International Tourism Development MA at University of Northampton

his course will give you 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, managing tourism post-conflict and crisis and the strategic use of events for urban destinations.

Our International Tourism Development course places particular emphasis upon the contribution of social enterprise projects in supporting development and sustainability, in line with the University’s Changemaker ethos.

Course Details

This programme offers two points of entry.

The first option is to undertake a one year programme of study. You will gain the skills required to manage sustainable tourism businesses, alongside the specialisms of strategic destination management, crisis and post-conflict tourism management and digital marketing. The course draws upon a variety of case studies and projects, letting you explore 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 course places emphasis upon the micro-economic contribution of enterprise projects in supporting development and sustainability, in line with the University’s Changemaker ethos.

The course will also prepare you for the practical, project-based, and customer focused characteristics of the tourism industry, drawing upon a variety of case studies and engaging you with industry experts.

Semester 1

You will be introduced to the main themes in destination and tourism development, enabling you to analyse the strategic and dynamic nature of international tourist destinations and issues facing destination managers. Modules in semester one will highlight the need to ensure long-term viability of destination resources through themes such as international sustainable development and futures studies.

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. You will have the option to choose to focus on developing your personal adaptability in cross-cultural (work) environments or developing competency in digital marketing.

Semester 2 and 3

An area of individual research will be developed into a clearly defined and evidenced dissertation that demonstrates critical thinking and research at postgraduate level.  Guided by a dedicated subject specialist, you will collect, analyse and interpret a range of secondary and primary data, culminating in a 15-20,000 word dissertation.

The second option is to undertake a two-year programme of study.

This provides you with the same skills and holistic understanding of international tourism development, but builds on the first two semesters of academic content with the addition of a year in industry. The year in industry will develop your real world experience and you will undertake an applied research project that identifies and provides a response to an industry specific problem.

Methods of Learning

The course emphasises a small group teaching and learning experience that combines a range of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, and online learning materials.  Each 20 credit module accounts for 200 hours of learning; with 3 hours of scheduled contact per week per module, with a strong emphasis placed on directed and self-directed independent study.

All modules are taught within the academic calendar but the pattern of delivery may be flexible and will depend on the needs of the cohort.

Assessments

Assessment methods will develop and enhance your skills and combine a range of traditional and modern communication methods.

Assessments include: Projects, debates, reports, presentations, essays, student-led seminars, e-portfolios and conference papers.

Industry Placement Option

The industry placement enables you to develop your skills and knowledge in a real-world work environment, whilst completing an applied research project. This will give you an advantage over the competition for jobs and scholarships after you graduate and could be a good starting point for setting up your own consultancy business.

Your placement will need to be appropriate to your level of study and you should also be paid for this work. We will support you in finding and securing a suitable placement opportunity, however it must be noted that placements are highly competitive and there is no guarantee of a placement offer being made by an employer.

If you are unable or unwilling to progress with an industry placement, for whatever reason, you will have the option to transfer onto our Dissertation and Research Methods module in order to gain the required credits to complete your programme of study.

Scholarships

Dr Mike Daniel Research Degree Scholarship

The Dr Mike Daniel Research Degree Scholarship awards £500 to a postgraduate research degree student at the University of Northampton. Dr Mike Daniel was Pro…

EU and International Scholarships

We’re committed to offering the opportunity to study in the UK to the best and brightest students from around the world.