Course summary

This unique course, the first of its kind in the UK, focuses on the many uses of the marine resource, how tourism interacts with these and the many challenges of developing sustainable marine and coastal tourism within the wider context of the marine sector and its associated activities. Policies and management strategies to protect the natural capital of our coastal waters and oceans will impact the future of the growing marine and coastal tourism sector, and this BA (Hons) Marine and Coastal Tourism explores the ways in which effective management of tourism development can have positive impacts on the conservation and restoration of the marine environment and deliver the social and economic benefits to host communities. Aspects considered throughout the course will include: activity development; response to climate change; environmental and conservation objectives; the role of coastal communities in the development of tourism; management of customer expectations; and behaviours and analysis of marine sector legislation, from both a UK and international perspective. This integrated, practical programme gives you the opportunity to gain experience and develop personal and leadership skills, as well as gaining National Governing Body awards in activities such as: sailing; powerboating; sea kayaking; surf kayaking; SUP; snorkelling; scuba; and coasteering. Practical sessions also include guiding and interpretation skills and a science-based overview of these environments. The practical elements are supplemented by a programme of guest speakers and visits to shows, events and conferences, giving regular contact with practising sector professionals, as well as field courses and student expeditions, both local and international. You will be ideally placed to get involved in a number of local development projects, working and learning alongside industry professionals. Past examples of this include: working alongside the Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, managing a new cruise ship industry at Fort William; Lochaber Snorkel Trail; Sea Trekking initiatives; and the development of a new 40-berth local marina. We are based in Fort William, the 'Outdoor Capital of the UK', one of the finest UK locations for marine and coastal tourism and awarded international recognition as the Argyll Coast and Islands Hope Spot by Mission Blue as an area of outstanding biodiversity and culture. The programme aligns with the latest marine tourism strategy for Scotland, ‘Giant Strides’, which aims to '...grow the value and positively enhance the impact of tourism across Scotland by delivering the very best for our visitors, our people, our businesses, our communities and our environment.' (Outlook 2030). ‘Giant Strides’ also aims to make Scotland ‘… a world leader in 21st century sustainable marine tourism’ and ensure ‘Marine tourism is sustainable and meets changing consumer, workforce, community and environmental needs and expectations, whilst growing the industry’s overall economic contribution to over £500 million by 2025.’ (Giant Strides, 2020).