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

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. Arden 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.

Arden 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.

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.

Course fee

International Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£4000

UK Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English proficiency

IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; 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.

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.

Apply for the Course

Enquire Now

Course details and modules

Arden’s foundation year modules have been designed to give you a tailored and fully supportive introduction to university study. This first year of study will prepare you for success in higher education by introducing you to the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge required to excel in your chosen degree subject.

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 Arden 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 Arden 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.

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

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 Arden students, however, aim to complete the course within 4 to 6 years.

Foundation Year

Preparing for University Success
Exploring the Business Environment
Advancing your Academic Skills
Becoming an Effective Leader
Planning for Your Future Success
Investigation & Innovation Project

Level 4

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)

Level 5

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)

Level 6

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)

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. Arden 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 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 Arden 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 Manager
Destination Manager
Hotel Manager
Travel Consultant
Sales Manager
Business Development Executive
Marketing Executive
Operations Manager
Tour Manager
Travel Agency Manager
Event Organiser
Travel Administrator

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 Arden 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 Arden 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.

During your Foundation Year, you’ll get comprehensive support and preparation for your university journey, including:

Introduction and preparation: Arden Foundation Year courses introduce you to university-level teaching, learning, and assessment methods. You’ll develop essential study skills, research techniques, and critical thinking abilities, laying a strong foundation for your degree studies.

Personalised support: Arden academic staff will guide you throughout your Foundation Year. They’ll ensure a smooth transition into your degree programme, providing the support you need every step of the way.

Direct relevance to your future degree: your programme content is carefully designed to align with Arden’s degree courses. Studying a Foundation Year will equip you with subject-specific knowledge and interdisciplinary exploration, establishing a solid base for your chosen degree.

Improved degree outcomes: we prioritise not only your academic preparation but also your success. By boosting your confidence, academic skills, and understanding of the subjects, we empower you to achieve the best possible degree outcomes and expand your career opportunities.

Full time, blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose Arden blended learning study mode, you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at Arden centrally located Berlin campus. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, Arden university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to Arden 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.

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.

Arden 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 access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree 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 Arden 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 Arden 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.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.