Sport Tourism Management

MSc Sport Tourism Management
Mode: full-time (September start)

The sport and leisure industry is growing rapidly. It is estimated by the Sports Council (now Sport England) that sport is worth £8 billion per year to the UK economy and conservative estimates suggest the overall value of sport tourism in the United Kingdom is approximately £2.61 billion annually.

On average an estimated 12 million international trips are made for the main purpose of watching a sporting event.

Sport and leisure is becoming increasingly important to the economy and there is a requirement for quality managers.

The course blends practical and theoretical aspects of sport tourism with emphasis upon real-life operational principles and practice.

The course is underpinned by academic theory in the fields of tourism, leisure and events and will involve you in the application of concepts in industry-related scenarios and realistic simulations.

Why choose this course?

• World-renowned staff expertise, reputation and research (RAE 2001 and 2008 successes);
• Flexible blended learning delivery (extensive use of the virtual learning environment, online resources, webforums, e-portfolios and new technology-enhanced learning strategy);
• Research informed teaching and learning;
• Critical thinking and a strong trans-disciplinary approach;
• Strong track record of teaching and research in international tourism;
• Strong emphasis on sustainability and an ‘ethical’ conscience;
• Extensive industry links ensuring the development of ‘real-life’ applicable research;
• Reputation for sport education and provision.

Career Opportunities

Some possible career choices:

• Resort & Event Manager
• Sports Stadia Management
• Sport Tours Management
• Tourism Development Manager

In addition, there a number of generic and / or specialised posts in the tourism/ leisure / sport / recreation industries that should be available to you on graduation from this course:

• Leisure Centre Manager
• Sports Club Manager
• Project Manager
• Tour Guide

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

The course is taught via a combination of lectures and seminars, field trips, practicals, online delivery and case studies with the emphasis in seminars being on discussion and debate providing you with an opportunity to relate theoretical content to real-life practical situations.

Practical seminar activities will be used where appropriate (for example video material, case studies, role play) and you will be encouraged to work individually and in groups to develop a thorough appreciation of the many issues and debates examined.

There will be opportunities for you to experience on-site operations related to the management of events. Invited industry-specific speakers will underpin the vocational accent of the course.

In addition the course will encourage the regular online discussion of issues covered using online discussion forums in the University's virtual learning environment (BREO).

Assessment

You will undertake a variety of group and individual assessments throughout the course.

Assessment types include written reports, oral presentations and examinations – as well as group-based reports, case studies and computer-based assignments. You will also do practical assessments related to event design, planning and delivery.

Assessments are divided between one and two assessments per unit. Summative assessments for the majority of units include a combination of coursework and end of year examinations.

Formative assessment will be used to provide feedback to support your progress and diagnostic assessment will be used to assess your knowledge, understanding and skills.

The great majority of units include elements of individual and group work as this reflects the type of work undertaken in the events industry. Assessment of these activities will be based on tasks which develop vocational skills, underpinned by subject knowledge.

The assessments are designed to assess knowledge and understanding, but also to demonstrate the range of transferable skills.

Dissertation/project and research

You will complete a 20,000 word dissertation.

You will be introduced to a range of research skills including literature searches and critical reading, practical field based activities including questionnaire and interview design and conduct, as well as the analysis of findings from the use of such techniques in the field.

In every practical process you embark upon, you will be expected to plan and execute a methodical research process in order to develop your practical skills, but also your skills to critically evaluate.

You will complete a variety of research tasks either within the context of developing your academic or your practical knowledge. The research tasks will vary according to the type of work being undertaken and you will need to be adept at understanding the skills involved in sourcing, selecting and utilizing appropriate material.

Recommended reading

• Hinch, T. and Higham, J. (2004) Sport Tourism Development. Clevedon : Channel View Publications
• Higham, J. (ed.) (2005) Sport Tourism Destinations: Issues, Opportunities and Analysis. London: Elsevier.

Entry requirements

Students from the UK will normally need at least a Second Class Honours degree (above 2:2), or equivalent.

Students from the European Union and International students:
Students whose previous education has not been delivered through the medium of the English language are required to demonstrate proficiency in English by the presentation of original certificates as follows:

Overall score of 6.5 in IELTS with a minimum score of 6 in each of the components of speaking, listening, writing and reading. Therefore overall scores will be:

• IELTS 6.5
• TOEFL 580 [paper] OEFL 235 [computer]
• Cambridge CPE C, Cambridge CAE C
• or University of Bedfordshire test (TELAS) grade 2

Attendance

Full time – 2 days per week (4hours x 2 days – 8 hours per week)