Tourism - Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)

Program Overview

The PhD in Tourism is a research-based program that equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in tourism. Through original research, the program emphasizes developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities. Students are supported by primary supervisors, supervision panels, and a community of PhD students. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, consulting, and other related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Tourism is a research-based program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of tourism. The program emphasizes original, independent research, culminating in the submission of a thesis or dissertation.

Objectives:

• To develop a deep understanding of tourism theory and practice.
• To conduct original research that contributes to the field of tourism.
• To develop advanced research skills, including data analysis, interpretation, and communication.
• To enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
• To prepare students for careers in academia, research, consulting, or other related fields.

Description:

• The PhD program is typically a four-year program, with a focus on original, independent research.
• Students can pursue the program full-time or part-time, with the part-time option offering flexibility in terms of the program's duration.
• The program includes structured research methods classes to support students throughout their research journey.
• Students are required to pass exams and defend their thesis in front of a committee of experts in their field.
• The program is designed to provide students with a strong support network, including access to primary supervisors, supervision panels, and a community of PhD students.
• Students have access to core online modules, opportunities for funded mobility visits to partner universities, and opportunities to publish their research.

Assessment:

• Continuous Assessment on taught modules
• Annual progression presentations
• Transfer viva from Master’s to PHD between 18-24 months
• A final viva voce examined by internal and external examiner(s)
• Thesis submission before the end of the student registration period
• Viva voce for successful completion of a PhD qualification

Careers:

• Academic careers: A PhD is often a requirement for lecturing and research roles in universities.
• Research positions: Many organizations, including private companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, hire PhDs for research positions.
These roles may involve conducting original research, analyzing data, and developing new products or technologies.
• Consulting: PhDs with expertise in specific fields may work as consultants, advising businesses and organizations on topics related to their area of expertise.
• Entrepreneurship: PhDs may use their specialized knowledge to start their own businesses, particularly in fields such as science, engineering, and technology.
• Government and policy: Many government agencies and non-profit organizations require experts with advanced degrees to help shape policy decisions.
• The program is open to students with a minimum of a 2.1 honors bachelor's degree or a postgraduate diploma equivalent to a 2.2 honors level 8 award.
• Students can contact the Head of Department or potential supervisors for further information.
• The program is designed to foster cross-disciplinary research, international collaboration, and research with meaningful impact for society.
• The program offers a variety of research topics, including brand activation in thanatourism, the role of the Chinese family in international education, film tourism, sports tourism, tourism's impact on poverty alleviation, sustainable tourism management, and green practices in the hospitality industry.
• The program includes structured classes to develop generic transferable skills, discipline-specific competencies, and attributes associated with a level 10 program.
• The program offers recognition of prior learning for individuals with significant contributions in the field of tourism.
• The program is designed to provide students with a supportive and inspirational learning environment.