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Studying travel & tourism degree guide

The travel and tourism sector is a global industry that provides interesting, varied and exciting jobs all across the world. Keep reading to see if you’re suited to studying travel & tourism at uni.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
03 Nov 2022

You’ll look at lots of different aspects of the industry, learning about everything from management techniques to legal aspects. The aim is to prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to work in this fast-paced and ever-changing industry. You can often combine a travel & tourism course with other subjects, like business or languages. If you’re passionate and enthusiastic about travel and different cultures then a career in this field may be for you.

Find travel & tourism courses.

What do you need to get on a travel & tourism degree?


The ranges of entry requirements for travel & tourism are as follows:

  • UCAS points: 88 – 153 
  • A-levels: ABB – BCC 
  • Scottish Highers: AAABB – BBB 
  • BTEC Nationals: DMM – MMP
  • International Baccalaureate: 36 – 26

Most courses will ask for A-levels (or equivalent) in essay-based subjects. Previous experience will also look good on your application, such as work experience at a travel agency or tour operator and personal travel experiences.

Find out how to apply to uni through UCAS.

Learn how to write a winning personal statement.

What travel & tourism degrees can you study?


Degrees in travel & tourism include:

  • BSc Business with Tourism Management
  • BSc Tourism Management
  • BA International Hospitality and Tourism Management
  • BA International Tourism and Events Management

What topics does a travel & tourism degree cover?


Common modules for travel & tourism include:

  • Internationalisation of tourism  
  • Risk analysis  
  • Tourism management 
  • Sustainability  
  • Airports
  • Visitor attraction management
  • Local economies and cultures
  • Financial management
  • Event management

“Typical modules that students will cover include tour operations, strategic management, marketing, tourism destinations, employability skills and finance.”  Hayley Wright, tourism lecturer.

What do you learn studying a travel & tourism degree?


Studying a travel & tourism degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

  • Industry knowledge
  • Knowledge of travel and tourism laws and regulations
  • Knowledge of the impact of travel and tourism on local cultures, societies and economies

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

  • Innovation
  • Team working
  • Communication
  • Research
  • Attention-to-detail
  • Working in groups
  • Analysing trends
  • Presentation

“Students will develop their academic writing and research skills, their teamwork and communications skills, presentation skills and IT skills among many more, all of which are essential skills required in the travel and tourism industry.” – Hayley Wright, tourism lecturer. 

What professional accreditations can you get with a travel & tourism degree?
 


Travel & tourism courses can be accredited by organisations like the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) and the Institute of Hospitality (IoH).

What can you do with a travel & tourism degree?


Jobs in the travel and tourism sector are varied and include:

  • Tour operator
  • Venue/accommodation manager
  • Tourism officer
  • Tour guide
  • Visitor attraction manager
  • Events coordinator
  • Marketing executive
  • Travel PR executive

Where to study travel & tourism?


Check the latest ranking of unis offering travel & tourism courses by the Complete University Guide.

How long is a travel & tourism degree?


A travel & tourism degree usually takes three years to study. However, many unis will give the option of a placement year, either in the UK or abroad, which will increase the course to four years.

How will you be assessed?


Travel & tourism courses usually involve assessment through:

  • Exams 
  • Coursework 
  • Essays
  • Portfolios
  • Presentations
  • Dissertation

What are the postgraduate opportunities?


Your options for further study include:

  • MSc Tourism Management 
  • MSc Sustainable Tourism 
  • MSc Tourism and Hospitality Management 

What alternatives are there to a travel & tourism degree?


Not sure if a travel & tourism degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects:

Management

Hospitality & Catering

Find travel & tourism courses.