Tourism Studies Ma, Graduate Internship 30 credits

Aim

The main purpose of this course is for students to apply the theoretical knowledge they have acquired during their studies to solve real-life problems in a working environment setting. Through an internship placement with an employer (e.g., company, governmental agency or non-governmental organization), students will have an opportunity to work on practical assignments and, thus, strengthen their skills and professional competence. Tasks to be performed must be aligned with the educational program guidelines. The final project should be developed in close cooperation between the employer and the program. In addition to the required work tasks for the employer, the student must produce a written professional report, which will be presented at a university seminar.

Course objectives

Upon completing the course, the student should be in a position to:

- Demonstrate a deeper knowledge and understanding of working-life conditions
- Understand and critically examine various problem areas dealt with by enterprises or organizations.
- Use theoretical knowledge gained through their studies to solve real-life problems both within the working environment and beyond.
- Investigate and analyze a particular problem and generate suggested solutions to representatives within the working environment.
- Gain competence by managing various tasks within a busy working schedule
- Write a professional report and present this to peers both within the working environment and at the educational department.

Content

During this course, the student has the opportunity to work as an intern in either a private company, a public organization or a non-profit entity. The student will work under supervision both by an advisor based in the department and by a mentor at the work place. Each student must prepare a detailed working plan under supervision by her/his tutor and this should be in accordance to the needs of the mentor at the workplace. The plan is a roadmap for the student’s needs in terms of negotiating the working environment on a day-to-day basis.

Entry requirements

In addition to holding a Bachelor Degree 90 ECTS in Tourism studies or an equivalent discipline, the students must have completed all the previous courses – except for the thesis - in the Masters’ Program before enrolling for this class.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The course will be carried out through the student’s placement at a workplace. In addition to performing tasks for the employer, which have to be aligned with the course requirements, the student must remain in touch with the designated tutor and report at regular intervals her/his progress.

Examination form

The examination is done through the development and submission of weekly log-book entries as well as a major written report relating to the work performed at the workplace. Additionally, this work must be presented orally at a seminar.

Grading system

Fail (U) or Pass (G)

Other information

The Internship can be carried out either in Sweden or in another country. The final report has to be written in English. Upon permission of the responsible instructor a student can in some cases write the final report in Swedish. The course is within the Master programme in tourism, 2 years.