International Tourism Development MA

Key Facts

  • Level

    Postgraduate

  • Duration

    Full Time: 1 Year

  • Starting

    September

  • UK Fees 24/25

    £8,250

  • International Fees 24/25

    £16,995

  • Location

Get in touch


For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU Students enquiries

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

International Students enquiries

international@northampton.ac.uk
+44 (0)1604 893981

Overview


Effective management of tourism development is essential for the future of destinations, communities and the travel and tourism industry. The term ‘over-tourism’ and its associated global impacts has highlighted a real and urgent need for managers who are capable of developing the tourism industry in a sustainable way.

The University of Northampton’s MA tourism development degree provides students with higher-level knowledge, skills and capabilities to pursue a specialist career in a broad range of areas in the tourism industry across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

Apply for Non-Placement Route
Apply for Placement Route

Updated 19/03/2024

Highlights


  • Industry Placement Option year available for this MA Tourism Development course.
  • Embedded study trips.
  • Funded overseas study trip*
  • The International Tourism Development programme offers two points of entry.

*Future study trips are dependent on Government and local travel guides relating to Covid-19.

Course Content


  • This masters in tourism development has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG15 of Life on Land.

    The tourism development course will also prepare you for the practical, project-based, and customer focused characteristics of the tourism industry, drawing upon a variety of case studies and engaging you with industry experts.

    The strategic use of events in both the public and private sectors will be examined, particularly their use as a catalyst for physical, economic and socio-cultural regeneration. You will have the option to choose to focus on developing your personal adaptability in cross-cultural (work) environments. You will begin the process of undergoing your dissertation through research methods and research supervision.

    You will examine the vulnerability of destinations and the strategies and approaches needed by managers to develop and recover, particularly post-conflict, as well as examining a variety of concepts related to future directions for tourism practice and research. An area of individual research will be developed into a clearly defined and evidenced dissertation that demonstrates critical thinking and research at postgraduate level.

    First entry option

    The first option is to undertake a one-year programme of study including a dissertation. You will gain the skills required to manage sustainable tourism businesses, alongside the specialisms of strategic destination management, tourism futures, crisis and post-conflict tourism management, the strategic use of events for urban destination management. You will additionally be able to choose routes such as digital marketing or managing across cultures.

    This tourism development MA draws upon a variety of case studies and projects, letting you explore the global scope of tourism, the policies and strategies associated with successful management, the role the industry plays in international development, and the stakeholders involved in its development. The course places emphasis upon the micro-economic contribution of enterprise projects in supporting development and sustainability, in line with the University’s Changemaker ethos.

    Guided by a dedicated subject specialist, you will collect, analyse and interpret a range of secondary and primary data, culminating in a 15-20,000 word dissertation.

    Second entry option

    The second option is to undertake a two-year programme of study incorporating an industry placement year.

    This provides you with the same skills and holistic understanding of international tourism development, but builds on the first three semesters of academic content with the addition of a year in industry. The year in industry will develop your real world experience and you will undertake an applied research project that identifies and provides a response to an industry specific problem. You will be required to undertake a work-based learning module during Semester one which begins to prepare you for finding your placement.

    Modules

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

    • You will be introduced to the main themes in destination and tourism development, enabling you to analyse the strategic and dynamic nature of international tourist destinations and issues facing destination managers. Modules in semester one will highlight the need to ensure long-term viability of destination resources through themes such as international sustainable development and futures studies. You will have the option to choose to focus on developing competency in digital marketing.

      • Module code: LEIM010
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to critically examine the concept of sustainable tourism development and its industry application, using a range of international case studies. The module aims to demonstrate the application of the Changemaker Philosophy to social challenges or issues that can be alleviated through sustainable tourism strategies.
      • Module code: LEIM011
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to equip students with the knowledge to critique theoretical frameworks on risk and crisis management within the context of tourism operations utilising practical examples of past destination's responses. It also examines specific management strategies to harness the potential opportunities for peacebuilding and social renewal through tourism in post conflict scenarios.
      • Module code: LEIM020
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to examine the potential benefits of tourism as a preferred development tool such as increased income, foreign exchange, employment and economic diversification. It focuses on adopting a strategic and responsible approach that recognises the complexity of the interconnected forces at work whilst addressing the economic, social and cultural challenges.
      • Module code: LEIM031
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to develop a critical understanding of research methods as they can be applied to analysis of the service industries, and in so doing facilitate the production of an independent piece of research by the student of relevance to their curriculum.
      • Module code: LEIM039
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to provide students with the ability to evaluate and appraise the use of events as vehicles for urban regeneration and revitalisation. The module draws on a range of associated disciplines including urban planning, tourism policy and strategic events management as a means of developing a holistic view of the eventful city.
      • Module code: LEIM041
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to provide students with the ability to analyse the multidisciplinary facets of tourism/hospitality futures, and forecast and redefine the future of international tourism and hospitality. Students will postulate possible, probable, and preferable futures of the international tourism and hospitality industries, drawing on current trends and research.
      • Module code: MKTM027
        Status: Designate
        The purpose of this module is to examine digital technologies and social media from a marketing perspective, evaluating the impact they are having on the evolution of business practice. Students will investigate the role of digital tools and techniques in developing markets, communicating with customers and channels.
      • Module code: STRM089
        Status: Designate
        The purpose of this module is to enable learners to understand business cultures around the world, evaluating the impact that different cultural contexts have on individuals working in non-native cultures. Learners will reflect upon these issues to improve own professional effectiveness in management and leadership in international contexts.
  • To be accepted onto this MA International Tourism Development degree, you will normally need to hold a recognised First or Second Class Honours degree from a UK university (or an international equivalent). We consider a wide range of first degree disciplines, which include travel, tourism, and international development. If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate that you meet the minimum English language requirement of IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent).

    For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

    If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

    English Language Requirements

    All International and EU students applying for a course with the University of Northampton must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) for study at postgraduate level.

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  • 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. You will not be charged this fee if you do not secure a work placement.

    For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

    Additional costs

    There are no additional costs for this MA tourism course for students beginning their studies in September 2024. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

    2023/24 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted for this masters in masters in International Tourism Development relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK: £8,010
    • International: £16,500
    • Year 2 Placement Fee: £1,000 * (for placements starting in September 2024 or January 2025)

    *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. You will not be charged this fee if you do not secure a work placement.

  • How will I learn on the International Tourism Development MA?

    The MA International Tourism Development course emphasises a small group teaching and learning experience that combines a range of methods including taught and online workshops and active blended learning. Each 20 credit module accounts for 200 hours of learning; with 3 hours of scheduled contact per week per module, with a strong emphasis placed on directed and self-directed independent study.

    All modules are taught within the academic calendar but the pattern of delivery may be flexible and will depend on the needs of the cohort.

    How will I be assessed on the Tourism Development MA?

    Assessment methods will develop and enhance your skills and combine a range of traditional and modern communication methods.

    Assessments include: Projects, debates, reports, presentations, essays, student-led seminars, e-portfolios, conference papers and production of digital content such as websites.

Staff


Careers and Employability


If you are interested in pursuing a specialist career in destination management, sustainable tourism management or international development, then studying the International Tourism Development MA is an ideal progression for you. University of Northamptongraduates have gone on to work within development organisations, NGOs, aid organisations, post conflict and disaster charities, as well as public and private sector tourism organisations.

Campus Facilities


As an MA International Tourism Development degree student, you will have access to on-campus facilities, study areas, and services. These facilities should help provide you with the surroundings and support you need to complete your master’s degree studies.

Learning Hub


The Learning Hub is at the heart of the campus and home to the student information desk.

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Senate Building


The main reception for the University and additional teaching spaces.

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