Program description

Learn about the intersection of tourism, and management and how to influence positive social change through the Bachelor of Arts in Global Tourism Management.

You'll gain key skills to advance your career through experiences that range from creating, managing and working in a tourism business to learning about topics such as destination management, tourism attractions, museums and events.

Get a local and international perspective by exploring breathtaking tourism destinations right in British Columbia’s own backyard.

And build industry connections, while you study with a group of global learners. Your instructors and classmates will become part of your worldwide network.

Gain a competitive edge and career experience through a three-month internship in Canada or abroad. And expand your international experience with optional semesters abroad.

Learn about our multiple program delivery options.

You can build from here

Your undergraduate degree can open the door for you to continue with graduate studies at Royal Roads or around the world. Some of our related graduate programs include:


Program outcomes

Once you graduate, you'll have developed a set of skills and a deep understanding of the issues that drive the tourism industry.

You'll graduate with the following:

  • Global awareness — You'll learn to analyze and assess the impact of global issues facing tourism managers and how tourism initiatives can impact communities. At the same time, you'll learn to apply sustainable management techniques, build community resilience and develop your multicultural sensitivity.
  • Knowledge - While learning approaches to human resource management, you'll develop an understanding of strategic planning for a tourism enterprise. You'll also learn the principles of tourism marketing and event management.
  • Critical thinking and problem solving — Using case study scenarios and conceptual models, you'll learn critical analysis, data interpretation and business research skills highly valued in tourism.
  • Effective communication — You'll create written materials and oral presentations, participate in class discussions, and improve computer, internet and communications skills.
  • Leadership and collaboration — You'll learn how to lead teams through group assignments and activities, and hone your skills needed to be an effective team member in a variety of situations.

You'll be able to successfully apply what you learn to your career, anywhere in the world.

Program delivery

Program options

There are two program options for the Bachelor of Arts in Global Tourism Management:

1. First-year entry (four-year undergraduate degree)

Coming September 2025. Please check regularly for updates

A new undergraduate experience is on the way.

2. Third-year entry (two-year undergraduate degree completion)

You’ll complete the third and fourth year of your Bachelor of Arts in Global Tourism Management on campus in 24 months.

On campus

Studying on campus brings you together with your class colleagues and instructors. Expect the program to be rigorous. You’ll do homework, readings and team assignments outside of your full-time class hours. Classroom learning includes three-hour seminars with hands-on practice and teamwork.

Learning outside of the classroom

Practical, experiential learning is an important part of this program. Your studies will allow you to learn outside of the classroom through the following:

  • a one-week field trip course
  • semester abroad study options
  • a final three-month internship

Field trip course
During this course, you'll explore travel destinations on Vancouver Island, including the beaches of Tofino and the slopes of Mount Washington. You'll meet with tourism entrepreneurs to get an understanding of tour operations and current issues faced by the industry. At the same time, you'll have a chance to participate in activities like skiing, snowboarding, whale watching, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding.

Semester abroad
Expand your international and cultural experience. You can choose to study during a semester abroad at any of our partner universities in Korea, India, Austria, Germany, Chile, Vietnam, France or England. 

Internship
Complete your program with a three-month professional work placement anywhere in the world. You'll be mentored by a supervisor at your work placement and guided by an academic advisor, as you gain experience in a location and career path of your choice.

Previous internships have taken place in Canada and internationally in positions, such as music festival coordinators, management trainees, front-line workers and tour leaders.

Courses

Year 3 & 4 - Degree Completion

This program is for those students who have already completed years one and two of their studies (60 credits).

Faculty

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First-year entry (4-year undergraduate degree)

This option is for students coming from high school (or equivalent). Please review the First-year admission and application requirements for more information. 

Third-year entry (degree completion - 3rd & 4th year)

Standard admission

  • Completion of a diploma (or 60 credits), including a minimum of 24 second-year credits, in areas such as hospitality, tourism, business administration or equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 'B' (3.00/4.33), from a recognized post-secondary institution.
  • At least 400 hours of tourism/hospitality related work experience

Flexible admission

  • To be considered for flexible admission, applicants would normally require at least five years of mid-level work experience in the tourism/hospitality industry.

English language proficiency

Additional recommendation(s)

Solid academic writing skills are required for success in this program; therefore an English composition course focused on academic writing and critical thinking is strongly recommended. APA style citation is used in this program. A basic knowledge of accounting principles is also strongly recommended.

Courses available from Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University that meet these recommendations are:

Application requirements

First-year entry (4-year undergraduate degree) 

First-year entry is for students coming from high school (or equivalent). Please review the year 1 admission and application requirements for more information.  

Third-year entry (degree completion - 3rd & 4th year) 

If you've completed some university or college courses, you may be eligible for the degree completion option, comprising of years 3 & 4 of this program. Before your file can be assessed for admission, the following information & supporting documents are required for entry to third year.   

Application form 

In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time. 

Missed your application deadline? While we can’t make any guarantees, we may be able to accommodate late applications if there's still space and enough time to process. If you're interested in an intake that is now closed to applications, apply for the next available intake and email Admissions with your preferred start date. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your program's required documents right away. We can't make an admissions decision without them. 

Official transcripts 

Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations. 

Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application. 

All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation

Detailed résumé 

  • Education: List all post secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved. 
  • Work experience: Please include the name of the organization, length of service (documenting hours per week worked to ensure a minimum of 400 hours business-related experience) and a brief description of duties. 
  • Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary/unpaid post-secondary employment and/or community service experience. Please include the name of the organization, length of service, and a brief description of duties. List positions you have held in this service. 
  • Information technology training and experience: Briefly describe your level of training and experience in the use of information technology including computers, software and telecommunications networks as tools for business, education, teaching and personal use. 
  • Professional memberships and affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.  
  • International experience: Please include any international or intercultural experience you have, in the form of travel, work, education, or volunteer experience. 
  • Other relevant information: Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee. 

Additional Requirements for Flexible Admission 

For applicants who will be reviewed under the flexible admission process the following additional supporting documents will be required: 

Personal statement 

Your personal statement should consist of (but is not limited to) a two to three page essay, addressing the following four questions: 

  • What influenced your decision to apply to Royal Roads University? 
  • Why is this degree appropriate for you? 
  • What do you hope to contribute to this program and the university? 
  • In 5-10 years, how do you anticipate this program will add value? 

If there is any other information that you feel might be of interest or relevance to your application, please include it in your personal statement. 

Letter of reference 

Typically, applicants will provide one professional, academic or personal character reference letter. 

  • Academic reference: This letter should attest to your performance in the context of your current or previous studies. The letter can address such areas as academic achievement, study skills, teamwork, leadership potential, human relations, flexibility, communication, and technical skills. 
  • Professional reference: This letter should attest to your current or previous performance in your professional life. The letter can address areas such as communication skills, interpersonal and leadership skills, management potential, work ethic, etc. 
  • Personal character reference: Your personal character reference should consist of a letter from someone who has known you for several years outside of the context of your work. Please ask the writer to indicate the length of time and context in which they have known you, and to consider the following attributes in their letter about you: integrity, responsibility, adaptability, concern and respect for others, sense of self-esteem and confidence, communication skills and work ethic. 

If applicable

  • Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application. 
  • Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts. 
  • An official English Language Proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language. 
  • Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility. 

For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines. 

Financial aid and awards

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