Attractions & Theme Parks Management
Specialisation of the Leisure & Events Management, Tourism Management, and Facility Management programmes.
Why this specialisation?
What is the professional bachelor’s specialisation in Attractions & Theme Parks Management about, and why should you choose it? We will tell you more about it.
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Study overview of the specialisation
After your first year in one of these bachelor's programmes at BUas, Leisure & Events Management, Tourism Management or Facility Management, you can choose this specialisation from your second year onwards. You can also start this specialisation immediately if you have a VWO diploma, associate degree, or a comparable qualification.
Year 1 of the specialisation in Attractions & Theme Parks Management
- You will receive an introduction to the European attractions and theme parks industry
- You will learn how to create visitor experiences using Imagineering and Storytelling
- You will learn how to translate this into everyday practice at a park and other attractions
- You will learn about the importance of hospitality and receive information about good examples from practice
- You will work together in what we call learning communities with lecturers, alumni, companies and industry partners
- You will have the opportunity to do a 20-week international placement at Walt Disney World in Orlando or at another major theme park in Europe or the Netherlands
You will further deepen your management knowledge with the experience you have gained during your national or international placement. You will learn about:
- Operations (Safety & Law): How to run the park safely and in accordance with the law.
- Finance (Investment & Accounting): How to make financial choices and manage the figures.
- Marketing (Sales & Communication): How to promote a park and attract visitors.
- Sustainable Innovation: How to apply innovative and sustainable solutions in the park.
You will work on projects for European attractions, zoos or theme parks. You will also go on a field trip to a European amusement park to gain even more practical knowledge.
In het laatste deel van de specialisatie volg je een minor en ga je je strategieën verder ontwikkelen in je afstudeerproject. Je hebt de volgende opties:
- Minor in Attractions & Theme Parks Management: Je werkt aan een businessmodel voor een nieuwe gastbeleving samen met een partner uit de industrie.
- Andere minors: Je kunt ook kiezen voor andere minors van BUas of andere scholen.
In de laatste periode werk je aan een afstudeerproject of –thesis binnen je eigen opleiding waarin je een managementprobleem in de attractiesindustrie oplost.
Je afstuderen doe je met een eindexamen, waarin je laat zien dat je klaar bent om aan de slag te gaan in de wereld van Attractions & Theme Parks Management.
Want to know more about the Attractions & Theme Parks Management specialisation? Visit atpm.buas.nl for student stories, reports on field trips, and examples of companies in the world of amusement parks.
Frequently asked questions
- Why a specialisation in Attractions & Theme Parks Management?
The number of amusement and theme parks continues to grow, and competition is fierce. Holiday resorts, animal parks, shopping centres and museums are also increasingly focusing on experience and sustainability. In this specialisation, you will learn how to innovate your offerings in a way that adds value for both visitors and the company you work for.
Zoos are shifting towards a more ethically responsible and educational approach, while museums are adding more experience and interaction. Theme parks are trying to immerse people in complete themed worlds. Digitisation, AI and sustainability are playing an increasingly important role in all parks, and we also pay a lot of attention to these themes at BUas.
- What will I learn during this specialisation?
You will dive into the world of marketing, finance, personnel planning, and safety. But you will also get to work with hospitality, imagineering, and storytelling. You will work on your creative leadership skills and learn about change management. Each subject is linked to a real client from the world of attraction and theme parks.
- Will I also visit theme parks?
During your studies, you will visit several companies and have the opportunity to do a work placement at ‘world parks’ such as Walt Disney World in Orlando, Europa-Park and Efteling. Cool, right?
- When am I admissible to Attractions & Theme Parks Management?
To be admitted to the three-year Attractions & Theme Parks Management specialisation, you need to have completed the first year of one of the following three programmes at BUas: Leisure & Events Management, Tourism Management, or Facility Management.
After your first year in one of these bachelor's programmes, you can choose this specialisation starting in your second year.
You can also start this specialisation right away if you have a VWO diploma, associate degree, or a comparable qualification.
- How can I apply?
If you meet the application requirements, you can apply through a senior year request (hogere jaarsverzoek) in Studielink. During the application procedure, your motivation will be assessed, and it is also important that your English is at a sufficient level.
If you have any questions about the specialisation, please feel free to contact Goof Lukken [email protected].
Student experiences
Opening of a new adventure park
“It’s quite a pressure cooker, as there’s a lot to be done before the opening,” Fourth-year student Danike van der Steen is actively involved in the opening of Maple Farm Adventures and is developing a marketing plan.
Daan develops theme parks in the Middle East!
He worked in Dubai, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The theme park industry is often new to these cultures. As a Director of Entertainment Asset Strategy, he noted that the cultural differences are significant.
About this specialisation
This is a specialisation for students of the Tourism Management, Leisure & Events Management, and Facility Management programmes. From the second year onwards, you can choose to attend the English-taught specialisation in Attractions & Theme Parks Management (ATPM).
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