International Tourism Management MSc

Tourism has experienced continued expansion and diversification, becoming one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world. According to UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2014) the worldwide international tourist arrivals are expected to see a 3.3% increase a year between 2010 and 2030, and reach 1.8 billion by 2030, with emerging destinations growing at the fastest rate.

This creates many career opportunities for qualified managers in the hospitality and tourism industries in both developed and developing countries. The MSc International Tourism Management is designed to prepare graduates for management and senior management positions in a complex and dynamic industry.

The course helps you to start or develop a career in the international tourism industry. You build a strong theoretical and practical foundation by studying both business management and tourism modules.

You learn to apply and critically challenge your understanding of the industries in practical contexts, particularly in the work-related learning module and during your industry placement. You also critically examine the sustainability of the international tourism industry. Throughout the course enhance your employability skills, such as communications and team-working, which are vital for rapid career development.

The placement option offers you an additional opportunity to develop your practical skills, either in the UK or abroad. We help you gain a placement by running employability workshops and have dedicated placement team to support you. Placement opportunities exist in organisations such as • Omega Travel • Cosmos • Visit Peak District and Derbyshire • Hilton • Marriott • Conrad • Anantara resorts • Como resorts • the Gleneagles hotel • the Hotelbeds Group.

You graduate with the skills and knowledge to plan, manage and promote products, services, businesses and destinations in the international tourism industry in a competitive and sustainable manner.

The course is based on the following principles

• excellent student experience
• business engagement and employability – through the work-related learning module and the industry mentor scheme
• flexibility – through option modules and the bespoke work-related learning module

Professional recognition

This course is recognised by the Tourism Management Institute, the professional organisation for tourism destination managers.

Course structure

September start – typically 12 months or 24 months with work experience

January start – typically 15 months

Core modules

• Business and management strategy (30 credits)
• Approaches to tourism and hospitality business management (15 credits)
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship in tourism and hospitality (15 credits)
• Work-related learning (15 credits)
• Research methods (15 credits)
• Dissertation (45 credits)
• Tourism planning and development (15 credits)
• Destination marketing

Options

Choose one 15 credit module from

• strategic resort hotel management • hospitality service excellence • managing profitable food and beverage operations • managing the property asset • talent management • sustainable tourism and hospitality in 21st century • contemporary issues in tourism • tourism and globalisation • visitor attraction management • tourism, culture and society • sales and revenue management

Assessment

• essays
• management projects
• problem solving exercises
• group work
• dissertation

Employability

You can find international careers in organisations such as • international tour operators • transport operators • visitor attractions • resort management • hotel corporations • conference and event organisers • national tourist organisations • government agencies • tourism consultancy firms.

You can also continue with further study by completing a PhD or Doctorate in Business Administration.

Visit the International Tourism Management MSc page on the Sheffield Hallam University website for more details!