< backEmbedding employability in postgraduate hospitality and tourism courses through work placement.

 case_study_shu.pdf

Reflecting on the curriculum development process and research with students, this case study evaluates employability skills issues for postgraduate programmes in the tourism and hospitality subject areas. The research incorporated a range of data collection methods including focus groups, interviews and questionnaires with past, current and new postgraduate students. Data was gathered on students’ perceptions of management skills required together with an analysis of their career aims and skills development. This case study evaluates the challenges and issues raised at institutional, programme and module level arising from the development and integration of SWE placement programmes at post-graduate level with a specific focus on employability skills. Whilst there is a great deal of research on these issues at undergraduate level, this case study extends the debates into the postgraduate arena. The case study highlights the distinctive implications for industry, student support systems and programme managers and tutors and examines the character of demand for these courses (from largely international students) as well as outlining lessons learned from engaging in the development process.

Emma Martin and Scott McCabe.
Sheffield Hallam University.