Taught postgraduate education in tourism and hospitality in an Irish Institute of Technology : student, graduate, educator and employer perspectives

This thesis was guided by the research question ‘what is the perceived value of a taught postgraduate qualification in hospitality and tourism?’ The topic was justified, given the dearth of previous research in this area, and the researcher’s positionality as an educator on two taught MSc programmes, in the field of tourism and hospitality, in an institute of technology in the Republic of Ireland. In order to address this question, various stakeholder voices, comprising 15 current students on the two MSc programmes, 122 graduates, 11 educators and 2 employers were included in the primary research. This thesis included a review of secondary literature on education in the field of tourism and hospitality, an investigation into why graduates completed a taught MSc programme, and an assessment of their experiences during their programme of study and subsequent to graduation. The views and experiences of educators on the MSc programmes were explored, as were those of employers. A pragmatist theoretical lens and mixed research methods were employed to fulfil the objectives. Generally, student and graduate satisfaction with the programmes was high, though aspects of module delivery attracted suggestions for improvement. Graduates questioned the value attributed to formal education compared to industry experience. However, educators believed that whilst the MSc contributed to the overall professionalism of the tourism and hospitality industries, academic / industry dialogue was limited. Employers were positive about the role of formal education yet, also, emphasised the importance of attitude and interpersonal skills in the people centred industry that is tourism and hospitality. Educators, students and industry can benefit from the findings of this study.