PG Diploma/MSc in Destination Management
The Postgraduate Diploma in Destination Management consists of three modules, two core and a choice of one from four options (NB: the number of optional modules available may depend on student numbers and demand). On successful completion of these modules, you can progress to the dissertation/major research project which leads to the award of MSc in Destination Management.
Tourism Leadership and Management (Compulsory)
Introducing the principles of management and leadership as they affect destination management and managers, this module focuses on:
- Leadership styles
- Teams, networks and partnerships
- Strategy – local, regional and national
- Leading teams – motivation and creativity
- Developing staff and developing oneself as leader and manager
- Managing projects, innovation and change
- Evaluating change
- Advocacy
Research Methods and Management for Destination Managers (Compulsory)
This module aims to provide a grounding in research methods, their application and management in the context of destination management and covers:
- Comparison of research methodologies and methods
- Models of research design for destination management
- The nature of data, samples and the use of secondary data
- Case studies in destination management
- Destination management specific research requirements and resources
- Research tendering process and evaluation of research proposals
ICT for Destination Management (Optional)
This module will provide an understanding of the issues, practicalities and best practice in harnessing technological developments for the benefit of destination management and marketing. It will cover:
- Generic ICT, e-tourism, e-marketing and e-business
- Destination management e-tourism strategies
- Integrating online marketing tools into destination marketing strategy
- E-tourism for destination product differentiation and competitive advantage
- Case studies in e-tourism and destination management systems
Managing the Visitor Experience (Optional)
This module will look at visitor experience, interpretation, enjoyment and evaluation of a destination, and show how destination management practices and policies can enhance visitor experience. It will cover:
- Consumer perspectives on visitor experience
- Management perspectives:
- Designing and co-creating memorable experiences; experiential marketing; the role of staff; experience management as strategy
- Researching visitor experience:
- Limitations of conventional satisfaction surveys; sampling methods; experience mapping, critical incident analysis and qualitative approaches to experience research
Managing Heritage (Optional)
This module considers the role of heritage in the development and consumption of tourism, reviews policy implications and considers effective strategies for heritage management in the context of cultural tourism. It will cover:
- Trends, approaches and concerns in heritage and tourism studies
- Heritage laws and conventions
- Heritage and community involvement
- Management approaches and site practices, managing heritage and tourism relationships
Tourism, Festivals and Cultural Events (Optional)
This module will examine the dynamic and complex relationships between festivals, cultural events and tourism and will cover:
- Meanings of festivity as social, cultural, political and economic set of practices
- Festivals and their management as intangible cultural heritage
- Social and cultural contexts of festival and cultural event tourism
- Tourist experiences of and participation in festivals and cultural events
- The relationship between tourism destination management policies and festivals and cultural event policies
MSc Destination Management Dissertation/Major Project
This module will develop the ability to undertake research that makes an original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice in destination management. It will comprise 4 themed online workshops leading to the submission of a research proposal and then to researching and preparing a dissertation or research report (20,000 words max).
Teaching and Learning
This programme is designed to meet the needs of practicing professional destination managers. Course materials will be accessed via a virtual learning environment (VLE) based at Leeds Metropolitan University. The VLE will host each of the three modules, with management support and a ‘help-desk’ provided by the University’s central learning resources and the Course Coordinator.
Collaborative working and group learning skills will be encouraged through on-line conference sessions within modules. Within the VLE you will find all necessary information about the course overall including:
- course structure
- assessment
- fees
- contact points
- support systems
- libraries
- meetings
Individual module websites within the VLE will contain:
- module specifications and learning outcomes
- readings and web links
- key points from on-line lectures and workshop exercises
- details of online module conferences
- module contact points
- assessment.
Assessment
The course assessment strategy brings together and enhances your knowledge, skills and critical understanding in the study of destination management. This will enable you to become effective and critically aware in your professional development and to develop the cognitive skills necessary to analyse critical issues in destination management contexts.
Your understanding and analysis of knowledge will be tested through essays, projects, exercises, the use of case studies, and directed reading. You will be encouraged to discuss the tourism literature to deepen your knowledge and understanding.
You will also be encouraged to take responsibility for self-managed independent study and learning. This will be supported by print materials available from the partner universities’ libraries and research collections as well as on-line resources.
Download the PG Diploma/MSc application form
