The aim of the course is to provide applicants who have an appropriate educational background with an opportunity to pursue research at masters degree level in a specialised area of tourism studies.

Participation in this course will develop a candidates knowledge of a chosen field and extend that field through a contribution to knowledge. The course comprises training in research methods, development of a research proposal and a research thesis in a specialised area of tourism studies and some coursework units. Student consultation and assessment will allow for a more individual study program to be developed for students from different backgrounds.

Areas of tourism studies in which theses can be undertaken include alpine tourism; Australasian tourism studies; convention, events and meetings management; cultural and heritage tourism; urban and regional tourism development; nature-based tourism; tourism impact analysis; and tourism crisis and disaster management. Further choices are available with details obtained from the course convener.

Further Study

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management

Admission Requirements

The entry requirements of the course are:
- a degree or honours degree in tourism, or an honours degree or degree in a cognate area, with at least an average grade of a credit or better;
- evidence of a capacity for conducting research at the MA level.

Course Requirements

48 credit points as set out in paragraphs (a) and (b). Two options are provided for appropriately qualified candidates. Options are to be determined by consultation with the course convener at the start or end of the first semester of a students course.

Option A
(a) Required units 45 credit points
(b) Restricted choice 3 credit points as set out below.

(a) Required (45 credit points):

• 994 Research Methods PG. (6 credit points)
• 6868 Tourism Research Proposal R (3 credit points)
• 6867 Contemporary Tourism Issues PG (3 credit points)
• 6870 Tourism Masters Thesis A R FT or 6871 Tourism Masters Thesis A R PT (33 credit points)

(b) Restricted choice (3 credit points)
3 credit points from 6869 Regional Tourism Development PG or another PG unit chosen in consultation with the course convener.

Option A is for those students with either limited or no previous tourism knowledge and study.

Option B
(a) Required units 48 credit points as set out below.

(a) Required (48 credit points):

• 994 Research Methods PG. (6 credit points)
• 6868 Tourism Research Proposal R (3 credit points)
• 6867 Contemporary Tourism Issues PG (3 credit points)
• 6872 Tourism Masters Thesis B R FT or 6873 Tourism Masters Thesis B R PT (36 credit points)

Option B is for those students with substantial tourism knowledge and study.

Students are also required to complete a Research Education Program that will enable them to acquire the generic skills and attributes identified as appropriate for graduates of postgraduate research programs at the University of Canberra.

Typical Course Structure

Option A

Option B

Note: Information provided as a guide only. Consult the UC Handbook for the year of commencement for official course rules. Units are not offered in all semesters.