UWL, MA, International Tourism and Aviation Management with Optional Internship

The Master's programme in International Tourism and Aviation Management with internship seeks to prepare aspiring individuals for a managerial career within either the tourism and aviation industry. For existing practitioners it offers the opportunity to develop and redefine knowledge and assess trends and changing management practices within their industry. It is offered only as a full-time eighteen month course.

The Internship Course seeks to provide a 28 week period of paid work experience incorporated into the period of study. This makes it ideal for students seeking to add a practical dimension to their studies and understand the demands of workplace supervision and management. Internship opportunities exist throughout the tourism and aviation industries both within the UK and overseas. The internship process is co-ordinated by the University's own dedicated internship team and draws upon contacts with over three thousand employers including Cosmos, Trafalgar Tours, Ryan Air, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Hilton Hotels.

The MA is essentially global in perspective drawing upon international case study material. In adopting a generic business and management approach to the study of tourism and aviation management the course seeks to avoid the excessive subject specialisation that characterises many of its competitors. In doing so it widens career opportunities and the possibility of movement between the two sectors.

The key strength of the programme

The key strength of the programme is its simple yet flexible structure. Employer engagement is assured with guest speakers drawn from industry and the use of 'live client' briefs. The programme is taught by a young, but experienced, team all with a background in either tourism and/or aviation management. Many of these staff are extensively published and are asked to speak at events and conferences throughout the world.

The MA is taught in a dedicated learning environment within the university with elements of the programme sponsored by key industry players most notably British Airways, the International Hotels Group and TUI holidays. Some teaching will be undertaken at London Heathrow Airport.

The course has links with 'sister programmes' in Europe, Asia and North America allowing the opportunity for staff and student exchange. In addition it is accredited by the Institute of Travel and Tourism and the Institute of Logistics. The programme is delivered in a QAA (UK Government Quality Assurance Agency) centre of excellence for tourism and aviation education.

Field work, trips and visits are a feature of the course. These include to local airports and tourist attractions.

The Internship

The internship requires that you work for a minimum of 1200 hours (or 28 weeks) with an aviation or tourism employer. These positions can be in either paid or non-paid employment. The important thing is that the internship allows you to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired on your course to a practical work-based situation. The internship will allow you to improve and acquire new skills, explore various career opportunities, network and work with others as part of a team. It will also enhance your understanding of the world of work and what constitutes professional practice in the workplace. In doing so the internship seeks to enhance your career prospects and allow you to become more focused in determining a potential career pathway.