Masters Degrees in Travel Management, United Kingdom

By the year 2020, tourism will be firmly established as one of the world’s most powerful economic forces, and this expected growth will drive the global demand for professionally educated tourism managers.

The programme covers key aspects of international tourism management with the aim of providing a set of rigorous and industry-relevant analytical tools that will equip graduates for leadership and management positions within the global tourism industry. The programme seeks to provide knowledge and skills through an in-depth study of key issues facing the industry, including sustainable and strategic tourism management, global marketing and tourism operations.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

-Our courses are ranked number 2 for Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism by the Guardian University Guide 2016, and 35th in the World according to EdUniversal 2016
-International guest speakers on a range of topics related to tourism management and responsible tourism
-Opportunities to gain valuable applied destination management and tourism planning experience through the international field trip module
-An interactive and internationally diverse learning environment
-Industry field trips to tourism destinations and heritage sites such as Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge and the National Parks of England
-Research-informed teaching from academic staff who are experts in the tourism field
-An international outlook through the use of international case studies, diversity amongst the course cohort, and opportunities for Online International Learning (OIL) projects

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The programme seeks to enhance knowledge and skills through an in-depth study of key issues. The course consists of a range of modules with an international focus, which are taught within an internationally diverse learning environment. The programme thus seeks to produce autonomous learners, able to work with self-direction and originality.

We seek to develop the ability to blend theory and practice in complex situations, and have an appreciation of how properly conducted research can enhance performance as a future manager within the tourism sector.

Modules include:
-Tourism Operations Management
-Sustainable Tourism Management
-Strategic Tourism Management
-Contemporary Issues in Tourism Management
-International Field Trip
-New Business Development

HOW WILL THIS COURSE BE TAUGHT?

The MSc International Tourism Management course focuses on strategic decision making in relation to tourism operations, tourism marketing and strategic tourism management. As well as traditional teaching and learning methods such as lectures and seminars, specific subjects adopt a mix of experiential approaches to facilitate the achievement of richer, deeper, and critical learning.

Learning approaches include:
-Using real life case studies from secondary sources and invited guest speakers.
-Providing a combination of classroom and seminar based activities.
-Facilitating an international field trip that provides students with the opportunity to understand the global impacts of tourism.
-The use of online international learning (OIL), working with students from international partner universities.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

A range of different assessment methods are used across the course both to support the development of a variety of skills and knowledge and to take into account different learning styles.

Assessment includes reports, essays, case studies, presentations, portfolios, examinations, and a dissertation.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE ENHANCE MY CAREER PROSPECTS?

The in-depth knowledge and critical evaluation and analysis skills developed on the course are designed to prepare graduates for management positions in sectors of the industry including:
-Destination Marketing Organisations
-Accommodation
-Tour Operators
-Travel Agencies
-Airlines
-Tourist Attractions
-Heritage Sites
-The Arts and Cultural Sector

WORK PLACEMENTS

The Management Consultancy Project enables students to undertake a consultancy research project for a tourism organisation. Although the course doesn’t include a traditional placement, many of the modules incorporate work-related learning.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

The course has an international focus, and all modules are applied to an international context, incorporating international case studies and in-depth examples. All students who are enrolled on the course are able to engage in the Global Leaders’ Programme. The international field trip emphasises intercultural engagement and group working, which fosters intercultural competency. Opportunities will also be available to develop Online International Learning (OIL) projects.

GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAMME

Centre for Global Engagement logoTo prepare students for the challenges of the global employment market and to strengthen and develop their broader personal and professional skills Coventry University has developed a unique Global Leaders Programme.

The objectives of the programme, in which postgraduate and eligible undergraduate students can participate, is to provide practical career workshops and enable participants to experience different business cultures.

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Our MSc International Tourism Management programme is one of the longest-established university tourism programmes in the world, combining our world-class research expertise with a strong focus on enterprise and innovation.

We have channelled our wealth of industry-relevant teaching and research experience into the ideal platform for a career in the global tourism industry.

The structure of our Euromasters programme includes the opportunity to undertake a placement in industry between the two years of study.

This experience gives students (particularly those with little prior work experience) a significant advantage in terms of employability upon graduation.

Programme structure

This programme is studied full-time over two academic years and part-time over four academic years. It consists of twelve taught modules and a dissertation.

Example module listing

The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

• Tourism Development
• Sustainable Development
• Sustainable Tourism Management
• Tourism Services Marketing
• Tourism Social Science
• Visitor Attraction Management
• Destinations Management and Marketing
• Applied Marketing Research
• Marketing Communications
• Project Management
• Accounting and Finance for Business
• Ethics and CRS
• Business Plan for Hospitality, Tourism and Events
• Hospitality and Tourism Operating Systems
• Tourism Strategy
• Strategic Brand Management in Tourism
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Strategic Tourism Management
• Smart Tourism Design
• Strategic Tourism Cosultancy
• Applied Marketing Research
• Designing a Brand Campaign in Tourism and Events
• Marketing Communications
• Event Portfolio and Destination Development
• Research Methods (SHTM)
• Dissertation (SHTM)

Educational aims of the programme

The programme takes a broad view of tourism and provides an opportunity to explore issues and problems relevant to a wide range of situations and aspects likely to be faced by tourism managers and other relevant professionals.

It gives an opportunity to develop academic skills and knowledge. At the same time it maintains a practical focus on the rapidly developing tourism industry. Its intensive but generalist approach aims to prepare students for a wide range of possible careers in travel and tourism.

It is designed to provide an appropriate base for employment opportunities in official tourism organisations, in transport, hotels, tour operating and travel agency companies, in government and other organisations where knowledge of tourism is important.

The programme draws on the stimulus of the School’s recent research activities, and takes an integrated approach to the relationships between the various components of the programme.

The programme also provides students with opportunities to work directly with industry partners through not only guest lectures, but also on a real tourism project through the Applied Dissertation initiative and during fieldtrips.

The programme encourages students to develop skills in relation to practical research and decision making in a tourism business environment.

Knowledge and understanding

Upon completing the course, students will be able to demonstrate:

• A systematic, in-depth understanding of the development, issues and influences relevant to tourism management
• A high level of theoretical and applied knowledge of the management operation, organisation and provision of business or service sector education
• An understanding of the research process

Intellectual / cognitive skills

Students will have the ability to:

• Independently critically evaluate approaches and techniques relevant to tourism management
• Demonstrate high level learning and problem solving abilities in the range of modules studied

Professional practical skills

Students will be able to:

• Analyse and synthesise issues related to tourism management. Other skills developed include communication and presentation skills, computing skills, critical reasoning, data analysis, organisation and planning, report and essay writing skills, problem solving skills, interactive and group skills, and research skills
• Evaluate the ethical dilemmas likely to arise in research and professional practice, and to formulate solutions in dialogue with peers, clients, mentors, supervisors and others

Key / transferable skills

Students will learn:

• To identify modifications to existing knowledge structures and theoretical frameworks and therefore to propose new areas for investigation, new problems, new or alternative applications or methodological approaches
• To conduct research and produce a high quality reports: this includes the ability to select, define and focus upon an issue at an appropriate level; to develop and apply relevant and sound methodologies; to analyse the issue; to develop recommendations and logical conclusions; to be aware of the limitations of the research work
• A range of generic skills relevant to the needs of existing and future managers, executives and professionals, irrespective of their sector of operation. These will include analysis and synthesis, oral and written communication, computing/IT literacy, critical reasoning, data analysis, organisation and planning, problem solving, independent and group working and research

Global opportunities

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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Please note: this programme is subject to validation.

Why study International Tourism Management?

The programme emphasises the ethical dimension of international tourism management alongside a sustainable approach to tourism issues in a global context.

This degree focuses on the development of the managerial and leadership skills necessary for you thrive in a competitive, responsible and global world. The degree will equip you with a wide range of analytical, research and communication skills as you work with fellow students and undertake your own original research.

Why St Mary's?

Supporting you is core to the St Mary's mission, with the University ranking first in London for student experience. The School of Management and Social Sciences received an overall rating of 91% for student satisfaction in the 2016 National Student Survey.

St Mary's offers students the best of both worlds: the campus is based near the river in the green and safe London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, but is only a half hour journey from central London.

Course content

A full list of modules can be found on our website:
https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses-london/international-tourism-management

Career opportunities

The aim of the MSc in International Tourism Management is to produce postgraduates equipped with the relevant knowledge, skills and competencies to enable them to exploit the growing number of global job opportunities within the travel and tourism sector.

The Careers Service has more information on careers and postgraduate study options available to International Tourism Management students who have started their studies at St Mary's.

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This programme is designed to deliver a substantial theoretical and practical understanding of the role and contribution of the tourism industry in the context of international development. You will gain the skills required to manage sustainable tourism businesses, alongside the specialisms of strategic destination management and marketing. You will explore tourism’s relationship with the socio-economic and political contexts within international development, tourism disasters affecting tourist destinations, and the role of tourism in the development of countries that have experienced conflict. An emphasis upon the micro-economic contribution of enterprise projects to support development and sustainability also features within the curriculum; delivered through the Ashoka Changemaker philosophy.

Upon completion of the programme, you may wish to progress your studies through a doctoral qualification.

Course content

The programme encourages you to analyse and evaluate the relationship between sustainable development principles and the management of destinations to achieve long-term viability of resources; and the role of event tourism in destination development as a catalyst for physical, economic and socio-cultural regeneration. In addition, the programme provides insight into the political economies surrounding development and the contribution that tourism makes to a destination’s risk mitigation, social renewal and recovery after disasters and post conflict scenarios.

Drawing on a variety of case studies and projects, the programme explores the global scope of tourism, the policies and strategies associated with successful management, the role the industry plays in international development, and the stakeholders involved in its development. The programme will also prepare students for the practical, project based, and customer focused characteristics of the tourism industry.

Semester 1

From the beginning of the programme, you will be introduced to some of the main themes in destination and tourism management, to enable you to analyse the strategic and dynamic nature of international tourist destinations and issues facing managers of such destinations. Modules in semester one will highlight the need to ensure long-term viability of destination resources through themes such as sustainable development and political economies of international development.

Semester 2

You will examine the vulnerability of destinations and the strategies and approaches needed by managers to develop and recover, particularly post-conflict. The strategic use of events in both the public and private sectors will be examined, particularly their use as a catalyst for physical, economic and socio-cultural regeneration. There is a strong emphasis on developing personal adaptability in cross cultural (work) environments as Master graduates can be expected to, and will have the expectation to – lead and manage other people internationally. You will also begin to prepare for the completion of a dissertation through a series of taught research methods sessions, during which a research proposal is produced.

Semester 3

The research proposal produced in Semester two will guide the development of a clearly defined and evidenced study purpose, a critical review of the extant literature, and a robust methodology. Data is then collected, analysed, interpreted and applied to the study purpose, and a 15-20,000 word research report (dissertation) is produced, with the support of a dissertation supervisor.

For further information on course content and modules please refer to the award map: http://oldweb.northampton.ac.uk/caf/pgmsaward/international-tourism-development-ma

Course modules (16/17)

-Political Economies of International Development
-International Sustainable Tourism
-Strategic Destination Management
-Risk, Crisis and Post-conflict Management in Tourism
-Strategic Events Management
-Managing Across Cultures
-Dissertation​ and Research Methods

Opportunities Abroad

In previous years students have participated in an optional study trip to an international destination. The cost of this optional trip would not normally exceed £500 for flights and accommodation. Students normally allow an additional £100 for their expenses.

The programme team also aims to provide a regional or national study trip annually to a tourism attraction or exhibition. In some cases students are required to contribute to the cost of entry; this would normally not exceed £50.00.

Methods of Learning

Typically you will have nine hours (approximately) of contact time with your tutor in the first semester and eleven hours (approximately) in the second. Overall you will spend 108 hours per module in self-directed study (reading and research).

Assessments

A variety of individual and group based assessments are used including reports, presentations, posters, e-portfolios, projects, client briefs, multiple choice tests and examinations.

Facilities and Special Features

Ashoka U is the global association of the world’s leading universities supporting social entrepreneurs; those working together to create solutions for the world’s most urgent social problems. The programme emphasises this philosophy, through Ashoka Changemaker projects.

Careers

The programme will interest students wishing to pursue a specialist career in destination management, sustainable tourism management or international development, with an emphasis on employment within development organisations, NGOs, aid organisations, post conflict and disaster charities, as well as public and private sector tourism organisations.

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About the course

The research areas are agreed between the research students, the Director of Studies and the second supervisor. Student research and study is supported by the supervisory team and Research Graduate School. Students are encouraged to undertake research philosophies and methods units from the taught postgraduate courses, as well as specialist units relevant to their specific research area.

Key features

-Independent but academically supported tourism research degrees
-Students are encouraged to present their research at external conferences and internal seminars
-International atmosphere

Career opportunities

Past tourism research degree students have gained employment in the public, private and third (NGO) sectors. Positions include government tourism and planning ministries, universities, consultancies, conservation and sustainability, and academia.

The University welcomes research degree applications in the following areas:

-Climate change and tourism
-Poverty reduction and tourism
-Sustainable tourism development
-Ecotourism
-Protected area management and tourism
-Environment ethics
-Cultural tourism, citizenship and identity
-Diaspora and tourism

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There is a vibrant research community within our Faculty of Management, with experts in the areas of tourism, leisure, economics, consumer behaviour, entrepreneurship, sport and many others working on innovative and exciting research projects. By undertaking a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) with us you can tap into this expertise as you investigate and evaluate a topic that you are passionate about.

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