MSc
International Tourism Management

Postgraduate EventsApply Now

Key Information

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Start Date

September 2024

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

Validation Status

Subject to Revalidation

Academic Year

Course Overview

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.

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.

Why Choose Lincoln

Undertake field trips to various locations

ATLAS membership*

Hear from expert industry speakers

Take part in industry workshops and events

Explore contemporary themes such as sustainability

Tourism Management Institute recognition

*The Association for Tourism and Leisure Education and Research

A cityscape in the far east

How You Study

The taught element of the programme consists of eight core modules. Students can then progress to complete the compulsory final project, which incorporates a Research Methods component and provides an opportunity to apply and develop the skills and knowledge acquired during the taught element of the programme.

Weekly contact hours on this programme may vary depending on the stage of study. Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures, seminars and workshops. 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.

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 2024-25TOU9170MLevel 72024-25This 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 2024-25TOU9162MLevel 72024-25Customer 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 2024-25TOU9163MLevel 72024-25This 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 2024-25MKT9209MLevel 72024-25This 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.CoreDigital Marketing 2024-25MKT9118MLevel 72024-25This 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.CoreField Course Module 2024-25TOU9164MLevel 72024-25This 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 2024-25MKT9718Level 72024-25The 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 2024-25TOU9175MLevel 72024-25This 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 2024-25TOU9166MLevel 72024-25This 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.CoreProfessional Practice 2024-25TOU9167MLevel 72024-25This 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.Optional

              What You Need to Know

              We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

              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.

              Memberships

              The course is recognised by the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), a professional organisation for anyone working in tourism destination management. TMI’s recognition 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.

              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. Members include 1,400 researchers and teachers at 148 universities and research institutes, across 45 countries.

              Tourism Management Institute

              ATLAS

              Field Trips

              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 the main costs for the trip are covered by the University, such as flights, accommodation, and entrance to attractions, although students will need some spending money while on the trip.

              The programme has equipped me with essential industry knowledge while developing soft skills such as communication, leadership, and critical thinking. Course content stays up to date with contemporary issues such as sustainability, big data, and commercialisation, and you have opportunities to apply what you learn to real-world problems.

              Chi Nguyen

              MSc International Tourism Management

              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.

              How to Apply

              Postgraduate Application Support

              Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

              How to Apply
              A student listening in a seminar

              Entry Requirements 2024-25

              Entry Requirements

              A second class 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.

              Course Fees

              You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

              Course Fees

              Funding Your Study

              Postgraduate Funding Options

              Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

              Explore Funding Options
              Two students working on a laptop in a study space

              Career Development

              MSc International Tourism Management aims to prepare students for a career in a wide range of sectors, including the leisure, tourism, and events industries.

              Academic Contact

              For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

              Dr Georgiana Els
              gels@lincoln.ac.uk

              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.

              About the AACSB
              AACSB logo

              Postgraduate Events

              To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

              Upcoming Postgraduate Events
              A group of students sat around a table, working together on a project
              The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.