Intro

Tourism is a dynamic and rapidly expanding sector and one of the largest contributors to the global economy.

Focused on sustainable tourism management – the impact which tourism has on the cultures, regions and communities it touches – this course will help you acquire relevant and up-to-date skills to work at senior levels in this competitive and fast-paced sector. 

Informed by research and industry involvement, you will develop management and leadership skills specific to the tourism sector. Alongside planning, marketing and strategic management, you will learn how to adapt your knowledge to the needs of different societies and cultures. 

Full-time students also have the option to add work experience to their Masters through a year’s paid placement in industry. 

We are affiliate members of the UNWTO which informs our teaching and your learning. We are also a member of the UNWTO Knowledge Network, which will give you access to the extensive UNWTO e-library. 

Find out about postgraduate events

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

Full-time 1 year / 2 years with placement

January and September start dates

When can I start this course?

Applications for September 2023 open on 15 October 2022 from this page. In the meantime, find out more about our postgrad student events on the link above.

Apply online

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Apply now for your place

Course content

Course structure

For graduates of any subject with or without work experience. Delivered through a variety of lectures, workshops, tutorials, case studies and field trips there is an emphasis on interactive learning. You will also have the opportunity to take a year’s paid work placement to help prepare you for a career in the global tourism sector.  

Full-time students usually attend workshops two days per week, while part-time students usually only attend them once per week. Some modules may be delivered intensively over several consecutive days. 

At the end of the course, you have a choice between a final year project or a work experience-based report. These are completed after teaching finishes in the summer.  

For international students, the MSc also offers an extended masters route with English language study for between two and sixth months before the course begins. 

Students working together in a study pod

Syllabus

It is our belief that tourism can, and should, make a positive impact on the environment, society and economy. This concept of sustainable tourism, shared by the UN World Tourism Organization, the World Bank and the European Union, as well as national ministries and regional development agencies, is embedded into our programme and your learning. 

This course develops your management knowledge and skills, with an international focus. Alongside your student peers, you can expect to gain valuable insight into topics such as destination planning, responsible tourism practices, tourism impacts, marketing, and tourism development strategies.

We also offer unique opportunities to study visual discourse (using language and visual elements to promote tourism) and management issues in the global cruise industry. 

In addition to the final project, which gives you the opportunity to explore your own interests within tourism theory and/or practice, the course also offers an optional module and a placement year.  

You will take seven core management modules and one option module from a choice of five.

Modules

  • Globalisation, Society and Culture
  • Marketing for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
  • Critical Perspectives in Tourism Management
  • Destination Management and Planning
  • Sustainable Strategic Management
  • Research Methods for Masters Degrees
  • Final Project or Work Placement Project

One from:

  • Managing Talent Performance and Reward
  • Entrepreneurship and New Venture Planning
  • Consultancy
  • Visual Culture: Travel, tourism and leisure
  • Contemporary Issues in Cruise Management

The optional placement year, and work placement project, is only available to September full-time students. 

Placement year 

To further increase your employability and international experience we offer full-time students starting in September the opportunity to take a placement year. This means that your course will take two years, but you’ll be graduating with work experience.

The year on placement in a role related to your course will allow you to put all that you have learned on your masters into practice, enhancing your career opportunities and giving you practical experience in your area of expertise.

During your placement you will also complete a business project. This project is assessed as part of your masters and, depending on the topic that is agreed between you and your employer, could also provide a valuable piece of insight for your placement employer.

Our placement partners include BMW, Bosch, Deloitte, Disney, Hewlett Packard, HSBC, IBM, Ipsos Mori, L’Oréal, Nike, Panasonic, PwC, Renault and Warner Brothers.

Work placements are optional, and you are responsible for arranging your placement with support from our dedicated Placements and Employability team.

We are now offering a two-year international study visa route to support applications for this course.

Find out more about how we can support you finding a placement.

Features 

Active research and guest speakers 

Our academic staff have published an extensive range of research in the form of books, academic journal papers and conference papers. We also invite local industry partners to the university through our guest lecture programme. Talks have included: 

  • Royal Pavilion, which included a guided tour and impact of visitors on the property 
  • Denbies Wine Estate, the trip included a talk events as a means to create additional income streams 
  • the Olympic Park in London.

International perspectives 

You will work both individually and in small, multi-national teams to develop international capabilities and build global networks, learning how to adapt your knowledge to a variety of cultural settings. Our MSc students come from across the world from a variety of backgrounds, and you’ll benefit greatly from sharing experiences. 

Learning support 

The course is taught by experienced and professionally qualified staff. Class sizes are small and an online learning tool will enable you to access materials delivered in class and engage in specific course tasks. You will have access to a campus and an online library. 

There is also English language assistance provided, which includes the following free academic English tutorials during the course, online assignment survival kit, peer proofreading service, and study skills workshops. 

For international students, the MSc also offers an extended masters route with English language study for between two and sixth months before the course begins. 

Overtourism bookcoverProfessor Novelli has been involved in a high-profile research project on overtourism.Karibu basecampThe School of Business and Law has joined forces with the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda (STTA) Kenya to support small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) hit by the pandemic. Pictured left to right, Judy Kepher-Gona and Dr Marina Novelli during their first collaboration on assessing the impact of travel philanthropy at Basecamp Masai Mara in 2011.

Staff profiles

Dr Tijana Rakić, course leader

Dr Tijana Rakić is an interdisciplinary scholar whose research projects and publications predominantly lie within the themes of visual research methods in tourism and events; world heritage, tourism and national identity; innovative approaches to events and tourism promotion; travel, tourism and art; and representations of places, cultures and identities in promotional materials and popular media. Her PhD, which she completed in 2009, focused on the relationships between world heritage, tourism and national identity at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

In addition to a range of other publications, a number of which stem from her PhD, Tijana has also co-edited several book length publications including An Introduction to Visual Research Methods in Tourism (Routledge, 2012, with D. Chambers), Narratives of Travel and Tourism (Ashgate, 2012, with J. Tivers), Travel, Tourism and Art (Ashgate, 2013, with J-A. Lester), and, most recently Tourism Research Frontiers (Elsevier, 2015, with D. Chambers). Inspired by the power of visual and creative research outputs in reaching audiences beyond the academic, Tijana has also produced two academic documentaries: Visiting the Athenian Acropolis (2008, PhD film) and Of Holidays and Olives (2006, with Y. Karagiannakis), both of which have been shown at film festivals, public screenings and used for teaching in a number of countries.

She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, the Royal Geographical Society and the Royal Anthropological Institute. Tijana currently teaches on a range of undergraduate and postgraduate events, tourism and marketing modules and is the course leader of the International Events Management MSc.

Other key members of the tourism teaching team

Dr Tijana Rakic profile image

Careers

Career prospects 

The global travel and tourism industry is one of the world’s largest economic sectors. With an ever-increasing number of destinations worldwide opening up to and investing in tourism, our International Tourism Management MSc will boost your career and prepare you a wide range of roles in this international tourism. 

Our graduates work for some of the world's largest tourism and travel companies in sales, marketing, human resources and finance. Many hold senior management positions in private and public sector organisations, such as tour operators, cruise lines, international hotel and restaurant chains, destination management and marketing organisations, and transportation providers. 

Those with entrepreneurial skills run their own enterprises, whilst others work as freelance consultants in a wide range of service industries.  A substantial number of graduates embark on PhDs before starting their career in academia. 

Studying at a masters level will also develop transferable skills in research, problem solving, creativity, decision making and leadership, enabling you to stand out in this fast-paced sector.  

Whether you are thinking of starting a career in tourism management or are already working in the sector, the University of Brighton’s International Tourism Management MSc will enable you to begin a successful and rewarding future. 

Recent graduate roles include: 

  • Assistant Manager, Abercrombie and Kent, UK 
  • Overseas Operations Manager, Powder White Ltd, UK  
  • Account Manager, TUI, Germany 
  • Front Office Manager, Marriott Hotels, London 
  • Marketing Consultant, Norway 
  • Front Desk Manager, Abu Dhabi 
  • Operations Executive, Etihad Airways, Dubai 

Other graduates have gone on to PhD studies before entering academia.

Industry links

We are affiliate members of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO). The UNTWO is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

We are also a member of the UNWTO Knowledge Network, which will give you access to the extensive UNWTO e-library to support your learning. 

UNWTO logo

Skills development 

We have collaborated with industry and experienced researchers to develop this course – ensuring that it will help you to develop the skills employers and the industry are looking for. Organisations also work with us on guest lectures, placement opportunities, field trips and live client projects.

Alongside traditional lectures you will gain practical experience by working on live client projects, case studies from visiting alumni and industry experts, preparing you for the challenges faced by events professionals.

The optional paid placement year, will also give you the opportunity to put into practice the skills you are learning on your course, graduating with additional experience – as well as a wider professional network.

Guest speaker

Work-related experience 

Our dedicated Placements and Employability team provide a huge portfolio of employers offering business-related placement opportunities. They support all students find a placement. 

They offer several services to improve your employability including CV and cover letter reviews, mock assessment centres, fast-track interviews and interview practice sessions. 

They will also support you throughout your placement and act as referees if you are offered a permanent role. The university will assist you in the application to visas if required. 

JobTeaser 

We are one of the first UK universities to use JobTeaser, a new online placements system presenting placement options in the UK and Europe. It gathers together all the job opportunities, events and resources you need to help you with your professional development. 

Placement and recruitment events Placement fairs are held twice a year involving companies from well-known names such as Enterprise-Rent-a-Car, Nike, BMW and IBM, through to smaller and more local businesses. 

Our regular Employability Weeks offer activities designed to enhance your employability, including LinkedIn workshops, sessions on working abroad, advice from the university’s volunteering service and support from the Careers team. 

Tourism work experience

Careers advice 

Careers Service
Our Careers Service provides help and advice from the very start of your studies, on subjects including careers counselling sessions, CV checking, mock interviews and advice on setting up your own business. Find out more on our careers service website.

Mentoring
Momentum is our award-winning mentoring scheme. It pairs students with professionals who wish to share their experience. Students and their mentors meet regularly to exchange ideas. The scheme helps students to develop new skills and enhance their career prospects.

Students at Placement Fair

Starting your own business 

Beepurple is the university’s entrepreneurship support network. They offer free support for any student or graduate with their business ideas, freelance plan or social enterprise project. 

Beepurple run events throughout the academic year, designed to equip you with skills that will improve your employability and help you grow a successful business. 

By taking part in beepurple activities, you will meet like-minded people, hear how other recent graduates have set up their own businesses and gain key enterprise skills that will help you stand out from the crowd.

For more information visit beepurple.

Beepurple logo

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Degree and  experience
Honours degree in any subject normally with a minimum 2:2 or equivalent from a UK ENIC-recognised institution, or an HND equivalent plus at least 5 years of relevant work experience. Other applicants with extensive industry experience will be considered on an individual basis.

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time)7,866 GBP

International (full-time)13,842 GBP

Placement year

Home 1,370 GBP

International 2,120 GBP

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included, while studying a course in the School of Business and Law in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

  • Students who choose to take an optional placement will have travel and living expenses. The cost of this depends on where and how long your placement is.
  • Textbooks are available from the university library (many as e-books) but you may wish to budget up to £200 to buy your own copies.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2022–23.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Over the last four years Moulsecoomb has undergone a major transformation, planned with accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability in mind.

Over 900 students live here in our halls, Moulsecoomb Place and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

On campus you’ll find professional-standard facilities and learning resources for all of our subjects and a brand new academic building Elm House, alongside the library, student centre, fitness facilities and the Students’ Union.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

Two people walking past Mithras halls

Accommodation

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • Moulsecoomb campus is linked to Moulsecoomb Place, Mithras halls and Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
    • Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent, and there’s a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.
    • Moulsecoomb Place halls are all self-catered and are located right on campus.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Halls

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Park

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Students eating at the Hub

Students eating at the Hub

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Students talking in a social area

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Students playing frisbee

Student views  

Yanting Huang

"I decided to undertake a masters degree to broaden my horizons and enhance my career prospects. I chose to study in the UK, largely because when I worked in China I had met many British people, some of whom I had remained in contact with. My research found that the University of Brighton offered the best course for my needs and I do not regret this decision.

"I have enjoyed studying at the Eastbourne campus and have found the focus to be very practical, while the teaching staff have been helpful, stimulating and encouraging. I believe my experience at the University of Brighton will be of immense value in the future development of my career in the tourism industry.

"I should add that living in Eastbourne has been fun. The beautiful countryside and friendly people will always hold wonderful memories for me."

Yanting Huang profile picture

 Gavin Zhou 

"Since graduation I have set up two businesses with friends that I met while studying here. What I learned at the University of Brighton has helped me do this. One business provides financial consultation services and trading training courses, whilst the other imports international products to the Chinese market.

"My course taught me how to find a gap in the market and the importance of market research when setting up a business. The whole process of writing a business plan for my dissertation also helped me develop a clear direction. The cooperation skills, research techniques and communication skills I have learned from lectures, seminars, group work and social events are really useful in my business, as well as my personal life. I feel very lucky to be a graduate of the University of Brighton.

"The way of learning in UK is different from how I studied in China. At the beginning, it was a challenge to understand, but with help from tutors and classmates I successfully graduated. The university’s tutorial system helped a lot and the staff were patient to explain, explain and explain until I understood. I can’t thank the staff enough for the help, encouragement and knowledge I received.

"I made so many friends at the University of Brighton and because they were from different countries and backgrounds, I have learned about their cultures, which has enriched my study experience, and also broadened my horizons. There were various communities and events to join, and I had the opportunity to become a student ambassador. My communication skills, presentation skills, and confidence have improved massively from all these experiences!

"The Eastbourne campus is just by the sea so if you want to have a walk along the seaside, it is very convenient. It is also near Brighton and London, which are easy to get to.

"I would highly recommend the International Tourism Management MSc."

Gavin Zhou profile picture

 Gladys (Kuang-Ting) Lu 

"My experience of studying at the University of Brighton for my postgraduate degree was challenging but unforgettably beautiful. The people were very friendly, the climate was very comfortable but most important the tourism industry was operating at a very high level. Eastbourne has numerous historic sites and easily reachable tourist spots.

"The quality of the education was excellent and studying there was very rewarding and fun. The tutors supported me with great advice, taught me lots of useful practical skills such as critical thinking methods and helped increase my knowledge immensely. I particularly enjoyed the brain storming exercises with fellow students who come from around the world; it was interesting and meaningful as I could interact with a culturally diverse group of people who have distinctive perspectives and viewpoints.

"Many assignments pushed us to use theories in practical applications – for example, thanks to the knowledge acquired from my course I am now capable of using management strategies to increase efficiency in my family’s business. I now have more creative ideas and a set of tools at my disposal to realise my plan of turning the business to attract more international guests. Now, I am making it come true!"

Gladys Lu profile picture

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Read the latest course news on our postgraduate course blog. You can also get in touch with postgraduate students, graduates and staff by joining our postgraduate Facebook group.

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