Adventure Tourism Management
Overview
The BSc (Hons) in Adventure Tourism Management provides students with unique knowledge and comprehensive skills to excel in the growing adventure tourism industry. This programme combines tourism management principles with practical outdoor adventure experiences for each student, a rewarding career in adventure-related industries.
Students will gain expertise in managing sustainable tourism businesses, outdoor leadership, and promoting adventure destinations across diverse landscapes.
Objectives
- Focusses on adventure tourism, sustainability, and outdoor leadership.
- Enhance students' management skills to effectively plan, organise, and operate.
- Provides practical experience in adventure activities and tourism management.
- Prepares students for global careers in the tourism industry.
Prerequisites
- A passion for adventure and travel.
- A strong interest in the tourism industry.
- Good physical and mental health.
- Background in business, tourism, or outdoor activities is beneficial (optional)
Curriculum Outline
- Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance
- Fundamentals Of Management And Business
- Principles Of Tourism Management
- Data Analytics
- Marketing Principles and Contemporary Practice
- Understanding The Economy
- Destination and Attraction Management
- International Tourism In Practice
- Adventure Tourism
- Activity Certification
- Tourism Marketing
- Tourism Development and Planning
- Sustainable Tourism
- Activity Certification 2
- Cultural Tourism and Heritage Management
- Practical Training and Field Experiences
Teaching Method
- Lectures, seminars, and workshops.
- Practical sessions and field trips.
- Expertise in adventure tourism and business management.
- Opportunities for hands-on learning and skill development.
Modules
- Introduction to adventure tourism (S1)
- Adventure geography: the Scottish perspective (S1)
- Introduction to professional adventure practice (S1)
- Adventure markets: products and services (S2)
- Introduction to sports coaching and leadership (S2)
- Ecological principles, biodiversity and identification skills (SC)
- Activity performance and skill acquisition (SC)
- Adventure education journeys (S2)
- The contemporary workplace (S1)
- Adventure operations and risk management (S1)
- Adventure tourism guiding and interpretation (S2)
- Understanding adventure (S2)
- Retailing (S1)
- Outdoor learning and teaching practice (SC)
- Work placement: team working and communication (SC)
- Technology and social media in adventure practice (S2)
- Marketing fundamentals (S2)
- Management accounting (S2)
- Sustainable management of adventure tourism (S1)
- Planning international expeditions (S1)
- Research skills (S2)
- Adventure therapy (S1)
- Geomorphology: reading the landscapes of outdoor practice (S1)
- Developing entrepreneurial effectiveness (S1)
- Climate change (S1)
- Work placement: industry-specific skills (SC)
- International expedition leadership (S2)
- Sustainable tourism and the environment (S2)
- An anthropology of place: adventure education and cultural perspectives on nature (S2)
- Niche tourism (S2)
- Critical perspectives of adventure tourism (S1)
- Perceptions of risk and decision making (S1)
- Inclusive adventure (S2)
- Emergent tourism trends (S2)
- Dissertation
- Professional adventure project (legacy project or major expedition venture)
- Research and plan a new business venture
Assessment Methods
- Written examinations
- Practical assessments
- Group projects
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Reflective journals
Course Duration
This programme may vary depending on the institutions and countries, but the general standard options in the UK are:
- 04 years full-time.
- 08 years full-time.
Facilities
- Lecture halls
- Computer labs
- Library
- Study rooms
- Language labs
- Climbing walls
- Kayaking and canoeing facilities
- Hiking and trekking trails
- Mountain biking trails
- Camping grounds
- Outdoor adventure equipment
- Fitness center
- Outdoor recreation areas
- Student union
- Career services
- International student support services
- Business simulation labs
- Marketing labs
- Entrepreneurship incubator
Career Pathways
- Adventure education
- Adventure tourism business
- Adventure tour operator
- Guiding, coaching and instructing
- Adventure travel consultant
- Sustainable tourism specialist
- Cultural tourism specialist
- Ecotourism guide
- International expeditions
- Working in events organization
- Leadership and management roles
- Working in NGOs and NGBs
- Tourism policy or risk management positions
- Countryside ranger and environmental interpretation
- Marine wildlife tourism
- Military or emergency services
- Higher level adventure sector leadership
Fees and Fundings
- Tuition fees are £14,988 per year and may vary depending on the institution
- Scholarships, grants, and financial opportunities are available.
- Government loan aid is available.
Entry Requirements
This course may vary depending on the specific programme and institution, but the standard minimum entry requirements (UK) are:
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade C or above OR.
- 2 A levels at grade C or above.
- Interest in practical outdoor activities.
- Personal practical outdoor experience (optional).
Field Work and Internships
- Opportunities for practical experience in adventure tourism settings.
- Partnerships with local adventure tourism companies and organisations.
- Internship placements to gain valuable industry experience.
Certifications
- Adventure Tourism Management Professional (ATMP)
- Adventure Tourism Specialist (ATS)
- Certified Professional Manager (CPM)
- Certified Marketing Professional (CMP)
- Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certified Trainer
- Sustainable Tourism Specialist (STS)
- Cultural Tourism Management Professional (CTMP)
- Cultural Tourism Specialist (CTS)
Intakes
Typically, it takes twice a year (fall and spring), but may vary like:
- Fall (September/October)
- Spring (January/February)
- Summer (May/June)
Student Testimony
"This course felt right for me because of what it has to offer and how different it is to other courses around the world. It's very unique and it was the perfect choice for me—I didn’t consider any other universities", says - "Tiandra Anderson studied the Adventure Tourism Management at UHI West Highland".
Frequently asked questions
Key areas of study include adventure tourism theory and practice, business management for adventure tourism, marketing and promotion of adventure tourism, adventure tourism planning and operations, risk management and safety in adventure tourism, sustainable adventure tourism, cultural tourism and heritage management, and practical training and field experiences.