General Information
About you: If you are interested in building your knowledge and expertise of the changing Irish and international tourism sectors, this MA programme is designed to equip you with the relevant competencies. The programme aims to prepare graduates from a variety of academic backgrounds for rewarding careers (both nationally and internationally) in tourism and related sectors.
The recent global economic downturn has made "upskilling" more important than ever and consequently has added to the attraction of achieving a specialist post-graduate qualification.
Why study International Tourism at UL?
This MA programme was short-listed and now ranked in Eduniversal's top 100 'Best Masters' world-wide, in the field of Tourism and Hospitality Management. These results were announced (in Shanghai), in December 2011.
Programme Objectives
- To enable students to gain an in-depth and independent understanding of the principal issues and trends affecting international tourism
- To provide a source of highly qualified graduates that can identify how industries and economies can capture and optimise the benefits of tourism
- To build the competence and expertise of students for business functions and techniques relevant to the changing needs of the tourism industry.
The MA programme is run jointly by the University's Department of Economics and the National Centre for Tourism Policy Studies (NCTPS). The Department of Economics, in conjunction with the NCTPS, has built a strong reputation in tourism policy analysis and related fields. The NCTPS has been closely involved in the design of the programme and makes ongoing inputs to its delivery.
Tourism remains one of the world's fastest growing industries and an important source of income generation and employment in many countries. This MA programme is designed to prepare graduates for careers in tourism management, tourism development, and tourism planning and policy analysis. Ongoing economic and political developments require tourism personnel with an understanding of current trends and developments in the global tourism industry, and who are equipped with the analytical and personal skills to effect change.
Careers
Marketing Executives in Hotel Groups; Conference Management, Airline Executives; Travel Agency Managers; Incoming Tour Operators; Third Level Lecturing; Tourism Consultancy' Tour Guide Management; Tourism Facility Management; Managerial/Project Management Roles in Rural, Regional and National Tourism Organisations.
Course Structure
Full-Time option:
This is a one-year, full time programme, which takes place over two semesters, plus a further period of 4 months for completion of a dissertation.
Part-Time option:
Part-time students are expected to complete the MA programme over a two-year period, with lectures being delivered one day per week, between the hours of 09h00-18h00, in each of the four semesters.
The programme is geared to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the international tourism industry and an appreciation of the key issues affecting its continued development. It presents an opportunity to gain insights into the marketing and management issues impacting on the sector. Students are also presented with opportunities to update their communication and presentation skills, and to interact with tourism industry practitioners and visiting international faculty. Research skills are developed through dedicated methodology modules leading to the completion of a dissertation on a chosen topic in tourism.
Distinguishing Features of the MA Programme
A vital and innovative component of the Programme comes through field trips whereby students visit and examine the workings of tourism businesses. An exciting aspect has been the International Field Trip where all students of the programme are expected to participate. Students have visited Cuba in recent years; other destinations are expected to be included in future years.
Programme Format:
Semester 1
Tourism Principles and Practice; Economics of Tourism; Tourism Services Marketing; Management in Tourism Enterprises; Research Methods 1; Information Technology Workshop (optional and non credit based); Language Opportunities (optional and non-credit based).
Inter-semester International Field-Trip (Assignment-based)
Semester 2
Tourism Planning and Development; International Tourism Trends; Economic Appraisal and Evaluation Techniques Strategic Marketing for Tourism; Research Methods 2; Dissertation (for completion four months after the end of course-work).
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement is an honours bachelors degree or equivalent professional qualification. The nature of the course allows for consideration of applications from a range of disciplines. Graduates of economics, geography, sociology, anthropology, business studies/commerce, hotel/hospitality/tourism management or languages (or in other programmes in which these disciplines form component parts) are most likely to be attracted to the programme. Holders of the Graduate Diploma in Tourism Studies from the University of Limerick at honours level are also eligible to apply.
Overseas applicants whose native (spoken) language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language through a recognised testing mechanism, with performance at an appropriate and pre-defined level. A number of English language qualifications are accepted by UL, these include IELTS and TOEFL.
Delivery
A variety of educational approaches are used in the delivery of the programme including interactive lectures, study-trips, guided reading, workshops, small group team projects and presentations. Action-learning is supported through case studies and guest speakers from industry.
Apart from the student's formal contact hours, the remainder of the student workload should be divided between independent and private study and the preparation of assignments and examinations.
Interaction with key tourism industry personnel and leading international faculty is an important feature of the programme. These visiting experts form an integral part of the delivery process in relevant modules through workshops and by leading seminar sessions.
The emphasis on an action-research approach involves projects which are industry-based and/or based on work related assignments to address critical issues confronting tomorrow's enterprises.
Part-Time option:
The number of modules to be taken by part-timers is pre-determined in all semesters. Students are informed in advance. Contact hours are also outlined.
Graduate Profiles
How to apply:
The application process is open for the AY2012/13. Please note that an interview may form part of the selection process.
Applications received by the 30th June will receive preference in this year's intake. Overseas applicants are encouraged to apply ahead of the above deadline.
Fees for AY2011/12 (under review for AY2012/13)
EU students (Full-Time) €7,000
EU students (Part-Time) €3,500
Non-EU students (Full-Time) €12,000
Non-EU students (Part-Time) under review
For academic queries, contact the Course Director:
Mary Wallace
Lecturer in Economics and Tourism
Kemmy Business School
Tel: +353-61-202693
Email: mary.wallace@ul.ie
For general queries, contact the Course Administrator
Valerie Clancy
Taught Postgraduate Programmes
Tel: + 353-61-213571
Fax: + 353-61-213489
Email: valerie.clancy@ul.ie
Useful Link: University's Academic Calendar
