Innledning

Tourism is often described as the world’s largest and fastest growing industry, but also, considered as a ‘smokeless 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. The capacity to be entrepreneurial and innovative that is to be able to respond quickly, proactive and constructive towards changes in external and internal conditions is considered crucial both for the survival of both firms and destinations, and definitely in terms of meeting the challenges the continued growth of tourism will imply. The program combines perspectives from the field of international tourism studies, entrepreneurship and sustainable planning and management. Through this study program the students will be introduced to and learn about how tourism destinations, businesses and products can be planned, developed and managed in an innovative and sustainable manner.

Målgruppe og opptakskrav

This program is mainly for international exchange students, and it is possible to attend for a full academic year, or the fall or spring semester only.

One year of studies at university/university college level within the field of business, tourism, sociology, political science, ecology or environmental management is beneficial, but not mandatory.

The program and courses are offered in English and the students must have sufficient knowledge of English language. For more information, please visit our International Office website or contact International office at TUC (Telemark University College).

Mål for studieprogrammet

The aims of the study are to:

• Introduce key issues related to international tourism, entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability.
• Introduce the key features of the relationship between the global tourism industry, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development (economic, environmental and socio-cultural).
• Identify elements of the business environment for international tourism businesses.
• Explore issues of strategic management, sustainability management and innovation in international context.

Læringsutbytte

Through this study you learn about the entrepreneurship and innovation in tourism, and about the sustainable development which is needed in order to bring along changes in the tourism business must react upon, and also how tourism itself contributes to innovative local, regional and national development strategies. After completing the study the candidate should:

• be familiar with central concepts such as tourism, entrepreneurship, international business and sustainability,
• understand how these concepts relates to each other,
• be familiar with relevant ethical issues,
• be able to apply academic concepts and theories to practical problems and make well-founded choices, and
• be able to reflect, express and communicate academically (written and oral) on issues related to the topics in the study program.

Studieprogrammets innhold, oppbygging og sammensetning

Several courses are offered on a rotational basis. Some courses are mandatory and some are elective. Students may register for additional courses that are total more than 60 Norwegian study points.

Internasjonalisering

The study is taking part in a highly international environment. Most of the classes are together with Norwegian and/or other international students. Telemark University College, campus Bø is known for its very good student environment and offers a lot of opportunities for student activities within outdoor life, sport, tourism and cultural activities. To learn more please visit the Facebook site of HiT, campus Bø.

Arbeids- og læringsformer

This program is a full-time, full or half academic year of study (30/60 study points/ECTS credits), extending through 17 weeks in the autumn + 17 weeks in the spring including an orientation week, a winter break between autumn and spring semesters and a spring break. Final examinations are normally scheduled in December and in May.

Learning methods include lectures, group work seminars, tutoring, individual preparation, field work, study trips and independent study. Some courses include mandatory attendance. You will mostly work together in small mixed groups and classes which provides the opportunity to get to know students from other parts of the world well.

Forholdet mellom teori/praksis

The program aims at combining theoretical insights with practical experience, and case studies and field trips are organized.

Vurderingsformer

Final assessment is based on a variety of tasks: papers, tests, reports, journals, oral presentation, final individual written examinations; the grade scale is from A-F; E is the last passing grade. All elements of the final grade must be passed to pass the course. Pass/No Pass applies to a few courses.

Det tas forbehold om mindre justeringer i planen.