Tourism is a global phenomenon, estimated to be worth around £5.5 trillion to the world economy, and almost £127 billion to the economy of the United Kingdom. Locally, tourism is worth £4.1 billion per annum to the Liverpool City Region, employing over 50,000 people. Liverpool, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a hugely popular tourism destination with its unique mixture of heritage and modernity and ambitious growth plans are in place, including the re-emergence of Liverpool as a cruise ship terminal. This popularity is well recognised, with the city recently voted as number 3 in the top cities in the world to visit (Rough Guides 2014) and third best tourist destination in the UK by TripAdvisor (2016). The fast-growing tourism industry offers a range of career opportunities in various tourism-related sectors such as creative arts, heritage, tourism planning, hospitality, leisure, marketing and events.
By studying tourism at LJMU you will be engaged in a student-centred, internationally focussed course that is underpinned by current research. Our tourism team consists of staff who are both experienced teachers and established researchers, combining their diverse cultural backgrounds with considerable international experience. The programme covers a diverse range of tourism-related subjects such as culture, heritage, society, management, leadership, marketing and sustainability providing you with practical skills as well as intellectual knowledge to enable you to work in this dynamic and ever expanding industry.
Practical experience is an extremely important part of your studies. Field trips are a regular part of your programme. Recent trips outside Liverpool include visiting organisations involved in tourism and leisure in York, Amsterdam and Nice. In addition, visiting guest lecturers and industry professionals regularly provide an 'insider's view' of the sector on campus.
As well as participating in field trips, you will undertake a four-week work placement in industry. Plus you will have the opportunity to complete an optional year-long sandwich placement (after your second year) which will help you gain practical professional experience either in the UK or overseas. We are currently working with several organisations that offer students the opportunity to spend their placement year in the hospitality industry overseas, including the USA.
Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the interest and ability to study for a degree, but do not have the qualifications to enter directly onto the International Tourism Management honours degree programme yet.
Once you pass the Foundation Year (level 3) you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).
One of the attractions of the programme is the sheer breadth and variety of subjects covered in this foundation year, providing you with an ideal platform of knowledge.
By choosing to study our Foundation Year you will join a friendly and stimulating environment in which you will be encouraged to achieve your full potential in both your academic work and your future career. We pride ourselves on our informal and supportive relationships with our students. You will be assigned a personal tutor who will be responsible for your academic and personal progress throughout your studies. Along with this scheduled one-to-one support, you will receive regular feedback and guidance from your module tutors on your research, writing and study skills.
