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Foundation Degree in Tourism Park Management
Three and a half years distance learning, with a short residential school for each unit
A foundation degree is equivalent to the first two years of a full time honours degree course. This program has been developed by Kingston Maurward College in Dorset with the support of Caravan Industry Training, and will be validated by Bournemouth University. The program will teach important principles of business and management in a caravan park context, and students will be encouraged to apply their new knowledge and skills as they progress.
The first two years will have four units or five units; the remaining units have a much higher park based content, and will be completed in just under a year and a half. The subjects in the first year of study are likely to be
- Business strategy
- Marketing
- Managing the park consumer
- Finance and business performance
The course focuses on personal development within the caravan parks industry and aims to provide learners with the skills and knowledge appropriate to management of a caravan park. It should enable learners to enhance career prospects and give them the academic depth to pursue further study should they wish.
The range of units offered will provide the learner with underpinning knowledge and assist them to acknowledge their personal strengths and and overcome their weaknesses. They will also acquire a range of transferable skills such as use of IT, conducting research and report writing.
Delivery is designed to be both flexible and innovative. The industry has strong seasonal variation, therefore professional development has to be timetabled around the needs of both employers and learners. All of the units will be applied to real park situations as a fundamental part of the teaching. Where possible, tutors on units will have experience of park work. Residential schools will be held on host parks in various locations.
Employer engagement will be embedded throughout the whole of the program with emphasis on ‘theory into practice’. Whether learners are nominated by their employers or applying independently, there must be real benefits to parks, as well as to individuals, as a key outcome of their study.
As the majority of learners will be employees within park businesses, the Work Based Learning can be carried out at their existing place of employment.
The two cohorts of students currently undertaking the degree tell us they are deriving huge benefits from their studies, and enjoying the companionship of learning together in what have become close-knit and mutually supportive groups. hard work is tempered by humour and friendship.
How to Apply
Application forms are available from Caravan Industry Training, or downloaded from the website. Entry can be by the acdemic route (A levels), the vocational route (a level 3 NVQ or equivalent) or in some cases, park management experience can be used instead of prior qualifications. All students require two references, one of them from an employer or formal business associate. Relatives cannot provide references.
Cost
Like all UK degree courses, the college charges tuition fees for the foundation degree - the level of fees is generally set nationally. The cost for the 2012 intake will be £483 per unit, which can usually be invoiced two units at a time. Student Loans at inflation-only interest rates can be accessed by eligible students. This college fee does not cover any travel or accommodation required during residential schools; it is planned to keep this as low as possible by accessing accommodation on the host parks in many cases. Much of the study material is provided but a small number of books may be recommended for purchase. If the student is from a senior management position on a park there may be some support available from the Learning and Skills Councils in England, which has a funded Management and Leadership support programme. |
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