Ecotourism - MSc - Full time

This course is based on the experience of our staff helping businesses, communities and organisations develop sustainable livelihoods based on the conservation and management of their natural resources. It combines both cutting edge research and practice, with a strong emphasis on the skills required for a better understanding of the natural environment.

This is a particularly applied course and you will be learning from case studies of work carried out by our teaching staff. Field trips form an integral part of the syllabus and you will complete an independent piece of research, possibly abroad, allowing you to explore the areas that interest you the most. The experience we provide will help you decide what role you wish to play in this expanding and varied industry so you graduate with the skills and confidence to realise your potential. You'll gain a variety of both scientific and business skills including ecological field skills, contract tendering, questionnaire design and analysis, marketing, proposal and report writing. The applied nature of this course also encourages the development of generic skills that will make you more employable including communication, IT, problem solving, research and team working. You do not necessarily need to have a biological background as you will quickly become aware of the main scientific principles. You'll also gain a strong business knowledge and valuable consultancy experience which provides you with the skills for future employment. Past students have gained employment and experience in a variety of fields including: United Nations Development Programme internship local and national government sustainable tourism projects consultancy teaching View Full Screen

What's involved The course is studied full-time over one year and is split up into three trimesters. You will learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, field trips, and through independent study. This course can also be studied part-time with attendance. During Trimester 1 (~Oct – Jan) you will study 3 taught modules: Scientific Methods, Humans & Wildlife, and Environmental Management for Ecotourism OR Tourism Concepts & Issues OR Managing Heritage Tourism. During Trimester 2 (~Feb - early May) you will study a further 3 taught modules: Field & Laboratory Skills, Evolution and Taxonomy, and Case Studies in International Tourism OR Tourism, Hospitality & Events Industry Project OR Management of Aquatic Protected Areas. Note that the Field and Laboratory Skills module includes a 2 week field course component. Currently this is held in Tobago in May and costs approx £1300 but may be subject to change in the future. An alternative experience runs in Scotland with minimal cost. Each of these taught modules is worth 20 credits. Gaining 60 and 120 credits will make you eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate and a Postgraduate Diploma respectively. During Trimester 3 (~May – Aug) you will undertake an independent research project worth 60 credits. On successful completion of this you will be awarded your Masters Degree. Note that those choosing a January start will study tri 2 modules, have the summer (tri 3) free, study tri 1 modules and then undertake their project during tri 2 of the following year so you should be aware that the course takes longer to complete.

Requirements at a glanceEntry to the courseTypically, you will need an honours degree with a suitable background in biology, tourism, geography, language, psychology or business. Alternative qualifications combined with appropriate experience may be considered on an individual basis.Fees Table2012/3 2013/4 Scotland £3,750 £3,750 European Union £3,750 £3,750 Rest of UK £3,750 £3,750 Overseas £12,030 £12,510 Fees displayed are correct at the time of publication but the University Court reserves the right to make changes in fees at any time, and without notice, before or after the student's admission to the University.Tuition fees are reviewed annually and will rise each year during your programme of study, at least in line with inflation.