Innledning

Tourism is often described as the world’s largest and fastest growing industry. Nature, landscapes and local culture make up the resource base upon which the majority of tourism products are developed. However, the uncontrolled growth of tourism can have a severe negative impact and risk destroying its own resource base. Through this highly interdisciplinary study programme on ecotourism and sustainability, students will be introduced to and learn about how tourism destinations, businesses and products can be planned, developed and managed in an ecologically sound and sustainable manner. The programme aims at combining theoretical insights with practical experience, and case studies and field trips will be organized. The programme combines perspectives from the field of international tourism studies, ecophilosophy, ecology, conservation and biodiversity, sustainable planning and management, cultural aspects, recreation and outdoor life.

The study programme allows the student to choose between a number of optional courses. It is also possible to participate in the programme for only one semester (autumn or spring).

Målgruppe og opptakskrav

Norwegian or foreign students who want to acquire deeper knowledge about the sustainable planning, development and management of tourism.

Admission requirements: One or two years of university level studies in the fields of tourism, business studies, biology, ecology or geography is desirable, but not a requirement. Please see also the prerequisites listed in the different course descriptions.

Mål for studieprogrammet

After completing the study programme students should have acquired extensive knowledge about ecotourism, ecophilosophy, ecology, sustainability and environmental management as a basis for further studies at the Bachelor or Master’s level. In addition, they will be trained in field, project and group work.

Læringsutbytte

The candidate

• has broad knowledge of subjects such as tourism and sustainability; hereunder knowledge of important topics, theories and methods within the academic field
• is familiar with research and development work within the field
• can update his/her knowledge within the field
• can reflect upon his/her academic practice
• can apply academic knowledge and relevant results of research and development work to practical and theoretical problems and make well-founded choices
• masters relevant scholarly tools, techniques and forms of communications
• has insight into relevant academic and professional ethical issues
• can plan and carry out varied assignments and projects over time, alone or as a part of a group, and in accordance with ethical requirements and principles
• can communicate important academic matters such as theories, problems and solutions, both in writing and orally, as well as other relevant forms of communication

Studieprogrammets innhold, oppbygging og sammensetning

The study programme covers the following subject areas:

• Ecotourism and related concepts
• Environmental ethics and philosophy
• Principles of conservation and biodiversity
• Sustainable planning and management
• Outdoor life and nature guiding
• Ecology
• Cultural aspects

The curriculum, including syllabus, is described in more detail in the course descriptions above.

Arbeids- og læringsformer

Lectures, excursions, seminars with student presentations, mandatory reports and papers.

Vurderingsformer

Individual written exams, group or individual project (reports).

Det tas forbehold om mindre justeringer i planen.