Best Universities for Tourism Programs

The tourism industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, evolving into one of the largest and most diverse sectors in the global economy. With a growing demand for travel, hospitality, and leisure services, the industry offers a wide range of job opportunities. These include traditional roles such as housekeepers, concierges, waiters, and butlers, as well as more specialized positions like travel consultants, guest relations officers, event planners, concert organizers, marketing executives, fitness instructors, and technicians. This variety in job roles reflects the broad scope of the tourism sector, which encompasses everything from hospitality management and leisure activities to transportation, events, and marketing.

Given this rapid expansion, the demand for trained professionals in the tourism industry has also increased. In the UK, many universities and colleges offer undergraduate courses in tourism, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this growing sector. There are around 170 institutions across the country that offer such programs, ranging from specialized tourism colleges to renowned universities. Some notable examples include Chichester College, Canterbury College, the University of Abertay Dundee, and the University of Greenwich. These institutions offer diverse programs in tourism management, hospitality, and event planning, each aiming to equip students with the essential skills required for successful careers in the industry.

Among these institutions, the University of Surrey stands out as the top university for tourism studies in the UK. According to the Guardian University Guide in 2010, the University of Surrey was rated as the best tourism school in the country. Its outstanding reputation in tourism scholarship is also reflected in its global ranking. In 2003, Hsu & Yeung ranked Surrey as the third-best university in the world for tourism scholarship, with the university earning recognition as the top institution in Europe for its research and academic contributions to the field. Further solidifying its global stature, the university was ranked second in the world for the quality of its tourism faculty, according to Zhao & Ritchie in 2004. These rankings demonstrate the university’s commitment to providing an exceptional education in tourism and hospitality, as well as its dedication to advancing the field through research and scholarly activity.

Additionally, the University of Surrey was the first institution in the UK to achieve the prestigious United Nations World Tourism Organization TedQual certification, further emphasizing its leadership in tourism education. This certification is awarded to universities that meet specific criteria in tourism education and research, and it reflects the university’s ability to provide high-quality academic training while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Another university that excels in tourism studies is Edinburgh Napier University, which is recognized as the top-rated modern university business school in the UK. It is also regarded as the top-rated tourism school in Scotland, according to the Guardian League Tables in 2007 and 2008. Edinburgh Napier is known for its focus on practical, industry-based education, which allows students to gain the skills necessary to succeed in the fast-paced tourism and hospitality sectors. The university’s strong industry links provide students with valuable networking opportunities and real-world experience, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to enter the job market.

In addition to these two leading institutions, several other universities in the UK have earned recognition for their tourism-related programs. According to the Guardian League Table 2010, the top 10 universities for tourism, transport, and travel studies include the University of Surrey, Bournemouth University, Sunderland University, Robert Gordon University, Edinburgh Napier University, University of Brighton, Plymouth University, Oxford Brookes University, University of Gloucestershire, and University of Central Lancashire. These universities have established themselves as leaders in tourism education, offering a wide range of courses designed to meet the evolving demands of the tourism industry.

Bournemouth University holds the second spot in the Guardian League Table for 2010. The university is known for its strong emphasis on practical skills and industry experience. Bournemouth’s tourism management programs are designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the tourism industry, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning opportunities. The university’s proximity to popular tourist destinations, such as the Jurassic Coast and the New Forest, also offers students valuable opportunities for fieldwork and industry placements.

Sunderland University is ranked third in the Guardian League Table for tourism studies, and it is known for its highly regarded tourism management programs. Sunderland offers a wide range of specialized courses in tourism, transport, and leisure, preparing students for careers in event planning, marketing, and management. The university’s strong focus on employability ensures that graduates are well-equipped to take on leadership roles in the tourism sector.

Robert Gordon University, ranked fourth in the league table, is another leading institution for tourism education. The university’s tourism programs are designed to provide students with both academic knowledge and practical skills, helping them to build careers in various sectors of the tourism industry. Robert Gordon University is also known for its strong industry connections and partnerships with tourism organizations, offering students ample opportunities for internships and placements.

University of Brighton ranks sixth in the Guardian League Table, offering a range of programs in tourism, leisure, and hospitality management. The university’s location on the south coast of England provides students with access to a vibrant tourism industry, and its programs emphasize both theoretical learning and practical experience. Brighton’s tourism courses are designed to prepare students for careers in the management of tourist destinations, hospitality services, and event planning.

The University of Plymouth, ranked seventh, is known for its high-quality education in tourism and hospitality management. The university offers specialized programs that cover a wide range of topics, including sustainable tourism, cultural tourism, and event management. Plymouth’s strong focus on employability, combined with its beautiful location near the coast, makes it an ideal place for students who want to pursue a career in the tourism sector.

Other universities that feature in the top 10 list include Oxford Brookes University, University of Gloucestershire, and University of Central Lancashire. These universities offer well-established tourism programs that provide students with the skills needed to thrive in the competitive tourism and hospitality industries. Their courses are designed to meet the needs of the rapidly changing tourism sector, ensuring that graduates are ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the global market.

In conclusion, the tourism industry offers a wide array of career opportunities, and the demand for skilled professionals in this field continues to grow. The universities and colleges in the UK that offer tourism programs play a critical role in preparing students for successful careers in this dynamic sector. Leading institutions such as the University of Surrey, Edinburgh Napier University, Bournemouth University, and Sunderland University offer top-tier education in tourism, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to excel in the global tourism industry. As the sector continues to evolve, these universities remain at the forefront of tourism education, providing students with the tools they need to succeed in a fast-paced and competitive field.

Top UK Institutions for Tourism, transport and travel:
 League Table 2010 (top 10 list):
1 Surrey
2 Bournemouth
3 Sunderland
4 Robert Gordon
5 Edinburgh Napier
6 Brighton
7 Plymouth
8 Oxford Brookes
9 Gloucestershire
10 Central Lancashire

League Table 2004:
Rank, Name, Guardian teaching score/100
1 Surrey 79
2 Oxford Brookes 74
3 Ulster 74
4 Derby 71
5 Robert Gordon 65
6 Sheffield Hallam 65
7 Bournemouth 64
8 Wales Institute, Cardiff 64
9 Leeds Metropolitan 64
10 Gloucestershire 64
11 Buckinghamshire Chilterns Uni Col 62
12 Salford 60
13 Thames Valley 57
14 Glasgow Caledonian 57

Source: Guardian University Guide