Course description
This scheme is divided into three separate masters programmes which students can follow depending on their module choices, namely: Cultural Tourism Development; Heritage Tourism Development; and Ecotourism Development. Each programme provides students with in-depth knowledge of the specific topic area and equips them with the appropriate skills and techniques needed to appraise and assess tourism development. Five key elements make up each of the masters programmes; two core modules; two specialist optional modules; and an individually supervised dissertation.
The central focus is on understanding both the formal and informal relationships and processes involved in the development of tourism locally, nationally and internationally. Therefore, while students will learn about such things as market based product development at the local level, for example, they will also be able to appraise and assess the processes and techniques involved in broader developmental contexts. In this, the whole masters scheme is both practical and academic and students will be able to develop their own special interests and skills as they progress through it.
Course Content
Stage 1
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)
* International Tourism Policies and Planning
Plus one module from options that include:
* Policies for the Cultural Industries
* Experiential Marketing for Tourism and the Arts
* Interpreting Places and Museums
* Cultural and Heritage Tourism Independent Study
* Tourism and Natural Heritage
Stage 2
Postgraduate Diploma (PgD)
As for Certificate plus core module 2:
* Methods in Market-Based Product Development
Options, one from:
* Policies for the Cultural Industries
* Experiential Marketing for Tourism and the Arts
* Interpreting Places and Museums
* Cultural and Heritage Tourism Independent Study
* Tourism and Natural Heritage
Stage 3
Masters (MSc)
As for Diploma plus either:
* Cultural Tourism Dissertation
or
* Heritage Tourism Dissertation
or
* Ecotourism Dissertation
Teaching and Assessment
Assessment is through essays, examinations, projects, student-led seminars and dissertation. Teaching is through lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
Career Opportunities
Tourism development experts in either public or private sector at home or overseas, museum and heritage centre management, ecotourism operators, own tourism business, research or lecturing in tourism at FE or HE level.
