PMIELTMT - MSc International Events, Leisure and Tourism Management

The programme provides the opportunity for students to develop a higher understanding of key functions within the Events, Leisure and Tourism Management sectors, while it also develops their potential in their current roles as leaders or aspiring leaders within the industry.

The course is located in the Guildhall School of Business and Law. It embeds the principles of generic and subject specific knowledge, international outlook, ethics, social corporate responsibility, inclusion, logistics, people management, environment, diversity and sustainability. The course is therefore designed to appeal to graduates from Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries, as well as to those working in, or wishing to start a management career in the sector. The MSc also welcomes candidates with substantial managerial experience before commencement, that is, those professionals and practitioners within the industry seeking to advance their career.

The course will offer an opportunity to students to start, develop and progress their career in the sector by providing a rigorous, in-depth, current and relevant focus on the issues related to management, project and product development, new technologies and innovation, strategy, leadership and other core business functions within the Creative Industries sector.

Students will take six core modules and choose two options from a short list within the current postgraduate provision (as possible and subject to the timetable of the core modules) of the Guildhall School of Business and Law.

The structure both offers choice and ensures delivery, learning and development of applicable core skills sets related to the Creative Industries sector at the appropriate postgraduate level. Students will be directed to develop their understanding and show their ability to apply knowledge and analysis to various Creative Industries business contexts through a range of opportunities, including the use of their own work experience, case studies, academic and professional literature, business scenarios, presentations, problem-based learning exercises and industry engagement.

The formal face-to-face elements of the course are essential to support the development of skills, knowledge, understanding, group dynamics, dissemination of academic and professional competences, as well as links with the industry. Sessions will provide students with tools of analysis, outline methods of evaluation and give clear guidance on how students may best acquire, extend, apply and develop their learning independently and as members of a team. Face-to-face sessions are action-oriented and student-centred to encourage as much as possible deep learning and give students the opportunity to apply and further develop newly acquired knowledge by testing their ideas and abilities in a variety of Creative Industries business scenarios.

An important aspect of the skills and abilities that graduates must leave the programme with, is the aptitude to work successfully with others and independently to achieve a desired, predetermine objective. Assessments will therefore be a combination of a variety of group and individual tasks to help them build their interpersonal and professional skills, personal awareness and professional knowhow.

The programme also builds on an experiential learning approach that includes problem-based learning activities, consultancy, case studies, project-based activities and opportunities for work-related learning. Three key principles underpin the learning and teaching strategies in the Programme’s modules:
• Students bring to the course a diversity of experiences which they may readily share to positively enhance their collective student experience. We aim to achieve this by drawing on individual and group activities and – where possible – with industry involvement to engage students to become partners in their learning. Additionally, independent student-led study will empower students with different prior backgrounds, market knowledge and experiences to use distinct ways to achieve the common learning outcomes in each module. Problem-based learning techniques will feature frequently and prominently in the delivery and assessment of the programme, in support of individual and team tasks.
• Teaching and learning methods used will help to ensure that students understand the Creative Industries business issues, both in an academic and an applied decision-making context. To achieve this some of the modules have been designed to incorporate a broad understanding of business, including financial control; strategic planning; project management; public relations (PR) and so forth. In each case the underlying principle is to utilise, translate and apply appropriate theory, concepts, frameworks and empirical evidence into a realistic Creative Industries business context. The aim is to enhance the critical linking of theory with practice, which is fundamental for this postgraduate programme.
• The learning and teaching approach and methods used reflect the need to involve students as partners in their learning, academic and professional development. This should help students to become more efficient in acquiring, understanding, interpreting, analysing and synthesizing information, and transforming ideas into real and useable knowledge. This principle is also reflected in the requirement that students should critically reflect on their own learning and contextualise it within their current and past work experience and the broader Creative Industries business context. Students should also be capable of evaluating the performances and work of their peers.

The above approach will be facilitated by the university’s VLE through activities based on collaborative learning, discussion boards, blogs and so on – all of which are used extensively in the industry. As students engage with those activities, it will enhance further their deep learning, academic and professional outcomes, and support the creation of a community of learners and knowledge-shared practice.

All students will personally be allocated an academic tutor with whom they will liaise regularly about course-level issues. It is expected that at postgraduate level the initiative to initiate such contact, when necessary, should rest with the student.

The overall aim of the course is to provide an education at Masters’ level that meets the requirements of students, and the Creative Industries sector generally, both in UK and internationally. To this end it combines a strong academic base with professional underpinning. It seeks to develop specialist skills relevant to the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector; enhance the awareness of the international Creative Industries environment; develop personal attributes such as interpersonal skills and the ability to critically understand, evaluate, develop and analyse with confidence, knowledge of key industry issues, initiatives and enterprise.
In addition, the course aims to nurture in students the “ability to take an international perspective including understanding the impact of globalisation on businesses, societies and the environment and the ethical implications” in accordance with the Subject Benchmark Statement for Business Master’s (QAA, 2015, SBS 5.1 para xi).

The course aims are to create:
• A systematic understanding of the management issues within the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector, and a critical awareness of current challenges and opportunities both within the UK and global environment; and the relationship between the characteristics of the industry sectors and the theoretical and practical frameworks of the Creative Industries sector.
• To encourage, initiative, originality and self-direction in tackling and solving complex issues and problems and to act autonomously in the delivery of tasks of an academic and/or professional nature in support of independent learning, the advancement of knowledge, critical analysis, reflective practice, and continuing professional development.
• Provide insights into the strategies employed by the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector and explore the influence of entrepreneurial practices, new technologies and globalisation.
• To develop in-depth knowledge and specialised skills necessary to play a significant role within the development of the Creative Industries sector in UK and globally.
• Apply knowledge and understanding of the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries issues sector to complex issues, systematically and creatively finding solutions to contemporary sector specific challenges.
• Utilise a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to own research into the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector challenges and advanced scholarship
• Originality in the application of knowledge, and a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret Creative Industries management issues.
• To foster a critical and reflective approach to knowledge and learning, allowing students to evaluate information, synthesise ideas and reflect on their own performance and development.
• Develop a range of cognitive and transferable academic, professional, management and leadership skills.
• Undertake personal, academic and professional development to support life-long learning, career-building, personal and professional development.

This programme is aimed at graduates and professionals working in or wishing to enter the Creative Industries sector in organisational, management, marketing, and other such roles. The course is also appropriate to graduates wanting to acquire specialist knowledge to build a career in this field.
The course-level learning outcomes were aligned with the Business and Management (2015) QAA Subject Benchmark Statement, which provides a helpful outline of the skills, competences and abilities which successful graduates will demonstrate in the following areas:

Subject-Specific Practical Skills
• Learning Outcome 1 (LO1): Analyse the degree to which the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector has incorporated advances in management and technology and assess the impact that this has had on management and operations.
• LO2: Foster a critical awareness of global Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector development in the context of sustainability and socioeconomic impact.
• LO3: Appraise various operational and financial related strategies employed in the sector that are vital to the long-term viability of the industry. By critically evaluate the business and policy contexts specific to the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector, as well as their implications for strategic planning and future sector developments.
• LO4: Investigate and evaluate appropriate research paradigms, philosophies and methods to propose a detailed research proposal.
• LO5: Foster critical awareness and thorough an in-depth understanding of the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector, by combining knowledge and analysis acquired to develop relevant original research outputs to a high professional standard.

Knowledge and understanding
• LO6: Demonstrate specialist knowledge and understanding of the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector and the internal and external context in which it operates, to evaluate management, marketing and strategic choices and make informed relevant decisions.
• LO7: Demonstrate specialist management, marketing and strategic skills and competencies, including continuous professional development, that are recognised by employers in the sector.

Cognitive/intellectual skills
• LO8: Conduct independent research and use acquired knowledge to analyse and evaluate specific issues surrounding the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector.
• LO9: Demonstrate high self-awareness, self-reflection and self-development to promote higher level transferrable skills. By critically reflect on their own experiences, enabling them to undertake Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector management academic and professional research projects.
Practical/transferable skills including employability
• LO10: Demonstrate a sound understanding of practical issues relating to the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector, and be capable of providing wide-ranging advice and possible solutions on a range of relevant issues.
• LO11: Work independently to plan and deliver academic and professional work of a professional standard and demonstrate self-direction and originality in problem solving. By the ability to apply complex management, marketing and strategic knowledge systematically and creatively in a range of industry contexts.
• LO12: Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; analytical skills, evaluation and synthesis in dealing with a practical business environment challenge.

Module Title Module Code

Marketing Management for Events, Leisure and Tourism LT7010
Project and Quality Management for Events, Leisure and Tourism LT7011
Research Methodology for Events, Leisure and Tourism LT7012
Fundraising and PR for Events, Leisure and Tourism LT7013
Accounting and Finance for Events, Leisure and Tourism LT7014
Dissertation for Events, Leisure and Tourism LT7P12
Electives/Options - two from a list of six, subject to availability

LO 1 - 12

The course complies with the latest (June 2015) QAA subject standard benchmarks. To be exact, the Subject Benchmark Statement Master's Degrees in Business and Management, which can be viewed at: https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/subject-benchmark-statements/sbs-business-and-management-15.pdf

A range of assessment methods are used through the core modules and also within the electives/options of the course, reflecting the range of outcomes, industry needs and the diversity of learning approaches adopted by students, from diverse backgrounds.

To fulfil the requirements of the QAA Quality Code the MSc has a diverse range of assessments, which seek to be appropriately rigorous whilst ensuring effective learning takes place. Also the assessment strategies of modules have been developed with reference to the university assessment strategies and frameworks, and reflecting those assessment principles.

The assessment methods are designed to be ‘for learning’ and ‘of learning’ and foster the development of the range of learning outcomes given in Section 11. It is anticipated that the assessment strategy will support the development of effective and responsible business practitioners.

Modules provide an opportunity for both formative and summative assessment. The formative elements have been specifically developed to provide assessment for learning, where students are provided developmental feedback so that they have the opportunity to improve their performance. Formative assessment will, where possible, feed directly into the summative component and thus provide an early diagnostic tool, which will offer the opportunity for corrective action, by directing students to extra academic support where needed, and offer an opportunity for discussion and reflection.

Priority is given to methods of assessment consistent with giving timely feedback in order that the information can feedforward to future modules and assignments. This may mean that feedback is given for example on drafts, in seminar discussions, or on formative presentations. Feedback may be given in a variety of formats and involve individuals or groups. It is anticipated that students will act on feedback given both within and between modules in order to maximise possible achievement.

The range of assessment, combining individual and group assessment methods, includes coursework (e.g. reports, essays, case studies); in-class multiple-choice style tests; group and individual presentations; portfolios; a research proposal and a dissertation. The assessment weighting for each component is in accordance with the School’s current PG assessment tariffs to ensure the quantity of assessment is appropriate to the level of study. All assessments have been mapped, as much as possible, to limit overlapping and clashing, and there has been a careful balance between group work and individual assignments.

The dissertation requires students to demonstrate a thorough and critical engagement with the academic and professional literature to develop and carry through an appropriate research project that constitutes an original application of knowledge, and critically evaluate the results and their implications.

External examiners have a breadth of academic and industry expertise, which they will utilise to ensure consistency and academic robustness of the course assessments and standards.

Where possible, early reassessment opportunity will be available in each core module. Students may submit re-assessed work within three weeks after failing a module component. This will ensure progressive learning, and allow for an uninterrupted academic progression.

An exception to this will be the Dissertation module, whereby a hand in date and re-assessment opportunities will depend on the student’s study mode, start date and progression with other modules (see details in relevant module specification).

Not applicable.

The course conforms to the framework and University Academic Regulations.
Permission when necessary to vary the optional module list to suit arrangements with partner universities whose students may be seeking dual awards and require special programme planning.

This course contains a variation to the PG Framework regarding the credit weighting of the “substantial piece of independent work worth 60 credits” (Academic Regulations 2018-19, section 4.1, reg. 8) which is offered as: Research Methods (20 credits) + Dissertation (40 credits).

The course conforms with the Regulations of the University Postgraduate Scheme and there are no additional regulations.

The MSc award requires passes in all core and optional modules; thus eight in total: seven 20-credit modules, plus one 40-credit dissertation module, totalling 180 credits.

The Postgraduate Diploma award requires passes in a minimum of 120 credits, excluding the dissertation module.

The Postgraduate Certificate requires passes in a minimum of 60 credits, excluding the dissertation.

At the start of the course MSc International Events, Leisure and Tourism Management students will attend a mandatory two-day extended induction programme, which is designed to help them integrate fast with university life, be confident about the academic work needed, promote active learning, promote networking, ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities, and other necessary information, skills and processes, which should be set from the outset. This two-day induction will involve meeting the course leader, module leaders, the academic liaison librarian, representatives from student support services, careers services, students’ union, and member(s) of the School’s management team.

The purpose of the induction is to introduce students to their studies, encourage them to make the most of their studies, create the foundations for individual and team learning, as well as the development of new skills. It will also be an opportunity for the students to create a personal action plan, in preparation for academic studies at Masters’ level.

Core modules are designed to give students the opportunity to develop skills in critical evaluation, management of new information in a fast-changing environment, reflective learning and continuous personal development. Some of the assignments for example, require students to work in groups to find solutions to problems for the broader Creative Industries sector in different settings and perspectives.

Case studies will be used for both group and individual skills development. Links with the industries will provide a flavour of the current challenges and realities. Modules, including but not limited to, Research Methodology and the Dissertation also help students to further develop their reflective learning, initiative and self-development and provide opportunities for reflective assessment and peer learning.

Thus, the aim is to aid the development of reflective learning and personal development, throughout the core modules on the MSc, and to make appropriate connections between core, optional and research modules. This will be further enhanced by linking the students’ learnt environment with their own experiential learning, for example through attending and contributing at university events, bringing and sharing their professional experiences in the classroom, and so on. This important feature of the course crucially involves students working independently and collaboratively with peers from diverse backgrounds and engaging and networking more broadly within the university and the course offering.

ABPCO
AEME
TMI
ATLAS
CMI
CIM

The course is recognised by the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), who are the UK’s leading professional body for conference and event organisation. ABPCO recognition for this course gives you access to exclusive networking opportunities and guest speakers.

London Metropolitan University’s Guildhall School of Business and Law is a member of the Association of Event Management Educators (AEME), an organisation that shares best practice in teaching events management and provides industry networking opportunities for students and teachers.

You’ll also benefit from close links with government and businesses via our membership of the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), as well as insights from international projects by research centres such as the Association for Tourism and Leisure Education and Research (ATLAS).

The Guildhall School of Business and Law is also working closely with a number of other professional bodies such as The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants (CIPFA), the Association of International Accountants (AIA), the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Further professional recognitions, accreditations and memberships will be considered in the near future.

The course offers opportunities to pursue career routes in Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector, both in the UK and internationally.
On graduation, students should be equipped for executive, management and leadership related positions in the broader Creative Industries sector in UK and internationally.
The course is designed for both those already working in the industry (as a career booster) or those seeking to enter the industry or the broader sectors.
It provides current and aspiring managers, leaders and high prospect executives with the opportunity to enhance and improve their key skills set or develop their knowledge and applicable industry and academic knowhow and skills.
The MSc also constitutes a step towards specialisation in specific areas of interests and key current issues of the broader Events, Leisure, Tourism and Creative industries.

Some indicative expected career destinations and jobs for graduates (based on current Standard Occupational Classifications, 2018*) are:
• Events Management and Executives
• Leisure Executives and Managers
• Tourism Executives and Managers
• Hotel Managers and Executives
• Conference Executives and Managers
• Entrepreneurs in Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative industries

*SOC: Conference and Exhibition Managers and Organisers (SOC code 3456); SOC: Leisure and Travel Services (SOC code 621); SOC: Managers and Proprietors in Hospitality and Leisure Services (SOC code 122)

Successful graduates might choose to progress onto further studies by pursuing PhD level research, becoming industry consultants, work for local or national bodies within the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector.

By the end of the course, students will have developed their self-awareness and practical/transferable skills that will enhance their employability. Engagement with the alumni network and events (such as the university employability week) will enable them to meet with employers and business practitioners, which should support their ability to progress their careers.

In addition to this, the teaching team aim to foster links with the Events, Leisure, Tourism and the broader Creative Industries sector, which should be evident in class, for example through guest lectures from industry experts. This will help students to develop their networks in searching for suitable employment in the sector nationally and internationally.

The university’s professional link with the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), the Association for Events Management Education (AEME), the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), the Association for Tourism and Leisure Education and Research (ATLAS), and the like, offers opportunities to explore further careers possibilities and proactively engage in networking.

Masters’ level graduates will be eligible to apply for membership to a number of professional bodies such as the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), and the like. The level of membership awarded is commensurate with qualifications and industry expertise.

Students and alumni benefit from the careers and advice services offered by the university academic and professional staff, supported through careers workshops and planning sessions from established industry working partners. This is to “develop and enhance a range of general transferable skills and attributes, which, while being highly appropriate to a career in business, are not restricted to this” (QAA 2015, SBS Business Master’s, 2.1).

Students will be actively encouraged to meet with the university’s Careers Service. Also students will be encouraged to attend training and networking events.

The programme aims to enhance further the ability of students to develop their knowledge in line with the Master’s level “knowledge and skills in business and management subjects to enhance the utility and employability” (QAA 2015, SBS Business Master’s, 2.7) of graduates in their future career.

Our International Events, Leisure and Tourism Management MSc offers opportunities to pursue career routes in events, leisure, tourism and the broader creative industries sector, both in the UK and internationally.

On graduation, you should be equipped for executive, management and leadership related positions in the creative industries sector in UK and internationally. Our course is designed for both those already working in the industry (as a career booster) or those seeking to enter the industry or the wider sectors.

For current and aspiring managers, leaders and executives, the course will offer an opportunity to enhance and improve your academic skills and develop industry-specific knowledge.

Potential career routes, destinations and jobs for graduates include:

• events management and executives
• leisure executives and managers
• tourism executives and managers
• hotel managers and executives
• conference executives and managers
• entrepreneurships routes

You will be required to have:

• an honours degree with minimum lower second (2.2) in related academic of business-related subjects or two or more years of professional or industry-relevant experience (proven track record, employers’ letter, professional qualifications etc)
• a minimum of GCSE grade C/grade 4 or above in English and Maths, or Functional Skills Level 2 (pass)
• two letters of reference about your suitability to undertake academic studies at master’s level

A full online application will need to be submitted, which includes a detailed supporting statement on why you want to study the course. You should also submit an up-to-date CV and copies of award certificates.

Advanced entry is possible if you hold a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) from a business and management discipline, awarded no more than five years prior to the application date. Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for individual modules, (from a business and management discipline), up to 40 credits (with the exception of Research Methodology and Dissertation modules) may also be possible if you’ve achieved those no more than five years prior to the application date. Such applications are also subject to the University’s academic regulations and processes.

Submitting your application will not be a guarantee of admission, and the final admissions decision rests with the course leader.

*If you have a non-related or non-standard academic background will be interviewed face-to-face, or if that is not possible, via video conference technology (interviews via telephone will not be accepted).

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.