Regulations and Curriculum MA in Tourism · 5 Subsection 3 Students enrolled on the Tourism programme at AAU Copenhagen have an option of specialising in Global Tourism Development

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Regulations and Curriculum – MA in Tourism

The Faculty of Humanities Aalborg University

September 2014

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Contents Part 1 Preliminary regulations Section 1 Legal framework Section 2 Faculty affiliation Section 3 Study Board affiliation Part 2 Objectives, Duration, Structure, etc. Section 4 Programme objectives Section 5 Duration, structure, admission requirements etc. Section 6 Admission requirements and conditions Section 7 General examination provisions Part 3 Programme structure, content and examinations Section 8 Programme structure Section 9 The module Problem Based Methodology and Project Writing Section 10 The module Global and Local Challenges in Tourism Section 11 The module Consumer Studies in Tourism Section 12 The module Strategic Leadership of Tourism Organisations Section 13 The module Culture and Cultural Encounters in Tourism Section 14 The module Innovation in Tourism Section 15 The module Tourism Experiences and Market Communication Section 16 The module Tourism Policy and Destination Development Section 17 The module Change Management in Tourism Organisations Section 18 The module Internship in a Tourism Organisation (elective module) Section 19 The module International Tourism Project (elective module) Section 20 The module International Tourism Topic Study (elective module) Section 21 The module Master’s Thesis Section 22 Specialisation in Global Tourism Development Section 23 The module Global Tourism and Transnational Mobilities Section 24 The module Sustainable Development and Tourism 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 CORRECTIONS)

In pursuance of Act No. 367 of 25 March 2013on 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. 1520 of 16 December 2013 on Bachelor and Master’s Programmes at the Universities (the Degree Programme Order) and the Ministerial Order No. 1518 of 16 December 2013 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.

Part 2 Objectives, Duration, Structure, etc.

Section 4 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 work as an agent of change 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

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.

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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 subject areas of the programme: consumer studies, market communication, intercultural communication, organisation and strategic management, tourism policy, and business development in a tourism context.

understand and reflect on a scientific basis on the central disciplinary areas of the programme and identify issues within these which may be the objects of study on a scientific basis.

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 subject areas of the programme and, on a scientific basis, set up analysis models pertaining to tourism-related issues

analyse scientific issues independently, systematically and critically through the application of scientific theories and methods and identify and further develop solution models in relation to tourism

communicate research based knowledge and discuss professional and scientific 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 development projects within tourism and, on this basis, to 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 responsibility

independently pursue his/her competency development within the subject areas of the programme.

Section 5 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 an internship in a tourism organisation with a tourism relevant organisation, and the other is in the shape of tourism studies 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 on 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 internship/study stay abroad 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 On completion of the Master’s programme, the student is awarded the degree cand.mag (candidatus/candidata magistrii) i turisme. In English, the title translates into Master of Arts (MA) in Tourism. Section 6 Admission requirements and conditions

A Bachelor's degree in Language and International Studies, English or Spanish from Aalborg University qualifies students for admission to the Master's degree programme if admission is in immediate continuation of the completed Bachelor's degree. 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 7 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 Examinations will be either internally or externally co-examined. If no other provisions are stated, examinations will be assessed by the examiner along with a second internal or an external examiner. Subsection 3 If no other provisions are stated, examinations will be conducted in English. This applies to both written and oral examinations. Subsection 4

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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Projects may be prepared in groups of max. 5 students. Project examinations will normally 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 4, subsection 2. The examination will take the form of a conversation between the student(s), the examiner and the external examiner 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. 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. Subsection 7 In the assessment of all written assignments, irrespective of the language in which this is written, the students’ spelling skills and fluency will be considered. The assessment of communicative performance will be based on orthographic correctness, academic writing standards and stylistic proficiency. The communicative performance will always be assessed as an independent dimension in the overall assessment. No assignment paper will, however, be awarded an overall pass grade solely on the basis of good communicative performance, nor will an assignment paper usually be awarded a fail grade solely on the basis of very poor communicative performance. Subsection 8 The study elements 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, including holidays. An annual full-time equivalent is 60 ECTS. Subsection 9 Students who wish to register for the Master’s thesis examination must have successfully completed 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 a ‘Pass’ grade. 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. So the average is defined as the sum of individual grades, each multiplied by the ECTS of the examination in question, divided by the sum of the ECTS-points of the examinations included in the average.

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Examinations assessed as pass/fail will not be included in this calculation. The average grade with one decimal digit will be stated on the examination certificate. Subsection 11 In the evaluation of examination performances, the grade 12 will only be awarded to students who give an excellent performance and demonstrate that they have fulfilled the objectives for the subject 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 8 Programme structure

The programme is compiled of modules and structured as a combination of courses, take-home assignments and problem oriented and project organised subject studies. 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 an internship in a tourism organisation (30 ECTS) and a student mobility stay abroad or in Denmark (30 ECTS); in the 10th semester, there is one module: the Master’s thesis (30 ECTS). Compulsory modules, totalling 90 ECTS

Problem Based Methodology and Project Writing 7th sem. 5 ECTS

Global and Local Challenges in Tourism 7th sem. 10 ETCS

Consumer studies in Tourism 7th sem. 5 ECTS

Strategic Leadership of Tourism Organisations 7th sem. 5 ECTS

Culture and Cultural Encounters in Tourism 7th sem. 5 ECTS

Innovation in Tourism 8th sem. 15 ECTS

Tourism Experiences and Market Communication 8th sem. 5 ECTS

Tourism Policy and Destination Development 8th sem 5 ECTS

Change Management in Tourism Organisations 8th sem. 5 ECTS

Master’s Thesis 10th sem. 30 ECTS

Elective modules, totalling 30 ECTS-point (the student will choose one of these modules)

Internship in a Tourism Organisation 9th sem. 2 x 15 ECTS

International Tourism Project* 9th sem. 20 ECTS

International Tourism Topic Study** 9th sem. 10 ECTS

* This module may be replaced by a student mobility stay abroad or in Denmark with study activities at master’s level corresponding to 20 ECTS at an institution of higher education. The module can only be chosen if the student chooses to go on a mobility stay instead of the internship in a tourism organisation, and if, during the mobility stay, the student does not complete study activities corresponding to 20 ECTS at another institution of higher education.

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* * This module may be replaced by a student mobility stay abroad or in Denmark with study activities at master’s level corresponding to 10 ECTS at an institution of higher education. The module can only be chosen if the student chooses to go on a mobility stay instead of the internship in a tourism organisation, and if, during the mobility stay, the student does not complete study activities corresponding to 10 ECTS at another institution of higher education. Subsection 2 This programme will be 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 global and local challenges in tourism, 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, Culture and Cultural Encounters in Tourism and Strategic Leadership of Tourism Organisations. In addition, courses within theory of science and methods, as well as problem oriented project work will be offered. Subsection 5 The 8th semester of the programme will focus on innovation in tourism, 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: Tourism Experiences and Market Communication, Tourism Policy and Destination Development and Change Management in Tourism Organisations. In addition a course in methodology will be offered, and a joint cross-disciplinary innovation course will be conducted, which takes its point of departure in a selected tourism destination. Subsection 6 The 9th semester of the programme will consist of either an internship in a Danish or international tourism organisation, or take the shape of a mobility stay at a Danish or international university offering a tourism programme at master level. If the 9th semester is a mobility stay, the student will normally have to complete 3-4 modules (a total of 30 ECTS) at the university in question. Both the internship in a tourism organisation, including work tasks, and the mobility stay, including selected modules, must be approved in advance by the study board. If the student does not complete study activities corresponding to 30 ECTS during the mobility stay selected, the student may instead complete the module Project in International Tourism, cf. section 19, and/or the module International Tourism Topic study, cf. section 20, and any related examinations. 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 disciplinary areas of the programme. Subsection 8 As stipulated in section 5, subsection 3, students have an option of specialising within the field of Global Tourism Development. The object of the specialisation is to qualify students to analyse, 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 tourism flows,

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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. Section 9 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:

various aspects of theory of science relevant to the study of tourism

various methodologies and methods relevant to the study of tourism

basic approaches to project based learning and project work. In this module, the student will acquire skills in:

assessing and strategically applying relevant methods, including quantitative and qualitative methods

arguing for, discussing and communicating methodological choices

assessing and choosing tools and techniques for problem based learning and project writing.

In this module, the student will acquire competencies in:

independently designing and discussing research strategies in the context of relevant topics within tourism on the basis of critical methodological reflection

independently designing projects within tourism

independently continuing his/her individual competency development within methodology and project writing.

In the 7th semester, the module is completed with: Examination 1 An internal examination in: Problem Based Methodology and Project Writing The examination is completed by satisfactory and active participation in the module, i.e. 80% attendance, reading of set literature, contribution to discussion sessions of the module through oral presentation and active participation in discussions. Re-examination: any re-examination will be a 48-hour take-home assignment paper set by the course instructor. The assignment paper will be evaluated by the examiner; in case of a fail grade, the assignment paper will also be evaluated by another internal examiner. Evaluation: pass/fail Credits: 5 ECTS

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The examination must demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 10 The module Global and Local Challenges in Tourism Location of module: 7th semester Credits: 10 ECTS The module comprises courses related to the area. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

theories based on international research on global and local challenges in tourism within one or a number of the following areas: consumer studies, strategic leadership and cultural encounters and on a scientific basis be able to reflect on these

empirical analyses of concrete tourism-related challenges locally and globally within the areas: consumer studies, strategic leadership, as well as the cultural encounter.

In this module, the student will acquire skills in:

identifying issues which can be treated at a scientific level, in local tourism contexts within one or a number of disciplinary areas of the semester: consumer studies, strategic leadership as well as the cultural encounter

selecting, describing and applying theories and methods for the analysis of local tourist-related issues in the context of global challenges within one or a number of disciplinary areas of the semester

producing independent and focused analyses of local tourism-related issues in the context of global challenges within one or a number of disciplinary areas of the semester through creative application of existing and/or own investigations.


the design of projects on local tourism-related issues in the context of global challenges

the application of relevant methods and methodological considerations within tourism-related project work

independent continuation of own competency development within the area of global challenges in tourism.

In the 7th semester, the module is completed with: Examination 2 An internal combined written and oral group examination in: Global and Local Challenges in Tourism. 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 student’s own choice of discipline within one or a number of the central disciplines of the programme. The project report will be viewed as the joint responsibility of the group. The project report must not exceed 20 pages per student, or 25 pages if the report is prepared by one individual student.

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Duration of examination: 20 minutes per student and 10 minutes per group for grading and announcement of result, up to a maximum total of two hours for groups and 30 minutes for individual examinations. The stipulated time intervals include grading and announcement of result. Evaluation: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 10 ECTS The project report and the oral examination should demonstrate that the student has fulfilled the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding and skills. Re-examinations will be held according to the rules in force on group examinations as stipulated in the Examination Order. Section 11 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 aspects of consumer theories generally and tourism specifically, including motivation, decision making processes, behaviour, values and identity creation through consumption

empirical analyses of consumption among different tourist cultures locally and globally In this module, the student will acquire skills in:

identifying issues within tourism based consumer behaviour, including experience consumption

selecting, describing and applying theories and methods for the analysis of issues related to tourism based consumption

producing independent and focused analyses of tourism-related consumption through the application of existing investigations.


outlining issues and solution proposals in relation to consumer behaviour

discussing and reflecting on consumption and consumers in a tourism context and on this basis to demonstrate professional insight and responsibility

independent continuation of 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. The examination is a 2-day

take-home assignment given by the examiner on the basis of the curriculum of the module. The assignment response paper must be prepared individually and must not exceed 8 pages. The

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assignment paper will be evaluated by the examiner; in case of a fail grade, the assignment paper will also be evaluated by another internal external examiner. Substitution: the examination may be substituted by satisfactory and active participation in the module in question, i.e. 80% attendance, reading of set literature, contribution to discussion sessions of the module through oral presentation and active participation in discussions. Evaluation: pass/fail Credits: 5 ECTS

The examination should demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 12 The Module Strategic Leadership of Tourism Organisations

Location of module: 7th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course in strategic leadership in private and public tourism organisations. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

different theoretical perspectives within business structure and design in private and public tourism organisation as well as strategic leadership

different types of interaction between institutional and individual actors in local and global contexts, including intra- and inter-organisational conflicts.


identifying issues which may be treated at a scientific level within strategic leadership of private and public tourism organisations

selecting, describing and applying conceptual and methodological tools for the analysis of intra- and inter-organisational relations and conflicts in the context of private and public tourism organisations

evaluating and positioning leadership-related options in specific tourism contexts


outlining possible solutions pertaining to organisation-related issues within specific cases

discussing and reflecting on organisation and leadership in a tourism context and, on this basis, demonstrating professional insight and responsibility

independent continuation of own competency development within the area of strategic leadership of tourism organisations.

In the 7th semester, the module is completed with Examination 4 An internal written examination in: Strategic Leadership of Tourism Organisations.

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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. Evaluation: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 5 ECTS The examination should demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 13 The module Culture and Cultural Encounters in Tourism Location of module: 7th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course in culture and cultural encounter in tourism Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

anthropological and sociological approaches to tourism, including the historical development of tourism and tourism concepts, particularly as related to cultural encounters

different forms of interaction between tourists and the local population, and derived consequences for individuals and cultures locally as well as globally.


identifying issues which may be treated at a scientific level within culture and cultural encounters in tourism in a contemporary and historical context

selecting, describing and applying anthropological and sociological theories for the analysis of issues relating to culture and cultural encounters

producing independent and focused analyses of cultural issues through the application of existing investigations.


outlining possible solutions pertaining to culture-related issues within specific cases

discussing and reflecting on cultural encounters in a tourism context and, on this basis, demonstrating professional insight and responsibility

independent continuation of own competency development within the area of culture and cultural encounters in tourism.

In the 7th semester, the module is completed with Examination 5 An internal written examination in: Culture and Cultural Encounters in Tourism. The examination is in the shape of an examination portfolio comprising the following contributions from the student: Two assignments set by the examiner during the course of the module on the basis of the curriculum and an account of the student’s own learning accomplishments during the module. The examination portfolio will be prepared individually by the student and must not exceed 10 pages.

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Evaluation: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 5 ECTS The examination should demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 14 The module Innovation in Tourism

Location of module: 8th semester Credits: 15 ECTS The module comprises courses relating to the area. In addition, during the semester, a joint innovation course focussing on practical application of acquired knowledge will be conducted. This will form the basis of the module examination. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

theories based on international research on innovation in tourism within one or a number of the following areas: tourism experiences, market communication, tourism policy and destination development and change management – and skills in reflecting on these at a scientific level

empirical analyses of concrete innovation-related challenges within the areas of tourism experiences, market communication, tourism policy and destination development and change management, and the interplay between these


identifying issues which may be treated at a scientific level relating to tourism innovation within one or a number of disciplinary areas of the semester: tourism experiences and market communication, tourism policy and destination development and change management

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

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


designing projects on innovation processes in tourism

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

contributing to the planning and implementation of innovative initiatives in a tourist-related context

independent continuation of own competency development within the area of innovation in tourism.

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In the 8th semester, the module is completed with Examination 6 An external combined written and oral group examination in: Innovation in Tourism. 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 on the basis of a joint case study in innovation by one or a number of students. The project report will be prepared according to the student’s own choice within one or a number of the central disciplines 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 or 30 pages if the report was prepared by one individual 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 two hours for groups and 30 minutes for individual examinations. The stipulated time intervals include grading and announcement of result. Evaluation: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 15 ECTS The project report and the oral examination should demonstrate that the student has fulfilled the objectives outlined above as regards 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 15 Tourism Experiences and Market Communication Location of module: 8th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course in tourism experiences and market communication. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

different theoretical perspectives on experience design and market communication in general and specifically in relation to tourism, including product and destination branding, storytelling and other types of market communication strategies

empirical analyses of innovative tourism experiences and market communication targeted at different segments and markets in the context of destinations, as well as individual products/services


identifying issues, which may be treated at a scientific level, within tourism experiences and market communication in the context of destinations, as well as individual products/services

selecting, describing and applying conceptual and methodological tools for the analysis of issues relating to experience design and market communication

producing independent and focused analyses of experience design and market communication initiatives through the application of existing and/or own investigations

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outlining possible case-specific options in relation to issues of experience design and market communication in the context of destinations, as well as individual products/services

discussing and reflecting on experience design and market communication in a tourism context and, on this basis, demonstrating professional insight and responsibility

independent continuation of own competency development within the area of tourism experiences and market communication.

In the 8th semester, the module is completed with Examination 7 An internal written examination in: Tourism Experiences and Market Communication.

The examination is a 4-day take-home assignment given by the examiner on the basis of the curriculum of the module. The assignment response paper must be prepared individually and must not exceed 12 pages. Evaluation: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 5 ECTS The examination should demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 16 The module Tourism Policy and Destination Development Location of module: 8th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course in tourism policy and destination development. 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 within processes of innovation and change at concrete local, regional and national destinations, in their relevant international contexts


identifying issues which may be treated at a scientific level within tourism policy at different geographical levels

selecting, describing and applying conceptual and methodological tools for the analysis of initiatives relating to tourism policy

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


contributing to creating the knowledge-based and organisational foundation for policy development in specific cases

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discussing and reflecting at a scientific level on tourism policy in a tourism context and, on this basis, demonstrating professional insight and responsibility

independent continuation of own competency development within the area of strategic leadership of tourism organisations.

In the 8th semester, the module is completed with: Examination 8 An internal written examination in: Tourism Policy and Destination Development. 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. Evaluation: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 5 ECTS The examination should demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 17 The module Change Management in Tourism Organisations Location of module: 8th semester Credits: 5 ECTS The module comprises a course in change management in tourism organisations. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

different theoretical perspectives on change and change management in tourism organisations, including possible consequences of change processes on organisational culture and identity and the significance of different management styles

different forms of internal and external organisation communication during innovation and change processes.


identifying issues which may be treated at a scientific level within change management in tourism organisations

selecting, describing and applying conceptual and methodological tools for the analysis of organisational changes, including innovation processes, their social and cultural consequences, and the significance of different management styles

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


outlining options within change management through the understanding of specific cases and involved problems, including the application of different strategic communication tools

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discussing and reflecting at a scientific level on innovation and change management in a tourism context and, on this basis, demonstrating professional insight and responsibility

independent continuation of own competency development within the area of change management in tourism organisations.

In the 8th semester, the module is completed with: Examination 9 An internal written examination in: Change Management in Tourism Organisations. The examination is a 2-day take-home assignment given by the examiner on the basis of the curriculum of the module. The assignment response paper must be prepared individually and must not exceed 8 pages. The assignment paper will be evaluated by the examiner; in case of a fail grade, the assignment paper will also be evaluated by an external examiner. Substitution: the examination may be substituted by satisfactory and active participation in the module in question, i.e. 80 % attendance, reading of set literature, contribution to discussion sessions of the module through oral presentation and active discussion participation. Evaluation: pass/fail Credits: 5 ECTS

The examination should demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 18 The module Internship in Tourism Organisation (elective module) Location of module: 9th semester Credits: the internship and the element-based project work will be evaluated in two separate examinations (examinations 10 and 11), each of which will correspond to 15 ECTS, in total 30 ECTS credits. The module comprises: Part 1 (examination 10): an internship in a tourism organisation and a report on experience gained during the internship. Part 2 (examination 11): an element-based project related to the internship. In order to complete the module, students must pass examinations 10 and 11. Subsection 2 The internship will take place in a tourism organisation abroad or in Denmark and will be of a duration of at least three months, during which time the student will work with issues that are relevant to the disciplines of the programmes, cf. section 8, subsection 6. Students’ suggestions as to internship, including work tasks, must be approved in advance by the study board. Subsection 3 Only students who have completed examinations in the Master’s programme corresponding to a minimum of 20 ECTS can be enrolled in this module. Subsection 4

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For students who have chosen the specialisation in Global Tourism Development, module examinations must be set within this area. Subsection 5 Students may choose to replace the module (project oriented internship and project work) by a student mobility stay at an institution of higher education abroad or in Denmark with courses at master level within central disciplinary areas of the programme corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS, cf. section 8, subsection 6. 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 practice oriented dimension to previously acquired knowledge.

the complex context of a change agent in the tourism area In this module, the student will acquire skills in:

identifying issues which may be treated at a scientific level within one or a number of disciplinary areas relevant to the internship organisation

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 disciplinary areas of the programme through own investigations in the internship organisation.


completing an internship through involvement in working procedures in a tourism organisation, thus contributing professionally to the development and operation of the organisation

outlining options of solutions as regards issues relevant for the tourism organisation

independent continuation of own competency development in relation to practice oriented issues

In the 9th semester, the module is completed with the following examinations: Examination 10 An internal examination in: Internship in a Tourism Organisation.

The examination comprises the completion of an internship in a tourism organisation of a duration of at least three months and the submission of a report on experience gained during the internship. Completion of the internship must be documented by a host institution statement. On the basis of this statement it will be decided if the student has worked satisfactorily at the host institution on tasks relevant to the Master’s programme. In addition, the student must submit a report on experience gained during the internship of no less than 3 pages and no more than 6 pages. In this report, the student must reflect on and explain practical, social and other relevant experience gained during the internship. In order to complete the module, students must submit this experience report. Evaluation: pass/fail

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Credits: 15 ECTS Examination 11 An internal written examination in: Project on the basis of an internship in a Tourism Organisation

The examination consists of element-based project work on the basis of an issue relevant to the internship location. The project work comprises three separate elements:

The first project element must be max 5 pages and identify theoretical issues relevant to the internship location. It must comprise an account of theories and/or studies on similar issues, or issues otherwise relevant, and a preliminary problem formulation.

In the second project element, which must be max 5 pages, the student must critically discuss potential methodological approaches to the chosen theoretical issue. On the basis of this discussion, a methodological framework must be chosen and described; this should comprise a description of data and possibly data collection, reflection on methods of analysis and possibly ethical and practical issues.

The third project element must be must be max 10 pages and comprise the project analysis. This element will be based on the theoretical and methodological choices made in the two previous project elements, and it must comprise discussions of the analysis results in the context of the chosen problem formulation.

In order to complete the examination, the student must submit all three project elements for evaluation (max 20 pages in total). Evaluation: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 15 ECTS Examinations 10 and 11 should collectively demonstrate that the student fulfils the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 19 The module International Tourism Project (elective module) Location of module: 9th semester Credits: 20 ECTS Upon approval by the study board, this module may be chosen by students who choose a student mobility stay abroad or in Denmark, and who do not complete all 30 ECTS points during their study stay. The module comprises a project assignment within international tourism. The module includes supervision but no courses. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

further theories and methods within one or a number of disciplinary areas of the programme

empirical analyses of international case studies within one or a number of disciplinary areas of the programme

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identifying issues which may be treated at a scientific level in relation to international tourism development within one or a number of the disciplinary areas of the programme

selecting, describing and applying conceptual and methodological tools for the analysis of international tourism development

producing independent and focused analyses of international tourism development through the application of any previous and possibly own investigations.


outlining options of solutions as regards issues in relation to international tourism development

discussing and reflecting on international tourism development and, on this basis, demonstrating professional insight and responsibility

independent continuation of own competency development within one or a number of disciplinary areas in relation to international tourism development.

In the 9th semester, the module is completed with Examination 12 An internal combined written and oral examination in: International Tourism Project. The

examination will be based on a project report. The project report is prepared on the basis of the student’s own choice of discipline within one or a number of the central disciplines of the programme. The project report must not exceed 30 pages. Duration of examination: 30 minutes. Evaluation: grading according to the 7-point scale. Weighting: A combined grade will be awarded for the project report and the oral performance. Credits: 20 ECTS The examination should demonstrate that the student has fulfilled the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 20 The module International Tourism Topic Study (elective module) Location of module: 9th semester Credits: 10 ECTS Upon approval by the study board, this module may be chosen by students who choose a student mobility stay abroad or in Denmark, and who do not complete all 30 ECTS points during their study stay. The module comprises a topic study within international tourism. The module includes supervision but no courses. Objectives In this module the student will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

Further theories and methods within one or a number of disciplinary areas of the programme

Empirical analyses of international case studies within one or a number of disciplinary areas of the programme

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identifying issues which may be treated at a scientific level in relation to international tourism development within one or a number of the disciplinary areas of the programme

selecting, describing and applying conceptual and methodological tools for the analysis of international tourism development

producing independent and focused analyses of international tourism development through the application of any previous and possibly own investigations.


outlining options of solutions as regards issues relation to international tourism development

discussing and reflecting on international tourism development and, on this basis, demonstrating professional insight and responsibility

independent continuation of own competency development within one or a number of disciplinary areas in relation to international tourism development.

In the 9th semester, the module is completed with Examination 13 An internal written examination in: International Tourism Topic Study. The topic study must be

conducted on the basis of one or a number of the disciplinary areas of the programme. The student will not attend courses, but supervision will be offered. The examination is a free written take-home assignment based on a defined topic selected in consultation with the supervisor and approved by him/her. The assignment paper must be prepared individually and the volume must not exceed 20 pages. Evaluation: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 10 ECTS The examination should demonstrate that the student has fulfilled the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 21 The module Master’s Thesis Location of module: 10th semester Credits: 30 ECTS The Master’s thesis semester comprises preparation of a Master’s thesis on a subject which the student is free to select from within the framework of the programme, cf. subsection 2, however. A course to prepare for the thesis work is offered. Subsection 2 The Master’s thesis subject must be approved by the study board. The subject must be presented to the study board in the shape of a preliminary problem formulation comprising argumentation for the relevance of the subject and for the theoretical and methodological points of departure, a preliminary bibliography and the choice of writing period/submission deadline. Subsection 3 Students who have chosen the specialisation in Global Tourism Development must write their thesis within this area.

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

the theoretical and methodical discipline(s) of the selected subject, and demonstrate reflection on this/these on a scientific basis

research ethics and an insight in the implications of research work


giving a structured and reflected outline of relevant existing literature within the disciplinary area(s) of the selected subject

independently seeking, analysing and applying knowledge within the area of the programme, on the basis of and with respect for scientific theory and method

substantiating disciplinary choices and priorities

applying and further developing relevant theories and scientific methods pertaining to tourism- related issues

producing independent and focused analyses of selected issues and, through creative application of existing and/or own investigations, communicating the knowledge gained in an academic and accessible form.

In this module, the student will acquire competencies in

outlining options of solutions as regards issues in relation to one or a number of the disciplinary areas of the programme.

launching and implementing disciplinary and cross-disciplinary cooperation on selected issues and on this basis demonstrating professional insight and responsibility

independent continuation of own competency development within the selected disciplinary area(s).

In the 10th semester, the module is completed with Examination 14 An external oral examination in: Master’s Thesis. 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, or 80 pages if the thesis is prepared by one individual student. An abstract in English of a minimum of one page and a maximum of 2 pages must be prepared. Normal duration of examination: 45 minutes. Evaluation: 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 should demonstrate that the student has fulfilled the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 22 Specialisation in Global Tourism Development If students choose the specialisation in Global Tourism Development, cf. section 5, subsection 3, the modules Consumer Studies in Tourism (section 10) and Change Management in Tourism Organisations (section 16) will be replaced by the following modules:

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Section 23 The module Global Tourism and Transnational Mobilities 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.


identifying scientific 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.


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 15 An internal written examination in: Global Tourism and Transnational Mobilities.

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 the examiner; in case of a fail grade, the assignment paper will also be evaluated by another internal examiner. Evaluation: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 5 ECTS The examination should demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 24 The module Sustainable Development and Tourism Location of module: 8th semester Credits: 5 ECTS

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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 scientific 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.


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 16 An internal written examination in: Sustainable Development and Tourism.

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 the examiner; in case of a fail grade, the assignment paper will also be evaluated by another internal examiner. Evaluation: grading according to the 7-point scale. Credits: 5 ECTS The examination should demonstrate that the student can fulfil the objectives outlined above as regards knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies. Section 25 List of Examinations

Compulsory Examinations

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No. Name Internal Pass/fail

Internal 7-point-scale

External Pass/fail

External 7-point-scale

1 Problem Based Methodology and Project Writing

5 ECTS

2 Global and Local Challenges in Tourism 10 ECTS

3 Consumer Studies in Tourism 5 ECTS

4 Strategic Leadership of Tourism Organisations

5 ECTS

5 Culture and Cultural Encounters in Tourism

5 ECTS

6 Innovation in Tourism 15 ECTS

7 Tourism Experiences and Market Communication

5 ECTS

8 Tourism Policy and Destination Development

5 ECTS

9 Change Management in Tourism Organisations

5 ECTS

14 Master’s Thesis 30 ECTS

Elective Examinations

No. Name Internal Pass/fail

Internal 7-point-scale

External Pass/fail

External 7-point-scale

10 Internship in a Tourism Organisation 15 ECTS

11 Project on the basis of an internship in a Tourism Organisation

15 ECTS

12 International Tourism Project 20 ECTS

13 International Tourism Topic Study 10 ECTS

15 Global Tourism and Transnational Mobilities

5 ECTS

16 Sustainable Development and Tourism 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

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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 2014 and apply to all students who commence the master study in Tourism on or after this date. Subsection 2 Students who have commenced their studies before 1 September 2014 will be transferred to these regulations for the remaining part of their Master’s studies. 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. There are corrections based on textual changes in the curriculum. The changes concern the curriculum §6.

Documents

Regulations and Curriculum MA in Tourism · 5 Subsection 3 Students enrolled on the Tourism programme at AAU Copenhagen have an option of specialising in Global Tourism Development