International Hospitality Management | MSc

Martin Knight - Programme Leader

Martin contributes to management and law-based modules in the Lincoln International Business School. He is multi-lingual, has travelled extensively and is a barrister (8 years call - Middle Temple) with interests in the fields of immigration, international trade, cross border adoption/family disputes and air transportation consumer disputes. He has been a visiting lecturer at a number of overseas locations across the world.

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Welcome to MSc International Hospitality Management

The MSc International Hospitality Management offers students the opportunity to develop and advance their knowledge and expertise across the breadth of the hospitality function. The programme enables students to develop the business and management skills needed to contribute to the effectiveness of domestic and international hospitality enterprise.

Students are able to learn the theories and practice of managing the hospitality enterprise, staying competitive in the marketplace, and managing crisis in the face of uncertainty in a fast-changing global environment.

Students have the chance to attend lectures from external speakers, including managers and business professionals from the hospitality sector. The University's industry links inform the content of the programme, helping to ensure it is industry relevant, and provides students with the chance to build their own network of contacts. There is also the opportunity to take part in a residential field trip and undertake a Professional Placement year. Please note: students need to choose the Professional Practice pathway from the outset when applying for the course, and it is only available for a September start.

At Lincoln International Business School, students can benefit from experienced practitioners and academics from all over the world, as well as real-life case studies to bring their studies to life. Students can access a range of support for both personal and academic matters, including study skills, employability and careers advice, and pastoral care. International students can also access English language support.

The programme is available for either a September or February start.

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:

- Contemporary Issues in the Visitor Economy
- Managing the Tourism, Events and Hospitality Enterprise
- Consumer Services Management
- Human Resource Management for Hospitality
- Research Methods for Tourism, Events and Hospitality
- Crisis Management for Hospitality Enterprises
- Hospitality Operations Management
- 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 modules to some students. As the options reflect staff research interests, they may change over time.

- Food Tourism
- Digital Marketing
- International Entrepreneurship
- Destination Marketing and Branding

Students can then progress to the compulsory final project where they can apply their experiences and interests and develop their existing skills and knowledge.

This programme is available for both a September and February start. Optional modules may be restricted for those choosing to enrol in February due to student numbers, timetabling, and staffing constraints. Please note that February admission is only available for full-time study.

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

This course is also available with a Professional Practice pathway. (Please note: the Professional Practice pathway is only available for a September start). This two year version of the degree 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 Hospitality Management (with Professional Practice). Those who do not will receive the MSc International Hospitality Management award, or equivalent exit award.

There are no tuition fees for the Professional Practice year, but students will need to pay for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs.

Please note: the Professional Practice pathway is only available for a September start.

Contact Hours and Independent Study

Weekly contact hours on this programme will vary depending on the individual 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 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.CoreCrisis Management for Hospitality Enterprises 2023-24TOU9171MLevel 72023-24This module addresses the implications of interruption to the hospitality related business and the issues and problems that may arise in connection with measures designed to counteract the effect of such interruption. Students are introduced to the underlying rationale for crisis management and business continuity initiatives both from a theoretical and professional perspective. The module examines the positioning of crisis management within an organisations overall strategic plan by reference to examples of good practice from organisations at home and abroad. Students can examine the role and function of effective crisis communication during times of crisis. Approaches to crisis management are evaluated and applied to a range of organisational case studies. The module also explores the relationship between crisis management and risk management which is seen as an inherent part of all businesses and which is further compounded by the uncertainties with the nature of product and consumer.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.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.CoreHospitality Operations Management 2023-24TOU9173MLevel 72023-24Operations management is central to all hospitality organisations and this module is designed to give students from a broad range of hospitality backgrounds, a thorough understanding of the way hospitality operations drive the hospitality customer experience. The module provides grounding in core theoretical concepts, principles and processes associated with operations management related to hospitality organisations. Students will challenge, critique, analyse, evaluate and synthesise ideas and concepts in the context of their hospitality experience. The module is designed to familiarise the student with operations analysis tools and techniques used in the hospitality industry. Covering both the process of internal and external bench-marking as well as the analysis of marketing, financial, operational and guest satisfaction metrics. This approach will facilitate a critical approach focused on the effectiveness of particular operational hospitality types and an evaluation of the potential for improvement.CoreHuman Resource Management for Hospitality 2023-24TOU9174MLevel 72023-24This module recognizes the contribution of Human Resource Management to the strategic operation of the international hospitality enterprise and provides students with the opportunity to undertake a critical appraisal of the function of human resource management in the international hospitality industry. The module will review the concepts that underpin international human resource management and will provide a critical appraisal of contemporary issues in international hospitality management.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 72023-24CoreDestination 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.OptionalDigital 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.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.OptionalONE SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD 2024-25TOU9178MLevel 72024-25OptionalProfessional Practice (Hospitality Management) 2023-24TOU9177MLevel 72023-24This course is also alternatively 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 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 Hospitality Management (with Professional Practice). Those who do not will receive the MSc International Hospitality Management award, or equivalent exit award. There are no tuition fees for the Professional Practice year, but students will need to pay for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costsOptional

How you are assessed

The way that students are assessed on this course will vary from module to module and may include coursework, such as written assignments, reports, business plans, or dissertations; practical assessments such as presentations, performances, observations, and virtual meetings/conferences. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.

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

For this course students may find that there are additional costs, including possible contributions for external trips and overseas visits. With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and students will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that they are required to read. However, students may prefer to purchase some of these and 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.

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).

Students also 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.

Study Trips and Placements

Students have the opportunity to take part in a field trip as part of the programme to examine hospitality management related issues through hands-on experience. Students will be responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking field trips.

Students have the opportunity to take part in an optional study/work placement of one term’s duration at one of the Lincoln Business School’s overseas partners.

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.

Career and Personal Development

Graduates with an MSc qualification may progress to management and marketing roles in a variety of hospitality related organisations around the world. The specialist skills students can develop on the MSc International Hospitality Management Programme may be highly valued by private and public sector organisations as well as to those wishing to set up and run their own hospitality business. The MSc may also open the door to careers in research or academia.

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 Hospitality Management