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 topics on the course blew their mind. It was 'Law and Legislation' that blew Georgia's mind on the VARM course, while the 'Hotel and Hospitality' module opened Jake's eyes to just how much goes into running a business in the leisure industry.

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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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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 Alton Towers Resort or other 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, including Alton Towers Resort and the Merlin Group. 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

Victoria Gilbert

Lecturer

Vicky has worked at Staffordshire University for several years delivering Business Management. This is following experience of working within the Private and Public Sector and running a family business.

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. Apply for your accommodation

    We have a range of accommodation to choose from to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including en-suite and accessible rooms. Browse rooms and find out how to apply.

    Browse University accommodation
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