International Tourism Management | MSc

Dr Georgiana Els - Programme Leader

Dr Georgiana Els (Ciuchete) is a Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Events Management at Lincoln Business School. She has extensive experience within international tourism and events companies, being involved in the organisation of several international events. Her research interests are related to tourism business management; e-consumer behaviour and social media; risk and crisis management with a focus on tourism. Georgiana is involved in research projects and activities in the areas of digital technology and social entrepreneurship in tourism.

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Welcome to MSc International Tourism Management

One of the largest industries in the world, global tourism sees millions of visitors crossing borders each year in search of the perfect getaway. This course aims to equip graduates with the skills needed to work at senior levels in this growing global sector.

Lincoln's MSc International Tourism Management is designed in collaboration with industry to respond to the complex needs of employers, preparing students for a changing business landscape. Important themes such as entrepreneurship, sustainability, and globalism are integral to the programme. Traditional teaching methods are augmented by industry events and workshops, and mentoring and coaching is offered throughout the degree by experienced academics and practitioners in the field.

The course is offered with two separate pathways. Students can either complete one year of study, or undertake a two year course where one year is spent in Professional Practice to gain hands-on experience through a paid placement. Students will be responsible for sourcing their own paid placements but will be supported by academic staff.

Students have the opportunity to take part in a field trip, usually organised in an international location, where they will have the opportunity to examine tourism related issues through hands-on experience. All costs for the trip are covered by the University.

How You Study

The taught element of the programme consists of eight core modules and a range of optional modules.

The core taught modules are:

- Research Methods for Tourism, Events and Hospitality
- Contemporary Issues in the Visitor Economy
- Customer Service Management
- Destination Management: Policy, Planning and Development
- Destination Marketing and Branding
- Field Course Module
- Managing the Tourism, Events and Hospitality Enterprise
- Personal Professional Development

The following is an illustrative list of options. Optional modules will run as long as at least ten students select them. Timetabling arrangements may limit the availability of some modules. As the options reflect staff research interests, they may change over time due to staff availability.

- Digital Marketing
- Disaster Management
- Event Design and Implementation
- International Entrepreneurship
- The Visitor Experience at Cultural and Heritage Attractions

Students can then progress to complete the compulsory final project which provides an opportunity to apply and develop the skills and knowledge acquired during the taught element of the programme.

Course Options

Students must enrol for one of these options:
- the one-year option without placement, or
- the two-year option which includes a placement.

Students will not be able to change from the one-year option to the two-year option after enrolment. For the two-year option, students must choose the course title that states 'With Professional Practice' when they enrol.

Professional Practice

The Professional Practice pathway provides the opportunity to undertake a period of professional practice at the end of the first year to gain hands-on experience through a paid placement. Students will be responsible for sourcing their own paid placements but will be supported by academic staff. Students who are accepted onto the Professional Practice programme will attend a consultation with a Programme Leader and Placement Coordinator early in their first term to discuss timelines, processes, and requirements.

The Professional Practice period is not assessed, however students will be required to present a placement project linked to their experience. Students who successfully complete their degree with a year in Professional Practice will receive the award title MSc International Tourism Management (with Professional Practice). Those who do not will receive the MSc International Tourism Management award, or equivalent exit award. There are no tuition fees for the Professional Practice year, but students will need to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs.

Contact Hours and Independent Study

Weekly contact hours on this programme may vary depending on the module options chosen and the stage of study.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least four to five hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Contemporary Issues in the Visitor Economy 2023-24TOU9170MLevel 72023-24This module looks to develop students understanding of contemporary issues in tourism, hospitality, and visitor experiences at Masters level. It aims to enhance and develop further student appreciation of the 'context' within which tourism and hospitality businesses and destinations operate and the comparative opportunities and constraints available in the global tourism and hospitality economy. The module will focus upon the diversification of the types and styles of tourism destinations, products and experiences. Contemporary debates will be used where appropriate to facilitate a critical discussion of the philosophical contemporary issues of tourism and hospitality. Such debates will be utilised to facilitate a critical understanding of issues like sustainability, climate change, labour markets and tourism/hospitality, gender issues in hospitality/tourism/events, the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism, the digital movement, dark tourism, the relationship between public and private sectors etc. The module seeks to expose students to a critical debate of understanding some contemporary issues in tourism and hospitality.CoreCustomer Service Management 2023-24TOU9162MLevel 72023-24Customer service is central to all business and increasingly, encounters with front line staff shape and mould customer evaluations of quality, value, and satisfaction. In an age where customer appraisals of experiences are made public through social media and review websites, the management of customer services become all the more significant, particularly at a strategic level. However it is not just the physical environment that customer services come to the fore, online and particularly the role of the omnichannel experience is shaping expectations and customer satisfaction. This module considers customer services from a managerial level. By understanding how front line staff impact on the wider service delivery, managerial strategies can be designed for maximum business impact.CoreDestination Management: Policy, Planning and Development 2023-24TOU9163MLevel 72023-24This module examines tourism destinations from a management perspective, focusing on competitive destinations and addressing topics such as policy, development, governance, stakeholder relationships and strategy. The module will provide a series of practical case studies enabling students to analyse and assess management strategies tailored to the geographic nature of destinations where interaction between tourists and destinations occurs. A wide variety of issues will be explored with an emphasis on how to establish and manage competitive destinations.CoreDestination Marketing and Branding 2023-24MKT9209MLevel 72023-24This modules aims to develop an understanding of the main features of destination marketing, with a focus on both strategic and operational aspects. Such as destination marketing research, planning, and implementation of marketing plans through the marketing mix elements. Particular attention is given to destination branding that is studied from a supply and demand side, providing students with the chance to develop a better understanding of the differences between destination brand identity; destination brand positioning and destination brand image. The role of new technologies (such as social media, virtual reality, etc.) in shaping destination marketing will be analysed. Throughout the module theoretical aspects are presented together with real cases that clarify concepts and theories.CoreField Course Module 2023-24TOU9164MLevel 72023-24This module provides students with the opportunity to examine tourism related issues through hands-on experience. Students will be expected to cover transport costs (including flight costs). Costs will vary according to location. Accommodation and meals at the field sites are funded by the University. Students on the field course will have the opportunity to observe tourism development, tourist-host relationship, and to interact with various stakeholders. The aim is to allow students to engage in meaningful and practical discussions with the host community, tourism representatives, tutors and peers; and to start evaluating and exploring career options.CoreFinal Project 2023-24MKT9713MLevel 72023-24The final project provides an opportunity for students with a range of experiences and interests to apply and develop their existing skills and knowledge to an independent study project, which affords an opportunity for both the expression of original thought and creativity, together with the application of analytical skills and critical reasoning. Our approach to research projects is to facilitate innovative approaches and diverse pathways to the final assessed piece of work.CoreManaging the Tourism, Events and Hospitality Enterprise 2023-24TOU9175MLevel 72023-24This module examines the operational, marketing, and financial elements that exist within the umbrella term of tourism, events, or hospitality enterprises. It looks at the structures surrounding the enterprise and the accompanying legal constraints. Competitors in the market will be analysed together with consideration of entrepreneurial involvement with forecasting and planning, control and evaluation of performance and revenue management. Students will assess general financial requirements and look into the theories and practicalities of planning and pricing strategies. Financial planning will incorporate short and long term planning and budgeting, in particular cash budgeting. In this module the emphasis is placed upon identifying the constraints and limitations experienced by these enterprises through an understanding of the practical environment in which they operate. Students are able to obtain an understanding of the general financial requirements of tourism, events, and hospitality enterprises and the consequent recording and reporting methods that are applied. Students will produce a Business Plan to incorporate all elements and aspects of the above.CorePersonal Professional Development 2023-24TOU9166MLevel 72023-24This module aims to equip students for the business environment by incorporating a range of practical and professional skills. Students have the chance to be coached through the process by a team coach and receive mentoring support from academics and business representatives. The topics are selected and designed in close collaboration to industry in order to prepare students for a dynamic work environment.CoreResearch Methods for Tourism, Events and Hospitality 2023-24TOU9176MLevel 72023-24CoreDigital Marketing 2023-24MKT9118MLevel 72023-24This module provides the opportunity to explore how the increasing pressures and opportunities created by new media formats and electronic communication tools are shaping marketing strategy. The module covers themes such as social media marketing, mobile marketing, data analytics, and digital marketing campaigns.OptionalDisaster Management 2023-24TOU9158MLevel 72023-24The module follows a coherent and holistic approach to disaster management in its reconciliation of the key processes of preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation. It draws upon experience from major disasters around the world both historical and contemporary.OptionalEvent Design and Implementation 2023-24TOU9153MLevel 72023-24This module gives students the chance to develop the core competencies associated with event design and implementation. In addition to providing students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the theory of event design and management, it also involves event practice. Students are expected to design, host, and evaluate a live event.OptionalInternational Entrepreneurship 2023-24BUS9024MLevel 72023-24Entrepreneurship is an essential skillset in the development at global level of new and existing businesses, social enterprises, and more broadly societies and their economies. Enterprise is defined as the application of creative ideas and innovations to practical situations, combining creativity, ideas development, and problem-solving with expression, communication, and practical action. Entrepreneurship is the application of enterprise skills to creating and growing organisations in an international context in order to identify and build on opportunities. This module draws on the latest UK QAA Guidance on Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education and aims to develop, at an international level, enterprise awareness, an entrepreneurial mindset, and entrepreneurial capability, which can lead to entrepreneurial effectiveness which can be applied in a range of contexts.OptionalProfessional Practice 2023-24TOU9167MLevel 72023-24This course is also available with a Professional Practice pathway. This two-year version of the degree provides the opportunity to undertake a period of professional practice at the end of first year to gain hands-on experience through a paid work placement. Students will be responsible for sourcing their own paid placements but will be supported by academic staff. Students will be interviewed before being accepted onto the Professional Practice programme to assess their understanding of the work involved and commitment to finding a Professional Practice placement. The professional practice (PP) period is not credit bearing and will not count towards the overall degree; however, to have the PP element attached to the degree, students are required to present a placement project linked to their experience while being in industry (e.g. learning outcomes, key skills developed, nature of the work and responsibilities). The presentation can be delivered face-to-face while the academic placement supervisor is visiting the student/organisation or via Skype if there are limitations (e.g. location). Throughout the PP period, students will be in touch with the University by having regular contact with their allocated supervisor. Students will be expected to complete a negotiated work based project as their dissertation.OptionalStrategy Making 2023-24BUS9048MLevel 72023-24Strategy is the heart of every organisation. This module explores how strategy is conceived, how it affects the organisation and how the organisation can be designed to realise its strategy efficiently and effectively. The module aims to support students in developing their strategic thinking skills through a review of diverse theories, models and practical exercises.OptionalThe Visitor Experience at Cultural and Heritage Attractions 2023-24TOU9143MLevel 72023-24Cultural and heritage sites, festivals and events are growing in number and popularity. Moreover, the divide between fixed attractions and events is to some extent dissolving. Attractions such as museums and galleries are increasingly attempting to reinvent themselves as spaces of multiple use. This module asks who the visitors are, and what they hope to gain from the experience. It is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop a critical understanding of the approaches adopted with the intention of enhancing the visitor experience.Optional

How you are assessed

Delivery and assessment are based on real-life case studies, preparing students for a changing business landscape. Assessment and feedback is provided from both academics and industry representatives as per individual module specifications. Mentoring and coaching is offered throughout the degree by experienced academics and practitioners in the field.

Students also have the option to participate in a field trip which will be delivered and assessed as part of the degree.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

As part of a compulsory core module students will take part in a field trip to examine tourism related issues through hands-on experience. Main costs for the trip are covered by the University (e.g. flights, accommodation, entrance to attractions); however, students will need some spending money while on the trip.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

Honours degree or equivalent.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Accreditations and Memberships

The course is recognised by the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), which is a professional organisation for anyone working in tourism destination management. TMI’s recognition scheme provides an assurance that a course meets a set of criteria, benchmarks, and standards aligned to the needs of the broadly-defined tourism sector. This enhances the relevance of courses and the future employment prospects of graduates.

Industry Expertise

Delivery and assessment is based on real-life case studies throughout, with the aim of preparing students for the changing business landscape. The course aims to equip students with the practical and professional skills required in industry. Mentoring and coaching is offered throughout the degree by experienced academics and practitioners in their fields.

Lincoln International Business School hosts a series of visiting speakers each year. As part of the School, students will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts. Previous speakers have included representatives from organisations such as Deloitte, Santander, HSBC, Innocent, The Institute of Internal Auditors, and Sir David Tweedie (ex-Chairman of the IASB). The School also has links with Visit Lincoln and East Lindsay District Council, and the course is delivered in collaboration with the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

Students have the chance to build their skills and knowledge further with extra-curricular activities such as joining a society, volunteering, or becoming a Student Ambassador.

Accreditations and Memberships

ATLAS membership recognises institutions that are committed to teaching excellence and outstanding research in tourism and events management. Membership is open to institutions and professional bodies with educational, research, or professional interests in tourism, leisure, and related areas. ATLAS members include 1,400 researchers and teachers at 148 universities and research institutes, across 45 countries.

Field Trips

Broaden Your Horizons

Lincoln International Business School students can expand their horizons, visit our partner universities, and see international business in action by joining funded international trips to exciting overseas destinations. Places are awarded competitively to eligible students each academic year.

Find out more about our funded field trip places for students.

"The programme has equipped me with essential industry knowledge whilst developing soft skills such as communication, leadership, and critical thinking. The teaching curricular stays up to date with contemporary issues such as sustainability, big data, and commercialisation. Classes are well designed with a mixture of lecture and interactive activities, offering us a chance to apply what we learn into real-world problems."

Chi Nguyen, MSc International Tourism management student

Career and Personal Development

Regardless of the pathway chosen, students successfully completing this course are prepared for a career in a wide range of sectors, including the leisure, tourism, and events industries.

The University Careers and Employability Team offer qualified advisors who can work with you to provide tailored, individual support and careers advice during your time at the University. As a member of our alumni we also offer one-to-one support in the first year after completing your course, including access to events, vacancy information and website resources; with access to online vacancies and virtual and website resources for the following two years.

This service can include one-to-one coaching, CV advice and interview preparation to help you maximise your future opportunities.
The service works closely with local, national and international employers, acting as a gateway to the business world.

Working in Partnership

Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.

The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Find out more.

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

Find out More

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Key Information

MSc International Tourism Management

Key Information

Welcome to MSc International Tourism Management

How You Study

An Introduction to Your Modules

How you are assessed

Fees and Funding

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

Entry Requirements 2023-24

Accreditations and Memberships

Industry Expertise

Accreditations and Memberships

Field Trips

Broaden Your Horizons

Career and Personal Development

Working in Partnership

Postgraduate Events

Related Courses

Events Management

International Hospitality Management

Management

Prioritising Face-to-Face Teaching