Course curriculum

The curriculum comprises two core management modules taken by all students; two field core modules; specialist elective modules in the student's chosen field of study; an individual supervised dissertation supported by research methods workshops.

Core management modules

The aim of the core modules is to provide students with a conceptual and practical understanding of service management functions in the international event sector. In designing the two management core modules, the course design team were conscious of the need to maximise the synergy to be derived from combining tourism, hospitality and international event subject matter where appropriate. It was felt that these groups of students would gain a breadth of perspective from studying together. At the same time, the need for depth in the study of the student's chosen industry has been recognised. The management core thus comprises two modules which are combined service management modules and two which are industry specific.

Elective modules

Students will be required to take two elective modules. The aim of elective study is to develop depth of knowledge and understanding of the student's chosen industry.

The elective modules provide the opportunity to understand and develop critical perspectives on areas of particular interest to the student. Students will be encouraged to apply appropriate concepts from management modules and transfer learning between electives.

Dissertation

Students will complete a 60 credit M level dissertation with a 20,000 word length. The dissertation provides the framework within which the skills of critical thinking may be applied. The dissertation will be an in-depth study of a topic which is relevant to the student's sector or of wider application to the industry. It may focus on an issue or problem in the student's workplace or in the industry. A separate handbook will be issued on this aspect.

The dissertation will be supported by a series of research workshops. These will develop and consolidate knowledge of research gained from the small scale investigations for module assignments. Students will study research design, data acquisition, analysis and writing up in the context of the larger scale project required for the dissertation.