MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY PS1

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

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Brief Overview

(i)Brief Descriptive Summary
The Foundation Degree (FdA) Tourism Management will provide students with a critical insight into the tourism industry and equip them with the necessary vocational skills to gain employment at a supervisory level. The programme will provide an opportunity to progress, on a part-time basis only, toprogression link to the BA(Hons) Tourism Management.
(ii)Articulation of Graduate Prospects
Students successfully achieving the FdA Tourism Management are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be employable in the tourism and/or events industries. Graduating students gain employment with tour operators, travel agents, airline and other transport providers, hoteliers and other accommodation providers, destination management organisations and other public and voluntary sector organisations, tourist attractions and events companies at managerial levels. Students completing the programme are eligible to apply for ‘top-up year’ study on the BA(Hons) Tourism Management (part time route) programme at the Manchester Metropolitan University or at another higher education institution.

General Information

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Overarching Programme Specification Title

/ Tourism Management
2 / Final award(s)/title(s)
(including any PSRB final awards conferred as an automatic result of successful completion of the programme) /

FdA Tourism Management

3 / Combined Honours Subject(s)offered through programme specification together with associated final award(s)
(where relevant) / N/A
4 / Interim exitaward(s)/title(s)
(including Combined Honours interim exit awards) / Cert. HE Tourism Management
5 / Mode(s)
(only include duration where there is a PSRB requirement for limited duration ) /

Foundation Degree Tourism Management

Full-time
Part-time
6 / FHEQ positionof final award(s) / Intermediate (level 5)
7 / Awarding institution
(include PSRBs which confer a joint or additional qualification on successful completion of programme) / ManchesterMetropolitanUniversity
8 / Teaching institution(s)
(include collaborative partners where appropriate – if more than one award in programme specification, indicate which are taught by partner) / Manchester Metropolitan University
9 / Relationship with Foundation Year
(if more than one award in programme specification, indicate which have links with Foundation Year) / n/a

Administrative Details

10 / Home Department/ School/ Institute / Department of Food and Tourism Management
11 / Home Faculty / Hollings Faculty
12 / UCAS code(s) / FoundationDegree Tourism Management
N834

Collaborative Arrangements(where relevant)

13 / Approved Collaborative partner(s)
(provide name of partner(s) and type of partnership) / Partner Name / Type of Collaborative Partnership
14 / Other Approved Academic Partnership(s)
(other than collaborative) / Partner Name / Type of Academic Partnership

Approval Status

15 / Date and outcome of most recent MMU review/ approval / (i)Latest review/approval
1 May 2008
(ii)Major Modifications to Programme Specification
16 / Next Scheduled Review Date: / 2013/2014
17 / PS/1 effective date:
(ie date from which the outcome of approval or last review is effective OR the date from which amendments to the programme specification are effective) / September 2008

External References/Relationships

18 / QAA Benchmark Statement(s) / Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism 2000 and 2008
19 / PSRB(s) associated with final award of programme
(eg those which offer professional status/membership/license to practise as result of successful completion of the final award. / N/A
20 / Date and outcome of last PSRB approval(s) / N/A

Programme Information

21 / University and Programme Educational Aims
  1. University Educational Aims:
  • To develop flexible approaches to programme delivery and student support which reflect the needs and expectations of our students
  • To provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment which will enable success for all learners
  • To encourage the development of students’ intellectual and imaginative powers, creativity, independence, critical self-awareness, imagination and skills that will enhance global employment opportunities on graduation in all programmes.
  • To establish a culture of constant improvement in learning, teaching and assessment that is anticipatory, enabling, supportive, rewarding and fully aligned with the University’s vision and strategic objectives.
  • To provide a learning experience that is informed by research, scholarship, reflective practice and engagement with industry and the professions
  1. Programme Educational Aims:
Foundation Degree Tourism Management
The aim of the course is to engender in students the ability to understand and evaluate tourism in society, and using this knowledge to develop and apply the skills necessary for success in business as a manager within the public and private sector. It will also seek to provide students’ with a programme of study and an exit qualification that will enable them to progress in higher education should they wish.
22 / Programme Learning Outcomes
MMU Educational Outcomes:
On successful completion of their programme of study MMU graduates will be able to:
  • apply skills of critical analysis to real world situations within a defined range of contexts
  • demonstrate a high degree of professionalism characterised by initiative, creativity, motivation and self management
  • express ideas effectively and communicate information appropriately and accurately using a range of media including ICT,
  • develop working relationships using teamwork and leadership skills, recognising and respecting different perspectives
  • manage their professional development reflecting on progress and taking appropriate action
  • find, evaluate, synthesise and use information from a variety of sources
  • articulate an awareness of the social and community contexts within their disciplinary field
Programme Specific Outcomes
(i)Final award learning outcomes
Foundation Degree Tourism Management
  • understand and appraise the driving forces of tourism in a global and national context
  • examine the interrelationships within and between organisations in the tourism system.
  • explain social science theories, which underpin an understanding of leisure and tourism in society
  • understand theories of motivation and holiday taking within the context of national and international tourism
  • evaluate the components of tourism at a destination and the challenges for tourism managers
  • understand and apply the competencies and skills required of tourism managers in the public, private and voluntary sectors

23 / Interim Award Learning Outcomes
CertHE Tourism Management
Students who have successfully completed Level 4 studies will have demonstrated:
  • knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study, and an ability to interpret these within the context of that area of study;
  • an ability to present and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study;
  • an ability to communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments;
  • the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility.

24 / Teaching/Learning and Assessment Strategy
(i)Curriculum Design
The process by which students acquire the necessary analytical and evaluative skills will be based upon a strategy which ensures that responsibility for learning is accepted by students as their programme of study progresses. Initially, emphasis will be on the learning of principles and techniques alongside raising awareness and understanding through tutor-led delivery. In addition, those professional and transferable skills necessary for the work-place (vocationally relevant skills) will be developed and students encouraged to build on their intellectual abilities and to cultivate interpersonal skills, self-confidence and independence. At level five, the approach will build on the earlier work by promoting more active student participation in learning.
The strategies and teaching techniques described have been selected to progress effective learning at each level. The active participation of students as individuals and in teams will be a major factor in their development from being a recipient of knowledge at level four to a more independent learner at level five. This strategy should equip them well for further degree studies.
ii)Programme Specific Assessment Criteria
If these differ for specific awards within the programme specification provide details for each award in addition to programme criteria
Assessment is perceived as an integral part of the learning process. Both summative and formative assessment will be used to inform teaching and learning. The instruments therefore will not only confirm that learning outcomes have been met but also provide an additional challenge to students to demonstrate their range of skills. Demands will increase with each level as students are tasked to reveal their ability to work independently or in teams. Feedback on student assessments from external and internal examiners and internal moderators will ensure that work is consistently at the right level of challenge and also enables the programme to confirm that outcomes have been achieved.
Each unit learning objective will be assessed summatively and 30 credit units will have no more than two elements of summative assessment. The student-effort hours dedicated to summative assessment work are contained in unit specifications. Assessment practices will vary, but examples include: examinations, written coursework assignments in essay form, business reports, spreadsheet generated financial models, web-based assignments, case study analyses, seminar presentations, and seen case studies/publications. Formative assessment opportunities will be built into unit curricula, and early feedback will be embedded in the programme in line with the University’s Threshold standards.
25 / Programme Structure
(i)Engagement with the University’s Uniwide Language Provision
The programme does not provide for a language option because all units are mandatory to ensure that students achieve the learning outcomes related to the Tourism Management subject area to enhance employability, and to embed sufficient work-based learning in the programme to warrant the award of a Foundation Degree.
(ii)Structures, levels, credits, awards, curriculum map of all units (identifying core/option status, credits, pre or co-requisites) potential entry/exit points and progression/award requirements
Include part-time progression arrangements to approved MMU undergraduate Foundation Degrees
Foundation Degree Tourism Management
Level 4
Core Units
Code / Status (if applicable)ie
- Pre/Co-requisites
- Excluded units / Unit Title / No of credits
334Z0009 / Tourism Business Environment / 30
334Z0011 / Tourist Destinations and Markets / 30
334Z0010 / eMarketing for Tourism / 30
334Z0016 / Work Based Unit 1 (Tourism) / 30
On successful completion of Level 4 – interim exit award: CertHE Tourism Management
Level 5
Core Units
Code / Status (if applicable)ie
- Pre/Co-requisites
- Excluded units / Unit Title / No of credits
335Z0013 / Tourism Operations Management / 30
335Z0014 / People Management / 30
335Z0015 / Tourism and Global Sustainability / 30
335Z0017 / The Tourist Experience / 30
On successful completion of Levels 4 & 5 – Final exit award: FdA Tourism Management
Approved progression route for students successfully completing the foundation degree – BA(Hons) Tourism Management (part time route)
26 / Personal Development Planning
Certain skills e.g., managing self, communication, numeracy, etc. will be developed and assessed through the assessment package. A matrix of these skills and the units through which they will be assessed can be seen in the definitive document.
The programmes utilise induction, formative feedback opportunities assessment and individual tutorials to facilitate personal development planning. In doing so, a rhythm of preparation, learning, assessment and feedback will be developed within the academic year.
In addition, personal development planning is incorporated explicitly in the following units: Work Based Unit 1 (Tourism) at level 4, and People Management.
27 / Placement and Work-Based Learning
Placements are not offered on the FdA Tourism Management programme. Instead, work-based learning is a key component of Work Based Unit 1 (Tourism) at level four and integrated into the teaching, learning and assessment of the People Management unit at level five.
Students are expected to gain work experience (paid or voluntary) alongside their taught programme and the work based elements of the above units aim to develop employability skills and the ability to contextualise and apply knowledge and skills to real world settings.At all times the Programme will conform to MMU’s Health and Safety Policy, and the Institutional Code of Practice for Placement and Work Based Learning. Linkages with the Employability Curriculum Framework of the Manchester Metropolitan University are also built into unit specifications.
28 / Programme Specific Admission Requirements
If these are standard University admission requirements indicate this by including “Standard University Admission Requirements”. If different from standard, provide details for each award in addition to programme level requirements.
Standard University admissions requirements
29 / Approved Variations/Exemptions from University Regulations
The programme follows the Standard University Regulations.
30 / Programme Management Arrangements
Indicate any additional responsibilities over and above those outlined in the Programme Management Section of the Academic Regulations and Procedures Handbook – in particular how any approved collaborative partner arrangements will feed into the home MMU programme management arrangements.
The programme follows the standard University programme management arrangements.
31 / Staff Responsibilities
indicate additional responsibilities over and above those outlined in the Programme Management Section of the Academic Regulations and Procedures Handbook – in particular include details of responsibilities relating to any approved collaborative partner associated with the MMU home programme.
The programme follows the standard University programme management arrangements.
32 / Student Support Strategy
Student support is embedded within units; study skills are taught in parallel with subject specific knowledge and skills. The programmes operate a group tutor system to further support students’ skills development and to provide pastoral support. At Faculty level, the Student Support Officer works closely with the teaching team from induction to graduation to provide individual support and referral to central learning support services.
33 / Student Evaluation
The programme team operates an on-going process of student evaluation through group tutor sessions, the appointment of student representatives, staff student liaison meetings, programme committees and internal student survey (end of year unit evaluation questionnaires) and the National Student Survey data.
34 / Engagement with Employers
The programme team embed engagement with employers in unit delivery through visiting speakers, fieldtrips, consultation on programme development and assessment design.
35 / Points of Reference

Internal

  • University Mission and Strategic Aims
  • Regulations for the Academic Awards of the University
  • University Regulations for Undergraduate or Taught Postgraduate Programmes of Study
  • Academic Regulations and Procedures Handbook
  • Faculty Programme Approval/Review/Modification Report
  • University Learning and Teaching Strategy
  • Staff research
  • Staff/Student Liaison Committee
External
  • QAA Subject Benchmark statement
  • QAA Framework for HE Qualifications
  • QAA Code of Practice
  • QAA Subject Review report
  • External examiner reports

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of a Programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he take full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, curriculum content, teaching/learning, assessment methods for each unit and on the Programme’s relationship to QAA Subject Benchmark Statements may be found in the definitive document and student handbook for the Programme. The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed periodically by the University and may be subject to verification by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

Appendix I

RELATIONSHIP TO SUBJECT BENCHMARK STATEMENT(S)

Provide a map that identifies how benchmark statements relate to the programme learning outcomes, and which provides a cross-check to ensure that all the outcomes are assessed in the programme specification.

FdA Tourism Management

LEVEL 4 / LEVEL 5
Tourism Business Environment / Work Based Unit 1 / Tourist Destinations & Markets / eMarketing for Tourism / Tourism Operations Management / The Tourist Experience / Tourism & Global Sustainability / People Management
A(i) / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
A(ii) / X / X / X / X / X
A(iii) / X / X / X / X / X
A(iv) / X / X / X / X / X
A(v) / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
A(vi) / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
A(vii) / X / X / X / X
B(i) / X / X / X / X
B(ii) / X / X / X
B(iii) / X / X / X / X
C(i) / X / X / X / X
C(ii) / X / X / X / X / X
C(iii) / X / X / X / X / X
D(i) / X / X / X
D(ii) / X / X / X / X
D(iii) / X / X / X
D(iv) / X / X

Note: QAA does not specify subject benchmarks for Foundation Degree Tourism Management, therefore the benchmark statements for the Honours degree have been adopted.

Tourism Benchmark statements

A: An honours graduate in tourism will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and characteristics of tourism as an area of academic and applied study, including being able to:

(i) understand and appreciate the potential contributions of disciplines that help to explain the nature and development of tourism

(ii) explain and challenge theories and concepts which are used to understand tourism

(iii) explain and challenge the definitions, nature and operations of tourism

(iv) demonstrate an understanding of the domestic and international nature and dimensions of tourism

(v) utilise a range of source material in investigating tourism

(vi) demonstrate an awareness of the dynamic nature of tourism in modern societies

(vii) understand the intercultural dimensions of tourism.

B: An honours graduate in tourism will be able to demonstrate understanding of the nature and characteristics of tourists and, in particular:

(i) be able to explain the patterns and characteristics of tourism demand and the influences on such demand

(ii) have an understanding of the ways in which tourists behave at destinations

(iii) understand the cultural significance of tourism for tourists and societies.

C: An honours graduate in tourism will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the products, structure of and interactions in the tourism industry, including being able to:

(i) demonstrate an understanding of the structure, operation and organisation of the public, private and not-for-profit sectors and their activities

(ii) evaluate the factors that influence the development of organisations operating in tourism

(iii) analyse relations between consumers of tourism and the providers of tourism services.

D: An honours graduate in tourism will be able to demonstrate understanding of the relationships between tourism and the communities and environments in which it takes place, in particular: