Program Overview

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International Tourism and Hospitality Management - MSc

Overview

A world of opportunity in an industry sector that is continuously evolving.

Summary

Do you want to work in the 21st century’s fastest growing industry? Are you looking for a diverse career with global opportunities? Our MSc International Tourism & Hospitality Management is your ticket to a world of opportunities.

Ulster University is ranked 1st in the UK for Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism (The Guardian University Guide 2025). Our courses are accredited by the Institute of Hospitality, this qualification is recognised worldwide for international employment.

As the global tourism and hospitality industry evolves and the local industry transforms, innovative, creative and professional people are needed to drive it forward - this could be you. Working in partnership with industry experts we have created an extremely relevant and practical course meaning you will graduate industry ready with the skills employers are looking for. Our modules encourage collaboration and forward thinking with the opportunity to share ideas and experience with a diverse network of international students.

From a manager of a boundary pushing hotel, or a customer experience manager at a world famous attraction to a marketer in a national tourism office or creator of the next digital tourism operator there are endless career opportunities for those who complete this course. Whatever you dream of becoming in this diverse and exciting sector, this course will lead you one step closer to making it a reality.

With all assessment coursework based, you will cover topics such as, key industry principles, strategic marketing, managing and leading people, business sustainability and innovation as well as exploring contemporary issues facing the sector.

About this course

About

Part-time students can take up to 90 credits in an academic year. Your course director will be more than happy to work with you to find a schedule of modules that is suitable and works for you. Typically students complete the degree within two and a half years.

Attendance

The course starts with a 3-day induction period. As a part-time student you will complete a maximum of two modules per semester and it will take six semesters 2 to 2½ years.

A key strength of the MSc is that it is modular in structure and delivered in blended learning mode, with all modules being taught in 3-day intensive blocks.

Our novel delivery is designed to fit around your home and work life. We recognise that being able to schedule study around your life-needs is of vital importance for academic success. Accordingly we have designed our master’s programmes to be delivered in compact and intensive three day immersive learning experiences.

The block delivered modules are supported with online discussion groups and three half day learning sets (tutorial learning support) per module. These days are set to meet with your tutors and student groups to develop your assessed work.

Semester three includes the 3-day learning block on research methods followed by a series of support meetings with your dissertation or business project supervisor between June and September.

The calendar of scheduled teaching blocks and learning sets is available to you prior to commencement on the programme.

Start dates

• September 2026
• January 2027

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching & Learning:

A range of teaching methods will be employed, including traditional lectures, case studies, business simulation gaming and one-to-one tutor session videos. We also arrange a number of field trips to hospitality and tourism venues and invite guest speakers from industry.

Assessment:

Assessment includes written essays, short synopsis, personal reflections and peer reviews, case studies, objective tests, business reports, computer modelling, individual and group presentations.

Standard entry conditions

Entry Requirements

Applicants must normally have gained:

• A second class honours degree or better from a recognised university of the UK, Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or
• An equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved professional qualification or other qualification; and
• Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English to GCSE grade C or equivalent. Non-English speakers must demonstrate that English ability is appropriate for studying at this level and provide evidence of English competence to IELTs 6.0.

Applicants do not have to hold their primary degree in a cognate area, but prior knowledge of studying tourism at an undergraduate level or relevant work experience may be beneficial.

In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

An interview may form part of the selection process.

English Language Requirements

• The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for UKVI purposes.
• Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Exemptions and transferability

Do you have another qualification awarded by Ulster University or by another university or other educational institution, or have evidence of accreditation of prior learning?

These may be considered for exemption from part of the programme, provided that you register as a student at Ulster University for modules amounting to at least the final third of the credit value of the award at the highest level.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

This internationally recognised course will provide you with the diverse knowledge and skills needed to operate across the industry composed of a diverse range of sectors and employers including hotels, national tourist organisations, airlines, visitor attractions, tour operators, event venues, ferry/cruise companies, airport operations and hospitality management.

Whether you are currently working in the industry and want to progress your career to management level or are a recent graduate who wants to enter the sector for the first time the knowledge and skills learned will equip you for working in a diverse range of job roles. From hotel management to tourism planning and development, to creating and marketing tourist packages or working in operations for hotels and restaurants this course covers the competencies and qualities needed for employment and career growth.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Institute of Hospitality (IoH)

Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality that academic, vocational and professional standards achieved are appropriate and programme content and delivery meet international Institute of Hospitality benchmark standards.

Fees and funding

2026/27 Fees

Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2025/26 entry.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

An opportunity is available for the highest performing student in the module, 'Managing and Leading People' to receive the Titanic Hotel Award 'Talent for Success'.

In addition, a monetary prize is available for the highest performer in the Dissertation or Business Project from Mr Vincent Hurl, Managing Director, of the Cross Keys Inn (Belfast, Northern Ireland).

Testimonials

Rachel Cooke

Sales Consultant at The Travel Corporation Canada

Well I studied for 4 years at Ulster, Coleraine and did my Bachelors in International Travel & Tourism Management with my placement year in Belfast International Airport. I then moved to Belfast to do my Masters in International Tourism Development. Those were definitely the best 5 years of my life without a doubt. I fell in love with all the new friends I made who are still in my life and had some of the best lecturers anyone could want. Professor Stephen Boyd was a fantastic role model for me and I learnt a lot from him!

I decided to move to Canada after I completed my master's in Belfast so see if there would be more job prospects there. I worked in a job outside my field for the first 8 months until I was able to land a job with The Travel Corporation. The Travel Corporation is a highly successful international travel group with 24 award-winning brands. More specifically I work for one of these brands Insight Vacations:

For over 35 years Insight Vacations has been designing the world’s finest escorted touring itineraries. We are experts in touring Europe where we visit 43 European countries, the most of any operator. We are the leading escorted tour operator in the Eastern Mediterranean and offer the same legendary high standards and perfectly planned touring itineraries to guests travelling to North America, India and Nepal.

I love coming to work everyday and being given the opportunity to work in my field with a lot of opportunity to grow. I have been the top seller for 2 years in a row, received Employee of the Month and several different acknowledgements for high customer service - I guess people love the accent. I also love being able to promote Ireland - Belfast in particular. I am looking forward to see how I can grow from here and I am excited to see where this company takes me. None of this would have been possible without my 5 year journey with Ulster!