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Nature Tourism Management

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Why Study Nature Tourism Management ?

The Nature Tourism Management course has been developed in recognition of the global growth in the wildlife and eco tourism sectors. In addition to the study of tourism, students will also cover sustainability, conservation and flora, fauna and natural landscape protection.  Relevant niche market skills and knowledge are incorporated into all four years in the form of practical skills acquisition, industry visits and study trips both within the UK and Europe.

A course leaflet can be downloaded from the right of this page.

About The Course

Students will study the underpinning area of activity tourism and focus on the specific niche area of nature tourism. Activity Tourism covers a range of spheres from “active” holidays involving canoeing, climbing, horse-riding and mountaineering, to the less physical, yet still activity-focused areas of nature watching, food trails, or local culture and heritage trails. Students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to meet employer demands and industry challenges in the future. The courses are academic yet vocational, providing a balanced mix of practical experience and theoretical and managerial skills.

A balanced curriculum of academic and practical training develops knowledge, understanding, and skill competence. Teaching is not confined to the classroom. Visits throughout Scotland and further afield are integral to developing students’ learning experiences. Visits are made to reserves, attractions and facilities throughout Scotland, reports are written, businesses studied, analysed and reported on. Study tours in past years have been made to Pitlochry, Aviemore, the Lake District, Cornwall, Norfolk and Finland.

Awards Available

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BA/BA (Hons) Nature Tourism Management

Study In Ayr: SAC S01 N833 Y BA/NTM

Length Of Course

The BA general degree takes 3 years full-time.  The BA Honours degree takes 4 years part-time.  Both can be studied part-time.

Validating University

This degree is awarded by the University of Glasgow.

Minimum Entry Requirements

3 Highers (BCC) or 2 A Levels (CC).

Progression Routes

Those with a relevant HND qualification are encouraged to apply for entry into Year 3 of the course.

HND Activity Tourism

Study In Ayr: SAC SO1 038N Y HND/ATM

Length Of Course

The HND takes 2 years full-time, or can be studied part-time.

Minimum Entry Requirements

2 Highers (CC) or 1 A level pass.

These courses are truly vocational with particular emphasis on physical activities. Certain modules involve a level of pre-skill and performance competence from students. Outdoor pursuits modules include practical sessions in hill walking, kayaking and climbing, which require a level of fitness, stamina and physical endurance. These modules are core for the Outdoor Pursuits and Activity Tourism courses. Please contact the College for further advice on your suitability.

Progression Routes

Applicants with an HNC in Activity Tourism are encouraged to apply for entry into year 2 of the HND Activity Tourism. Those who successfully complete the HND can progress seamlessly through to the BA/BA (Hons) Activity Tourism, BA/BA (Hons) Nature Tourism, and BA/BA (Hons) Food Tourism degree courses.

HNC Activity Tourism

Study In Ayr: SAC SO1 338N Y HNC/ATM

Length Of Course

The HNC takes 1 year full-time, or can be studied part-time.

Minimum Entry Requirements

2 Highers (CC) or 1 A level pass.

These courses are truly vocational with particular emphasis on physical activities. Certain modules involve a level of pre-skill and performance competence from students. Outdoor pursuits modules include practical sessions in hill walking, kayaking and climbing, which require a level of fitness, stamina and physical endurance. These modules are core for the Outdoor Pursuits and Activity Tourism courses. Please contact the College for further advice on your suitability.

Progression Routes

Those who successfully complete the HNC can progress seamlessly through to the HND Activity Tourism or BA/BA (Hons) Activity Tourism, BA/BA (Hons) Nature Tourism, and BA/BA (Hons) Food Tourism degree courses.

Course Content

Further information is available in SAC's undergraduate prospectus and in our course leaflet, which can be downloaded from this page. Please contact us for further information.

In each year of the programme, you will study core modules from the key subject areas of tourism, activity tourism, management, and environmental issues plus you will develop your IT, identification, interpretation and business skills. Specialist areas later in the course allow you to build on these foundations, and understand the impacts and management of visitors, in order to balance the nature tourism experience and the natural resources. One of the final pieces of work will be your Honours project, based on a topic of your choice within the context of nature tourism management.

Year 1:

Year 1 (the HNC course) covers an introductory level of study including: activity tourism, the UK travel and tourism industry, environmental awareness, health and safety, IT applications and business management. Optional choices for this nature tourism route include interpretation, identification skills and countryside recreation

Year 2:

Building upon the first and foundation year, year 2 (HND level) develops greater depth through further studies of tourism and niche markets, sustainable tourism, getting started in business, rural business diversification, web design, event management, work experience. Optional choices for this nature tourism route include countryside visitor management, land use systems, interpretive principles, countryside sport and recreation.

Year 3:

The third year (General degree) includes modules in tourism and rural areas in UK, research skills, management skills and entrepreneurship and culture in rural development. Optional choices for this nature tourism route include modules in visitor management systems, festivals and events management, ecology and an experiential field trip.

Year 4:

In year 4 (Honours degree) the taught core subjects include contemporary issues in international rural tourism and advanced multi-media skills, plus an international field course. A key element of year 4 is the Honours Project where you research a relevant subject area of your choice. Optional choices for this nature tourism route include managing natural resources, managing the nature tourism experience and topical issues.


 

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities include destinations such as:

  • Business Manager for Holiday Company
  • Advisor for wildlife interest organisations
  • Press and publicity officer
  • Guide / Ranger at wildlife centre or farm park
  • Tourist Information Officer
  • Nature Guide
  • Own business operation


Course Contacts

Ayr Course Contact

Mr David Grant
Lecturer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, Riverside Campus, University Avenue,
Ayr
KA8 0SX
TelWork 01292 886187
Fax 01292 886199

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Ayr Campus General Contact

Mrs Jill Thomson
Student Recruitment Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC Ayr, Riverside Campus, University Avenue,
Ayr
KA8 0SX
TelWork 01292 886196

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Student Experiences

Student comments coming soon!