TRAVEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

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Contents


TRAVEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

PROGRESS CHART

DIPLOMA IN TRAVEL AGENCY MANAGEMENT

ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN TRAVEL AGENCY MANAGEMENT

OPTIONAL WORK PLACEMENT IN A RELEVANT FIELD

BSC (HONS) IN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT – TOP UP

2008 COURSE FEES & DATES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

TRAVEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Tourism is arguably the world’s single biggest industry, accounting for millions of jobs in the UK and around the world. Yet it is much more than an industry, it is a cultural activity capable of changing the world we live in and changing the way we look at our world. It is this cultural dynamic that we believe makes the study of travel and tourism exciting and important.

If you are thinking about taking a course to help you land your ideal job in the tourism industry then studying our BSc programme provides an excellent way to distinguish yourself in a competitive market.

Is this course for me?

Many of the students taking this course are school leavers who want to start a career in the travel and tourism industry. However, if you are already employed in the travel industry this course will enhance your qualifications and employability to enable you to work in a management position for the travel and tourism sector.

It doesn’t make a difference if you are a UK or International student because our qualifications are globally recognised and respected.

Entry Requirements:

• 2 A-Levels and 4 GCSEs (Grades A*-C)
IELTS certificate (with a score of at least 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
(Recognised international equivalents of these qualifications are acceptable. Students may also be exempt from A-Level requirements if they have substantial work experience.)

Start Dates:

• February / June / September

Course Location:

• London


Study Method:

• Full Time
• Part Time
• Flexible

Awarding Bodies:

• The Diploma and Advanced Diploma is awarded by CTHCM (Confederation of Tourism, Hotel and Catering Management) and endorsed by HCIMA, the Confederation of Tourism, Hotel and Catering Management
• The BSc in Travel & Tourism Management is accredited by the University of Sunderland


PROGRESS CHART

DIPLOMA IN TRAVEL AGENCY MANAGEMENT
(8 Months)

This course will introduce you to the major areas that make up the travel industry. You will gain a thorough understanding of the principles of each area which will be the foundation for your further studies.

Course Modules:(Please Click on Module for more information)

1. Travel Geography

Travel Geography gives you an overall understanding of both domestic and international travel geography. The syllabus covers different travel locations and how various forms of international travel resources (including coastal beach development, wildlife resorts, national parks, etc) attract tourists.

You will study world tourism patterns and the direction of flow that tourists follow. Finally, you will investigate important issues that affect the development of tourism destinations.

2. The Tourism Industry

The aim of this module is to give you an overall understanding of the nature and history of tourism so that you will be able to evaluate the impact of tourism on a country’s economy, community and the environment.

To increase your understanding of the tourist as an individual, this module also looks at a range of tourist needs and the factors that motivates them to travel. You will also learn about the development and distribution of tourism products.

3. Business Computing

Business Computing will teach you how to use Computing for different purposes in the business environment through some common computer programmes.

After successfully completing this module, you will be able to apply basic word-processing techniques on Microsoft Word and construct simple spreadsheets on Microsoft Excel. You will also have a thorough understanding of how to use basic database applications through Microsoft Access and apply presentation tools through Microsoft PowerPoint.

4. Travel Agency and Tour Guiding Operations

This module is an introduction to the principles and practices of the retail travel industry and tour guide operations. As part of the syllabus, you will assess the nature and development of travel agency products and services and look into the legal considerations involved when operating a travel agency.

You will also evaluate the internal procedures and activities that managers have to control when they run a travel agency. Finally, the characteristics and techniques that travel consultants and tour guides need to operate successfully will be investigated.

5. Computer Reservation System (Galileo)

This course has been designed in a logical step-by-step format to teach you how to use Galileo, one of the most popular Computerised Reservation Systems (CRS) on which the travel industry depends.

To develop your skills you will learn about checking flight availability, reserving seats on scheduled air services, arranging car hire and making accommodation or car hire bookings.

Other topics this module cover include encoding and decoding cities, retrieving and amending bookings, seat selection, dealing with special requests like wheelchair access and handling queues.

6. Fares & Ticketing Level 1 (Virgin Atlantic)

Skills that you learn in this course will provide you with the basic knowledge you need to become a professional within the travel industry. It will give you a through introduction to the practical skills involved in planning, quoting and booking flights.

You will also explore IATA Geographical Areas and Global Indicators plus the IATA Airline coding system, how to identify different fares and ticket types. You will investigate different baggage allowances and learn about various tax and security charges.

7. Fares & Ticketing Level 2 (Virgin Atlantic)

In this course you will build on the skills that you have acquired in your VA1 course. It will provide you with essential in-depth knowledge of the systems so that you will be prepared to answer the Fares and Ticketing questions that you will face from customers in the real world.

8. Introduction to Business Operations

Introduction to Business Operations will give you a broad overview focusing on the complex world of travel and tourism business operations.

It will provide you with an overview of the separate functions and activities that managers have to carry out in modern organisation. You will learn about the critical issues that affect all businesses world wide and how to evaluate these issues to optimise business performance.

9. Marketing

Skills you learn in this course will enable you to investigate the concepts of marketing from a tourism perspective, analyse the role of the marketing mix, evaluate the components that make up the promotional mix and analyse the marketing cycle in a hospitality and tourism environment.

10. Finance for the Travel Industry

This module will teach you about the knowledge, skills and techniques that managers require to make important decisions in the travel industry. You will also learn how to investigate and interpret financial accounts and examine the importance of costs and profit in the travel agency.

Sample Timetable:

You have a choice of completing the course in either 8 or 12 months. The length of study you choose will determine how your modules will be spread over the terms.

The 8 month option:

If you complete the course in 8 months, there will be two 4 month terms and if you are studying full-time, you will start with 5 modules of your choice for the first term and then complete the remaining 5 modules over the second term.

The 12 month option:

If you choose to complete the course in 12 months, there will be three 4 month terms. You can now start with either 3 or 4 modules of your choice so that the modules will be spread evenly over the total period. For example, you can take 4, 4 and then 3 modules each term.

The flexibility of this course allows part-time students to take fewer modules at a time and extend the length of their studies.

Please note:

This sample timetable serves as an example only to give you a rough idea of how classes will be organised and scheduled during this course. Modules, lecturers and course days are subject to change from term to term.

ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN TRAVEL AGENCY MANAGEMENT (4 Months)

In the Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management you will build on the knowledge you have gained from prior studies. You will learn how to make decisions, solve problems and carry out research as a manager in the tourism industry.

Course Modules:(Please click on module for more information)

1. Tour Operation

This module will give you the opportunity to investigate the Tour Operations sector of the travel and tourism industry, including different types of operators, their products and services, the size of the tourism sector and how it is influenced by trends and developments.

In this unit you will also explore the different techniques for predicting the value of currency valuations and how to take appropriate action. You will look into the legal framework under which tour operation takes place and learn how to compile and implement various policies. Finally you will explore the different marketing options available to tour companies.

2. Management Accounting

In this module you will learn about the financial and accounting records used in the Hospitality Industry and how they can assist managers to make quality decisions. You will study in detail about Sales & Cash Budgeting, Marginal Costing and Financial Accounts for internal use.

3. Strategic Tourism Management

Strategic Tourism Management is designed to make you aware of the strategic planning process and how it influences organisations in the travel industry. You will gain a thorough understanding of tourism policy making and learn how to establish and apply innovative strategic planning approaches that are in line with corporate policies.

You will learn about the relationship between policy and practice and how to develop effective mechanisms to monitor issues and trends. Finally you will explore the necessary tools needed to analyse, define, plan and manage the changing tourism environment.

4. Sustainable Tourism & Destination Management

The aim of this subject is to help you reflect on key issues that you have learnt about at Diploma level and how they relate to each other. This will give help you see the “bigger picture” of how to manage a tourism destination and use sustainable tourism methods.

You will also learn how to report critically on the principles and practices involved in eco-tourism. To develop your practical skills you will be trained to apply development theories to specific tourism destination.

5. Human Resource Management (HRM)

The purpose of this module is to give you the underpinning knowledge and skills of Human Resource Management that leaders will need in the hospitality industry. This module will teach you how managers of all levels can impact the efficiency of an organisation. You will analyse the legal framework that guides HRM policies and practices.

Skills you will learn in this module will also enable you to select strategies for recruitment, placement and training of staff, decide on appropriate remuneration or reward packages and finally how to effectively delegate responsibilities to employees in the various levels of the organisational structure.

6. Management Research Report

This module offers you the opportunity to carry out a research report that involves analysing and interpreting data and making recommendations for future action. The aim of this module is to develop your independent research and study skills. You will learn how to collect relevant data, interpret this data and present it in an appropriate format on a subject of your choice.


Sample Timetable:


You have the option of completing this course in either 4 or 8 months and the option you choose will determine how your modules will be spread over the length of the course.

The 4 month option:

If you choose this option the course will be divided into two 2 month terms. You can choose 3 modules of your choice to complete in the first term and then complete the remaining 3 modules in the second term.

The 8 month option:

For this option your course will be divided into two 4 month terms. You may choose 3 modules of your choice to start with and then complete the remaining 3 modules in the second term.

The flexibility of this course allows part-time students to take fewer modules at a time and extend the length of their studies.

Please note:

This sample timetable serves as an example only to give you a rough idea of how classes will be organised and scheduled during this course. Modules, lecturers and course days are subject to change from term to term.

OPTIONAL WORK PLACEMENT IN A RELEVANT FIELD (1 Year)

You have the option to undertake work placement for up to 6 months as part of your sandwich degree programme.

This is the perfect opportunity to practice what you have learnt so far in real life situations, plus you will gain the important experience employers prefer when they choose between job applicants. Work placement is a great way to enhance your CV and can be a “foot in the door” to your dream job. Oxford House Collage will arrange placement for you in an area related to hospitality.

Put simply, companies want people who can start working from day one, so the more you know before you start, the better your chances of being considered for a full time job after you graduate.

Your tasks will include ticket and accommodation booking plus basic administration duties.

We cannot guarantee payment for work placements but employers usually pay the minimum wage to cover your living expenses. Please remember that the main objective is for you to gain valuable experience. You will receive support from Oxford House College throughout your work placement.

Please note that work placement can only be taken in between the Advanced Diploma and your Top Up year as part of the sandwich degree.

BSc (Hons) IN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT – TOP UP
(1Year)

In your final year you will develop your managerial skills in key tourism and hospitality areas. After successful completion of this course, you will be able to plan, develop and implement management strategies and goals.

Course Modules:(Please click on module for more information)

1. International Hospitality Management

International Hospitality Management will cover a wide range of aspects relevant to the hospitality industries. Since the focus will be on contemporary issues the exact content will vary from year to year.

However, topics you will cover include the impact of globalization on the hospitality industry, strategic hospitality management, change management in the hospitality industries, international marketing and branding, global trend analysis, the impact of IT, event management and finally food management in the hospitality industry.

2. Strategic Planning for Tourism & Leisure

This module investigates the goals, rationale, scope and nature of visitor industry planning. You will evaluate standard techniques and approaches that managers use in the visitor industry to carry out the strategic planning process effectively.

Other skills you will develop during this course include applying the principles and practices of marketing at the strategic level and carrying out strategic planning within the practical constraints associated with tourism in a mixed economy.

3. E-Tourism

There is an important relationship between IT and tourism which impacts future potential developments in the travel industry. This module will give you a fundamental understanding of both backgrounds and how they relate to each other. After successfully completing E-Tourism, you will be able to critically evaluate tourism web sites, travel recommendation systems and decision support systems.

Practical skills you will gain will enable you to develop new travel websites and recommendation systems and communicate your ideas in written form.

4. Urban Tourism

The urban environment has only recently been rediscovered as a tourist destination. Tourist arrivals in cities are constantly growing and increasingly more research has been undertaken to investigate the phenomenon of urban tourism.

In this module, you will explore topics such as the historical background and the development of urban tourism, tourism as a key to urban regeneration, the demographic, socio-economic and psychographic profile of the urban tourist, managing urban tourism and trends in urban tourism.

Practical skills you will develop during the course will enable you to conduct independent research, interpret and apply concepts and data in the field of tourism, as well as to present research results in a professional and creative way.

5. International Tourism & Hospitality Management Major Project

For this module you be required to design and implement a major primary research project on a topic of your interest in the International Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

Specifically, you will have to develop and apply the following skills: designing and focusing research, collecting empirical data and presenting it in a written and visual form, writing a research proposal, formulating aims and objectives, selecting and implementing research methods, conducting a literature review, correct referencing and bibliographies and the use of computer packages.

Sample Timetable:


This course can either be completed in 9 or 12 months and the option you choose will determine how your modules are spread over the terms.

The 9 month option:

If you choose the 9 month option your course will be divided into three 3 month terms. You will complete two modules in the first term, two more in the second term and then your major project in the final term.

The 12 month option:

The course will be divided into two 6 month terms. You may choose to start with 2 or 3 modules and complete the remaining modules in the second term.
Our full-time students normally take Urban Tourism, E-Tourism and Research Methods in the first term and the remaining 2 modules in the second term.

Subject to visa requirements, the flexibility of this course allows you to take fewer modules if you find the modules too demanding. Just remember that this will spread your study time over a longer period.

Please note:

This sample timetable serves as an example only to give you a rough idea of how classes will be organised and scheduled during this course. Modules, lecturers and course days are subject to change from term to term.

*At this level you are required to pay CTHCM exam fees of £25 per module.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How can I enrol?

You will have to fill out the School of Management & Computing Application Form, which can be downloaded from our website at: (http://www.oxfordhousecollege.co.uk/info/management/SMC_CourseApplicationForm.pdf )
We will also require your CV and copies of all your relevant educational qualifications.

The next step is to return your completed form to us through one of the following methods:
Post:
Director of Management & Computer Studies
Oxford House College
28 Market Place
London, W1W 8AW
United Kingdom
Email:admission@oxfordhousegroup.com
Fax:
+44 (0) 20 7323 4582

We aim to process your application within 48 hours but please remember to allow more time if you sent your application form to us by post.

Once we have processed your application form we will send you a “Conditional Acceptance Letter” to confirm your enrolment.

If you are applying for a student visa you have to pay the minimum deposit (see question 2) we require before we can send you a “Conditional Acceptance Letter” which is suitable for visa applications.

2. How much do I have to pay as a minimum deposit?

This will depend on your nationality:
• If you are an EU National, you must pay at least 1/3 of the total course fees before your course starts.
• If you are a Non-EU National, you must pay at least ½ of the total course fees before your course starts.

3. How can I pay?

You can pay by cheque, credit card, bank transfer or in cash.
Our bank details are:
Barclays Bank Marble Arch Corporate Banking
PO Box 32012
London
NW1 2ZH
Bank Sort Code: 20-65-63
Account Number: 60112127
Account Name: Oxford House College
SWEFT code: BARC GB22
IBAN Code: GB09BARC 206563 60112127

4. Can I apply for a scholarship?

We do offer scholarships to selected students in the form of a fee reduction of up to £3000 per year. To apply for a scholarship you must write an essay of about 500 words entitled: “Why should I receive a grant and what can I bring to enhance the Oxford House College Community?

Please submit this essay together with your application form and other documents to The Director of Management & Computer Studies. Your specific situation and financial circumstances (as outlined in your letter) will be considered when we make our decision.

5. How long do I need to study for?

You can complete the full BSc programme in only 2 years if you want to study full-time. Part-time students take fewer modules at a time to reduce the workload but just remember that this means you will take longer to complete your course.

The course is divided into different stages so you can start at a level that suits your current academic qualifications. You can finish your studies after the Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Work Placement or BSc depending on what you feel your education and employment needs are.

You will receive a globally recognised diploma after each stage.

6. What is the attendance policy at Oxford House College?

In order to comply with various regulations, we expect our students to attend a minimum of 85% of their classes throughout their course. Teachers will keep a record of each student’s attendance throughout the term.

You will be marked absent if you arrive more than 20 minutes late for class or leave the class more than 20 minutes early. You are only allowed to be absent for a maximum of 4 classes per module each term and will be sent a warning letter after each class that you miss.
You will get 3 warning letters, after which you face expulsion from the school. If you are ill or have an emergency, you need to inform your teacher who will excuse you from the class.

7. Can Oxford House College give me a place to stay while I study?

If you need a place to stay while you study we offer a choice of Hostel accommodation or Homestay with a host family at affordable prices. We want your stay to be special so our Accommodation Officers are trained to find you a place that suits your lifestyle.

8. What qualifies as a full-time student?

In order to qualify as a full-term student you need to take at least 3 modules per term. Because our courses are fast-track some students find 4 or 5 modules per term a bit demanding. It is possible to reduce the number of modules you take but it is important to understand that you will then spread your study period over a longer time.

9. Is this college accredited to support me if I am on a student visa?

A large proportion of our students come from other countries and are applying for a student visa at the time they enrol with us, so we are fully aware of the UK Home Office’s requirements.

Oxford House College and all its partners are fully accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC), Education UK, The British Council, UCAS (registration number 40445) the Department for Educational Skills (DfES): registration number 23306.


Please note that we are not authorised to offer any advice on visa requirements and apart from issuing your “Unconditional Acceptance Letter” which you will need for your visa application, we do not offer any further visa assistance.

Please consult immigration solicitors who can give you expert advice on visa applications or you can contact the UK Home Office or your local UK Embassy for advice on visa requirements.

Useful Links:

- You can find more information on UK visas and entry clearance at www.ukvisas.gov.uk

- Visit the Home Office website on Immigration and Nationality for more information about extending your student visas & other visa categories at
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/passports-and-immigration/visas/

- You can find out information on visa processing times and procedures from the Foreign & Commonwealth office at http://www.fco.gov.uk and a list of British Consulates worldwide can be found at http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029395231

10. Who is CTHCM and HCIMA?

The Confederation of Travel, Hotel and Catering Management (CTHCM) was established in 1982 to provide recognised standards of vocational and management syllabi, examinations and awards appropriate to the needs of the hotel and travel industries.

CTHCM works with approved centres worldwide and is acknowledged by leading hotel and travel industry organisations. Indeed, CTHCM is the only established specialist professional body in the UK focusing on the training needs of new entrants to the hospitality and tourism industries.

Oxford House College is accredited to offer CTHCM professional qualifications.


“The Hotel & Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) was formed in 1971 and is the only internationally recognised professional management association for managers in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industries.
CTHCM programmes have been awarded HCIMA endorsement so all learners on CTHCM diploma programmes are eligible for Affiliate Membership of the HCIMA and learners who successfully complete the CTHCM Advanced Diploma programmes are eligible to apply for Associate (AHCIMA) membership” - CTHCM

11. Who is Sunderland University?

The University of Sunderland is a modern, dynamic university with high standards of teaching and research and a growing reputation as the university for enterprise, employment and opportunity. The city itself is a great place to live and work-right in the hearty of the buzzing North East of England.
The University of Sunderland has an international outlook and students from across the globe choose to study on its accredited programmes in partner institutions or on campus.

Website: www.sunderland.ac.uk
Email: student-helpline@sunderland.ac.uk
Course Helpline: +44 (0)191 515 3000

Oxford House College is accredited to run University of Sunderland degree programmes.

12. What kind of job can I look for after the course?

After successfully completing this programme you will be professionally qualified to work as a manager in various travel and tourism related areas including travel agencies, tour operation and airlines with further specialisation in administration, financial, human resource and project management roles. You will find that investing in your education has given you a head-start in a rapidly developing industry.

13. What happens if I fail a module?

If you fail a module at Diploma level, you may resit the examination in the next session for a £25 fee. At Advanced Diploma level the resit fee is £30 and £110 per module in your final year. You are welcome to attend the class for a module that you have failed or you can just resit the exam.

14. What do the course fees include?

Course fees include lectures, your study guide, access to modern computer facilities and internet access plus wireless connectivity if you have your own laptop.

Course fees do not include exam registration, resit and exemption fees, maintenance costs or additional study materials.

For further details please contact

Oxford House College
28 Market Place,
London, W1W 8AW

Tel: +44 (0)20 7436 4872
Fax : +44 (0)20 7323 4582
info@oxfordhouse.co.uk