of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Why should I choose this course?
- RESIDENTIAL VISIT – Study abroad on a live industry project*, with essential trip costs covered by the University – past destinations include Dubai, the Gambia, Cyprus, the Azores and the Canaries (* subject to visa requirements)
- WORK PLACEMENT (MSc only) – Apply your training to the real world and gain vital experience on an optional three-month or six-month placement in the industry on successful completion of the taught part of the course
- SPECIALISE YOUR STUDIES – From business creation to marketing and digital media, study a range of specialist areas with our portfolio of optional modules
- INDUSTRY APPROVED – Study at a recognised ITT Centre of Excellence, with opportunities to work on a range of industry consultancy projects
- AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)
Our facilities
Our learning spaces at University College Birmingham ensure you have the right environments to build your knowledge, from lecture theatres to interactive group working spaces and extensive library resources.
Course breakdown
- Postgraduate
Core Modules
Strategic Tourism Market Analysis
The focus of this module is to develop capabilities and knowledge to enable you to contribute to the strategic and operational direction of a range of industries within the travel and tourism sector, including conducting market analysis of emerging destinations. Specific themes covered include exploring strategic operations management within an increasingly dynamic tourism environment, business diversification, managing change, tourism trend analysis and any other considerations which will drive traffic forecasts.
International Live Project Management
This module is linked to an overseas visit to undertake a specific consultancy project. By applying your project management skills to an international destination, you will develop your ability to produce management solutions for a real case study. You will get involved with project management at all stages, working in a team while leading a particular work package. The collaborative teamwork will focus on developing strategies/solutions to your given project brief.
Leading Across Cultures
The ability to communicate and lead teams across nations and cultures is essential to achieve a competitive advantage in the global economy. The aim of the module is to introduce you to culture as a major force in international business within the context of a globalised interconnected economy. You will learn to understand the importance of culture on management; identify areas in which cultural differences pose challenges as well as examine opportunities in leading people across cultures; and, to become more self-aware of our cultural conditioning, individual biases, and assumptions.
Strategic Financial Analysis
Developing your ability to interpret financial information, such as budget control and investments, enables you to understand the principles of finance within an organisational context. You will examine how managers use financial tools and techniques to enhance the decision-making process and shape the direction of organisations.
Sustainability Leadership
The purpose of this module is to develop the skills and knowledge to drive and lead sustainable futures within the context of tourism, aviation and hospitality, accelerating the transition to net zero reducing the harmful impacts of unchecked development. You will evaluate the key challenges to implementing sustainable practices and develop theoretical knowledge of models and concepts that are applicable to real-world scenarios. Throughout the module you will explore the future of sustainable management with a focus on understanding and managing the economic, social and environmental impacts to become a leader within the field of sustainability.
Applied Masters Project (MSc only)
This module extends and develops your knowledge and ability in focusing upon, and preparing for, industry research. It introduces you to the disciplines of research techniques, data analysis as well as the design and execution of a research project. The project can take various forms including a traditional dissertation, generating a new enterprise start-up plan, developing a business or marketing campaign, proposing new processes/systems/products/target markets. The aim is to develop your skills and expertise in the essential research tools you will need for both successful postgraduate study and as self-employed entrepreneurs or managers of the future.
Plus one option from:
Event Strategy
This module will introduce you, through an exploration of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) sector of the international events industry, to the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage events. This module will require you to critically assess the feasibility of a large-scale MICE event project or MICE event facility, such as a convention centre. You will study current contemporary issues and trends within the global events environment, considering project aims, objectives, key stakeholders and the project rationale. There is also a need to critically evaluate the financial viability of business event projects, while considering long-term return on investment and the impact of business events upon local and regional economies of the host destination. The associated operational requirements that may influence key performance indicators, including project layout and design, logistics and human resource requirements must also be examined, particularly when working in international contexts.
Strategic Digital Marketing
Strategic Digital Marketing delivers breadth and depth of understanding of digital marketing and provides you with the digital research skills to work at a management or strategic level. Over the course of the module, you will develop practical skills on how to build a comprehensive digital marketing strategy for a live client brief focusing on the latest consumer trends, channels, and tools from the world of digital marketing.
Innovative Enterprise
The new constant is an unstable state of change; winning entrepreneurs and managers will be those who embrace entrepreneurship, digitalisation and the creation of innovative products and/or services for their organisation. You will investigate the dynamics of entrepreneurship and innovation, to develop skills that will motivate you to devise improved and novel business strategies.
Strategic Human Resource and People Development
In this module you will acquire operational as well as strategic knowledge to effectively manage human resources and manage people within an organisation. The module explores and examines human resource management within a disruptive environment focusing on decision making and current workforce challenges at a strategic level. Key areas of resourcing, talent management and employee relations will be studied in depth to promote a learning culture that prioritises the effective management of people in the workplace.
Risk, Disruption and Future-proof Management
Tourism, aviation and hospitality providers are operating in an increasingly complex and turbulent environment. The pace of change is accelerating. Traditional response strategies to trends, risks and disruptors have often proven ineffective and stifled innovation and long-term success. Accordingly, new mindsets and agile strategies are needed to navigate this disruptive environment. Adopting a multi-disciplinary and cross-geographical approach, you will track the key mega-trends, drivers, risks and disruptions shaping our sectors; scrutinise and evaluate the range of responses by providers; and develop more innovative approaches to future-proof providers operating within this disruptive environment.
Performance Data Analysis
The focus of this module is to develop skills in the interpretation and analysis of financial and management data to positively influence business performance. You will develop capabilities and knowledge to contribute to the strategic direction of hospitality, tourism and aviation. It will provide you with the skills to master the ability to display and articulate data in appropriate ways to provide meaning to stakeholders.
Placement (Optional - MSc only)
Postgraduate Work Placement
The Postgraduate Work Placement module provides you with the opportunities to further develop practical skills, relate theory to practice and to gain a sound base of experience. In addition, the module seeks to develop 'life skills' to assist you in progressing towards a career in management. The placement period offers you the opportunity to experience work in the hospitality industry and to gain academic credit for your learning. It is important therefore that you are given the opportunity to work in an organisation which is both appropriate to your needs and has a professional approach towards training and development. Your needs and any previous experience are taken into consideration, when introducing you to a suitable employer. The staff in the Hired employability suite will draw on their extensive experience to ensure that the objectives are met as fully as possible.
The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.
Entry requirements
Academic
- MSc International Tourism Management – A grade classification of 2:2 is required, or international equivalent.
- PGDip International Tourism Management – A grade classification of third-class is required, or international equivalent.
- There are no subject pre-requisites for this programme
Work-based
- We also consider applicants who are currently employed and wish to apply to University College Birmingham.
- To apply, you must have 5 years of relevant managerial work experience, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the sector for the subject matter you are interested in pursuing.
- A reference detailing your roles and responsibilities from your line manager and a meeting with the programme team will usually be scheduled prior to a place being offered.
International students
For academic and English entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.
Please note: As an International Student, when choosing optional placement, a visa extension may be required.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Lectures, guest speakers, seminars, ‘creative dialogues’ and e-learning activities will facilitate your advanced learning and skill development. There is also a range of action-learning opportunities through case studies, scenario planning, simulations and live projects.
You will be assessed through case study analysis, presentations, essays, e-discussions and debates within a range of individual and team-based environments.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Timetable
We understand that you need to balance study with work, so wherever possible your lessons will be timetabled into 2-3 days a week for full-time and one day a week for part-time study.
Tuition fees for international students
If you are an international student (or have been fee assessed as an international fee payer) and enrolling on a full-time postgraduate degree course in 2024/2025, the fee for the academic year will be £15,000. If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.
In 2025/26, the tuition fee for [Band 3] courses will be £20,750 for the academic year.
Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course
Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.
As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
Work placements
Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and they may even lead to a job when you graduate.
Our International Tourism Management course offers you the option of a three-month or six-month placement on successful completion of the taught part of the course. You are required to secure your own placement with the support of our experienced HIRED team.
Note: Students on the PGDip course, or those planning to top-up from a PGDip to a master's degree, will not be eligible for a placement during the course.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- Castillo Beach Resort Hotel, Barceló (Spain)
- Park Regis (Birmingham)
My main goal is to develop an international career within the tourism industry. The course is helping me to get not only a global perspective in terms of tourism, but also the abilities and skills that companies are looking for within the job market.
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Tour manager
Average Salary: £27,500
Theme park manager
Average Salary: £31,000
Tourist information centre manager
Average Salary: £30,000
Marketing executive (postgraduate)
Average Salary: £37,500
Travel agency manager
Average Salary: £35,000
Digital marketer
Average Salary: £30,000
Patrik’s Story
Patrik's master's degree paved the way for him to launch his own business – with a little help from Enterprise Hive.