On behalf of the academic and administrative team of the Department of Management Studies, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you. We are very excited and pleased that you have chosen to pursue the M.Sc. Tourism and Hospitality Management.

This programme is the first of its kind to be offered by the University and combines action learning with traditional approaches to teaching. Action learning will allow you to work on a specific problem area, explore alternatives for action and find solutions to real problems in a real life environment. Almond Beach Resorts, our partner organization and main sponsor of this programme will be the facilitators for action learning, and are very keen to work with you in the coming months.

You will also benefit from the expertise and experience of lectures who are well-recognised internationally, regionally and locally. They are all excited to be part of this inaugural programme and will encourage you to go beyond your limits and excel. Some courses are delivered over the semester and some over an intensive two and half week period. It is in your best interest to attend all of the timetabled sessions. From experience, it generally follows that students who fail a unit usually do so because of frequently missed lectures and tutorials. Conversely, outstanding students are those who go beyond the lecture notes and classroom handouts.

I am aware that for some of you this experience may be a bit daunting because of the length of time you have been away from formal education. For others of you, it may be the worry of balancing work, home, and other commitments with the demands of this programme. In recognition of these issues, we have put together a carefully crafted and useful (and fun!) orientation week, to give you the tools that will help you cope with the next eighteen months. I trust that you will attend and that it will prove beneficial to you.

If you have any problems with academic work, please contact the lecturer in the first instance, and the Programme Leader, if the problem is not resolved. The Academic Coordinator, Miss Jacqueline Harper and our Administrative Assistant, Ms. Monica Smith, located in MS9 are also available to assist you with any matters relating to timetable, payments etc.

Finally, I would like to wish you good success in your studies. This will be a challenging and sometimes difficult period but I am sure it will also be an equally stimulating and enjoyable experience. All the best!



Sherma Roberts Ph.D
Programme Coordinator