International Hospitality and Events Management MSc/PGDip/PGCert

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.

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. In particular there will be a focus on the implications of more intense competition on customer service, sustainability and CSR.

This is a module aimed at developing your critical understanding of the events management field and to equip you with the skills to assess the impact of events and analyse the role of festivals and events in revitalising destinations.

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.

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. This provides you with essential management skills for handing information, innovation and policy development.

This module aims to develop your understanding of the complexity of the new digital landscape and developments in digital technology. You will focus on such things as e-marketing models, social media, e-tailing and digital marketing strategies.

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

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.

We are regularly reviewing and updating our programmes to ensure you have the best learning experience. We are taking what we have learnt during the pandemic and enhancing our teaching methods with new and innovative ways of learning.

We aim to model a wide range of teaching strategies and approaches on the course which you can adapt to your own setting.

How is the MSc/PGDip/PGCert International Hospitality and Events Management taught?

Teaching methods on this programme will enhance your employability; the external visits and the field trip will expose you to hospitality and event management professionals. All modules use international case studies so as to apply their knowledge to contemporary issues. The programme aims to engage in blended learning making use of online resources and techniques. There is a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminar discussions group debates, field trips, podcasts, private study all of which together aim to give you a variety of approaches and experiences.

How we'll teach you

You'll attend workshops, seminars, lectures and talks by guest speakers, and further your understanding through online class discussions and work on case studies.

In your own time, you'll use online learning resources and do your own research, directed reading and independent study. There will be some sessions on research methods.

Some coursework and research will be done in groups and you will work on your own International Business Management Project.

The course is delivered by our academics in person and via digital platforms. Our learning activities include lectures, presentations, webinars, one-to-one tutorials and group projects.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience. Your personal tutor will support you with help and advice throughout your studies.

Where will I study?

Our Hendon campus, north London.

Teaching vs independent study

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Timetable

Your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study. We aim to make your timetable available at least 2 weeks before you the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week looks like this:

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

You have a strong support network available to you to make sure you develop all the necessary academic skills you need to do well on your course.

Our support services will be delivered online and on campus and you have access to a range of different resources so you can get the help you need, whether you’re studying at home or have the opportunity to come to campus.

You have access to one to one and group sessions for personal learning and academic support from our library and IT teams, and our network of learning experts. Our teams will also be here to offer financial advice, and personal wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

The programme has a range of assessments that equally are designed to accentuate employability from, 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.