| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-06-10 | - |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MSc Tourism and Events program at the University of Sunderland combines a social science approach to tourism and events with business management skills. It equips graduates with a strategic understanding of the industry, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The program prepares students for senior roles in tourism and events management, offering a solid foundation for further research.
Program Outline
MSc Tourism and Events at the University of Sunderland
Degree Overview:
This Master's program focuses on developing a strategic understanding of all aspects of tourism and events management. It brings together a social science approach to tourism and events with the development of job-related skills and employability.
Objectives:
- Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to progress rapidly in tourism and events management.
- Offer an internationally respected qualification.
- Develop a strategic understanding of tourism and events management in one year.
- Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Prepare graduates for senior roles with significant responsibility.
- Provide a solid foundation for further research in the field.
Program Description:
The MSc Tourism and Events program at Sunderland delves into the complex and exciting world of tourism. Students explore tourism as a social and cultural practice, focusing on issues like tourist subjectivities, the spatial dimension of tourism, and perspectives from diverse disciplines within the social sciences. The program equips graduates with both business management skills and insights into the social science of events. It covers the dynamic nature of events in the context of the tourism and hospitality industries, unpacking their social, cultural, economic, and political aspects.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Social science approach to tourism and events: This covers tourism as a social and cultural practice, tourist subjectivities, the spatial dimension of tourism, and perspectives from diverse disciplines within social sciences.
- Business Management Skills: Learn the key principles of business management, applied specifically to the tourism and events industry.
- Event Management: This module delves into the dynamic nature of events, covering their social, cultural, economic, and political aspects.
- Research methods: Develop essential research skills for designing and conducting independent research projects.
Structure:
The program consists of five taught modules, each worth 30 credits, and a 60-credit major project. Modules are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, study visits, and group work.
Course Schedule:
The program is offered full-time, starting in June or October each year. The typical schedule involves lectures, seminars, and group work spread throughout the week.
Individual Modules:
Tourism Concepts and Issues (30 credits)
- Explores the complex and exciting world of tourism
- Examines tourism as a social and cultural practice
- Investigates tourist subjectivities and the spatial dimension of tourism
- Considers perspectives from various social science disciplines
Current Practices in the Visitor Economy (30 credits)
- Provides insights into current trends in tourism, hospitality, aviation, and events industries
- Develops understanding of current industry practices
- Includes opportunities for a residential field trip in the UK
- Examines the critical relationship between theory and practice in the visitor economy
Research Methods for the Services Sector (30 credits)
- Equips students with knowledge of key theories, methodologies, and philosophies in tourism, hospitality, aviation, and events research
- Develops practical skills in quantitative data analysis using dedicated software
- Provides the foundations for conducting independent research projects
Events Management Studies (30 credits)
- Offers a blend of business management skills and insights into the social sciences of events
- Investigates the dynamic nature of events in the context of tourism and hospitality industries
- Unpacks the distinctive qualities of event management as a contemporary issue
- Explores a wide range of events across tourism, leisure, recreation, hospitality, and creative industries from social, cultural, economic, and political perspectives
Tourism and Events Major Project (60 credits)
- Allows students to choose and focus on an area of events management that interests them
- Guides students in designing and implementing a research proposal
- Covers aspects like setting aims and objectives, selecting and implementing research methods, conducting literature review, collecting empirical data, and analyzing data in relation to contextual material
- Offers expert supervision and training in research methods, research design, and interpreting data and its relation to contextual material
Assessment:
Assessment in the program varies depending on the individual module. Methods may include essays, exams, presentations, portfolios of evidence, and a final dissertation.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, study visits, and group work. These are delivered by passionate academics who produce world-leading research.
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced academics with expertise in tourism, events, and related fields. Academic profiles can be found on the university website.
Unique Approaches:
The program fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It emphasizes real-world applications, preparing graduates for successful careers in the industry.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in various areas of tourism and events management. Potential careers include:
- Event manager
- Tourism officer
- Conference and exhibition center manager
- Hotel and resort manager
- Destination marketing agency
- Tourism company
Opportunities:
The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills highly valued by employers in the industry. Graduates are well-positioned to secure exciting and challenging opportunities.
Other:
Study environment:
The program is housed at The Reg Vardy Centre on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. This modern building offers stunning views of the river and is within walking distance of the coast and Sunderland town center.
Support services:
The university offers various support services to students, including academic and career advice, counseling, and disability services.
Additional Notes:
- Applicants typically require a 2:2 honors degree or equivalent.
- The program can be completed full-time or part-time.
- Scholarships and bursaries are available for eligible students.
- Graduates of the program can progress to further research opportunities in the field.
Summary:
The MSc Tourism and Events program at the University of Sunderland is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to excel in the tourism and events industry. Its focus on social science, business management, and practical applications make it an excellent choice for those seeking a rewarding career in this dynamic field.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
2023/24 fees are: £7,000 if you're from the UK/Europe £15,000 if you're an international student 2024/25 fees are: £7,500 if you're from the UK/Europe £16,500 if you're an international student £445 per 10 credits for part-time study Please note that part-time courses are not available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.
- European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who do not qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 23/24 and 24/25 admission, you will receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies. The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.
