International Hospitality and Events Management MSc/PGDip/PGCert

Program Overview

This MSc/PGDip/PGCert program in International Hospitality and Events Management combines specialist knowledge with the context of tourism in the global economy. Students gain direct industry experience through a practicum module and enterprise module, and develop skills in communication, problem-solving, and innovation. The program offers a range of optional modules, including digital marketing, destination management, and visitor attractions management, preparing graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in the hospitality and events industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The module content is directly influenced by contemporary industry trends, ensuring students are learning the most up-to-date theories and methods. They will be able to take a variety of optional modules from digital marketing to tourism and development and entrepreneurship in tourism. The program also has a strong focus on employability, including developing communication skills, independent thinking, and the ability to problem solve and innovate. Upon graduation, students will be able to explore a wide range of interesting specialist career areas such as place marketing or destination management as well as event management.

• MSc route: comprises two 30 credit modules, four 15 credit modules, and a dissertation
• PG Diploma route: comprises two 30 credit modules and four 15 credit modules as listed below but does not include the 60 credit Research methods and dissertation
• PG Certificate route: comprises two compulsory 30 credit modules, International Tourism in the 21st century and Managing Contemporary Hospitality

Modules:

#International Tourism in the 21st century (30 credits) - Compulsory

This core module provides a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of tourism. It runs on the premise that mass tourism will remain the most prominent form of tourism development. One of the major academic concerns has been to develop more responsible and sustainable approaches to the sector. To that end, this module identifies a range of environmental, social, cultural, and economic issues that arise out of mass tourism development in different parts of the world. In order to identify the causes as well as to examine possible solutions, the module critically examines the socio-political environment in which mass tourism is situated, namely neo-liberal globalisation. In this light, we examine how this politics has structured tourism, such as the changed nature of the private sector, the implications of competition between destinations and firms, the relationship between public, private and third sectors, the growing volatility of demand in many destinations and the importance of class and status in tourism. The module also addresses conceptual issues inherent in these criticisms such as the right to tourism, the implications of contemporary tourism development for citizenship and the impact of tourism on less developed and developed countries. The module also analyses alternative forms of tourism that are trying to address issues of sustainability and ethics. The final section of the module is concerned with developing an in-depth analysis of heritage and urban tourism as distinctive examples of alternative tourism development.

#Managing Contemporary Hospitality and Events (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module deals with the post-recession implications for the international hospitality environment of deregulation and competition, the introduction of new technologies, and the rise of the new tourist destinations.

#Hospitality and Events Practicum (15 credits) - Compulsory

In this module, you will gain first-hand experience of what it is to work in the industry. You will be normally engaged on one or more practical projects agreed between the University and the organisation that draws upon your skills.

#Research Methods and Dissertation (60 credits) - Compulsory

This module will assist you in developing an understanding of the research process and the tools necessary to complete research. You will then begin writing an original dissertation in which you will collect your own information in order to throw light on particular issues in the sector that interests you. You will focus on such things as e-marketing models, social media, e-tailing, and digital marketing strategies.

#Destination Management (15 credits) - Optional

This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to apply to appropriate destination management and marketing solutions.

#Visitor Attractions Management (15 credits) - Optional

The aim of this module is for students to gain a depth of understanding of visitor attractions to equip them with knowledge and skills they can transfer into the workplace. The module will introduce students to the range and diversity of natural and man-made attractions across the globe and provide a deep understanding of the governance, marketing, legal, and operational issues of opening attractions to the public whilst providing a quality visitor experience.

Assessment:

• The program utilizes a range of assessments for employability, including group reports, reflective field diaries, poster presentations, portfolios, oral presentations, seen exams, and academic essays.
• Feedback from formative assessment and from first drafts plays an important aspect in developing your skills.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods will enhance employability through site visits and the field trip that exposes students to hospitality and event management professionals.
• International case studies are used for applying knowledge to contemporary issues.
• The program aims to engage in blended learning using online resources and techniques with diverse teaching methods such as lectures, seminar discussions, group debates, field trips, podcasts, and private study.
• Our academics deliver the course in person and via digital platforms with diverse learning activities including lectures, presentations, webinars, one-to-one tutorials, and group projects.
• Students will be taught by an experienced teaching team with expertise and professional experience.
A personal tutor will support their studies.

Careers:

Hospitality and events span a range of jobs that are much more than managing hotels and events delivery. Destinations require management, while there is a huge range of jobs in place marketing and the marketing of individual attractions together with a greater variety of techniques and means of marketing. Discussion of the third sector and public sector institutions and organisations in sustainability and tourism open other areas of employment that cover land use planning, managing partnerships, and developing policy in all areas from training and environmental management to infrastructure and transport planning.