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1. Introduction to the Programme

The BA (Hons) in Travel and Tourism Management (BATTM) Programme is a four-year full-time course of modular studies. Years 1, 2 & 4 are IBS-based; Year 3 is employment experience (Placement). The programme is delivered in English. Tourism is multi-faceted and the purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the various components of the global industry whilst allowing deeper understanding of the strategic management in a number of areas, such as Hospitality, Tour Operations and Resorts & Attractions.

2. Programme Learning Outcomes

When you have successfully completed the BA (Honours) in Travel and Tourism Management, you will have developed a critical awareness of the travel & tourism industry environment together with effective business skills, in particular:
BATTM graduates will have an understanding of the meaning and nature of tourism, including some in-depth considerations of the most contemporary theories and concepts relating to ethical and sustainable tourism. You are introduced to the global scope of tourism, including not only the industrial, business and management issues, but also those that relate to political, environmental, social and cultural impacts. Many modules also focus on issues relating to the tourist experience, visitor management and interpretation, as well as examining the nature of demand and motivation, including the impacts of marketing.
Besides the theoretical concepts, you will gain practical insights and experience which will help in obtaining a first job, which often results from successful completion of the work placement.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

By the end of the BATTM programme  you will have acquired

  • A specialised knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of travel and tourism development and management at strategic levels.
  • A general understanding of business, economics, law, financial management and IT.
  • A high level of proficiency is achieved in written and oral in English with a particular emphasis on the practical use of the language in a travel & tourism business context, plus proficiency in another foreign language. 

DISCIPLINARY / PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

By the end of the programme you will have

  • The ability to forecast trends and assess the viability of new and existing enterprises in the travel & tourism industry.
  • Become familiar with the operation and design of various types and structures of tourism enterprises.
  • Gained specialised knowledge about the role, functions and environment of the travel & tourism industry both globally & regionally.
  • Applied principles of business and management to practical situations by completing travel & tourism industry-related work placement in Hungary or abroad.
  • Used IT applications for placement and research work. 

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

By the end of the programme you will have

  • Searched for, analysed and interpreted information systematically.
  • Developed critical thinking skills.
  • Practised effective presentation and communication skills.
  • Solved problems creatively.
  • Learned the essentials of working in teams.
  • Practised self-management and self-evaluation. 

3. Programme Structure

Almost all undergraduate Programmes at IBS start with a Common First Year – the first year of BA studies, whose academic programme is the same for all validated BA programmes. Students are asked to decide which of these programmes they wish to follow at the end of the first academic year. The choice is free, but for students who complete the Common Year in Hungarian the prerequisite of continuing on the programmes that are delivered in English is passing the minimum level at the Single English Test at IBS (SETI) exam at the end of the Common Year. In addition, a sufficient number of students is needed for a programme to go ahead from Year 2. The BATTM programme consists of compulsory and optional modules. A module is a discrete unit of study lasting one semester. In broad terms, the modules address one of the following categories of study: industry specialisation, related business skills, in-depth investigation of specialist sectors and languages.

SKILLS

The teaching of related business skills is a key part of the curriculum. Tourism practitioners require good research and analytical skills for example, and the importance of effective Human Relations development cannot be overstressed. IT skills are also vital due to the changing landscape of communication within the industry and with customers. As part of the programme, you will gain valuable insights into how to study effectively and ultimately write the final dissertation.

GENERAL BUSINESS BACKGROUND

You will be introduced to the basic tools required to operate effectively in a general business environment. Key concepts are provided from related disciplines which then allow the areas of knowledge specific to the travel and tourism industry to be well-founded. These modules, taught in common with the BA in Business Studies (BABS), BA in Finance and Accounting (BAFIN) and BA in International Business Relations (BAIBR) programmes, form this economic and methodological foundation. The basic methodological tools and key concepts of economics and statistics, along with business mathematics, statistics, accounting, information technology and marketing are thus introduced. The legal environment is dealt with in the relevant modules.

TOURISM SPECIALISATION

The greater part of the programme is naturally devoted to the study of a variety of issues related to the international Travel & Tourism industry. Significant opportunities are provided for you to focus on areas which particularly interest them, even as early as the third semester. This process is reinforced throughout the course by the provision of a choice of specialised subjects and options, together with travel & tourism industry work placements and of course the final dissertation.

In the first year, the necessary foundations are acquired, creating a firm business and research base for later activities. In these basic modules much time and attention will be given to ensure that key concepts are properly and thoroughly explained and understood. You will then continue in the second year by exploring the elements of the Travel & Tourism industry according to the 4A’s concept of tourism analysis. This means developing a view of
travel and tourism Attractions, Access & Information Issues, Accommodation including catering and retail and also dealing with the Attitudes of governments, the host population and the tourists themselves. The BATTM programme emphasizes the teaching of practical, ready-to-use, real life concepts and procedures. Before going to a work placement, you will have the opportunity to master many of the skills that you will need in the Travel & Tourism workplace. During this important period IBS will provide considerable support in person, or by telephone and e-mail contact, as well as giving you professional advice on your work. The quality and relevance of the placement is of prime importance, and placements that provide an opportunity to undertake real business tasks are prioritized. It is not unusual for IBS students to be offered permanent employment by the placement provider.

The modules in the final year of study build on previous paths and provide further opportunities to develop an in-depth understanding of current tourism issues. It is the aim of this course that graduates will find responsible, quality roles within the Travel & Tourism industry, and be able to ‘hit the ground running’. Final year options which are offered, subject to demand, cover such areas as Spas and Wellness, Culture & History in Tourism and Accommodation, Catering & Retailing for Tourism. These provide the opportunity for both Hungarian and overseas students to find tourism segments relevant to their needs and interests.

DISSERTATION OR PROJECT WORK

In year 4, you must prepare and submit a dissertation or a project work. You are free to decide which one of the two you choose, but the choice must be made at the beginning of Year 4 and cannot be changed later. The two tasks are similar in that they are both a single piece of work which focuses on a specific aspect of business. They are different in their approach: while the dissertation takes a more academic approach, the project work is more closely linked to real business-life issues. Whichever task you choose, you will be allocated experienced Supervisors who will provide direction and advice throughout the period of research and preparation. The dissertation provides you with the opportunity to carry out a detailed study of a topic in which you have a particular interest. This may concern your field of specialization or any other relevant interest.
The project work may be related to the work you did during Placement or to any other business issue that you have specific knowledge of. It should be based on primary sources gathered within an organization, and should be an in-depth, rigorous piece of work based on a foundation of theoretical and practical literature. The topic of the project should be related to the core topics of your programme.

FINAL EXAMINATIONS

In order to receive an award, you are required to take a final examination. In order to qualify for the final examination as a candidate you

  • Must have acquired a final certificate (“absolutorium”) certifying that the required number and composition of credits has been collected.
  • Must have successfully completed the Placement year.
  • Must have a dissertation or a project work ready & marked by two markers -- one being an external marker.

4. Employment

Here are just a few areas where graduates with this degree can pursue a career: Management of International Hotels, Airlines, Catering & Banqueting, Conference & Event Organisation, Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Cruise Ships, Spa & Wellness and Medical Tourism, Resort Management, Theme Parks, Destination Marketing & Development Consultancy, Ski Resorts and National Tourism Offices.