Introduction

Internationally, tourism is considered to be the world's largest and fastest growing commercial sector (UNWTO, 2012). This brings both opportunities and challenges regarding the development of new products, businesses and destinations. By completing a Bachelor's degree in Tourism and Management you will acquire knowledge and skills in strategic and sustainable management. These will enable you to take an active role in shaping the future of tourism.

During the first two years of the study programme, you will acquire basic knowledge, skills and general competence in the establishment, management and development of businesses and destinations in the tourism sector. In the final year you can opt to specialise in one of the following areas:

a) tourism marketing

b) international tourism

c) cultural tourism

It may also be possible to specialise in other areas, but this will be subject to the agreement of teaching staff and will depend on timetabling and other practical considerations.

After graduation you will be qualified for, among other things, employment as a middle manager in businesses in the tourism sector, tourism organisations, voluntary organisations, and institutions both in Norway and abroad. Graduates are also eligible to apply to Master's programmes both in Norway and abroad. The study programme is linked to the three-year Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and some courses are common to both study programmes. This means that you will acquire competences that can also be used in areas of business other than tourism.

This is an exciting study programme that includes visits to tourism businesses and field trips within Norway and abroad. The study programme maintains close links with the tourism sector. Accordingly, you can start building up a network of contacts while you are still a student. Among other things, we have entered into a special cooperation agreement with local tourism businesses. This covers cooperation on lectures, coursework, internships, and Bachelor's theses. This is very useful when you start looking for employment. Our top-achieving students also have the opportunity to take up paid internships after finishing their degrees.

In addition, the campus at Bø, Telemark is also well known for having one of the best study environments in Norway: not too big, and not too small – but just right.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The study programme is aimed at anyone wishing to work as a manager in the tourism sector either in Norway or abroad.

To be accepted to the study programme, students must meet general admission requirements or have prior experiential learning (and they must have achieved a minimum grade average of three from their Norwegian upper secondary education).

Aim of the Programme

The objective of the study programme is to provide students with knowledge, skills and general competence in the management of tourism businesses and destinations. In addition, the study programme attaches importance to the development of knowledge and skills in relation to the development of tourism products, event management, and to the development of new concepts for tourist attractions.

Learning outcome

After successfully completing the study programme, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate:

• Knows how to establish, manage and develop tourism businesses and destinations, and of the challenges that he/she may encounter
• Knows how to develop tourism products and attractions with a particular regard to trends in the current market
• Has knowledge of basic concepts, theories and methods relevant to a career in the tourism sector

Skills

The candidate can:

• Apply concepts, theories and methods to solve practical problems

General competence

The candidate:

• Has the ability to independently and in collaboration with others to select, analyse and critically evaluate the appropriateness of applied concepts, theories and methods
• Has the ability independently to formulate, reflect upon and critically evaluate questions, challenges and opportunities in the tourism industry, and outline solutions
• Has insight and knowledge in one specific area of ​​specialisation in tourism through specialisation studies in the 3rd year of the study programme
• Can express themselves orally and in writing for both an academic and tourism industry-oriented audience

Curriculum and structure

The study programme is progressive. The first and second years of study are common to all Tourism and Management students. In the third semester it is possible to specialize in your field of interest; the chosen specialization will be continued in the 3rd year where you can choose to complete the specialization in three different ways:

I. Obligatory courses (15 ECTS) and optional courses in Bø (15 ECTS) in the 5th semester combined with Bachelor’s thesis (15 ECTS) and optional courses (15 ECTS) in the 6th semester.

II. Study abroad (30 ECTS) in the 5th semester combined with Bachelor’s thesis (15 ECTS) and optional courses (15 ECTS) in the 6th semester.

III. Internship in a tourism business/destination in Norway or abroad (30 ECTS) combines with a Bachelor’s thesis (15 ECTS) and optional courses (15 ECTS) in the 6th semester.

The entire study programme consists of 180 ECTS credits, divided into 30 ECTS credits per semester. Successful candidates will be awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management. The study programme courses are normally of one semester duration each.

Optional courses
The study programme offers suggestions for the choice of optional courses. Students may freely choose optional courses within the university college’s study programmes; for a list of courses available, see the other study programmes at the university college. However, the study programme timetable and examination plan may restrict this choice. In some contexts, it will be important to make sure you choose the appropriate optional courses with respect to gaining admission to other study programmes.

Company visits and study trips

Visits to companies and study trips involving pre- and follow-up work are an important and obligatory part of the study programme. Students must expect to pay part of the trip costs themselves.

Internationalization

Students can include study abroad as part of their studies in two ways:

• In the 5th semester: work / practical training in a tourism business or organization abroad.
• Carry out part of your studies at one of our many international partners.
  

The students should make themselves familiar with the agreements and funding that is available. Information may be found at the following website: http://www.hit.no/nor/HiT/AA-studere-ved-HiT/AA-studere-i-utlandet/Utveksling-fra-HiT/Hvor-kan-jeg-reise/HiTs-avtalepartnere In addition, the International Office at Bø campus can provide information.

Teaching and Learning Methods

You will gain insight into the key areas necessary to enable you to develop and manage tourism businesses or destinations. These include strategy, finance, personnel management, project-based work, and marketing. Through a problem-based learning (PBL) platform, you will learn to apply concepts, theories and methods from key areas in order to resolve practical problems relating to the tourism sector.

Varied teaching and learning methods will be used in the courses included in the study programme, including lectures, seminars, individual assignments, company visits and study trips.

Much of the learning takes place in small groups and through teamwork. The lecturers provide students with close professional guidance, which is possible due to the small student groups. At the Bø campus, the doors are open to enthusiastic students, enabling easy contact with lecturers, college administration and study counsellors.

Scope of studies
The expected scope of work amounts to 1,600 hours per 60 ECTS credits per year, which corresponds to approximately 27 hours per ECTS credit.

Theory and Practical Training

Through a problem-based teaching platform, the students will gain experience and expertise in applying relevant concepts, theories and methods to solve practical problems.

Assessment Methods

Candidates will be assessed on their knowledge of the study programme courses. The study programme uses a variety of assessment methods, which are explained in the individual course descriptions.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean