Tourism provides the perfect real-world context in which students can apply and further develop the theoretical knowledge and skills that they will accumulate through their core modules in the Liberal Arts degree. This stream provides a deep insight into a sector which is of significant importance in global societies and economies, and viewing contemporary global issues through a tourism lens will give graduates a unique understanding and perspective on the challenges faced in the 21st century and beyond.
This stream provides innovative learning opportunities and is underpinned by concepts such as sustainability, community empowerment, global citizenship, diversity and inclusivity, cultural representation and innovation. In addition, students choosing modules on this stream can add a business element to their liberal arts degree. This stream provides a learning journey full of experiential learning from field trips, site visits and guest lectures to authentic assessments often linked to tourism destinations, communities or tourism businesses.
As such this stream offers students an opportunity to develop skills and attributes that will be helpful in their future careers and academic development.
ECTS Credits: 80
- Total Number of Mandatory credits to be taken (excluding the capstone project): 15
- Total Number of Optional credits to be taken: 45
- Total Number of Credits for the Capstone Project: 15+5 (includes research methods)
What is the latest (semester) a student can select the Major:
Spring Recess 2nd Year
- Introduction to Tourism and Travel
- Operations for Hospitality
- Tourism, Leisure and Event
- Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism
- Tourism Destinations
- Marketing for Hospitality, Tourism, Leisure and Event
- Innovation and tourism- product/market/experiences
- Tourism Intermediary Marketing
- Heritage Culture and Tourism
- Talent Management
- Tourism and Technology
- Public Relations
- Visitor Attraction Management
- Event Planning
- Event, Leisure and Tourism Enterprise Development
- Destination and Product Marketing Planning Event Tourism
- Current Tourism Research: developing key academic skills
- Tourism Policy, Planning and Regulation
- Cultural Tourism
- Tourism and International Development
- Global to Local: the Economic Geography of Tourism
- Managing Innovation in Hospitality and Tourism Organisations
- Entrepreneurship
- Field-TripApplied Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Management
- Sustainable Tourism Futures
- Research Methods for UG Thesis
- Undergraduate Dissertation
Studying tourism offers a dynamic pathway into a thriving global industry that constantly evolves. You'll gain a diverse skillset applicable across various sectors, including business management, marketing, customer service, and intercultural communication. With the Irish tourism sector being a significant economic contributor and employer, a qualification in this field provides opportunities to shape the future of travel and hospitality both domestically and internationally.
The Major is Tourism can lead to the following career pathways
- Tourism Development and Planning Officer
Graduates can pursue roles in tourism policy, development, and sustainable planning at local, national, or international levels. This can include working with tourism boards, development agencies, or government departments. Further study may include a Postgraduate Diploma or MA in Tourism Planning or Regional Development.
- Event and Experience Manager
With skills gained in cultural and destination tourism, students can work in events, festivals, or experience design — roles often found in local councils, arts organisations, or private sector tourism ventures. Further study options include Event Management or Creative Industries Management at postgraduate level.
- Heritage and Cultural Tourism Specialist
Graduates may work in museums, heritage centres, or cultural tourism organisations, developing visitor experiences that showcase Ireland's rich cultural and historical assets. Postgraduate study in Museum Studies, Public History, or Cultural Policy is a typical progression.
- Sustainable Tourism and Community Development Officer
There is growing demand for professionals skilled in sustainability and ethical tourism. Students can work in NGOs, local development companies, or eco-tourism enterprises. Further study options include MSc in Sustainable Development, Community and Rural Development, or Environmental Policy.
- Digital Marketing and Destination Branding Executive
Tourism graduates with an interest in digital content and communication may work in destination marketing organisations (DMOs), hospitality brands, or marketing agencies. Further study could include an MSc in Digital Marketing, Media and Communications, or Tourism and Digital Innovation.