MA International Tourism Development

Program Overview

The MA International Tourism Development program at the University of Northampton equips students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in tourism development. The program emphasizes sustainable tourism practices, strategic destination management, and critical thinking. Graduates are prepared for careers in destination management, sustainable tourism management, international development, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA International Tourism Development program at the University of Northampton aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities to pursue a specialist career in various areas of the tourism industry. The program addresses the growing need for sustainable tourism development, particularly in light of the challenges posed by "over-tourism."

Objectives:

• Provide students with higher-level knowledge and skills in tourism development.
• Prepare students for careers in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors of the tourism industry.
• Develop students' understanding of sustainable tourism practices and their application.
• Equip students with the ability to manage tourism businesses and destinations strategically.
• Foster critical thinking and research skills at the postgraduate level.

Outline:

The MA International Tourism Development program offers two entry options:

One-Year Program:

• Structure: This option consists of a one-year program of study culminating in a dissertation.
• Course Schedule: The program is delivered within the academic calendar, with a flexible pattern of delivery depending on the needs of the cohort.
• Modules:
• International Sustainable Tourism (20 Credits):
This module critically examines the concept of sustainable tourism development and its application, using international case studies. It emphasizes the Changemaker Philosophy and its application to social challenges through sustainable tourism strategies.
• Risk, Crisis and Post-Conflict Management in Tourism (20 Credits): This module equips students with the knowledge to critique theoretical frameworks on risk and crisis management within tourism, utilizing practical examples of past destination responses.
It also examines strategies for peacebuilding and social renewal through tourism in post-conflict scenarios.
• Strategic Destination Management (20 Credits): This module examines the potential benefits of tourism as a development tool, focusing on adopting a strategic and responsible approach to address economic, social, and cultural challenges.
• Dissertation & Research Methods (Tourism, Hospitality, Hotel and Events Management) (60 Credits): This module develops a critical understanding of research methods applicable to the service industries, facilitating the production of an independent research project relevant to the student's curriculum.
• Eventful Cities (20 Credits): This module evaluates and appraises the use of events as vehicles for urban regeneration and revitalization, drawing on disciplines like urban planning, tourism policy, and strategic events management.
• Imagined Futures for Tourism & Hospitality (20 Credits): This module analyzes the multidisciplinary facets of tourism/hospitality futures, forecasting and redefining the future of international tourism and hospitality.
Students postulate possible, probable, and preferable futures, drawing on current trends and research.
• Strategic Digital Marketing (20 Credits): This module examines digital technologies and social media from a marketing perspective, evaluating their impact on business practice.
Students investigate the role of digital tools and techniques in developing markets, communicating with customers, and managing channels.

Two-Year Program with Industry Placement:

• Structure: This option incorporates an industry placement year after the first three semesters of academic content.
• Course Schedule: The program is delivered within the academic calendar, with a flexible pattern of delivery depending on the needs of the cohort.
• Modules: The first three semesters include the same modules as the one-year program.
• Industry Placement: The placement year provides real-world experience and involves an applied research project addressing an industry-specific problem.
Students are required to undertake a work-based learning module during Semester one to prepare for finding their placement.

Assessment:

• Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to develop and enhance students' skills, including:
• Projects
• Debates
• Reports
• Presentations
• Essays
• Student-led seminars
• E-portfolios
• Conference papers
• Production of digital content (e.g., websites)
• Criteria: Assessment criteria are designed to evaluate students' understanding of course concepts, their ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations, and their critical thinking and research skills.

Teaching:

• Methods: The MA International Tourism Development program emphasizes a small group teaching and learning experience that combines a range of methods, including:
• Taught and online workshops
• Active blended learning
• Directed and self-directed independent study
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty members who are experts in their respective fields.
• Unique Approaches: The program incorporates the Changemaker Philosophy, which emphasizes the role of tourism in addressing social challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the MA International Tourism Development program are well-prepared for careers in:
• Destination management
• Sustainable tourism management
• International development
• Development organizations
• NGOs
• Aid organizations
• Post-conflict and disaster charities
• Public and private sector tourism organizations
• Opportunities: The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the tourism industry.
• Outcomes: Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to the sustainable development of tourism destinations and communities.

Other:

• Industry Placement Opportunity: The industry placement option allows students to develop their skills and knowledge in a real-world work environment while completing an applied research project.
This provides a competitive advantage for job and scholarship applications and can be a starting point for establishing a consultancy business.
• Master's Discount Scheme: The University of Northampton offers a 20% discount on tuition fees for graduates who enroll in a full master's program.

2024/25 Tuition Fees Fees quoted for this masters in International Tourism Development relate to study in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UK: £8,250 International: £16,995 Year 2 Placement Fee: £1,000 (for placements starting in September 2025 or January 2026)

• The placement fee amount will only be charged to you after you secure a placement and are enrolled on the work based project in year 2 of your course.