Programme Specification. MSc Tourism Futures. Valid from: September 2016 Faculty of Business Oxford School of Hospitality Management

Transcription

1 Programme Specification MSc Tourism Futures Valid from: September 2016 Faculty of Business Oxford School of Hospitality Management

2 SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION Awarding body: Teaching institution and location: Final award: Programme title: Interim exit awards and award titles: Brookes course code: UCAS/UKPASS code: JACS code: Mode of delivery: Mode/s and duration of study: Language of study: Relevant QAA subject benchmark statement/s: Oxford Brookes University Oxford Brookes University Master of Science (MSc) Tourism Futures Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Futures Postgraduate Certificate in Tourism Futures BH N800 Face to face Full-time, part-time or sandwich English Master's degrees in Business and Management (2015) External accreditation/recognition: Faculty managing the programme: N/A Business Date of production (or most recent revision) of specification: January 2016, September 2016

3 SECTION 2: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS 2.1 Rationale for and/or Distinctive features of the programme The international tourism industry makes a significant contribution to the global economy and society. However, it can also result in the exploitation of cultures, communities and the environment. This programme explores how tourism businesses, organisations and destinations create new products, services and experiences within the context of the dynamic social, political, economic and environmental conditions that influence the international tourism industry. The programme includes an innovative learning experience with an evidence-based evaluation of current business practice as well as exposure to practitioners. The programme also involves participation in a group consultancy/research project commissioned by a tourism business or organisation through which students will gain a deeper understanding of, for example, potential responses to changes in the external environment. Through such learning graduates will be equipped to make a contribution as leaders, change-makers and entrepreneurs. The Oxford School of Hospitality Management (OSHM) postgraduate programmes have been developed using the concept of lifelong learning and this MSc should be seen as a step in that process. The programmes are academically rigorous and place responsibility on individual students to study outside formal classroom-based sessions. They encourage students to develop the skills needed to study independently, and identify, set, implement and reflect on practical objectives and aspirations. 2.2 Aims of the programme The aim of this programme is to extend student s knowledge, understanding and experience of the contemporary challenges facing destinations and organisations the international tourism sector. In considering Tourism Futures, students will have the opportunity to consider innovative solutions to these contemporary challenges and to develop the critical and independent thinking needed for entrepreneurship and responsible leadership in the international tourism sector. SECTION 3: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES On successful completion of the programme, graduates will demonstrate the following Oxford Brookes University attributes: 3.1 Academic literacy 1. Analyse and synthesise contemporary challenges affecting the international tourism industry. 2. Analyse and evaluate innovative solutions to the contemporary challenges facing the international tourism industry 3. Critically evaluate consumer behaviour in relation to the international tourism industry. 4. Participate in critically evaluating management strategies and practices within the context of international tourism operations. 5. Create, plan and defend proposals for international tourism organisations. 3.2 Research literacy 6. Conduct an original theory-based research project. 7. Conduct a practice-based consultancy project within a tourism organisation or business.

4 8. Design methodologically appropriate research instruments for data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of information in international tourism industry. 9. Construct a relevant, detailed, evaluative argument using the integration of information from a variety of sources (also DIL). 3.3 Critical self-awareness and personal literacy 10. Learn, reflect and research actively, independently and reflectively. 11. Apply a self-development approach to personal planning as a future leader, change-maker and entrepreneur in a complex and dynamic environment. 12. Evaluate business ethics from a responsible business leadership perspective. 13. Proactively identify and exploit opportunities for learning in the work place and critically reflect upon theoretical and work place learning. 3.4 Digital and information literacy 14. Be a confident and agile user of IT for organisational and personal development. 3.5 Active citizenship 15. Participate and work effectively in multi-cultural groups showing cross-cultural awareness and valuing human diversity. 16. Reflect habitually and question different values and perspectives in order to develop ethical and responsible approaches to different stakeholder actions. 17. Interpret the complex relationships between different stakeholders in the international tourism sector in the context of wider global developments, in order to devise and recommend appropriate organisational strategies. Note: The Postgraduate Certificate in Tourism Futures and the Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Futures are awarded on the basis of passing 60 or 120 CATS credits respectively, with no requirement to pass specific modules. The Learning Outcomes for these awards therefore vary, depending on the modules passed, but will be a subset of the Learning Outcomes for the MSc award. SECTION 4: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM 4.1 Programme structure and requirements: The MSc programme comprises eight compulsory modules and one optional module for the full MSc award. The optional sandwich award involves students taking P58960 Professional Development module. Module Code Module Title Credits Status for MSc Status for PG Dip Status for PG Cert P58909 P58912 Contemporary Issues in Hospitality, Events & Tourism Management Tourism, Hospitality & Events Synthesis 10 C O O 20 C O O P58915 Research Methods * 10 C O O

5 Module Code Module Title Credits Status for MSc Status for PG Dip Status for PG Cert P58916 Dissertation 50 C O O P58917 P58918 P58925 P58928 Tourist Consumer Behaviour & Marketing Tourism Consultancy Project Mentoring & Leadership Development Tourism Innovation and Entrepreneurship 20 C O O 40 C O O 10 C O O 20 C O O P58914 Independent Study 20 O O O P58960 Professional Development (52 weeks) 20 O O O Key: C = Compulsory Module, O = Optional module * Pre-requisite for Dissertation The first semester of study on this programme comprises of modules that are acceptable for the MSc International Hospitality Events and Tourism Management (BH61). Students, therefore, have the opportunity to transfer from this programme (BH78) on to BH Professional requirements This programme does not have professional accreditation. SECTION 5: PROGRAMME DELIVERY 5.1 Teaching, Learning and Assessment In considering Tourism Futures, students will have the opportunity to consider innovative solutions to the contemporary challenges facing the international tourism sector and to develop the critical and independent thinking needed for successful entrepreneurship and responsible leadership in the sector. The teaching and learning methods used to develop this knowledge base and skills include: Lectures and seminars led by individual members of Faculty and visiting specialists Workshops for teaching a range of research methodologies and on-line research skills The use of case study and practical exercises Student-led seminar activities facilitated by members of Faculty Support for independent research and study through one-to-one or small group tutorials A practice-based consultancy project The programme has an emphasis on the development and application of research skills, reflecting the view that a successful career is likely to depend increasingly on students capacity for conducting wellgrounded empirical and literature-based research and analysis. Tutors have a wide range of research

6 experience and interests and this both informs teaching and is available to students to facilitate and guide their own research projects and assignments. Although this may be termed a taught Masters programme, some of the most important skills acquired are those of independent learning. Students experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods at the University, which is student-centred, participative and interactive, however they are expected to take a great deal of responsibility for their own learning. In the first semester the context of tourism and the potential responses of tourism organisations and businesses are explored. In the second semester, students will use this knowledge and understanding in the Tourism Consultancy Project. This double module involves students in a consultancy project for a tourism organisation and through which the students develop a solution to a current challenge. Students continue to develop their academic and research skills through the Contemporary Issues and Research Methods modules. The programme culminates in a dissertation and students submit their assignment relating to Mentoring and Leadership which students have engaged with through the year. Class time and independent learning time Module Module Credits Taught Hours Selfmanaged Study Hours Total Hours Tourism, Hospitality & Events Synthesis Tourist Consumer Behaviour & Marketing Tourism Innovation and Entrepreneurship Tourism Consultancy Project Mentoring & Leadership Development Contemporary Issues in Hospitality, Events & Tourism Management Research Methods Dissertation BROOKES ATTRIBUTES The development of Academic Literacy is a clear focus of the programme. Students engage with contemporary debates in business and management and their application and evaluation within the tourism sector. This is encouraged by the academic staff and the connections they make between research and practice. Students develop their criticality in Tourism, Hospitality & Events Synthesis, Tourism Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Tourist Consumer Behaviour & Marketing and Contemporary Issues in Hospitality, Events & Tourism Management.

7 Research Literacy underpins every module as students evaluate the robustness and credibility of the research and evidence base. It is explicitly addressed in the Contemporary Issues in Hospitality, Events & Tourism Management and Research Methods modules with the Dissertation module enabling these research skills to be further developed. Critical self-awareness and personal literacy is a focus in the Mentoring & Leadership Development module and other modules encourage students to develop as active, independent and reflective learners. Students are part of a diverse cohort and in the Tourism Consultancy Project are required to work as a group and are encouraged to take personal responsibility for setting and meeting deadlines. Students are required as part of the learning process to present to fellow students and to defend arguments and positions. Digital and Information Literacy is developed in in two ways. Students will develop core skills in identifying and evaluating key digital based resources and will become confident in the technological skills used for the communication and presentation of information. Active Citizenship is also deeply embedded in the Programme in particular through the Mentoring & Leadership Development module. Not only are critical global (cultural and institutional) debates incorporated into the Tourism, Hospitality & Events Synthesis and Tourism Consumer Behaviour & Marketing modules, but students also engage in cross-cultural activities which develop their understanding and skills for tackling issues of equity, social justice and sustainability. Tourism Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Tourism Consultancy Project offer students the opportunity to experience the practical application innovative solutions that promote equity, social justice and sustainability. Assessment Assessment is initially designed at programme level, to ensure an appropriate mix of methods. At module level the assessment measures the achievement of all the module learning outcomes, and for each component of assessment, the particular module learning outcomes being assessed are identified. The module learning outcomes have been designed so that in passing all the module learning outcomes, the programme learning outcomes are achieved. The relationship between modules and programme learning outcomes is recorded in a mapping document. The assessment strategy is informed by the Brookes Assessment Compact which is discussed during induction. Within the programme there is an emphasis on assessment for learning and the importance of feedback, both formal and informal is acknowledged. At the start of each semester students receive a schedule showing when coursework is due and the formal opportunities for formative feedback (through the submission of draft work). Assessment is through the submission of coursework. A variety of different forms of coursework are used, and in Tourism, Hospitality & Events Synthesis the students themselves choose the form of the submission (e.g. essay, report, newspaper article, radio or television script). The Mentoring and Leadership development requires students to compile a portfolio of evidence on leadership challenges and their own skill development. 5.2 Assessment regulations The programme conforms to the University s Academic Regulations; section B4 Regulations for Postgraduate Taught Programmes The Programme also embeds the principles and practices within the Brookes Assessment Compact. Assessments are carefully designed to contribute to formative developmental feedback and can

8 incorporate peer feedback as well. All module guides include specific assessment criteria which are clearly communicated and an assessment calendar is also produced. SECTION 6: ADMISSIONS 6.1 Entry criteria The programme is designed to attract students from a range of backgrounds and nationalities. Normally entrants to the programme should possess the following: a. A minimum of second class honours degree with an average of at least 55%; or completed to a satisfactory level of performance, a pre-masters foundation course approved by the University; or a relevant postgraduate/post experience qualification from an approved Institution; or an equivalent or professional qualification from an approved and recognised professional body, which is regarded as equivalent to a degree for this purpose b. An interest in the international tourism sector which will be discussed during the interview c. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate that their level of English is appropriate for study at postgraduate level. In addition to the academic entry qualifications applicants must have IELTS minimum level 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking. Please also see the university's Standard English language requirements. Exceptionally, where candidates show that they have qualifications or experience, or both, that demonstrate that they have knowledge and capabilities equivalent to those possessed by holders of the qualifications listed above, they may be admitted with dispensation from the requirement to possess those qualifications. Those who have a diploma rather than a good second-class degree may be eligible for entry provided they can demonstrate commitment to the sector. The design and integrative nature of the MSc means it is not appropriate to award admission with credit. Entry will also be subject to two satisfactory references (one of these must be an academic reference). All candidates must produce a satisfactory personal statement and complete a satisfactory interview with a member of the Programme team to secure an offer on the programme. 6.2 DBS checks Not Applicable SECTION 7: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE Induction An induction programme is provided before teaching begins at the beginning of the first semester and is compulsory. It is an important part of students development process and adds value to the programme in that it provides the opportunity to meet fellow students outside the classroom situation. It also familiarises students with the philosophy of the programme and the rationale for its design and delivery. Where a student arrives too late or is unable to attend the induction, an alternative arrangement will be made.

9 Handbooks and Module Guides The programme is summarised in a Programme Handbook. Teaching is divided into blocks called modules and so there are also Module Guides. At the beginning of each module the Module Leader will issue students with their Module Guide that provides the following details: Contact details of the Module Leader and tutors Specific content and learning outcomes Week by week topics and activities Details of class preparation that you are required to do Recommended and required reading Coursework assessment including the task, learning outcomes and assessment criteria To get the most from the programme students should read Module Guides carefully and ensure they keep up with recommended reading. Programme Lead The Programme Lead is responsible for the academic content of the programme and for the experience of students studying on the module. They provide general support and advice about study options. Programme Administrator Programme Administrators are normally the first point of contact for general queries regarding programme administration and critical to students initial induction. Module Leaders and Module Tutors Module Leaders and Module Tutors provide personal tutoring and answer subject specific queries during modules. Subject Co-ordinators (SSCs) SSCs understand the pressures of student life for undergraduate or postgraduate students, whether they are combining family with study or balancing study with work commitments. If students need support, or have any query relating to their studies, then they are the team to help. The SSC team can provide support, advice, guidance and encouragement to help students progress throughout their course. They offer the opportunity to talk to someone who is not connected to academic studies and can refer students to other services available within the University. Academic Advisors Each student has an academic adviser who is also able to provide general advice regarding their academic studies. Study skills development/support The University provides study skills development and support through the Upgrade service. Careers Advice

10 Careers advice is provided by the OSHM placement adviser and the University Careers centre. SECTION 8: GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY The employment students enter after graduating from the programme very much depends on each individual s skills, experience and expertise. Our alumni have entered a variety of careers and the School has a strong external reputation as a preferred source of graduate recruits. Graduates consistently secure graduate-level positions with prestigious employers and examples of the positions attained by recent graduates include: Assistant Airport Business Development Manager, Meridiana Airlines, Sardinia (Italy), India Travel Specialist, Audley Travel Group (UK), Research Analyst, PriceWaterhouseCooper, London (UK), Marketing Executive, Almaty Airlines (Kazakhstan) Some students choose to continue their academic studies and so embark on MPhil/PhD study. SECTION 9: LINKS WITH EMPLOYERS The Oxford School of Hospitality Management (OSHM) works with a range of external partners in the form of independent consultants, company executives, and practising managers across all functions and areas within the international hospitality and tourism industry. Such employer engagement includes guest lectures, panel discussions, awarding prizes for achievement, mentoring, live projects/case studies and careers presentations. There is a regular programme of weekly careers presentations, and currently more than thirty companies come to recruit OSHM graduates and postgraduates. The Bacchus Alumni Society is a worldwide network of hospitality graduates from Brookes and friends or associates of the OSHM. It is with the support of this association that the Bacchus mentoring programme, linking final year students with senior figures in industry, has become such a success. Relationships and networks developed through this scheme are seen to be rewarding and of immense value to both students and industry mentors. That so many alumni want to stay connected is testament to the quality of the educational experiences offered and the regard in which OSHM is held within the industry. Many students gain highly relevant experience during their optional paid supervised work experience. They are supported in securing a placement by a dedicated team of staff to ensure that their placement matches their aspirations and abilities, and through preparation in their first year of study. Oxford Gastronomica is a specialist centre for the study of food, drink and culture that is recognised internationally and has developed relationships developed with many well-known and respected patrons. Its key objectives are to provide a forum for the study of food and drink and their place in culture. It is an open and accessible organisation, bringing together the public, academics, students, food industry professionals, and those working in the creative arts. SECTION 10: QUALITY MANAGEMENT Indicators of quality/methods for evaluating the quality of provision

11 The programme has a rigorous quality validation against the level 7 Masters standard for Higher Education in the UK. Such validation is carried out by a panel drawn from the whole of Oxford Brookes University, plus external representatives from the profession. The teaching and assessment quality is monitored through strict internal procedures, and continually audited by an external examiner from another University. There is also a formal annual review and a periodic review every five years. Quality assurance of the Programme is addressed in a number of ways:- Systematic end of module and end of programme monitoring and evaluation Annual student experience surveys Subject Committee meetings held once a semester to enable staff and students to feedback on the programme A rigorous annual and periodic review process to ensure the currency of the programme An external examining process that follows the university guidelines - Systematic end of module and end of programme monitoring and evaluation