International Tourism Management, MSc

International Tourism Management, MSc

Introduction

This interdisciplinary programme combines expertise in business management, marketing, human resource management, entrepreneurship and tourism in a practice-oriented way, enabling students to gain the advanced knowledge and critical skills required to plan, to manage and to market tourism products, services, businesses and destinations in a competitive and sustainable manner.

Study Information

Study Options

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MSc
Duration
12 months or 24 months
Study Mode
Full Time or Part Time
Start Month
January or September
Location of Study
Aberdeen

The MSc International Tourism Management is designed to help students build a solid theoretical and practical foundation in international tourism management. By interdisciplinary curriculum integration, students will understand the various challenges that modern tourism managers are likely to face and how to keep informed on innovation in the dynamic international tourism sector. Not only will students develop essential, evaluative decision-making skills, the programme also nurtures their academic abilities while inspiring the skills and characteristics they need to become an accomplished tourism professional.

Our research-led teaching is combined with a practical focus on up-to-the-minute managerial and strategic issues, supported by three Industry Sessions, live consultancy projects, guest speakers and field trips; students will be benefited from such a real-world approach, gaining grounded insights to succeed in international tourism management.

Upon graduation, students will be equipped with a solid theoretical foundation in International Tourism Management and a wealth of experience gained from the deep involvement in the thriving (inter)national tourism scene, gaining a competitive edge with prospective employers.

Available Programmes of Study

The MSc International Tourism Management features live learning projects, including three Industry sessions and field trips. The programme also gives the option of seeing through a practical ‘consultancy project’ focused on a tourism-relevant managerial issue.

Our industry connections mean we provide opportunities to network with, present to, brainstorm with and do work for the tourism industry; such a deep industry engagement is intended to foster personal and professional development, and to help you to make a connection between academic learning and the working world.

The partners we are closely networked with to offer students opportunities to undertake the work-related learning (e.g., field trips, Industry Sessions, etc.) include (but are not limited to):


• VisitScotland
• Historic Environment Scotland
• National Trust for Scotland
• Doune Castle
• Abbotsford Trust

As students progress through the programme, selecting option modules/courses and setting up your industry network through our live learning projects, such as Industry Sessions, field trips, ‘consultancy project' etc., graduates is capable of establishing the exact career path that they are enthusiastic to pursue, including:


• Cultural services management
• Operations management
• Airlines
• Public sector organisations
• Retail
• Hospitality

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.

Funding Opportunities

The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme:

The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen. More Information can be found here.

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.

How You'll Study

Students will learn by a variety of teaching methods including:

• face-to-face experience
• virtual or simulated active or experiential workshops
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Tourist destination/site-based Learning or field trips (subject to Covid-19 policy )
• Independent Learning
• Industry Sessions

Learning Methods

  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Our programme employs a variety of assessment methods which are designed to assess knowledge, competencies and skills that are required in the role of a modern marketer.

  • Just like the industry, we do not run our programme around exams – in fact there are no exams. Just intensive real-world learning that helps you gain relevant knowledge, quickly and effectively.
  • All assessments are done by a portfolio of work-based assignments.

Why Study International Tourism Management?

• Learn from specialist academic staff who are actively involved in research ensuring the curriculum is informed by cutting-edge knowledge and practice, which promises students pioneering research and a strong focus on forward-thinking ideas and innovation
• Identify and engage with specialisms such as consumer behaviour, marketing and international human resource management
• Students will meet industry experts, with the opportunity to take a professional placement, network and share knowledge and experience whilst learning in a structured and supportive environment
• Three Industry Sessions and field trips help students connect academic learning and the working world, fostering personal and professional development
• An optional  ‘consultancy project’ focused on managerial issues with a tourism employer can further enhance students employability 
• Emphasis is given to the use of digital technologies and social media in the context of (tourism) management, which is invaluable within the competitive and dynamic tourism sector
• Graduates will be well placed to find positions within international tourism corporations, businesses and organizations as destination managers, marketers, consultants, and hotel and event managers as well as tourism development, planning and impact assessment roles in the private and public sectors

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is a degree at 2:2 (lower second class) UK Honours level (or a degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth).

This programme is open to graduates from any discipline, and does not require marketing, management, business or tourism study to be completed at undergraduate level.

Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

Document Requirements

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

Degree Transcript
a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
Personal Statement
a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Careers

As a International Tourism Management graduate from University of Aberdeen, you will be well placed to progress within the tourism industry whether your career aspirations are local or international. Graduates potentially move on to senior management roles in sectors and organizations including:

• Senior Executive (in, e.g., destination management services)
• Tourism Manager (in, e.g., international tour operators and travel businesses)
• Tourism Marketing Manager (in, e.g., destination management services)
• Marketing Executive (in, e.g., destination management organisations)
• Conference Services and Facilities Manager
• Hotel Manager
• Tour operators

Building networks that build careers

 In 2019 travel and tourism was responsible for generating 1 in 4 of the world’s new jobs and, for nine successive years, had outpaced the growth of the global economy.

Our Experts

You will be taught by internationally respected academics who are at the forefront of their research and qualified professional practitioners. We draw upon disciplines across the social sciences and give emphasis to the dynamic nature of the tourism sector, global connectivity and the management and leadership of the global challenges that lie ahead.

Programme Leader
Joyce Chen

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Business School
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX