Tourism and Events Management

Develop professional and creative skills ready for a career in the exciting world of tourism and events management.

• Build expertise in the fast‑growing events and tourism sectors by exploring the experience economy, consumer behaviour, and the social, cultural and economic forces shaping global destinations.

• Work on practical projects, complete authentic assessments, and access placement opportunities that boost your skills and employability.

• Explore events and tourism management from a broader business perspective to future-proof your career.

The BA (Hons) Tourism and Events Management degree gives you the chance to explore two of the most exciting and fast‑growing areas of the global experience economy. You’ll discover how events and tourism shape communities, cultures and destinations, while learning what makes memorable, meaningful and sustainable experiences.

You'll make the most of the local and regional context of Bath and the South West as a busy tourist destination. The region is a rich cultural destination with internationally renowned attractions, from coasts to heritage sites, to bustling cities and quaint villages. You'll develop your network by working with hotels and public sector organisations, such as local councils or tourism boards, on real-life client briefs, giving you a solid basis on which to build your career.

You'll benefit from a comprehensive business and management education alongside the specialised events and tourism module. This will help you prepare for potential careers in a range of business functions, both within and outside the events and tourism sector, giving you flexibility in planning your professional future.

You'll look at tourism management in an international context, discussing contemporary issues such as sustainability, globalisation, innovations and creativity in the industry. You'll benefit from the views, knowledge and ideas of our international community of students, speakers and educators.

Throughout your degree, you’ll blend theory with hands‑on practice, working on real projects and even delivering live events. You’ll develop creative, analytical and professional skills that employers in these industries are looking for. Most importantly, you’ll be supported to grow into a responsible, ethical and confident practitioner ready to make a positive impact in the world of events and tourism and beyond.

Course structure

Year one
In your first year, you'll explore how the experience economy evolved and how events and tourism operate within it.

You'll gain an understanding of consumer expectations and how this impacts experiences in events and tourism. You'll also look at the global context and its impact on tourism.

You’ll begin developing core business knowledge in areas such as marketing and organisational management, as well as key skills in data analytics.

Year two

You'll deepen your understanding of how events and tourism operate. You'll develop skills in event management and get to showcase these through the planning and delivery of an event.

You'll explore how tourism is affected by aspects such as culture, heritage and sustainability. In addition to developing project management skills, you'll also enhance your creative thinking skills - essential for bringing innovative ideas to life. You'll complete a work placement, gaining invaluable industry experiences which will enhance your employability and allow you to develop your plans for your future career. You'll also have the opportunity to study either human resource management or undertake an Enterprise challenge.

Year 3

In your final year, you'll study how tourism organisations are structured and what this means for strategic and responsible management.

There will be a focus on exploring how event experiences can be a force for good, designing a live event which aims to create meaningful and positive impact in the community.

You'll evaluate sustainable and ethical practice in organisations and have the opportunity to explore strategy or leadership in depth.

There will be the opportunity to specialise in an are you're interested in through a major independent project. This can be either research‑based or industry‑focused.

By the end of the year, you’ll have the confidence, professional skills and applied experience needed to step into the events and tourism industry as a capable and reflective practitioner.

Professional Placement Year

A Professional Placement Year (PPY), traditionally known as a sandwich year, is where you undertake a period of work with an external organisation for between 9-13 months. The placement occurs between your second and final years of undergraduate study. You can engage in multiple placements to make up the total time and are required to source the placement(s) yourself, with support from the Careers team.