Undergraduate course

BSc (Hons)

International Tourism Management with Foundation Year

Make a global impact with BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management. This hands-on course offers live projects and industry insight to prepare you as an effective, career-ready tourism and business professional.

Our typical offer

32+ UCAS points

Real-world industry input

You will gain valuable industry insight through tailored modules, expert guest speakers, and hands-on fieldwork - locally and internationally - helping you graduate with real-world experience and strong professional connections.

High-ranking and accredited

Study at a top-ranked South West university (Complete University Guide 2025), recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Institute of Travel and Tourism.  Benefit from strong industry partnerships, guest speakers, and future-focused learning that keeps your education relevant.

Skill-building foundation year

The foundation year will help you build essential academic and industry skills, preparing you for Year 1 and giving you the flexibility to progress into tourism or a range of business degrees at Plymouth Business School.
BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management with Foundation Year
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About

Step into the thriving global tourism sector with a foundation year designed to build your academic and professional strengths. Develop core skills in critical thinking, research, and tourism insight while preparing to progress into Year 1 of our programme or other exciting degrees at Plymouth Business School.
Through hands-on projects, international fieldwork, and modules shaped by industry demand, you’ll gain practical experience and career-focused knowledge. Accredited by ABTA and the Tourism Management Institute – and recognised as a Centre of Excellence – this course ensures you graduate ready to lead with confidence in the global tourism and business landscape.
Airline attendant picking the passenger's passport at the airport - 2211774506 Getty
 
 
 
 
 

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
 
A full list of potential progressions routes is listed under course details
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?
  • To build your confidence to study at university level.
  • To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
  
 
 

This course is for you if...

you want to launch an exciting career in tourism
Planet earth with arrows around
you thrive off connection with industry leaders
Three individuals below a globe, depicting community
you enjoy the flexibility to follow your interests
Finger pressing button
you want to benefit from a strong academic foundation
person with lines around their head, depicting experience

Details

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Foundation year

A supportive environment assists you in the transition to successful study in higher education. You begin to develop your knowledge and understanding of international tourism management, and progress to year 1 on successful completion of this year.
A group of students listening attentively during an education session, reflecting collaborative learning and active engagement in a diverse academic setting. 2203005620 Getty

Core modules

ECN3100
The World of Economics and Finance 30 credits

This module will introduce you to a range of contemporary ideas within economics and finance. The module will use a range of contemporary real-world issues to demonstrate the relevance of foundation level economic and financial concepts for decision making.

50% Coursework

50% Tests

STO3001
Global Business 30 credits

The module will introduce the components, functions and context of a business. You will explore the impact of different models on business purpose, values, stakeholders and reporting. Aspects such as globalisation, sustainability, ethics and entrepreneurship will also be examined.

100% Coursework

STO3003
Business Research Project 30 credits

This module allows you to integrate subject specific knowledge and skills to investigate a specific topic relevant to your programme of study through a small-scale research project.

100% Coursework

STO3004
Introduction to Business Research

The module will enable you to develop business research at an introductory level and to develop a range of academic and professional capabilities. You will investigate research topics that will develop your understanding the importance of effective cross-disciplinary understanding and collaboration.

Year 1

Build a solid understanding of the tourism industry, learning the principles of sustainable tourism management. You also explore different forms of tourism and identify how these are used in destination development and promotion, gaining knowledge of tourism supply and demand.
Woman talking with classmates while studying together around table. Young people sitting at the table working on an assignment. 1071467916 Getty

Core modules

STO4002
The Business Environment: A Global Perspective 40 credits

This module introduces students to essential understanding and competencies in the dynamic and changing nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, including the management of risk and business resilience.

60% Tests

40% Coursework

THE4007
Tourism Impacts and the Environment 20 credits

This module will develop your understanding of the roles tourism plays within and for societies, giving you an introductory overview of the impacts of tourism activity, associated tourist behaviour and sympathetic approaches to management. You will study theoretical concepts drawn from sociology, anthropology, leisure and tourism studies, providing you with a more critical awareness of the relationships between tourism and society, supported by international case study examples and opportunities for critical debate.

100% Coursework

THE4010
Tourism Industry and Practice

Through consideration of the tourism system, you will examine the structure, organisation and operational issues relating to the key tourism sectors, and demonstrate an understanding of career opportunities in the tourism industry.

THE4011
Management and Entrepreneurship in Tourism, Hospitality and Events

This module explores a range of issues relating to the effective development of regional, national and/or international organisations and ventures in the tourism, hospitality, and event industries. Students will recognise how entrepreneurial thinking can drive growth and adaptability and will develop the necessary entrepreneurial skills to identify opportunities for innovation and business development, including opportunity recognition, strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. The module includes a focus on the importance and relevance of social responsibility and resilience strategies and equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical tools to thrive in dynamic and evolving industries.

Year 2

Discover what it takes to develop, manage and promote tourism businesses or destination. Increase your understanding of destination management on a regional, national and international level, gaining insight of tourism strategy development. If you choose, you can undertake a semester or year abroad at one of our partner institutions.
Woman abroad looking at her tablet. 498029099 Getty

Core modules

PBS500CPD
Careers and Professional Development 0 credits

This module is aimed at enhancing students employability skills and knowledge especially those who will be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their degree. It is designed to build on skills learned in Stage 1 and helps students in their search for a placement, and in their preparation for the placement itself.

THE5016
Destination Management

This module explores the key concepts of destination management and the role of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs). Students will learn to conduct research to enhance destination sustainability and competitiveness. The module provides practical and theoretical insights into managing tourism destinations effectively.

THE5017
Festival and Event Management

This module provides students with the foundations both theoretical and practical necessary to plan, manage, and evaluate festivals and events. It emphasises the strategic role of events in tourism development, destination branding, and community engagement. Students will explore the key stages event planning and execution while addressing sustainability, risk management, marketing, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure successful outcomes.

THE5018
Digitalisation and the Visitor Experience

This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand the transformative role of digital technologies in shaping visitor experiences within tourism and the global hospitality industries. It explores how digitalisation impacts the customer journey, enhances service delivery, and influences destination management. You will gain the knowledge through practical experiences to use digital tools, analyse emerging trends, and develop innovative strategies for creating personalised, seamless visitor and consumer experiences. The module encourages critical thinking about the ethical, social, and operational challenges posed by digital transformation.

THE5019
Service Marketing in Practice

This module will introduce you to key marketing principles and theories, emphasising their practical application. You will learn to develop marketing strategies that respond to industry trends, technological advancements, and changing consumer needs. Additionally, you will develop skills in conducting market research and analysing data to generate actionable insights.

Optional modules

PBS5001C
The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business 20 credits

Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy.

100% Coursework

PBS5002C
The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade 20 credits

In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.

100% Coursework

PBS5003C
The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action 20 credits

Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.

100% Coursework

THE5013
Creative Industries and Tourism: A Global Perspective 20 credits

You will review the scope, nature and development of the creative industries, drawing on international examples. In doing so, you will examine a range of issues affecting the planning, development, marketing and operation of the creative industries, such as the concern with authenticity, the tensions between conservation and business viability, politics and propaganda, funding, interpretation, place identity and the visitor experience and dissonance and the blurring between fact and fiction.

100% Coursework

THE5011
Service Innovation in the Cruise Industry 20 credits

This module introduces you to the management of passenger services on-board cruise liners, focussing on the provision of quality service, as a component of the cruise product.

100% Coursework

THE5012
Global Cruise Operations 20 credits

In this module you will consider the strategic nature of managing cruise lines, including risk avoidance, adherence to maritime legislations and continuity planning. Industry and scenario based case studies will help you to apply theoretical knowledge to of business continuity planning to realistic scenarios.

100% Coursework

Optional placement year

Apply your new-found skills on a work placement year in the UK or overseas, learning about the industry from those working in it every day. Our Placements Office supports you in finding your placement.
Young female tourist checking the arrival departure board on airport. 1175880136 Getty

Core modules

PBS600PLC
Placement Year

The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows the student to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation. Students on BA International Business may also or alternatively undertake a study placement at an approved partner institution.

Year 5

Develop your passion for tourism by researching a topic that excites you for your final thesis. Through the study of conceptual tourism, modules deepen your knowledge of challenges which arise in the modern tourism industry.
International students studying

Core modules

HRL6009
Leadership Practice 20 credits

In this module, you will explore the role of leadership within organisations, including both the practical and theoretical aspects of leadership, and how such concepts can change over time. You will reflect on your own ability to act as a leader and your role in teamwork-based scenarios.

60% Coursework

40% Practicals

PBS6000
Honours Project 40 credits

The module gives you the opportunity to investigate in-depth a specialist academic or practice-based topic for which you have a passion for knowing more within your field of study.

100% Coursework

PBS600CPD
Continued Careers and Professional Development 0 credits

The Continued Career and Professional Development module is a development scheme designed to enhance students’ employability and builds on the stage 2 module. The stage 3 module focuses on providing students with information on graduate options and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for articulating and recording achievement and applying for graduate positions. The module also includes a number of workshops and events designed to develop students’ skills and knowledge, with the purpose of filling gaps in their CV’s and enhancing their employability.

THE6002
Business Strategy and Consultancy 20 credits

In this module, you will focus on exploring and understanding a range of theoretical approaches to developing strategies for businesses in the tourism, hospitality and events (THE) sectors and applying these principles to a live consultancy project. You can gain experience of working with a business in THE industries on a consultancy basis, either in a research or strategic development setting – you will engage with a client business to mutually identify a suitable project and develop findings and guidelines to inform a new strategic direction.

100% Coursework

Optional modules

HRL6010
Experiential Practice 20 credits

This module provides you with the opportunity both to reflect upon practical experience as well as develop your capabilities and profile so you are on course for life after graduation.

100% Coursework

THE6011
Service Innovation in the Cruise Industry 20 credits

This module introduces you to the management of passenger services on-board cruise liners, focussing on the provision of quality service, as a component of the cruise product.

100% Coursework

THE6012
Global Cruise Operations 20 credits

In this module you will consider the strategic nature of managing cruise lines, including risk avoidance, adherence to maritime legislations and continuity planning. Industry and scenario based case studies will help you to apply theoretical knowledge to of business continuity planning to realistic scenarios.

100% Coursework

THE6013
Crisis and Disaster Management 20 credits

This module will equip you with a sound understanding of the principles and practice of economic, environmental and political crisis and disaster management in the tourism industry.

100% Coursework

THE6014
Tourism Development and Ethical Consumption 20 credits

This module focuses on the dynamics of tourism development and on ethical consumption within the tourism and hospitality industry, introducing you to processes of development, to issues underlying local involvement and to the range of ethical concerns in developing countries. Drawing on approaches to ethical consumption, you will reflect upon your own and others’ understanding and practice, exploring ethical responses to business situations and undertaking in-depth reflection and critique of ‘real life’ scenarios.

100% Coursework

Progression routes
This foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree and you will benefit from experienced university lecturers.
Whilst successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification in its own right, you will be able to confidently progress onto Year 1 of:
Or one of the following programmes within Plymouth Business School:
 
 
 
 
 
 

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

 
 
 

Real experience every step of the way

We embed real employer engagement and CV-enhancing experiences throughout the course to ensure you're fully prepared for graduate success. Our optional placement year provides a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience, applying your academic knowledge in real-world environments. You'll develop a broad range of transferable skills and build a strong foundation for your future career. 
By graduation, you'll be equipped to enter the job market with purpose and stand out from other candidates, giving you a real advantage in securing your first role.
Young woman working in an office. Getty 2184233967
 
 
 

Placements 

You have the option to include a placement year after your second year in the programme, giving you the chance to work in a business or organisation for an extended period of time. Examples of placements previously undertaken by students include, Princess Cruises, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa, Rosewood Hotels Hong Kong and Country Club of Darien, USA.  

Study abroad

Opportunities to study a semester or year abroad during your second year at one of our partner institutions include, but aren't limited to: USA, Finland, Germany, Spain, Iceland, Slovenia, France and Australia. 
Tourism and Hospitality Field Work
 

Course highlights

Business meeting management leadership
Live consultancy projects
Generic image of a conference, talk or lecture.
Guest speakers
Jesse cruise student
Placement opportunities
 
 

Studying at Plymouth didn’t really change my career aspirations or plans, it helped me to prepare for them. I learnt how to work independently, how to work in groups, and how to find information for myself. Speaking in front of people, doing essays, the placement year – it really helps set you up for the future.

Yamir, BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management
Yamir graduated before setting up his own surf company, and is now CEO of Planet Surf Camps based in the Canary Islands.
Yamir Prieto surfing, BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management
 
 
 

A new home to cultivate business leaders

Our Fitzroy Building has been transformed, becoming the new home of the Plymouth Business School, providing students with specialist facilities and social learning spaces.
Among these spaces for business, management, accounting, finance and marketing students, you'll find the Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite for tracking stock markets and The Cube – support for our student and graduate entrepreneurs, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
Fitzroy Building from the outside
 
 
 

Meet your expert teaching staff

We’re Team Plymouth. As one of our team, we’re here to help you succeed. 
Our expert lecturers and your own personal tutor will be with you every step of the way.
Dr Zoe Roberts Lecturer in Tourism/Events Management


Lecturer in Tourism/Events Management

Programme Lead
Professor Sheela Agarwal Associate Head of School for Research and Innovation


Associate Head of School for Research and Innovation

Associate Head of School - Research and Innovation
Mrs Mandy Aggett Lecturer in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management


Lecturer in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management

Show all
 
 
 

Develop your leadership skills on the water

Making the most of our waterside location, we develop your essential leadership skills in a unique and unforgettable way – out on the water at Mount Batten Watersports Centre.
While classroom learning provides a solid foundation, practical experiences play a crucial role in shaping effective leaders.
During your first semester you are challenged to develop and reflect on your current capacity to lead and motivate one another through a series of challenges including rock climbing and abseiling, bell boating and orienteering.
Students kayaking at Mount Batten
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
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Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

Georgia Francis

I really enjoyed the course content! It covered so many topics from the relationship between tourism and crime, sustainable tourism, and film and literary tourism. It gave me a great knowledge of the industry and set me up really well for my placement year in travel. I gained a huge amount of industry insight, learnt new languages, improved my cross-cultural competence, developed research skills and refined my time management and teamwork skills.

Georgia
BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management graduate

 
 
 
Lai Ting Kwan

Plymouth offers many opportunities for students to gain experience, including field trips and operation visits, assistance on finding a placement job, as well as career investment. It makes our university life splendid and gives you every opportunity for a good career whilst having fun!

Lai Ting
BSc (Hons) International Tourism Management graduate

 
 

Careers with this subject

Our graduate managers are highly regarded by tour operators, destination management organisations and authorities, cruise companies, airlines, hotel chains and other organisations worldwide. Our graduates have gained employment with companies including, but not limited to: Virgin Atlantic, Ferrari World (Abu Dhabi), TUI, Hotel No5 Malaysia, and Flybe (pilot).
  • A

    88% of our international business management with foundation graduates felt that teaching staff supported their learning well

  • ]

    85% of our international business management with foundation graduates have gone on to work or further study

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Data is for BSc (Hons) Business Management.

Inspiring student and graduate entrepreneurs

From an idea to a fully-fledged business, the Cube offers advice, funding and support at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. The Cube can develop your creative skills and business acumen to maximise your future career.
“On my placement I ran my own business and got support from the Cube. They helped my business model and refine my skills.”
Samuel Jaffe
Workshop at The Cube

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about  fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
To be confirmed
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
To be confirmed
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
32+ UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.

A levels
32+ points from a minimum of 2 A levels.

BTEC
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: Pass PPP-MMP in any subject.
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

All Access courses
Pass Access course (any subject) plus GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4 or above or equivalent.

T level
Pass in any subject.

City and Guilds Level 3
We will accept with a minimum of Merit overall alongside a good GCSE profile, including English and Maths grade C / 4.

International Baccalaureate
24-25 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level.
English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5.

IELTS
If overseas and not studying English within IB – Must have IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
N842
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    32+ UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    N842
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    4 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth
     
     
     

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