BSc (Hons) International Spa Management

UCAS code: B350

Start date: September

Course length: full time: three years, with an optional international placement year: four years.

Campus: Buxton Campus

You can also study this course online

This course provides you with the opportunity to travel the world and work in some of the top luxury spa resorts. If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career you should consider spa management.

This programme develops an understanding of the nature of the spa environment through the study of subject areas such as management, science and therapeutic skills, with an emphasis on the need to reflect on and question the diverse values and practices that shape the industry today. The programme is structured to offer you progressive development of academic skills, approaches, methods, knowledge and critical thinking embedded in work place practices.
This programme offers you a unique opportunity to study in a subject that is not widely available and, to specialise in management in an exciting and expanding area of the leisure industry around the worl‌

Stage 1

The first year of the programme introduces you to the key concepts and the underpinning theories of management and the international world of spa. In addition some modules focus on the principles of practical spa treatment application and general spa procedures in a commercial environment.

You will study the following:

• Principles of International Business
• Business Operations Management
• Anatomy and Physiology
• International Spa Concept
• Academic and Professional Development 1
• Massage Techniques

Stage 2

The second year broadens your conceptual awareness and practical application of spa treatments. Study at this stage includes:

• Applied Business Management
• Business Development and Entrepreneurship
• Balanced Nutrition and Spa Cuisine
• Academic and Professional Development 2
• Spa Experiences: Maintenance and Procedures
• Specialised Massage Techniques

Students have the opportunity to undertake a year's placement between stages two and three.

Stage 3

The final year enables you to focus on specific areas of the spa industry and includes:

• Strategic Management
• Contemporary Issues
• International Spa Design and Development - option
• Spa Operations Management - option
• Independent Study
• Spa Treatments: Evolution and Innovation

All students will gain valuable commercial experience working in the on-site day spa - Spa at the Dome. As the spa is a commercial operation evening and some weekend working will be included.

Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,250 (each year)

We'll be announcing our international fees for 2013/14 later in the year.

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

After successfully completing this course, you will have developed the necessary skills and management techniques to start your career in one of the various fields of spa industries.

You could even start up your own business. One of our graduates, Vicky Day, started her own beauty business, 'The Pamper Pit', after graduating with a degree in International Spa Management.

Read our mention in the prestigious Spa Business magazine.

You may want to consider further study and go on to our MA International Spa Management.

Gemma Bowers

BSc International Spa Management

"My name’s Gemma, I’m studying BSc International Spa Management at the University of Derby Buxton. I chose to study this course as I’m really interested in holistic therapy, and this course gave me the opportunity to explore the industry before working in it.

The University of Derby Buxton was the first university I visited and after speaking to the lecturers and seeing the facilities I fell in love with the place. It’s also great that the University has such a good reputation within the industry."

Supportive tutors

"I’ve really enjoyed having the freedom to explore the areas I’m interested in with support from my tutors. Since it’s a small course you get personal support and the tutors get to know you as an individual. All of the spa tutors are really knowledgeable about the subject and very well respected in the industry.

The facilities here are really good, we’ve got the onsite spa which is a huge facility, you don’t get much better than that! I’ve been made an Assistant Manager at the Spa which is really helpful as I can practice my spa management while I’m doing my degree."

Personal learning experience

"My learning experience has been very personal; I have been able to use the course to suit me and what I wanted to learn. This course has been eye opening for me; my views about the industry have completely changed. I would recommend Buxton to anyone wishing to study this course; it has been brilliant for me."

Gemma Bowers

"I loved my course, the spa was fab for experience, amazing opportunity working and training in Elemis! Helped me get my job today! Great variety of modules . Interesting and challenging! Great for networking and meeting industry professionals. I would recommend anyone to do it and take any opportunity and experience you can get out of it! Miss it!"

Jen Hirst

"My University degree had a focus on business management and throughout the course I had gained work experience in a number of spas, so I knew I had the confidence and the skills to give it a go."

Sophie Collins