Course Overview
Course summary
Our Tourism Management BA explores tourism’s role in the global community, emphasising sustainable development and ethical leadership. As the industry evolves to meet emerging challenges, this degree will equip you with the skills to become an innovative and resilient leader.
You’ll study all aspects of the tourism system, including destination management, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and social responsibility. This ensures you can make decisions that prioritise the wellbeing of people and the planet.
Studying in central London, you’ll be at the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities, positioning you as a future leader in tourism. You will hone your leadership, management and business skills, with a strong focus on collaboration and the ability to manage impacts effectively, all while promoting responsible tourism practices.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore various tourism sectors, including tour operations, destination management and the airline industry. The course also offers practical, hands-on experience through our strong partnerships with leading organisations across the public, private and third sectors.
Additionally, you can further enhance your learning with an optional placement year or a study abroad experience between your second and third years of study.
Graduates of this course will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles within the tourism industry, equipped with the skills to tackle emerging challenges and seize opportunities in tourism management.
Top reasons to study with us
- Study in the heart of London, one of the world's leading tourism destinations
- Explore various tourism sectors, including tour operations, destination management and the airline industry
- Gain authentic, hands-on experience through our partnerships with leading organisations across public, private and third sectors
- Learn to harness digital tools, including AI, to develop and present captivating ideas and innovative solutions for the tourism industry
- Put theory into practice on a year-long work placement or gain international experience studying abroad
Course structure
This course is designed with a strong vocational focus, seamlessly blending theory with practical, real-world experience. Our curriculum is deeply rooted in industry practices and is delivered through a dynamic mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and immersive field trips.
We prioritise experiential and work-based learning to keep your education active and engaging. You’ll gain insights from industry experts through guest lectures, seminars, and workshops, while also benefiting from valuable work experience opportunities. Collaboration with industry partners means you’ll get to work on live client briefs, simulating real work environments and boosting your employability.
The following subjects are indicative of what you’ll study on this course.
In Year 1, you’ll learn the foundations of contemporary tourism, mastering key concepts, frameworks and theories that serve as building blocks for your course. You’ll also develop research and investigative skills to analyse strategies and propose solutions in different tourism contexts.
Subjects of study include:
- Behaviour in Tourism Organisations
- Destination Marketing
- Planning for the Visitor Economy
- Professional Development for Tourism Management
- The Tourism System
You’ll also have the chance to tailor your course by choosing an elective module from other parts of the University, including a foreign language.
Credit Level 4
In Year 2, you’ll hone your specialist responsible tourism management skills and generate innovative ideas through in-depth analysis and evaluation of challenges and issues. You’ll also take on greater responsibility for tasks and make informed judgements to solve problems in several tourism business' contexts while achieving personal or team objectives.
Subjects of study include:
- Consumer Insights for Tourism Management
- Leadership and Development for Tourism Management
- User Experience Design in Tourism
You’ll also choose between a range of optional modules such as Destination Management, Entrepreneurial Practice, Event Logistics and Heritage Tourism. You will also have the opportunity to study an elective module from other parts of the University, including a foreign language.
Alternatively, in place of the option modules listed above, you may be able to take the Westminster Business School (WBS) Study Abroad Experience (subject to eligibility) or the WBS Work Experience.
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3 (Levels 5 and 6), you may choose to undertake either a professional placement year in the UK or an international experience year.
You’ll have the option to take a placement year in industry. During the year, you will identify skills’ goals to work towards achieving whilst on placement; carry out research to develop an awareness of the tourism sector they are working in, using a range of data sources; and familiarise themselves with techniques and processes, which help effectively deliver key initiatives and business objectives.
Alternatively, you may choose to undertake an international experience year at one of our partner overseas institutions. You’ll study and reside in the country of a host institution during the year. The content of your study is agreed through a Learning Agreement between you, the home institution and Westminster Business School.
In Year 3, you’ll demonstrate advanced skills in critically reviewing, consolidating and applying a comprehensive body of knowledge related to contemporary responsible tourism. You will excel in well-researched and substantiated decision-making, critically evaluating concepts and drawing evidence from diverse sources to inform judgement in complex situations.
Subjects of study include:
- Final Major Tourism Project
- Smart Tourism
- Strategic Management for Tourism Organisations
- Sustainable Tourism
You’ll also choose between a range of optional modules such as City Tourism and Urban Change, International Market Planning and Strategy and Tourism and the Mediterranean: Comparative Study. You will also have the opportunity to study an elective module from other parts of the University, including a foreign language.
Credit Level 6
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
Industry links
We have a well-established network of industry links throughout the UK and further afield.
Online careers hub
Our online careers hub, Engage, features careers resources and info on jobs, placements, volunteering, careers fairs and networking events.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities.
Graduate employers
Graduates from the Business School have found employment at organisations including:
- Expedia
- Hilton Park Lane
- Love Holidays
- Serendipity Tailormade
- Stobart Jet Centre
- Bovingdon's Catering
Job roles
This course is ideal for those seeking a solid foundation in the tourism industry and career development opportunities in:
- Tourism Management
- Tourism Operations
- Tourism Marketing
- Visitor Services Management
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Elly Nmecha
Lecturer
I began my journey as a lecturer at Westminster two years ago. Before this, I taught at various universities across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with additional years of experience teaching A-levels. Prior to transitioning into education, I worked in the financial sector as a Select Manager, managing high-net-worth client portfolios. My passion and curiosity led me to pursue a PhD which investigated the effect of the glass ceiling in the banking sector from the male perspective. This marked a complete shift from my first degree in science to social science. I am committed to developing future business leaders, helping them achieve their potential through curiosity and learning.
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change - Wayne Dyer
Why study this course
Fantastic location
Based on our Marylebone Campus, you can enjoy the benefits of studying in a major global city and one of the world's leading tourism destinations
Gain real-world experience
Put theory into practice on a year-long work placement or gain international experience studying abroad
Build a global network
Build a global network and develop your own professional online ‘brand’
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 112 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D*
- Access – 112 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate and International Year One courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English Language Requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
Our Marylebone Campus has benefitted from a multi-million-pound refurbishment resulting in new workshops, digital studios and development of the Marylebone Library. The campus is home to Westminster Business School and our award-winning Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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