BA (Hons) Business Management (Tourism) with Foundation Year

Business Management (Tourism)

BA (Hons) & Foundation Year

Summary

Study level
Award
Foundation Year Entry Degrees
Full time
4 years
Part time
4 years+
Location
Berlin or Online
Faculty of Business

What makes Arden University special?

Education
Education for everyone, everywhere
Whether you're constrained by location, cost, time, or other life commitments, we're passionate about giving you access to higher education that fits into your busy, modern life.
Where to study
You decide how and where to study
We offer a wide range of flexible undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in both our online and blended study modes.
Support
Full support both online and on-site
We're also proud to offer non-standard entry, meaning your work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing your application.
Employability
Strong focus on employability
You will gain in-depth subject knowledge and transferable skills that employers from a huge range of industries will value. Many of our courses at Arden are also accredited by leading professional bodies in the UK.

Course Overview

Do you have a passion for travel and tourism and an interest in the world of business? You can combine the two with a business and tourism degree with foundation year. Our foundation level degrees give you the opportunity to develop the academic skills you need to successfully complete an undergraduate degree, helping you learn about the tourism sector from both a local and global perspective. This degree really does have the potential to take you anywhere!

Today, the tourism industry requires qualified graduates who can create and lead successful businesses that will support sustainable tourism in challenging global circumstances. This tourism degree with foundation year will help you grasp how global tourist destinations, visitor attractions, and accommodation services are managed and marketed. You’ll also study tourism crisis management and explore future tourism trends, as well as learning about vital business areas such as organisational transformation, ethics, finance, and more. 

Our foundation degrees are the perfect choice if you feel you need a bit more support as you start your degree, of if you don’t meet the entry requirements for a standard degree course. This programme has developed with input from world-leading organisations and researchers so that you are exposed to the most relevant advancements and trends in the tourism industry, which means you’ll be able to show future employers that you have the knowledge required to fill current skills gaps in the field. 

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Professional accreditation
The Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) seeks to elevate professional standards in the travel industry and provides tourism organisations and professionals with support and guidance.

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Course details and modules

During your studies you’ll gain a wider understanding of tourism functions, operations, and technologies. You’ll also develop new personal and professionals attributes in dedicated skills-related modules to help build your soft skills and decision-making abilities. Learning research and data analysis techniques using academic and industry focused texts, articles, and reports, you’ll gain a better understanding of contemporary tourism, management, and overall business functions, with the ability to analyse practical case studies drawn from a range of international organisations. 

Using our business simulation software, you’ll be able to access a virtual tourism business and run it as your own enterprise – managing activities such as tourism, sales, finances, people, product development, operations, and your supply chain. 

You’ll also have access to our Digital Enterprise Hub throughout your course, which provides you with additional software and resources as well as real-world mentors and industry experts to draw knowledge from. The Digital Enterprise Hub also gives you the chance to engage in social learning with your classmates, developing your collaborative skills and providing the opportunity for networking with fellow professionals. 

Toby Bradley

It’s a great way to study if you’re looking for flexibility. It was challenging to balance a full-time job with my degree but once I was in a routine, it was much easier to manage everything. Online learning has actually helped me become very good with time management and given me the ability to prioritise tasks.

Toby Bradley
BA (Hons) Business & Accountancy

Modules

You have 4-12 years to complete this course, which means you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of our students, however, aim to complete the course within 4 to 6 years.

  • Preparing for University Success
  • Exploring the Business Environment
  • Advancing your Academic Skills
  • Becoming an Effective Leader
  • Planning for Your Future Success
  • Investigation & Innovation Project
  • Digital Skills & Professional Development (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business Environment (20 credits)
  • Marketing Dynamics (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Business Finance (20 credits)
  • People Management (20 credits)
  • Technology & Innovation (20 credits)
  • Data Analytics & Management (20 credits)
  • Business Start-up (20 credits)   
  • Sales Management (20 credits)  
  • Digital & Social Media Marketing (20 credits)  
  • Tourism Operations & Innovation (20 credits)  
  • International Destination Management (20 credits)  
  • Business Transformation (20 credits)  
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation (20 credits) 
  • Corporate Governance, Law & Ethics (20 credits)  
  • Independent Study (20 credits)  
  • Tourism Crisis Management (20 credits)
  • Tourism Trends and Futures (20 credits)

How do we assess you? 

Assessments

Unlike on more traditional degree courses, you don’t need to sit any exams on the BA (Hons) Business Management (Tourism) with Foundation Year, and you won’t need to spend the summer at home writing a dissertation either. Your assessments have been designed to help you apply your learning to real-word scenarios. This means you’ll be better prepared to apply the skills you’ve gained on the course to your professional role after graduation. 

As you work through your course modules you’ll have the chance to complete a range of useful assessment methods such as individual reports, case study analyses, group presentations, and personal independent assignments devised in consultation with your course module leader. Your assessments will have an emphasis upon personal discovery, digital technology, the application of theory to real world business, and management practice and innovative thinking. 

We encourage you to be innovative when carrying out your assignments and assessments. You can create podcasts, videos, infographics, consultancy reports, campaigns, posters, interviews, debate sessions, and more. This approach will help you develop skills you'll use in the real world, and most of all, is a fun and engaging way to demonstrate your knowledge and development.

Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at our study centres in Berlin, Germany

The course is also available to students via online learning.

Martine Crawford

This course was the best decision I have ever made. It's given me a chance to have a career in a subject I love, and it’s given me more confidence in myself and my ability to succeed.

Martine Crawford
BA (Hons) Business (Marketing)

Part time online learning

How does it work? 

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management (Tourism) with Foundation Year online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location. 

Our online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and online library which gives you access to almost half a million books and journals – yours for free while you study with us).

iLearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy. 

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We’ve even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning. 

Learn more about online learning

Full time blended learning

When you choose our blended learning study mode, you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at our centrally located Berlin campus. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, our online learning platform and university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study your degree successfully when you’re away from campus. You’ll also have access to our Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.

Full time study in Berlin is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face to face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who are attracted by the opportunity to move to Germany to study, where you can take advantage of the employment opportunities available for overseas students.

Learn more about our Berlin campus

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility 

To be able to study this course, we need to see that you have: 

  • At least 3 x GCSEs OR 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years we would also ask to see a professional CV.
  • Applicants may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and Reference if they do not meet the qualification requirements. 
  • We also offer this course as a standard bachelor’s degree without foundation year. To view the course details, please click here

English proficiency

  • IELTS 5.5 (no less than 5.0 in any element); or TOEFL 46-59; or equivalent
  • Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

We also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency. More information can be found here.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Course fees and funding

Find your country

Use the dropdown above to find course fees and funding information for your country. If you can’t find information for your country in the dropdown, visit our International support page.

Meet the faculty

Professor Dilshad Sheikh

Here at Arden University we strive to provide a fresh and unique approach to your business and management education. With ideas and experiences taken from employers and thought leaders across the world, we give you the opportunity to put proven business skills and techniques into practice during your studies. I look forward to welcoming you to the Arden University family.

Professor Dilshad Sheikh
Dean of the Faculty of Business

Career prospects

Perhaps you have a strong idea of where you want to go with your tourism degree, or maybe you want to keep your career options open for now? Either way, don’t worry if you’re still a little unclear about what the future holds. Our tourism bachelor’s course will give you a range of in-demand and transferable skills that will help you understand how modern organisations work. This gives you the freedom to take your time deciding where in the business ecosystem you’ll fit best, be it as an entrepreneur, manager, or if you’re an experienced professional looking for a career change.

What will this course do for me?

As well as developing important soft skills, up-to-date knowledge of business functions, and career planning abilities, you’ll also be encouraged to develop a Personal Development Plan as you work through your degree. With support from our lecturers, this will help you track your progress and identify areas where you excel. 

On the course, your assessments will be linked to real-world workplace issues and practices. Added to the benefits of our enterprise simulation software and Digital Business Hub, you’ll graduate with hands-on experience in problem solving and identifying areas for business growth – all highly desirable skills for today’s employers. 

The BA (Hons) Business Management (Tourism) with Foundation Year will also give you the chance to: 

  • Comprehend and appreciate the importance of the key skills, technologies, and competencies required to be successful in contemporary business and tourism environments.
  • Identify and evaluate the roles and contributions of the key business and tourism functions applicable to tourism organisations and destinations. 
  • Analyse tourism challenges from a range of perspectives including consumers, suppliers, governments, and intermediaries. 
  • Apply and evaluate tourism concepts and theories in a range of business and tourism contexts, challenges, and situations, including crisis management. 
  • Develop your research, planning, and analytical skills.

What can I do after Arden University?

Your degree in tourism will open up a wide range of career opportunities across the tourism sector. As you study with us you’ll have access to our dedicated career services portal, where you can access additional 'bolt-on' e-learning courses, employer presentations, and search for jobs worldwide. Of course, your course lecturers are always on-hand to provide advice and guidance when it come to your professional future. Just a few of the possible roles you might want to consider after graduation could include:

  • Business Analyst
  • Business Development Executive
  • Buying Assistant
  • Accounting Technician
  • Actuarial Analyst
  • Company Secretary
  • Stockbroker

Industry skills

  

This course is currently in the process of gaining accreditation from the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) and the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), and is aligned with available certificates from Amazon and Salesforce which you will be able to pursue independently as you study.

Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT)

The Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) is the only membership organisation for travel and tourism professionals, suppliers, educators, and students across all sectors of the tourism sector. The Institute’s main function is to elevate professional standards in the travel industry and to provide tourism organisations and professionals with support and guidance. 

The ITT maintains these standards through continued personal development and training. They also provide regular UK-based events, careers advice services, and information and support services for professionals throughout their career in travel and tourism.

Tourism Management Institute (TMI) 

The Tourism Management Institute (TMI) is the professional organisation for anyone working in tourism destination management, supporting professionals who promote and develop destinations across the UK, Europe, and worldwide. The TMI supports professionals throughout their careers by providing opportunities for sharing knowledge and expertise in destination management. 

TMI members come from a wide range of organisations, including destination management organisations, local government, national tourist organisations, visitor attractions, and the higher education sector, and the Institute offers regular events and networking opportunities for professionals and graduates alike.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) membership.

Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.

This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives our faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of our courses and teaching methods, ensuring that we are able to provide you with the best possible university experience.

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course awards a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership and offers CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status *

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. As the CMI possesses a Royal Charter, they are the only organisation in the UK that can award Chartered Manager status to their members – the gold standard in management. With 140,000 members, the institute aims to boost career development across the management sector and connect like-minded professionals.

As an Arden student, you’ll have free CMI Membership throughout your studies, giving you access to a range of additional resources including a mentoring service and invitations to networking events both online and offline. 

Upon completion of this CMI-accredited course, you will be awarded CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership and gain CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status. This recognises you have the skills needed to be an effective manager, helping you stand out from the competition and start your management career journey - with a CMI qualification and a clear pathway to full Chartered Manager status.

*Upon completion of your course, the CMI award and level of chartered status awarded will depend on your level and length of study, whether you entered your course with Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) or if any compensation is applied on your modules throughout the duration of study. If this criteria applies to you, you may receive one of the 2 different levels; an Award or Certificate. 

The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE)

This course awards the IOEE Professional Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE) is the first learning institute dedicated to developing and recognising enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. Arden University has been recognised as an IOEE Academy and our courses are accredited. This demonstrates our commitment to enterprise and equipping students with the skills needed to set up and run their own business, work in a small enterprise, or bring entrepreneurial skills to a larger organisation.  

Aligned to Salesforce and AWS Educate (Amazon)

During the course you’ll learn about some of the most prominent cloud-based tools used in business currently, allowing you to independently acquire certification from Salesforce and Amazon to add to your degree qualification. This will give you concrete evidence of skills in leading software packages, green-stamped by two of the world’s most respected business service providers. Certification from Salesforce and Amazon will help you perform at the cutting edge of your industry by understanding how to process real time data and insights to create more meaningful relationships with your customers. You’ll also gain important transferable skills that you’ll be able to apply to similar software packages that you may work with in the future.

Business Graduates Association (BGA)

Arden University’s Faculty of Business is an esteemed member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), an international quality assurance body of world-leading education providers who share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning. Membership with the BGA means that Arden University will support its students’ professional growth, allowing them to contribute to an international network in which ‘Leaders Never Stop Learning’.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

  • Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with our curriculum and your career goals.
  • Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
  • Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.