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). 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 a 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.

By choosing the Advanced Practice option you will complete either an internship or an applied consulting project, working with an industry sector partner. This will enable you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real life organisational setting providing you with invaluable work experience. It will enhance your employability and career prospects by building your confidence in a business environment, providing you with tangible experience and allowing you to network and showcase your skills to potential employers.

About this course

About

Modules include:

• Tourism & Hospitality Principles
  The module provides students with an understanding of key principles of tourism and hospitality, the structures for both, and how they have been operationalised. It also assesses the impacts of both on destinations and the relevance for both sectors in the future.
• Strategic Marketing
  The module examines and applies the principles, concepts and theories of strategic marketing management including managing the marketing mix, strategy formulation, strategic decision making and evaluation of marketing performance. Moreover, the module provides students with an understanding and knowledge of a range of analytical models and tools which can be applied to marketing planning, implementation and control.
• Managing & Leading People
  The significance of leadership in achieving results is well established in research with findings highlighting that leadership behaviour is often responsible for the difference between success and failure in organisations. Management is essentially concerned with getting things done through people by exercising sound leadership. This module examines the key concepts of management and leadership with specific reference to the role of the Line Manager and the need for effective Leadership. Furthermore, it examines the critical role of the HR Function and Line Management when managing people within the international service industries.
• Contemporary Issues in Tourism & Hospitality
  The module explores a range of current issues that are relevant for tourism and hospitality today, either in terms of shaping new scholarly thinking or have clear applied value to both sectors.
• Business Sustainability & Innovation
  The module examines a range of theoretical and practical issues surrounding business sustainability and innovation. The use of case studies to apply business models develops an understanding of key business concepts including entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity, value creation and value capture. The development of business model use by student teams will immerse students in key methods of innovation and value propositions, which are relevant for contemporary managers as well as aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Research Methods
  This module will develop, enhance and assess the student's ability to design appropriate research, propose suitable methodologies and evaluate research philosophy, researcher positionality and research ethics. The module is designed to equip students with the technical skills to collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data, using ICT packages. The module serves as a precursor to the MSc research dissertation.
• Dissertation
  The module element will enable students to undertake a Dissertation at postgraduate level, building on knowledge and skills gained through the course, including in particular the Research Methods module.

Attendance

The course starts with a 3-day induction period to introduce you to your new network of students and staff.

All modules are taught in 3 day blocks (usually Wed-Fri 9-5) so you can fit your learning around your lifestyle. Classes are taught both online and at the Belfast campus.

One module is delivered approximately every 4 weeks during each semester (4 semesters in total) with three half day Learning Sets (tutorial learning support) per module to allow you to meet with your tutors and student groups to develop your assessed work.

The calendar of scheduled teaching will be made available to you prior to you starting the course.

Start dates

• September 2025
• January 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

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.

There are no formal examinations. 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

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

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

• English language requirements for international applicants
  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 Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

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.

Work placement / study abroad

There is no defined work placement on this course, however there is an option to complete this degree with an Advanced Practice Pathway.

By choosing the Advanced Practice option, you will complete either an internship or an applied consulting project, working with an industry sector partner. This will enable you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real life organisational setting providing you with invaluable work experience. It will enhance your employability and career prospects by building your confidence in a business environment, providing you with tangible experience and allowing you to network and showcase your skills to potential employers.

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

10% Alumni Discount

Are you a graduate of Ulster University? Did you know you could be eligible for a 10% fees discount.

Tuition Fee Loans Available

Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees

£7,240.00

International Fees

£17,810.00

Fees Notice - January Start

Important Notice: Fees information for programmes with a January 2026 start date

Ulster University has two main intakes for Academic Year 25/26 – 1. September 2025 and 2. January 2026.
Many of our programmes which start in January will continue into Academic Year 26/27 and consequently any modules undertaken in Academic Year 26/27 will be charged at our 26/27 prices.

If your study continues into future academic years your fees are subject to an annual increase. Please take this into consideration when you estimate your total fees for a degree.

International Students

• International Student fees for programmes commencing in January 2026

Students from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Great Britain

For those who are starting a programme in January which continues into Academic Year 26/27, 26/27 fees are currently not available. To help with budget planning please refer to the 25/26 fees. These are subject to increase.

• Visit our Fees pages for full details of fees

Additional mandatory costs are highlighted where they are known in advance. There are other costs associated with university study.

Fees are subject to annual increase. Correct at the time of publishing. Terms and conditions apply.

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).

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Testimonials

"The International Tourism Management MSc course is a perfect way to enrich yourself with knowledge and real experiences in the field of tourism. Each of the modules offer an academic approach that combines modern worldwide scenarios, practice and inspiration to make things happen in the sector. By learning from the lecturers who have an outstanding experience in the field, I have been able to develop initiatives that combine methodologies, academic research and knowledge included in this MSc course. Futhermore, the staff at Ulster University are incredibly approachable and always open to support you in anything you could need. Being an international student is not always an easy task but when you have such a big support as the one I had, everything becomes easier allowing you to get really good results from your studies. When I think about Ulster University, excellence, dedication and support are the words which appear in my mind. I highly recommend the experience at Ulster University and the course in International Tourism Management for all the good experiences you can receive while being a student here"

Luisa Romero (May 2020)

“The Masters degree programme in International Tourism Management combined learning from leading academics with those who have an experience in industry. I gained so much from listening to the experiences of those who have built a career within the tourism and hospitality field in Northern Ireland. Being a postgraduate student at UU instilled in me an inquisitiveness and a curiosity which I have carried forward into my career.

The Masters provided me with a chance to develop key business skills, but most importantly it allowed me to meet fantastic people. I made great international friendships which allowed me to spend my summer conducting research in Colombia. I benefited hugely from the support of both academic and office staff who inspired me to follow my interests and incorporate them into my research.

Upon completion of my degree I gained a position with Tourism Ireland in the New York office which has allowed me to put the skills and knowledge I gained within the programme into practice!

I have Ulster University to thank for the fastest year of my life! I am very grateful for the supportive community which I experienced from day one of the programme; connections I will carry throughout my career.

Jessica McClearn, Tourism Ireland, Trade & Business Tourism Assistant

“The International Tourism Management MSc course is a hands-on environment which encapsulates elements from hospitality/event management, the impact of tourism and other business challenges providing you with a realistic and useful wealth of knowledge to apply in real life. The highlight of the course includes the vast array of guest lecturers from industry who not only provide the opportunity to ask questions and learn from their experience, but also the chance to network with and provide career guidance or an opportunity for a future role. The staff at UU are incredibly approachable about the course contents and can help you seek out experience to build your CV if needed. I would highly recommend the International Tourism management programme as it allowed me to advance into the sector of Hospitality – I now work as a manager with Whitbread UK. This course is suitable for anyone interested in tourism/hospitality as a great stepping stone to the next chapter of your career!”

Caitlyn Adair, Whitbread, UK.