based local and regional regeneration strategies, students will develop a more in-depth understanding not simply of whether these policies can work, but how they may do so.

Consumer Culture and Tourism (Elective B)

The focus is the transition of the condition of society from the modern to the postmodern, and how this shift has shaped contemporary tourism: namely, shift away from normative experiences in prescribed destinations, to individuated experiences in a diversity of locations. The writings of Lyotard and Jameson, as leading exponents of this shift, are examined. The consequences for the role of language and meaning are explained, making reference to the concepts of narrative, discourse and ideology, and the insights afforded by the concept of poststructuralism. The further consequences of the shift in terms of the emphasis on the visual and the challenge to authenticity is studied, drawing on the writings of Barthes, Baudrillard and Debord. Central to this will be the study and analysis of promotional materials in terms of their visual and semiotic content. The concluding phase involves a study of the middle class as an engine for cultural change in tourism, drawing on the work of Bourdieu. A classificatory struggle within the middle class is shown to be salient in shaping the newer forms of tourism that have become prominent in recent decades.

Social and Political Perspectives on Tourism (Elective C)

The focus of study requires an examination of the key sociological and political features of contemporary tourism. Some consideration of the key concepts of social class, race and ethnicity, gender, age and disability, is fundamental to an appreciation of how such variables shape access to tourism. As well as analyzing the ways in which such factors affect consumption patterns within tourism, this section of the module also questions the apparent increase in mobility and diversification of tourism products. While enhanced choice might be the experience of some, it is arguable that there are simultaneously very many for whom such choice never arises.

Students are encouraged to develop independence in their thinking and managing their own time within a framework of direction and support offered by teaching staff. Throughout the course, students are sensitised to issues of codes of professional conduct and ethical behaviour.

Most modules include some lectures. These are designed to inspire and motivate students, introduce them to particular topics and give an overview of current issues and debates within the discipline. Some are given by visiting practitioners who provide 'live' case material and offer students industry contacts and careers advice. In addition to tutor-directed seminars, students are encouraged to form their own learning and support groupings.

Our approach is one of collaboration between staff and students. Emphasis is put on using the student group as a resource for learning. In seminars, which typically involve numbers of fewer than 20, students are able to articulate their own thoughts and clarify ideas through discussion with others. A variety of learning methods used including in-class group exercises, discussions, presentations, evaluation of sample material, and case study analysis. 

Student participation is encouraged from the start and set as the norm for the rest of the course. Students are expected to prepare prescribed material for seminars as well as generally keep abreast of current developments in their discipline.

The assessment strategy adopted within this degree is designed to address the intended learning outcomes of individual modules, and reflect progression through the various levels of the course. The different methods used ensure that a student has a variety of opportunities to demonstrate their abilities. 

Assessments become increasingly demanding in their content and complexity as the course progresses. 

Examinations are included to test students' ability to work under time-constrained conditions, to test knowledge of basic principles, and to guard against potential plagiarism.

Assignments are used to allow students to manage their own time, develop their research and analytical skills, and explore subjects in greater depth. They take a range of forms including essays, reports, and oral presentations prepared individually and in groups.

Lincoln Business School is based in the David Chiddick building alongside Lincoln Law School.

The building was completely refurbished in 2010 and provides students with teaching and learning space including lecture theatres, workshop rooms, an IT/language lab and a mooting chamber, along with places to meet and eat with friends and staff.

The building provides high quality spaces for teaching and group learning and is the perfect setting for successful Business School students to learn and develop.

The aim of all the courses in the Business School is to produce independent, enquiring, knowledgeable graduates who enjoy learning, are enterprising, employable, self-aware, able to take career and other opportunities in life, and able to make a positive contribution to society.

All courses run by Lincoln Business School offer students work placement opportunities. These fall within two broad categories:

• A short placement of up to 12 weeks. This is designed to fit in the break between the second and final levels of the degree course
• A full year (academic year) of work placement, funded by full-time paid employment. This is designed to last between 40 and 46 weeks.

Each student’s experience can include one of these types, and preferably also other work experience such as relevant casual work, voluntary or social enterprise activity or leadership within student clubs and societies.

Our courses combine an exploration of the complexities of tourism and an understanding of contemporary tourism businesses practices.

If students are interested in the wider cultural, economic and environmental impacts of tourism then the course has much to offer.

Students with an interest in developing modern language skills should seriously consider our International Tourism Management course.

All students may elect to spend a semester of study in an overseas university.

Students will gain an understanding of tourism as a human activity and a service business.

The course provides students with the opportunity to develop more specific vocational skills associated with careers in tourism related and other service industries.

Moreover, students will gain a sophisticated understanding of the operation of the contemporary global tourism business and its associated impacts and interdependencies.

Tourism students are a tight-knit group who socialise as well as study together, and many remain firm friends after leaving.

Tourism and related industries comprise one of the largest sectors in the UK economy. The tourism labour market is buoyant with high annual employment growth rates, particularly amongst managerial occupations.

Internationally, tourism remains one of the most significant global industries. All our tourism programmes equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle key issues in finance, marketing, management and other functions within the tourism industry, in innovative ways.

Consequently, our graduates are well placed for successful careers in this exciting and diverse sector. The course provides an excellent grounding for potential managers in a range of tourism organisations or governmental bodies.

The labour market for tourism graduates is international, so students on our International Tourism Management programmes study modern languages along side tourism modules.

The solid academic basis of our course provides a sound foundation from which to study for Masters degrees.

Employment rates from our courses are very high with great career development potential. Students find employment in both public and private sectors, at home and abroad.

Recent graduates are employed in heritage attraction management, local tourism development, the airlines, independent tour operations, the EU and even space tourism.

We need our students to possess the necessary academic qualifications and the usual skills associated with literacy and numeracy.

Students wishing to study International Tourism Management may benefit from having previously studied another language to GSCE or beyond; though even more important are the willingness to learn.

Good interpersonal skills are vital, both for your future career and also during the course as we expect our students to contribute fully to the learning process.

2012 Entry	UK/EU	International
Full-time	£9000	£10499
Part-time	£75 per credit point	£88 per credit point
Placement (optional)	Exempt	Exempt
Assessment Only	£38 per credit point	£44 per credit point

 

2013 Entry	UK/EU	International
Full-time	£9000	£11130
Part-time	£75 per credit point	£93 per credit point
Placement (optional)	Exempt	Exempt
Assessment Only	£38 per credit point	£47 per credit point

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding