Sustainable Tourism (PGT)

Upskilling 

Sustainable Tourism Microcredential

Duration: 10 weeks
Credits: 10 Academic Credits (PG)
Delivery: All course content is delivered on Moodle, our virtual learning platform. You will converse with the tutors and fellow students in online forums.
Timetable: Fully online and flexible, with no scheduled classes to attend.
Funding: You are eligible for a fully funded place on this course if you are Scottish-domiciled and/or work for an organisation based in Scotland.
College: College of Social Sciences
School: School of Social & Environmental Sustainability

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The tourism industry is more dependent than ever on sustainable approaches to ensure its long-term survival. However, the pressure for short-term growth presents challenges in how the industry is managed. This course delves into the major global challenges currently facing the tourism industry, namely climate change and social inequalities, and examines how these challenges are being addressed. Using a hands-on approach, real-world case studies, and guest industry experts, this course will equip you with the critical skills and attitudes needed to address the global challenges of the tourism industry in sustainable ways. It will provide an understanding of the latest sustainable tourism approaches, policies, and their limitations, enabling you to devise realistic responses to challenges.

Why this course

Sustainable tourism is no longer a niche product within the tourism industry; it is an invaluable approach that is becoming increasingly embedded in the industry on a local, national and international level. However, due to a lack of training opportunities, sustainability skills gaps have been identified across the ever-evolving industry. This course is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a sustainable tourism leader.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Understand how tourism is contributing to and being affected by global challenges, and how sustainable tourism is part of the solution;
  • Articulate an in-depth understanding of sustainable tourism policy and governance;
  • Evaluate the approaches used to promote inclusivity and ecological viability within the tourism industry on a local, national and international level;
  • Formulate appropriate solutions to challenges experienced within tourism contexts, in alignment with the principles of sustainable tourism management.

Course structure

This course is designed to equip you with the skills to understand the challenges facing the tourism industry and the role of sustainable tourism approaches in responding to such challenges. It will cover the following topics:

Week 1: Welcome to Tourism's Inconvenient Truths 

Week 2: What is Sustainable Tourism? 

Week 3: Sustainable Tourism Governance 

Week 4: The Challenge Of Net Zero 

Week 5: The Challenge Of Tourism Transport 

Week 6: The Challenge Of Overtourism & Visitor Management 

Week 7: The Challenge Of Decent Work 

Week 8: Reading Week 

Week 9: Beyond Sustainable Tourism 

Week 10: Course Closure & Tips for Assessment

Assessment

  • Industry Briefing Paper (100%) (optional) 

Pitched at an industry audience, learners will produce a paper that analyses a current challenge in sustainable tourism, evaluating key models, policies and practises used within sustainable management of tourism. 

Learners who choose to submit this assessment will be awarded 10 Academic Credits towards a relevant Master’s degree at the University of Glasgow.

Meet The Team

This course is designed and delivered by Dr Anna de Jong.

Anna has worked on several sustainable tourism research projects across the UK, Europe and Africa, funded by the European Research Council, UK Research and Innovation and Research England. She has experience teaching tourism and sustainability in Australia, Scotland and England.

Course alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all courses as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a course. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

This course is designed to equip learners with skills to progress into the following roles and industries:

  • Tourism
  • Place planning and management
  • Social policy

Completion of this course grants potential for:

  • Further academic study
  • Promotion
  • Increased earning potential
  • New career path

Entry requirements

It is suggested that learners on this course are educated to at least Undergraduate level and have an IELTS equivalent of 6.5. Learners will not be asked to prove their academic or professional history.