Universitas 21 Global & The University of Nottingham unveil Master of Science in Tourism and Travel Management

Recent figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), reveal that the industry is one of the fastest growing across the Arab World, mirroring similar growth throughout the globe. Across the Middle East, travel and tourism is expected to grow by 4.8%, and account for 9.1% of the region's total workforce by the end of 2005.

Commenting on the launch of the new program, Vikram Tah, Director of Recruitment, Universitas 21 Global, Middle East and Africa, said: "With the industry experiencing this kind of growth, a demand for managerial expertise in Travel and Tourism which is relevant to this region has been created. Our partnership with The University of Nottingham aims to attract executives who are looking to extend their career opportunities by enrolling in a world class, flexible, program. Being completely online, our program enables students to study anytime anywhere and enhance their educational qualifications."

Professor Christine Ennew, Dean of Law and Social Sciences, The University of Nottingham, where the Christel DeHaan Tourism and Travel Research Institute is based said, "Universitas 21 Global's commitment to academic excellence runs parallel to university's mission and we are glad to have the opportunity to collaborate in the development of this program. We are constantly on the lookout for like-minded partners that will bring about a wide range of program options for our students. We embrace enthusiastically online education, as this provides a global solution to those who physically as well as professionally move across geographical boundaries."

Commencing this month the MSc in Tourism and Travel Management incorporates the Executive Diploma of Business Administration and focuses on all aspects of tourism and travel and related management including tourism and sustainability, heritage and cultural tourism, service delivery and the impact of e-business on tourism.

Its launch across the region coincides with Universitas 21 Global's global outreach for the program with executives benefiting from the combined study format at both Universitas 21 Global and The University of Nottingham. The online program consists of a two-stage process. Students will first undertake six specified Universitas 21 Global MBA core subjects and upon completion, and if having attained a GPA of at least 2.5, will then commence a further six subjects and a dissertation with The University of Nottingham.

On the completion of the program, students will be awarded both the Executive Diploma of Business Administration from Universitas 21 Global, and the MSc from The University of Nottingham. "The program is unique in that through the Universitas 21 Global studies, students are equipped with essential managerial know-how while developing a broad understanding of management principles as they relate to tourism/travel applications through The University of Nottingham studies," added Tah.

To qualify for admission into the combined program, applicants require a first degree, and three years management experience. Applicants whose first language is not English will need an English language qualification (TOEFL or IELTS). Completion of the Universitas 21 Global Executive Diploma program and the combined program will also allow the student admission to the Universitas 21 Global MBA program (subject to GPA), with credit for subjects taken.