Studying Visitor Attraction and Resort Management

Introducing your course leader, Amanda Payne

Hi, I’m Amanda Payne and I’m the course leader for the BA (Hons) Visitor Attraction and Resort Management course.

With over ten years of teaching experience, I have lectured across tourism, hospitality, events, enterprise, and management modules at foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels.

My teaching has taken me around the world, including lecturing in Cambodia and Poland, as well as block teaching in China at Chongqing and Xiamen Universities. Prior to academia, I spent fifteen years in industry, working in operations management, client relations, and event planning, where I organized and delivered numerous national and international art events.

I’m looking forward to welcoming you to the University of Staffordshire and supporting your journey in visitor attraction and resort management.

Eye opening topics you'll cover

We asked our students which parts of their studies truly made an impact, their answers highlighted the breadth and depth of our courses.

Watch below to hear how the Law and Legislation unit didn’t just inform Georgia, it transformed how she views the industry and its responsibilities. Meanwhile, Jake discovered a new appreciation for the intricacies of the leisure sector through the Hotel and Hospitality module.

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Trio of students triumph with their applications to work at Walt Disney World, Florida

Visitor Attraction & Resort Management students, Billy, Jenson & Alex discuss how they feel knowing their hard work has paid off with successful summer employment at Disney theme parks in Florida.

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Join an award winning Business School

You’ll be joining a Business School that’s nationally recognised for the quality of its teaching and student experience.

In the National Student Survey 2025, we ranked:

  • 7th in the UK for Business and Management
  • 3rd in the UK for Learning Opportunities
  • Top 10 for Teaching, Academic Support, Student Voice, and Assessment and Feedback

Our teaching excellence is also reflected in major league tables. The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 ranked us No. 1 in the UK for Teaching Quality for Business, Management and Marketing.

Students consistently highlight the value of the feedback they receive too. In the Guardian University Guide 2025, we ranked 1st in the UK for ‘Satisfied with Feedback’ in Business and Management.

These accolades reflect our commitment to high-quality teaching, supportive learning environments, and helping you succeed from day one.

Frequently asked questions

Are there opportunities for work placements or studying abroad?

Yes, you are required to complete a total of 250 hours of paid work placements in your first and second year. These placements can be at tourism venues of your choice. There are also opportunities for study visits and guest lectures from industry professionals.

What career opportunities can I pursue after graduating?

Graduates can pursue various careers in the visitor attraction and resort management sector, including roles in theme parks, zoos, museums, heritage sites, hotels, holiday parks, and conference and events management. Some graduates also start their own businesses.

What types of projects will I work on during the course?

You will engage in various projects, including creating business plans, conducting mystery shopper-style evaluations, and working on consultancy projects with real businesses. These projects provide hands-on experience and practical skills.

How do industry partnerships benefit students?

The course has strong connections with industry partners, these partnerships provide you with opportunities for guest lectures, workshops, networking events, and work placements.

Teaching staff

Amanda Payne

Senior Lecturer

Amanda is an active researcher and Course Leader for the FdA Visitor Attraction and Resort Management. She is working towards A PhD and is currently researching poverty alleviation through art and cultural tourism in Cambodia.

Amanda's profile

Frances-Marie Hitchen

Lecturer

Fran is a lecturer in Visitor Attraction and Resort Management, Business Management (Tourism & Events) and Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeships and has vast industry experience enabling her to provide real life industry knowledge.

Frances-Marie's profile

Tonia Barrett

P/T Lecturer (Hrly)-Bus Manage Marketing

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

    Accept your offer

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

    Enquire about finance

  3. Find accommodation

    Finding a home from home is an important part of the student experience. If you're looking to live close to campus, there's a range of accommodation near to our East London campus surrounded by bars and eateries, along with all the activities the capital has to offer.

    View accommodation
for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Intuition 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021