regulations and curriculum – ma in tourism · an opportunity to specialise by his or her choice...

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Regulations and Curriculum – MA in Tourism

The Faculty of Humanities Aalborg University

September 2017

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Contents Part 1 Preliminary regulations Section 1 Legal framework Section 2 Faculty affiliation Section 3 Study Board affiliation Section 4 Examiner Corps affiliation Part 2 Objectives, Duration, Structure, etc. Section 5 Programme objectives Section 6 Duration, structure, admission requirements etc. Section 7 Admission requirements and conditions Section 8 General examination provisions Part 3 Programme structure, content and examinations Section 9 Programme structure Section 10 The module Tourism Destination Challenges Section 11 The module Problem Based Methodology and Project Writing Section 12 The module Consumer Studies in Tourism Section 13 The module Tourism Destination Analyses Section 14 The module Encounters – Sociological and Anthropological approaches to Tourism Section 15 The module Tourism Development Section 16 The module Market Communication in Tourism Section 17 The module Tourism Policy Section 18 The module Innovation in Tourism Section 19 Project-oriented Module in a Tourism Organisation (A) or University Transfer (B) Section 19A Project-oriented Module in a Tourism Organisation Section 19B The module University Transfer Section 20 The module Master’s Thesis Section 21 Specialisation in Global Tourism Development Section 22 The module Global Tourism and Transnational Mobilities Section 23 The module Sustainable Development and Tourism Section 24 Specialisation in Arctic Studies Section 25 Examinations Section 26 Re-examinations Part 4 Other provisions Section 27 Exemptions Section 28 Further Details Section 29 Commencement

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REGULATIONS AND CURRICULUM FOR THE MASTER’S PROGRAMME IN TOURISM

AT AALBORG UNIVERSITY (WITH CHANGES)

In pursuance of Act No. 261 of 18 March 2015 on universities (the University Act) with subsequent

amendments the following regulations and curriculum are stipulated for the Master’s programme in Tourism.

PART 1 PRELIMINARY REGULATIONS

Section 1 Legal Framework The Master’s programme in Tourism has been planned in accordance with the Ministry of Higher Education and Science’s Ministerial Order No. 1328 of 15 November 2016 on Bachelor and Master’s Programmes at the Universities (the Degree Programme Order) and the Ministerial Order No. 1062 of 30 June 2016 on University Examinations and Grading (the Examination Order) with subsequent amendments. Additional information is available in the Grading Scale Order and in the Admission Order. Section 2 Faculty Affiliation The Master’s programme in Tourism belongs under the auspices of the Faculty of Humanities. Section 3 Study Board Affiliation The Master’s programme in Tourism belongs under the auspices of the Study Board for Cross-Cultural Studies. Section 4 Examiner Corps Affiliation The Master’s programme in Tourism belongs under the auspices of the Examiner Corps in International Studies.

Part 2 Objectives, Duration, Structure, etc.

Section 5 Programme Objectives The Master’s programme in Tourism is a research based full-time programme that provides students with a basis for the execution of professional functions and qualifies for admission to PhD studies. Subsection 2 The Master’s programme in Tourism builds on and supplements the knowledge and skills acquired by the student in the course of the preceding Bachelor education. The objective of the Master’s programme is to enable the student to develop professional competencies which qualify him/her to perform highly specialised work tasks within enterprises and organisations in Denmark and abroad. Special emphasis will be on the candidate’s ability to:

• perform tasks relating to communication, information, analysis and research, and to perform strategic tasks in the field of tourism

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• analyse and evaluate development trends in tourism, nationally and internationally • contribute actively to the initiation, support and evaluation of projects with potential for new

tourism development. All courses and examinations will be conducted in English. Subsection 3 The overall objectives of the acquisition of knowledge and understanding are that students will be able to

• acquire knowledge within the central disciplinary areas of the programme: destination governance, tourism cultures, market communication and innovation in a tourism context.

• understand and critically reflect on the central disciplinary areas of the programme and identify academic issues within these which may be the objects of study.

Subsection 4 The overall objectives of the acquisition of skills are that students will be able to

• assess and choose among theories and methods within the central disciplinary areas of the programme and, with a critical, reflective approach, set up models for analysis pertaining to tourism-related issues

• analyse academic issues independently, systematically and critically through the application of theories and methods, and identify and further develop solutions in relation to tourism

• communicate research-based knowledge and discuss professional issues pertaining to tourism with both peers and non-specialists.

Subsection 5 The overall objectives of the acquisition of competencies are that students will be able to

• design, implement and evaluate projects within tourism and, on this basis, provide counselling on development issues within the area of tourism

• launch and implement disciplinary and cross-disciplinary collaboration relating to tourism issues and, on this basis, demonstrate professional insight and the ability to perform responsibly in a professional environment

• independently pursue his/her competency development within the central disciplinary areas of the programme.

Section 6 Duration, structure, admission requirements etc. The duration of the Master’s programme in Tourism is two years, equivalent to 120 ECTS points. Subsection 2 The Master’s programme spans four semesters (semesters 7-10). Semester 9 offers the student an opportunity to specialise by his or her choice of elective modules, of which one is a project-oriented module in a tourism organisation with a tourism relevant organisation, and the other is in the shape of a university transfer, studying tourism at another university abroad or in Denmark. Semester 10 is reserved for writing the Master’s thesis.

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Subsection 3 Students enrolled in the Tourism programme at AAU Copenhagen have an option of specialising in Global Tourism Development. This specialisation comprises one module (5 ECTS) on the 7th semester in Global Tourism and Transnational Mobility and one module (5 ECTS) on the 8th semester in Sustainable Development and Tourism. In order to obtain the full specialisation, students must choose their project-oriented module/university transfer and their Master’s thesis topic within the field of Global Tourism Development. On the basis of the number of applicants, the Study Board will determine whether the specialisation will be offered. Subsection 4 Students enrolled in the Tourism programme at AAU Aalborg have an option of specialising in Arctic Studies. This specialisation comprises one module (5 ECTS) on the 7th semester in Cultures, Societies and Histories of the Peoples of the Arctic and one module (5 ECTS) on the 8th semester in The Arctic in the Age of Globalization. In order to obtain the full specialisation, students must choose their project-oriented module/university transfer and their Master’s thesis topic within the field of Arctic Studies. On the basis of the number of applicants, the Study Board will determine whether the specialisation will be offered. Subsection 5 On completion of the Master’s programme, the student is awarded the degree in Danish named Cand.mag. (candidatus/candidata magistrii) i Turisme. In English, the title translates into Master of Arts (MA) in Tourism. Section 7 Admission requirements and conditions Admission to the Master’s programme in Tourism Aalborg is guaranteed for students who have completed a Bachelor degree in Spanish Language and International Studies from Aalborg University Other similar Bachelor’s degrees may qualify students for admission in accordance with the admission requirements as listed at: http://www.en.aau.dk/education/master/tourism/application-and-requirements For further information about admission requirements, visit http://www.en.aau.dk/education/master/tourism/application-and-requirements/ and http://www.uddannelsestjekker.aau.dk/ Subsection 2 A further condition is that both Danish and English speaking students fulfil the university’s general minimum requirements for proficiency in English that apply for acceptance into English-language programmes. Section 8 General examination provisions In the assessment of examinations, grades from the 7-point grading scale or a pass/fail grade will be awarded. Subsection 2 If no other provisions are stated, examinations will be assessed by an internal examiner along with a second internal or external examiner.

http://www.en.aau.dk/education/master/tourism/application-and-requirements

http://www.en.aau.dk/education/master/tourism/application-and-requirements/

http://www.uddannelsestjekker.aau.dk/

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Subsection 3 Examinations will be conducted in English. This applies to both written and oral examinations. Subsection 4 Projects may be prepared in groups of max. 5 students. 10th semester projects (master’s theses) may be written in groups of max. 3 students. Project examinations will take the following shape: An oral examination on the basis of the written project, whether this is prepared individually or together with others. The project will be viewed as the joint responsibility of the group. Consequently, the project report is the basis for examination and assessment, and one combined grade will be awarded for the project report and the oral performance. At oral group examinations, the examination must be conducted in such a way that individual assessment of each individual student’s performance is ensured; cf. the Examination Order (Ministerial Order No. 1518 of 16 December 2013) section 1. The examination will take the form of a conversation between the student(s) and the examiners on the basis of the project report written by the student(s). Individual students may request to be informed of their grade without the presence of their group; however, this must be stated by the student at the beginning of the examination. If this is not done, students will be informed of their grades together. Subsection 5 Where rules have been stipulated regarding the volume of written work, one page will correspond to 2400 typographical characters, including spaces. The stipulated number of pages only includes the actual body text of the report, as title page, preface, table of contents, bibliography, appendices, illustrations etc. will not be calculated. However, footnotes/endnotes must be included. The total page number must be stated on the title page. Subsection 6 The stipulated time intervals for oral examinations will include voting and announcement of result(s). Subsection 7 In the assessment of all written assignments, the students’ communicative performance, such as spelling skills and fluency, will be considered. The assessment of communicative performance will be based on orthographic correctness, academic writing standards and stylistic proficiency, and will be considered as a part of the final grade. Subsection 8 The modules on which the individual examinations are based are rated as proportions of an annual full-time equivalent, this being calculated as the annual work of a full-time student. An annual full-time equivalent is 60 ECTS. Subsection 9 Students who wish to register for the Master’s thesis examination must have passed all previous examinations equivalent to 90 ECTS, including examinations of electives stipulated in these regulations. Subsection 10 In order for a student to graduate from the programme, each examination must be passed with a minimum grade of 02 or an assessment of ‘Pass’. A weighted average will be calculated for the examinations assessed according to the 7-point scale, on the basis of the ECTS weight of each individual examination. The average is defined as the sum of individual grades, each multiplied by

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the ECTS of the examination in question, divided by the sum of the ECTS-points of the examinations included in the average. Examinations assessed as pass/fail will not be included in this calculation. The average grade with one decimal digit will be stated on the final certificate. Subsection 11 In the assessment of examination performances, the grade 12 will only be awarded to students who demonstrate that they fulfil the objectives for the module exhaustively or with only few insignificant omissions. Subsection 12 The examination provisions in these regulations and curriculum are subordinate to the examination regulations in force at any time at the Faculty of the Humanities.

PART 3 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, CONTENTS AND EXAMINATIONS

Section 9 Programme structure The programme is compiled of modules and structured as a combination of courses, active participation exams, take-home assignments and project work. One module is a subject element or a group of subject elements, the purpose of which is to provide the student with an entity of disciplinary qualifications within a stipulated time frame stated in ECTS points, and which is completed by one or a number of examinations within certain examination terms stated and defined in these study regulations. In semester 7, there are five modules and in semester 8, there are four modules. In semester 9, students must choose between a project-oriented module in a tourism organisation (30 ECTS) or a university transfer abroad or in Denmark (30 ECTS). In the Semester 10, there is one module: The Master’s thesis (30 ECTS). Compulsory modules, totalling 90 ECTS Tourism Destination Challenges 7th sem. 10 ECTS Problem Based Methodology and Project Writing 7th sem. 5 ETCS Consumer studies in Tourism 7th sem. 5 ECTS Tourism Destination Analysis 7th sem. 5 ECTS Encounters – Sociological and Anthropological approaches to Tourism 7th sem. 5 ECTS Tourism Development 8th sem. 15 ECTS Market Communication in Tourism 8th sem. 5 ECTS Tourism Policy 8th sem 5 ECTS Innovation in Tourism 8th sem. 5 ECTS Master’s Thesis 10th sem. 30 ECTS Elective modules, totaling 30 ECTS-point (the student will choose one of these modules) Project-oriented Module in a Tourism Organisation 9th sem. 20 + 10

ECTS University Transfer 9th sem. 30 ECTS Elective modules (specialization modules) Global Tourism and Transnational Mobilities 7th sem. 5 ECTS Sustainable Development and Tourism 8th sem. 5 ECTS

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Cultures, Societies and Histories of the Peoples of the Arctic1 7th sem. 5 ECTS The Arctic in the Age of Globalization2 8th sem. 5 ECTS Subsection 2 This programme is conducted in English. Subsection 3 Through active participation in courses and classes, project work and other study activities, students will fulfil the objectives described in section 4. Subsection 4 The 7th semester of the programme will focus on Tourism Destination Challenges, which is the topic of the problem-oriented project module of this semester. To support the work of the students on this topic, there will be course modules within: Consumer Studies in Tourism, Encounters – Sociological and Anthropological approaches to Tourism and Tourism Destination Analysis. In addition, a course in problem-based methodology and project writing is offered. Subsection 5 The 8th semester of the programme will focus on Tourism Development, which is the topic of the problem-oriented project module of this semester. To support the work of the students on this topic, there will be course modules within: Market Communication in Tourism, Tourism Policy and Innovation in Tourism. Subsection 6 The 9th semester of the programme will consist of either a project-oriented module in a Danish or international tourism organisation (section 19A), or take the shape of a university transfer at a university abroad or in Denmark (section 19B) offering a master’s level programme that is directly related to the central disciplinary areas of the tourism programme at AAU, cf. section 4, subsection 3. If the 9th semester is a university transfer, the student will have to complete modules equivalent to a total of 30 ECTS at the programme visited. Both the project-oriented module in a tourism organisation, including work tasks, and the university transfer, including selected modules, must be approved in advance by the study board. Subsection 7 In the 10th semester of the programme, the student will, under supervision, prepare a Master’s thesis within one or a number of the central disciplinary areas of the programme. The topic must be approved in advance by the study board. Subsection 8 As stipulated in section 5, subsection 3, students have an option of specialising within the field of Global Tourism Development (Copenhagen). The focus of the specialisation is to qualify students to analyse and understand issues related to tourism, transnational mobility and globalisation from a development perspective. Students will acquire in-depth knowledge on the causes and consequences of globalisation, in the context of both the international tourism industry and regional development. This will comprise knowledge on the economic, sociocultural and political relations between the so-called developed countries and potential tourism destinations in developing countries. Students will acquire these general competencies by learning to apply theories on global 1 Arctic Studies specialisation module under the Regulations and Curriculum – MA in Culture, Communication and Globalisation – see section 23 2 Arctic Studies specialisation module under the Regulations and Curriculum – MA in Culture, Communication and Globalisation – see section 23

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tourism flows, development policy and local, social processes of change. The learning methods include problem based project work and analyses of key issues within sustainable tourism development. Subsection 9 As stipulated in section 5, subsection 4, students have an option of specialising within the field of Arctic Studies (Aalborg). The focus of the specialisation is the study of societies and cultures in terms of social and cultural encounters, intercultural communication, nation-building, international politics and globalization, governance and sustainable development. Lectures and seminars introduce Arctic communities and cultures as well as relevant theories. The theories are applied in the analysis of a number of studies from different parts of the Arctic, with more emphasis, however, on Greenland. Section 10 The module Tourism Destination Challenges Location of module: 7th semester Credits: 10 ECTS The module comprises courses relating to destination analysis, encounters in tourism and consumer studies in tourism. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• the tourism destination and various definitions and perspectives on the tourism destination and wider tourism landscape

• various theoretical approaches to researching the tourism destination within one or a number of the subject areas of this semester.

• analyses of tourism destinations and challenges faced within the subject areas of this semester.

In this module, the student will acquire skills in:

• critically addressing issues relating to the challenges of a tourism destination and drawing on the subject areas of the semester.

• selecting, describing and applying theories and methods for the analysis of tourism destination challenges within one or a number of the subject areas of the semester

• producing independent, critical and focused analyses of challenges relating to the tourism destination within one or a number of the subject areas of the semester

In this module, the student will acquire competencies in: • designing academic projects on tourism destination challenges in the context of the subject

areas of the semester. • applying relevant methods and methodological considerations within tourism-related project

work • independent continuation of own competency development within the area of tourism

destination challenges. In the 7th semester, the module is completed with:

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Examination 1 An internal, combined written and oral examination in: Tourism destination challenges (Turismedestinationens udfordringer). The examination will take the form of a conversation between the student(s), the examiner and the external examiner on the basis of a project report prepared by the student(s). The project report is prepared on the basis of the students’ own choice of subject area within one or a number of the central disciplinary areas of the programme cf. section 4, subsection 3. The project report will be viewed as the joint responsibility of the group. The project report must not exceed 20 pages per student in a group, or 25 pages if the report is prepared by one student. Duration of examination: 20 minutes per student and 10 minutes per group for grading and announcement of results, up to a maximum total of 110 minutes for groups and 30 minutes for individual examinations. The stipulated time intervals include grading and announcement of results. Assessment: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 10 ECTS The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Re-examinations will be held according to the rules in force on group examinations as stipulated in the Examination Order. Section 11 The module Problem Based Methodology and Project Writing Location of module: 7th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course in methodology and project writing in which students are introduced to methodological tools and skills in designing and undertaking a project in accordance with Aalborg University’s problem based learning model. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• theories of science relevant to the study of tourism • methods relevant to the study of tourism • problem based learning and project work


• assessing and strategically applying relevant methods • reflexively discussing and communicating methodological choices as well as their

implications • assessing and choosing tools and techniques for problem based learning and project

writing.

In this module, the student will acquire competencies in:

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• independently designing and discussing research approaches in the context of relevant topics within tourism on the basis of critical methodological reflections

• independently designing projects within tourism • independently continuing individual competency development within methodology and

project writing.

In the 7th semester, the module is completed with: Examination 2 An internal examination in: Problem Based Methodology and Project Writing (Problembaseret metode og projektskrivning) The examination is completed by satisfactory and active participation in the module, i.e. 80% attendance, reading of course literature, contribution to discussion sessions of the module through oral presentations and active participation in discussions and satisfactory completion of tasks and assignments set by the course instructor(s). Re-examination: a 2-day take-home assignment paper set by the course instructor(s) on the basis of the course content. The assignment paper will be evaluated by an internal examiner. A second internal examiner will be included in case of an assignment being given a failed assessment. The assignment paper must be prepared individually and must not exceed 10 pages. Assessment: pass/fail Credits: 5 ECTS

The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 12 The module Consumer Studies in Tourism Location of module: 7th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course on consumers and consumption in tourism. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• different theoretical perspectives on tourism consumption, including socio-psychological approaches, consumer culture theory as well as theories of mobility

• understanding the role of consumption in tourism (the spatial, material and affective dimensions of tourism consumption)


• identifying contemporary issues and challenges in tourism consumption • selecting, describing and applying current theories and methods for the analysis of tourism

consumption • producing independent and focused analyses of tourism consumption

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• discussing and reflecting on tourism consumption and consumers and on this basis demonstrate professional insight and responsibility

• independently continuing own competency development within the area of consumers and consumption in a tourism context.

In the 7th semester, the module is completed with: Examination 3 An internal written examination in: Consumer Studies in Tourism (Forbrugerstudier i turisme). The examination is a 2-day take-home assignment given by the examiner on the basis of the curriculum of the module. The assignment paper must be prepared individually and must not exceed 10 pages. Assessment: Grading according to the 7-point-scale Credits: 5 ECTS

The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 13 The Module Tourism Destination Analysis Location of module: 7th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course in the organisation of tourism destination. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• different theoretical perspectives on tourism systems and analysis of tourism destinations • different types of organisational relationships and interactions between institutional and

individual actors in local and global tourism contexts. In this module, the student will acquire skills in:

• identifying contemporary strategic issues related to the development of tourism destinations • selecting, describing and applying conceptual and methodological tools for the analysis of

tourism systems and destinations


• designing comprehensive destination analyses discussing and reflecting on strategic issues and options in a destination development context and, on this basis, demonstrating professional insight and responsibility

• independently continuing own competency development within the area of strategic analysis of tourism destinations.

In the 7th semester, the module is completed with:

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Examination 4 An internal written examination in: Tourism Destination Analysis (Analyse af Turismedestinationen). The examination is a 4-day take-home assignment given by the examiner on the basis of the curriculum of the module. The assignment paper must be prepared individually and must not exceed 12 pages. Assessment: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 5 ECTS The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 14 The module Encounters - Sociological and Anthropological approaches to Tourism Location of module: 7th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course in Encounters – Sociological and Anthropological approaches to Tourism. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• sociological and anthropological approaches to tourism, including the historical development of tourism and tourism concepts.

• different relationships and modes of co-existence between actors related to tourism, in particular tourists, local communities and brokers


• identifying issues suited for analysis relating to tourism encounters • selecting, describing and applying sociological and anthropological theories and concepts

to understand tourism as a field of social and cultural inquiry in a contemporary and historical context

• producing independent and focused analyses of emerging issues which rise from the encounters of tourism.


• outlining analytical perspectives to the encounters and complex relationships in tourism within specific cases

• discussing and reflecting on how sociological and anthropological approaches can add to understanding and interacting with tourism, and on this basis, demonstrating professional insight and responsibility

• independently continuing own competency development within the field of area of encounters in tourism


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Examination 5 An internal written examination in: Encounters – Sociological and Anthropological approaches to Tourism (Møder – sociologiske og antropologiske tilgange til turisme). The examination is a portfolio comprising contributions from the students set by the examiner on the basis of the course module. Students will receive feedback on their work during the module which may be used to improve their assignment before final submission. The examination portfolio will be prepared individually by the student and must not exceed 10 pages. The assignment paper will be evaluated by an internal examiner. A second internal examiner will be included in case of an assignment being given a failed assessment. Assessment: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 5 ECTS The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 15 The module Tourism Development Location of module: 8th semester Credits: 15 ECTS The module comprises courses relating to tourism policy, innovation and market communication. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• theories on how to develop tourism drawing on one or a number of the following areas: market communication, innovation and tourism policy – and skills in reflecting critically on these

• empirical analyses of concrete development-related challenges within the areas of market communication, innovation and entrepreneurship and tourism policy with a focus on how different areas and actors relate to each other, as well as the interplay between these


• identifying issues which relate to tourism development within one or a number of disciplinary areas of the semester: market communication, innovation and tourism policy

• selecting, describing and applying theories and methods for the analysis of case specific issues relating to tourism development within one or a number of or the disciplines of the semester

• producing independent and critical analyses of development-related issues within one or a number of the disciplines of the programme through creative and reflective application of existing and/or own investigations.


• designing projects on development processes leading to higher levels of innovation in tourism

• launching and implementing disciplinary and cross-disciplinary cooperation on tourism-related development and on this basis demonstrating professional insight and responsibility

• contributing to the planning and implementation of innovative initiatives in a tourism context

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• independently continuing own competency development within the area of tourism development.

In the 8th semester, the module is completed with: Examination 6 An external combined written and oral examination in: Tourism Development (Turismeudvikling). The examination will take the form of a conversation between the student(s), the examiner and the external examiner on the basis of a project report prepared by the student(s). The project report is prepared on the basis of the students’ own choice of subject area within one or a number of the central disciplinary areas of the programme cf. section 4, subsection 3. The project report will be viewed as the joint responsibility of the group. The project report must not exceed 25 pages per student in a group or 30 pages if the report was prepared by one student. Duration of examination: 20 minutes per student and 10 minutes per group for grading and announcement of result, up to a maximum total of 110 minutes for groups and 30 minutes for individual examinations. The stipulated time intervals include grading and announcement of result. Assessment: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 15 ECTS The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Re-examinations will be held according to the rules in force on group examinations as stipulated in the Examination Order. Section 16 Market Communication in Tourism Location of module: 8th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course in market communication in tourism. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• different theoretical perspectives on market communication in general and specifically in relation to tourism

• empirical analyses of different types of market communication strategies In this module, the student will acquire skills in:

• addressing contemporary issues in market communication in tourism at an academic level • selecting, describing and applying conceptual and methodological tools for the analysis of

issues relating to market communication in tourism • producing independent and critical analyses of market communication activities in tourism


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• discussing and reflecting on market communication in a tourism context and, on this basis, designing relevant recommendations

• independently continuing own competency development within the area of market communication in tourism.

In the 8th semester, the module is completed with: Examination 7 An internal written examination in: Market Communication in Tourism (Markedskommunikation i turisme). The examination is a 4-day take-home assignment given by the examiner on the basis of the curriculum of the module. The assignment paper must be prepared individually and must not exceed 12 pages. Assessment: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 5 ECTS The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 17 The module Tourism Policy Location of module: 8th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course in tourism policy. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• theories within the study of public policy generally and specifically in relation to tourism, including the different phases of tourism, and evaluation of these

• the interplay between actors and institutions in relation to the governance of local, regional and national destinations, in their relevant international contexts


• identifying academic debates within tourism policy and governance at different geographical levels

• selecting, describing and applying conceptual and methodological tools for the analysis of tourism policy

• producing independent and focused analyses of tourism policy using primary and secondary sources


• undertaking analyses of specific tourism policies • discussing and reflecting academically on tourism policy and, demonstrating professional

insight and responsibility • independently continuing own competency development within the area of tourism policy

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In the 8th semester, the module is completed with: Examination 8 An internal written examination in: Tourism Policy (Turismepolitik). The examination is a 4-day take-home assignment given by the examiner on the basis of the curriculum of the module. The assignment paper must be prepared individually and must not exceed 12 pages. Assessment: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 5 ECTS The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 18 The module Innovation in Tourism Location of module: 8th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course in Innovation in Tourism. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• different theoretical perspectives on innovation in tourism, including perspectives on entrepreneurship

• the different actors and institutions involved in processes of innovation and the different forms of collaboration and network relations that support these processes


• identifying academic debates and issues in the area of innovation in tourism organisations • selecting, describing and applying conceptual and methodological tools for the analysis of

innovation processes, entrepreneurship, and their relationship to social and cultural issues, and the significance of different types of actors and institutions.

• producing independent and focused analyses of initiatives relating to innovation through the application of existing and/or own investigations


• outlining options within innovation in tourism organisations through the analysis of specific cases and related problems

• discussing and reflecting critically on innovation in a tourism context and, on this basis, demonstrating professional insight and responsibility

• independently continuing own competency development within the area of innovation in tourism organisations.


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Examination 9 An internal written examination in: Innovation in Tourism (Innovation i turisme). The examination is a portfolio comprising contributions from the students set by the examiner on the basis of the course module. Students will receive feedback on their work during the module which may be used to improve their assignment before final submission. The examination portfolio will be prepared individually by the student and must not exceed 10 pages. The assignment paper will be evaluated by an internal examiner. A second internal examiner will be included in case of an assignment being given a failed assessment. Assessment: grading according to the 7-point-scale Credits: 5 ECTS

The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 19 Project-oriented Module in a Tourism Organisation (A) or University Transfer (B) (elective module) Location of module: 9th semester Credits: 30 ECTS This module contains two electives: A project-oriented module in a tourism organisation (A) and a university transfer at another university programme (B), one of which students must choose for their 9th semester. Subsection 2 Only students who have completed examinations in the Master’s programme in Tourism corresponding to at least 20 ECTS can be enrolled in this module. Subsection 3 For students who have chosen the specialisation in Global Tourism Development or Arctic Studies, module examinations must be set within this area and approved by the specialisation responsible. Section 19A: Project-oriented Module in a Tourism Organisation comprises two parts. The work tasks and activities and the project will be evaluated in two separate examinations (examinations 10 and 11), 20 and 10 ECTS respectively and 30 ECTS in total. Part 1 (examination 10): Work tasks and activities in a tourism organisation and a reflexive essay based on experiences Part 2 (examination 11): A project report In order to complete the module, students must pass both examinations 10 and 11. Subsection 2 The project-oriented module must take place in a tourism organisation abroad or in Denmark and must be of a duration of at least four months, full-time (equivalent to 37 hours per week), during which time the student will work with issues that are relevant to the central disciplinary areas of the programmes, cf. section 4, subsection 3. Students’ project-oriented module, including work tasks, must be approved in advance by the study board.

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Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• one or a number of disciplinary areas of the programme through the encounter with a specific tourism-related context, adding a project -oriented dimension to previously acquired knowledge.


• addressing issues within one or a number of subject areas relevant to the hosting organisation at an academic level

• selecting, describing and applying conceptual and methodological tools for the establishment of a deeper understanding of a specific tourism-related context

• producing independent and focused analyses of issues within one or a number of central disciplinary areas of the programme through own investigations in the hosting organisation


• working procedures in a tourism organisation, and contributing professionally to the development and operation of the organisation

• outlining recommendations regarding issues relevant for the tourism organisation • independently continuing own competency development in relation to experienced issues

This module is completed with the following examinations: Examination 10 An internal examination in: Project-oriented Module in a Tourism Organisation: Host institution statement + reflexive essay (Projektorienteret forløb i en turismeorganisation) Completion of the project-oriented module must be documented by a host institution statement describing work tasks and activities. On the basis of this statement it will be decided if the student has fulfilled the project-oriented module requirements (cf. section 19A, subsection 2). The examination also comprises the submission of a reflexive essay, which puts the module experiences and the knowledge gained from examination 11 into critical perspective. In this reflexive essay of maximum five pages, the student is expected to critically discuss, for example, the theoretical developments that emerge from the project’s empirical domains to be further explored, and/or methodological innovations that may inform future research within the field covered by the project. In order to complete this examination, students must submit both host institution statement and reflexive essay. Assessment: pass/fail Credits: 20 ECTS Examination 11 An internal written examination based on: Project-oriented Module in a Tourism Organisation: Project report (Projektorienteret forløb i en turismeorganisation) In order to complete the examination, the student must submit a project report for assessment. The project report must be prepared individually and must not exceed 20 pages. The project report

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must entail relevance to the tourism organisation and relate to the central disciplinary areas of the tourism programme, cf. section 4, subsection 3. Assessment: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 10 ECTS The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 19B: University Transfer University Transfer is a stay at an institution of higher education abroad or in Denmark, offering courses directly related to the central disciplinary areas of the tourism programme at AAU, cf. section 4, subsection 3, offered at a master level, and corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS. Subsection 2 The student must choose a number of courses (equivalent to 30 ECTS) that have to be approved by the Study Board. All courses must be directly related to the central disciplinary areas of the tourism programme, cf. section 4, subsection 3. The student will comply with exam requirements at the host institution (Examinations at the host institution will together constitute Examination 12). Subsection 3 If a student does not complete all 30 ECTS points during their stay, the student will be offered an internal, written exam to substitute the number of ECTS points missing to complete the 9th semester. The extent and scope of the exam will be defined by the number of ECTS points that is substituted and it must be approved by the study board. At least 20 ECTS points must be completed at the host institution, and maximum 10 ECTS points can be substituted at AAU. Section 20 The module Master’s Thesis Location of module: 10th semester Credits: 30 ECTS The Master’s thesis is based on a subject that the student is free to select as long as they are relatable to the central disciplinary areas of the programme, cf. section 4, subsection 3. Subsection 2 The Master’s thesis topic must be approved by the study board. Students must submit a structured thesis contract outlining and justifying a preliminary problem formulation as well theoretical framing and methodological points of departure. The contract also presents a commitment to the submission deadline as set by the study board. Subsection 3 Students who have chosen the specialisation in Global Tourism Development or Arctic Studies must write their thesis within this area and obtain approval from the study board as well as the specialisation responsible. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• the theoretical and methodological discipline(s) of the selected topic, and demonstrate critical reflection on this/these

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• demonstrate a deep theoretical and methodological understanding of tourism research based on the highest international level of tourism research

• demonstrate a deep and critical understanding of relevant research literature related to the chosen topic.

• research ethics and insight in the implications of research work • demonstrate the ability to reflect in the discipline(s)’ knowledge base and to identify,

formulate and delimit an academic problem


• giving a structured and reflected outline of relevant existing literature related to the selected topic

• applying insights from the tourism programme in the critical dissemination of new knowledge

• applying and further developing relevant theories and methods pertaining to tourism • compiling results in a clear, linguistically coherent presentation that complies with academic

requirements for analysis, academic argumentation and documentation • taking a critical view of the sources used and documenting them through a coherent

bibliography

In this module, the student will acquire competencies in

• managing a complex research process, including being able to identify, delimit and justify a relevant research topic and, on the basis hereof, formulate a clear problem

• discussing and synthesising complex knowledge field(s) and delimiting the thesis topic to fit the problem formulation

• analysing and mastering tourism topics in light of contemporary theories and approaches in tourism research

• independently continuing own competency development within the selected disciplinary area(s).

In the 10th semester, the module is completed with Examination 13 An external oral examination in: Master’s Thesis (Kandidatspeciale). The examination will be conducted on the basis of a Master’s thesis prepared by one or a number of students. The Master’s thesis must be no shorter than 35 pages, and must not exceed 70 pages per student in a group, or 80 pages if the thesis is prepared by one student. An abstract in English of a minimum of one page and a maximum of two pages must be prepared. Normal duration of examination: 45 minutes. Assessment: grading according to the 7-point scale. A combined grade will be awarded for the written and oral parts of the examination. A main emphasis will be on the written performance. Credits: 30 ECTS. The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 21 Specialisation in Global Tourism Development

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If students choose the specialisation in Global Tourism Development, cf. section 5, subsection 3, the modules Consumer Studies in Tourism (section 11) and Market Communication in Tourism (section 15) will be replaced by the following modules: Section 22 The module Global Tourism and Transnational Mobilities (Specialisation Module) Location of module: 7th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course in mobility, transnationalism and global tourism. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• various theoretical approaches to mobility studies, including transnationalism and migration and their effect on the global tourism industry

• potentials and challenges to global tourism flows • empirical analyses of transnationalism and changing global tourism flows, with particular

emphasis on new tourism markets. In this module, the student will acquire skills in:

• identifying academic issues within mobility studies, including transnationalism, migration and global tourism consumption

• selecting, describing and applying theories and methods for the analysis of issues in the context of transnational mobility

• producing independent and focused analyses of transnational mobility and global tourism.

In this module, the student will acquire competencies in: • discussing and critically reflecting on themes within transnational mobility and tourism flows

in a global context • working independently and strategically on concrete cases within transnational mobility and

on this basis demonstrating professional insight and responsibility. In the 7th semester, the module is completed with: Examination 14 An internal written examination in: Global Tourism and Transnational Mobilities (Global turisme og transnational mobilitet). The examination is a 2-day take-home assignment given by the examiner on the basis of the curriculum of the module. The assignment paper must be prepared individually and must not exceed 10 pages. The assignment paper will be evaluated by an internal examiner. A second internal examiner will be included in case of an assignment being given a failed assessment. Assessment: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 5 ECTS The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies.

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Section 23 The module Sustainable Development and Tourism (specialisation module) Location of module: 8th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises courses in sustainable development and tourism. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• various theoretical approaches to sustainable development, both in general and specifically within tourism, in a global context

• potentials and challenges to handling ethical, social, environmental and economic aspects of sustainability

• the interplay and balance of power between regional, national and global players and institutions within sustainable tourism development

• empirical analyses of key topics within sustainable development. In this module, the student will acquire skills in:

• identifying academic issues within sustainable tourism development • selecting, describing and applying theories and methods for the analysis of issues in the

context of transnational mobility • producing independent and focused analyses of sustainable tourism development in the

context of global tourism.

In this module, the student will acquire competencies in: • discussing and critically reflecting on themes within sustainable tourism development in the

in context of global tourism • outlining issues and proposing solutions within sustainable tourism development and on

this basis demonstrating professional insight and responsibility. In the 8th semester, the module is completed with: Examination 15 An internal written examination in: Sustainable Development and Tourism (Bæredygtig udvikling og turisme). The examination is a 2-day take-home assignment given by the examiner on the basis of the curriculum of the module. The assignment paper must be prepared individually and must not exceed 10 pages. The assignment paper will be evaluated by an internal examiner. A second internal examiner will be included in case of an assignment being given a failed assessment. Assessment: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 5 ECTS The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above regarding knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies.

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Section 24 The Specialisation in Arctic Studies If students choose the specialisation in Arctic Studies, cf. section 5, subsection 4, the modules Consumer Studies in Tourism (section 11) and Market Communication in Tourism (section 15) will be replaced by the following modules: Culture, Societies and Histories of the Peoples of the Arctic (7th sem.) and The Arctic in the Age of Globalization (8th sem.) and related examinations – see present Regulations and Curriculum – MA in Culture, Communication and Globalisation: http://www.fak.hum.aau.dk/uddannelse/studieordninger/kultur-kommunikation-og-globalisering/ Subsection 2 All 70 ECTS obtained in the specialisation must be related to tourism, and this must be approved by the Study Board. Section 25 List of Examinations Compulsory Examinations No. Name Internal

Pass/fail Internal 7-point-scale

External Pass/fail

External 7-point-scale

1 Tourism Destination Challenges 10 ECTS 2 Problem Based Methodology and Project

Writing 5 ECTS

3 Consumer Studies in Tourism 5 ECTS 4 Tourism Destination Analyses 5 ECTS 5 Encounters – Sociological and

Anthropological approaches to Tourism 5 ECTS

6 Tourism Development 15 ECTS 7 Market Communication in Tourism 5 ECTS 8 Tourism Policy 5 ECTS 9 Innovation in Tourism 5 ECTS 13 Master’s Thesis 30 ECTS Elective Examinations No. Name Internal

Pass/fail Internal 7-point-scale

External Pass/fail

External 7-point-scale

10 Project-oriented Module in a Tourism Organisation (Host Institution Statement + Reflexive Essay)

20 ECTS

11 Project-oriented Module in a Tourism Organisation (project report)

10 ECTS

12 University Transfer 30 ECTS3

14 Global Tourism and Transnational Mobilities

5 ECTS

15 Sustainable Development and Tourism 5 ECTS Cultures, Societies and Histories of the

Peoples of the Arctic. 4 5 ECTS

3 See section 19B 4 Arctic Studies specialisation exam - see section 23

http://www.fak.hum.aau.dk/uddannelse/studieordninger/kultur-kommunikation-og-globalisering/

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The Arctic in the Age of Globalization 5 5 ECTS Section 26 Re-examination Provisions concerning re-examination outside ordinary examination periods are stipulated in the examination regulations in force at the time in question.

PART 4 OTHER PROVISIONS

Section 27 Exemptions In exceptional circumstances, the study board may make exceptions from the rules in these regulations which are stipulated autonomously by the university. Section 28 Further Information The study board displays and maintains more detailed information on the programme, including examination, on its website. Section 29 Commencement These regulations are recommended by the Study Board of Cross-Cultural Studies and approved by the dean. The regulations will take effect from 1 September 2017 and apply to all students who commence the master study in Tourism on or after this date. Subsection 2 Previous regulations will apply to students who have commenced their studies before 1 September 2017. The Study Board of Cross-Cultural Studies and/or the Humanities Faculty office at AAU will determine when the last examinations will be held according to the present regulations. The Study Board and the Faculty of Humanities have incorporated changes in the curriculum which concern Section 8, subsection 4 on 1 September 2018.

5 Arctic Studies specialisation exam – see section 23

regulations and curriculum – ma in tourism · an opportunity to specialise by his or her choice...

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