BA (Hons) Heritage and Tourism (University of Stirling)

The course is supported and shaped by leading organisations such as Historic Environment Scotland, VisitScotland and Scottish Canals, and delivered jointly by the University of Stirling and Forth Valley College. Your studies will reflect the importance of combining academic knowledge with a firm grasp of management and business. You’ll learn about heritage, tourism, history, exhibition design, sociology, marketing and environmental studies – as well as the challenges facing the management and promotion of historic and natural environments in Scotland and beyond.

Every aspect of the course is informed by the internationally-recognised expertise of our academic staff and their extensive networks with professional partners, helping to distinguish our programme from other heritage and tourism courses. You can be confident that everything you’re learning is rooted in the latest academic and applied industry thinking, and designed to prepare you for a career in the heritage and tourism sectors. You’ll also apply your skills in real-world settings while you study – further sharpening the skills you’ll put to use when you transition into the exciting professional world of heritage and tourism.

Year One

• Structure of the Travel and Tourism Industry
• Applying Marketing Principles in Travel and Tourism
• Creating a Culture of Customer Care
• Preparing for Employment in Travel and Tourism
• Personal Development Planning
• Providing Information on the Scottish Tourism Product
• Digital Culture: Online Communication
• Business Communication
• Scottish Tourism Product: Niche Markets
• Research Skills
• Visitor Attraction Operations
• Countryside Recreation and Access
• Scottish Natural Heritage Tourism

Year Two

• Influences on the Travel and Tourism Industry
• Marketing Planning in Travel and Tourism
• Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism
• Tour Operations
• Food Tourism and Culture
• Visitor Attraction Management
• Practical Travel and Tourism Visit
• History, Culture and Genealogy in Scottish Tourism
• Heritage Studies: Scotland
• Work Placement
  
  

Year Three

• Heritage Protection
• Theories and Principles (core)
• Dissertation Preparation Module or Interpretation and Exhibition Design (core)
• Back to the Future: Putting History and Heritage to Work
• Business Writing & Communication
• Nineteenth Century Scotland
• Branding and Communications
• Advertising Indicative Units
  
  

Year Four

• Portfolio or Dissertation Module (compulsory)
• Safer Spaces: Environment in 20th Century Britain
• From World War to Cold War
• Nations and Traditions 1 (American Literature 1850-1900)
• The American Revolution
• The 'Golden Age' of the Scottish Parliament 1660-1707
• Environmental Policy and Management
• Geoarchaeology

Other available module options and selections for Years three and four will be discussed in Year two. There is a wide range to choose from and this is an indicative list only.

• Visitor attraction management
• Heritage and tourism management/education
• Tourism development
• Exhibition design and management

Year One entry

One of the following:

• Three Highers at grade B or equivalent
• Foundation Apprenticeship in any related subject plus two further Highers at B or equivalent
• Applicants with a different qualification or grade profile are still welcome to apply, as all applications are considered on their own merits
• A suitable NPA may be accepted in lieu of 1 Higher
• NCs and NPAs shall be considered on a case-by-case basis

Year Two entry

• Year two entry may be available for applicants who currently have or are working towards HNC Travel and Tourism with 15 credits and who achieve an A or B in their graded unit
• Applicants with a different qualification or grade profile are still welcome to apply, as all applications are considered on their own merits

Additional Requirements:

• Entry is subject to the units achieved within the applicant's HNC programme
• Further detail on alternative entry requirements can be found on the University of Stirling course website here.

For further information, please visit the University of Stirling website here.

Further advice for full-time applicants:

Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to September 2016, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as: the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course 
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview 
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk