Tourism Management

Bachelor of Business (Honours)

Four tourism students at Blackrock Castle
Four tourism students at Blackrock Castle
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
30
Duration
4 Years
Course Code
MT 947
Entry Requirements
292 CAO Points in 2023 (round 1) and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 8

Dr Aisling Ward

T: +353 (0)21 433 5846

Email: (email)

Overview

The Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Tourism Management provides students with the expertise and knowledge needed to become a successful manager or entrepreneur in this challenging and exciting industry. This course has a strong emphasis on the broad business, management and marketing subjects complemented with tourism specific modules. Learning is based around class delivered lectures, field trips, practical lab classes, guest speakers, and both group and individual project work.

MTU Bishopstown Campus has an excellent reputation for working in partnership and consultation with the travel and tourism industry. The delivery of certain modules provides the student with the opportunity to engage actively with industry. In the past, projects have been conducted on behalf of Fota Wildlife Park, Kinsale Chamber of Tourism, Blackrock Castle, Spike Island Tourism Development Plan, Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce, Cork City Council, and Cork County Council.

In year 2, there is an elective module where students undertake a relevant five week period or equivalent of work placement in a chosen sector of the tourism industry. The placement is supported by a member of academic staff in conjunction with a supervisor or workplace mentor. The experience gained will enable the student to recognise his/her strengths and weaknesses regarding general competence and an awareness of the process involved in developing a career in the tourism industry

What will I study?

First year at a glance

  • The principles and practice involved in the general business of tourism
  • The Irish tourism experience and what the visitor can enjoy
  • Tourism geography
  • The basic conditions for managing a business operation, with an understanding of economics
  • Understanding the motivations and behaviour of the tourist/visitor
  • Learn a European language

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in six subjects i.e. H5 in two subjects and O6/H7 in four other subjects. The six subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates have numerous opportunities in this dynamic and exciting tourism industry both nationally and internationally. The range of skills throughout the course includes marketing, management, human resources, a language, social media, IT, communication, and customer services. These allow for the graduate to be flexible in terms of their employment prospects.

  • Festival and event management
  • Business tourism
  • Social media and E-tourism
  • Tourism promotion and marketing
  • Visitor attractions and activity management
  • Destination management organisations
  • Travel agencies and tour operations
  • Marketing, communications and promotion
  • Airports and airlines

Progression

Further Studies

Honours degree holders who achieve the specified level of academic performance are eligible to apply for a postgraduate course of study, both at MTU and at other third level colleges in Ireland and abroad.

Graduate Testimonial

Ollie Gleeson

Owner, Ollie’s Tours Co Clare – Award-winning Tours & Experiences

During my time at MTU, I was provided with two essential things that proved vital in my career as a tourism entrepreneur: focus and creative time. The 4-year program was solely based on business in the tourism sector, and I was fortunate to have access to fascinating guest speakers and opportunities to travel with purpose. The staff, mentors, and lecturers offered bundles of support, which meant the stage was set for me to succeed.  Looking back, I can confidently say that my time at MTU played a significant role in shaping me into the tourism entrepreneur that I am today.

Photo of Ollie Gleeson jumping near cliffs in County Clare

Question Time

Yes, there is an opportunity for students to engage in placement as part of the course in year 2.

No, but having a European language is very useful. In order to study French, you must have successfully completed Leaving Certificate French and in order to study German you must have successfully completed Junior Certificate German. Spanish is taught from an introductory stage.

NB: It should be noted that studying a language is mandatory for year one of the course.

The course provides the student with a broad range of business and entrepreneurial skills which are transferable to a wide range of service industries, such as finance, retail, education and IT in addition to general marketing and management businesses.

The nature of the tourism industry allows students to take up opportunities abroad and to travel and work overseas. Students are also provided with the opportunity to study for a semester abroad on an Erasmus or international programme in one of MTU’s partner institutions.

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