Bachelor's Programme in Tourism Management and Experience Economy

Study programme code BACREIS

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

Recommended previous knowledge Solid English skills.

General description and profile of the programme

This study programme is based in the actual experience- or product development within the tourism and experience-based industry and has two main areas of focus. The first area of focus is on the tourist who travels in order to experience something new - in relation to the vacation and leisure market as well as the conference-oriented one. Who is the tourist? How do they act and what motivates them? How can we ensure good communication between seller and buyer of the experience?

These questions will be explored in courses like:

• Tourism and Experience Tourism´s Historical Development
• Marketing and Tourism
• Mass Communications
• Tourism and Consumer Behaviour

The second focus is on the product - the attraction, experience or destination. What is the product, how is it created and developed, and how is the product commercialised in a market?

These questions will be explored in courses like:

• Location-Based Tourism - The location as product
• Activity and Experience Tourism - How to develop experiences
• Introduction to Entrepreneurship
• Experience Economy - Commercialisation of experiences

In addition to these main areas of focus the students will also be introduced to various economic and administrative topics, and to social scientific method and statistics. In the third semester the students write a Bachelor´s thesis on an elected topic. The Bachelor´s thesis is an extensive written assignment conducted in cooperation with local tourism industry.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Elective component:

• Exchange/International Tourism Study

• One-year programme:
  - Language
  - Literature
  - Communication
  - Social Studies
  - Outdoor and Nature Guidance
  - Media
  - History
  - Drama
  - Music
  - Arts and Crafts
  - Development Studies*
  - Literature, Film, Drama
  
  
• Concentration:
  - Economy
  - Public Policy and Management
  
  

Learning outcomes Upon successful completion of this programme the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how experiences are developed, communicated and used as a product in a tourism oriented marked. A major focus will be centered on the consumer aspect, as it is important to have knowledge of tourist preferences and behavior in order to be able to arrange experiences based on these preferences. Through focusing on experiences, the student should also acquire knowledge and skills on how a travel package offer may be facilitated as a complete product to various customer groups.

Teaching methods All modes of working and instruction will be utilized, including lectures, group work, company visits, field work, seminars and project work. Traditional instructional forms will in certain courses be combined with the use of Internet and development-oriented projects.

Assessment methods Several different forms of assessment will be utilized. Final examinations may be given in either written or oral form. Written work may be a guided project, an individual at-home examination or a combination of several assessment forms. Norwegian will be the language of instruction in the majority of courses.

Student exchange In the third academic year the students may choose to go on exchange. For further information please contact the Programme Coordinator and the International Education Office.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

The study programme qualifies graduates for working in companies that develop and maintain tourist attractions, organizations that contribute to coordinating and marketing tourist packages as well as within public planning and implementation of business development in the area of tourism. The study programme is also meant to be a competency-based starting point for graduates wishing to establish their own company within the tourist industry.

The study programme qualifies for applying to Master´s studies in Tourism Management at other institutions. Also, if the student in the third academic year takes the concentration in Public Policy and Management they will also qualify to apply to the Master´s programme in Public Policy and Management. The concentration in Economy will in a similar way qulify the student to apply to Master´s in Economy and Business Administration. Please contact the Student Adviser for more information.

Qualification awarded Successful completion of the three-year study programme awards graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management and Experience Economy

Contact person Programme Coordinator Stine Rye Bårdsen.