Graduate courses in Tourism are in high demand by students and professionals alike. The industry is growing and with the onset of the London Olympics in 2012, employers and students are recognising the need and advantage that a graduate course in Tourism will bring. The opportunities for graduates are very exciting, not to mention your potential involvement in a significant worldwide event such as the Olympics. But it isn't just events like the Olympics which need talented and enthusiastic Tourism graduates, there are many projects and management opportunities on local and national levels that you can become involved in. Read on to discover how a graduate program in Tourism can enhance your prospects in this increasingly competitive market.

It's not just the Olympics that makes now an interesting time to study a graduate Tourism course, the ease of booking on the internet, the emergence of low-cost airline carriers and the rise of budget hotels have created interesting challenges and opportunities for the Tourism industry. It is estimated that the World Travel & Tourism economy employs 234,305,000 people and accounts for 8.7% of total employment.

Tourism offers an inspiring, exciting, fast-paced career. Studying a graduate Tourism course demonstrates your commitment to the subject and your ability to conduct research in this specialist area. Studying Tourism at graduate level will provide you with access to experienced individuals within the industry and offer the opportunity to network and share knowledge and experience whilst learning in a structured environment. In such a fast-paced competitive industry, a graduate qualification in Tourism will ultimately land your dream job.

Core areas of study on a graduate Tourism program:

• Tourism Principles and Practice
• Business Strategy
• Managing Organisations
• Research Methods

The relevance and effectiveness of experience is recognised by many graduate course providers and some offer a year in placement as part of the graduate program. During this year you will be able to see how a number of core management issues are put into practice and you will be given the chance to use the skills you have acquired during your graduate course. However, not all graduate Tourism courses will offer a placement year so check before you apply.

Many universities and colleges offer graduate Tourism programs with certain specialist areas such as Tourism & Marketing, Tourism & Hospitality, Tourism & Events Management. This interdisciplinary approach allows you to gain knowledge in differing disciplines and therefore, tailor your learning to suit your career aspirations.

Courses in Tourism at graduate level are designed to meet the present and future industry needs for managers, executives and other professionals. You will be at the forefront of the Tourism industry’s latest developments, issues and initiatives. You will develop your management, research and analytical skills to be able to operate at a high level within the industry.

Tourism graduate programs give you the chance to work with different nationalities and cultures from all around the world. You will be taught by experts in the field as well as developing networks in the tourism industry at a local, regional and international level.

The travel and tourism is continuing to grow, and with it, the opportunities for graduates in Tourism. If you want to part of this huge industry with the possibility of movement and exposure to a diverse range of employment opportunities, then apply now for a graduate course in Tourism.

With Thanks to:
Joanna Milner
Marketing & IT Communications Coordinator
School of Services Management
Bournemouth University