The dynamic nature of tourism requires ongoing research, and the B.A. (Hons) in Tourism Studies is structured in a manner that transcends disciplinary boundaries in order to present the student an integrated and holistic approach to the study of tourism based on recent knowledge and research. It will consider the various social, economic, political and cultural vectors that influence tourism, understand the interactions between these, whilst framing major issues and debates concerning the impact of tourism within a broader context of environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability. The emphasis is on developing an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented outlook. This programme differs from other tourism degrees that often solely focus on either a management or marketing approach. The inter and intra-disciplinary broad approach adopted by Tourism Studies, is far more flexible in its outlook, and draws on relevant subject areas as necessary.
The learning experience includes an exciting encounter with the various aspects of the Tourism Industry. The Industry Placement provides first-hand practical experience, exploring those skills that further enhance the knowledge and understanding covered during the programme of studies. Students also have the opportunity to attend international conferences and events or to spend a semester or two studying at other recognized universities. Students are also encouraged to join the annual Study-Trip, a unique learning experience.
Tourism is definitely an industry of the future. Growth means that more and more professionals are needed all over the world. The B.A. (Hons) in Tourism Studies provides the student with the required skills and knowledge to be a part of this growth.
The BA (Hons) Tourism Studies course is offered both as a full-time [covered over 3 years] and part-time [covered over 5 years]. Both programmes of study are day courses.
The current trend in Tourism and Hospitality is to design and provide unique and memorable tourism experiences. The Master of Arts in International Hospitality and Tourism Experience Management programme is designed to accommodate your inclination to develop a successful career at management and senior levels. The specific focus of the programme is to provide a systematic understanding of the concepts and characteristics of international tourism and hospitality as an area of academic and applied study, together with an in-depth examination of both the nature and characteristics of international tourism and hospitality operations. It also provides you with the ability to evaluate products, services and operational issues within the international tourism and hospitality industry and tourism and hospitality environments, and foster comprehensive independent study and research. Lectures are held in the evening at 17:30.
This programme will help you develop advanced research and creative skills together with expertise in scholarly presentations both verbal as well as written. All these skills can be easily transferred for career growth as well as for reading for a PhD or higher research degree.
The programme of studies is designed to develop your intellectual abilities and promote a deeper understanding of the current themes facing the cultural sector and its connection with tourism. This segment of tourism needs professionals who know how to present and offer cultural products in the best way so as to offer a better service to more and more tourists and thus help to strengthen the industry in this segment. The study-units offer exposure to advanced research, innovation management techniques, cultural themes and their relation and application to tourism, a practicum and a dissertation. You will learn about key texts, policy documents, white papers and other seminal documents prepared at national, regional or world level by organisations working in tourism and culture. These documents will serve as the basis on which you will build the subject knowledge required to meet the aims and objectives outlined in this degree programme.
This will also serve for when you enter into the world of work in the cultural and tourism sectors. The knowledge imparted and the understanding to be transmitted should contribute towards the creation of a professional corps of cultural operators who are also capable of translating their skills to the requirements of the cultural tourist.
The course will reinforce the knowledge, skills and methods if you are already operating in the sector, thus giving you an edge over your competitors. It also provides a base for career advancement, as the course puts you in an advantageous position with regard to the specialisation and knowledge base. Furthermore, if you wish to enter the cultural heritage and tourism sectors, you will have the right qualifications to be chosen or to set up your own enterprise. Further studies can lead to a Ph.D. with a specialisation in the areas being covered – such opportunities being offered by a large number of universities in the world, not least at the University of Malta.
Lectures are held in the evening at 17:30
The specific focus of the programme will be to provide you with a systematic understanding of the concepts and characteristics of tourism as an area of academic and applied study, together with an in-depth examination of both the nature and characteristics of international operations. It will also provide you with the ability to evaluate products, services and operational issues within tourism environments, and foster comprehensive independent study and research. The programme is primarily assessed through the submission of a research dissertation on a topic of your chosen field of research. In addition, you will have to complete the online study units on Research Methods. This masters programme is ideal for persons who are working, in Malta and abroad as the study units are delivered online and the majority of the meetings with your supervisors can be held virtually.
If you would like to register for the MA by research, then you should initially submit a research proposal outlining the proposed research topic and proposed research methodologies. Guidelines regarding the required research proposal are available online.
The MA will provide opportunities for advanced career progression, continued professional and personal development and opportunities for further academic study such as a PhD or professional doctorate within the field of tourism or related areas. The range of career opportunities is wide and varied especially when considering that the tourism and hospitality sectors are one of the largest economic sectors within Europe and internationally.
Reading for a PhD can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can undertake. Whether you are considering reading for a PhD as part of your learning as an extension of your time at university, or because you wish to progress in your career and a PhD is a pre-requisite or because you are passionate about a subject, it is important to note that to have a successful outcome you must be prepared to work hard.
Some PhD graduates tell us that they enjoyed writing their PhD thesis more than their taught undergraduate and post graduate studies because it gave them the freedom to pursue their dream subjects. At Department of Tourism Management you will be supported by a multidisciplinary team who will be able to facilitate your research journey through different disciplines. So you can come to us with a background in Anthropology, Business, History, Hospitality, Management, Sociology or Tourism studies and you will be able to find a supervising team to suit your chosen methodology.
All our PhD students initially enrol on an MPhil and then transfer to a PhD degree at a later stage. Contact the Tourism Management Admin for more information.
More information can be accessed through here.
