31 MA Programs in Tourism and Hospitality 2024

The programme combines management and design of spa products, medical and leisure treatments and well-being.

Study the MA in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management at BSBI, delivered in partnership with University for the Creative Arts. Throughout this industry-focused MA, you’ll develop your knowledge of the tourism and event management industry and acquire the practical skills needed to help it adapt during the current climate. You’ll study modules including Cross Cultural Management, Entrepreneurship in Tourism and Events as well as Strategic Approach in Marketing Planning for Hospitality.

The aim of the program is to provide students with a solid knowledge in management and business administration, to develop an ethically responsible personality with creative and entrepreneurial skills that enable the graduate to evaluate and predict national and international business environment, develop innovative activities in sports and leisure organizations, carry out applied research projects in tourism and sports sectors, and apply research findings in daily organizational activities and strategic decision making.

Tourism has developed into one of the prime industries in the global economy. The MA in Tourism and Culture will train you as an academic expert and an innovative professional in the field of cultural tourism.

Master of Arts in Tourism Management In an unknown global climate, we need leaders in tourism and hospitality to spearhead change, adapt the way we understand business and develop innovative processes to be successful and sustainable in the industry. During the Master of Arts in Tourism Management (MATM) program, you’ll learn firsthand from industry experts and experienced faculty members how to address the challenges facing today’s tourism and hospitality organizations. As part of your program, you’ll analyze innovative approaches to sustainable tourism, learn how to develop effective strategies for destination marketing and development, learn contingency planning and disaster management, practice corporate leadership skills, understand policy planning, explore the heritage and culture of tourism destinations and more. Choose from three new specialization options: Social Entrepreneurship, Disaster and Emergency Management or Sustainability to focus on your desired research area and complete your degree. The MATM is a two-year program and offered in two delivery formats – on-campus or a blended model – the MATM program is your ticket to make a difference in the global tourism industry. Program Description The global tourism industry demands passionate entrepreneurs and leaders with advanced, industry-specific training. The Master of Arts in Tourism Management (MATM) program is designed to help you fulfill that demand by empowering you to lead and adapt to change. If you have a passion for travel, sustainability, community development, culture or any other facet of the tourism industry, the MATM program can help you acquire the skills and experience to thrive in any number of exciting and highly rewarding career paths. With the support of industry experts, the MATM program equips you with leadership skills, advanced knowledge specific to tourism research, and immersive opportunities. Together these learnings help you to better understand and navigate current tourism trends. Together with your cohort, you’ll develop individual resiliency and strong collaboration within your learning community. The MATM program is built around three central themes: leadership, sustainable community development, and global understanding of travel and culture. The course content expands upon a conceptual foundation in the social sciences and business. These areas of academia help to enhance your personal development and provide unique insights into tourism, both as an adaptive economic engine and a global social instrument for change. A variety of engaging elective courses and specializations allow you to customize your educational journey and align it with your desired research interest and future career path. Learn the skills you need to respond, pivot quickly and lead change. You’ll examine real-life case studies that showcase different approaches to sustainable tourism development, engage with knowledgeable, highly experienced faculty and learn how to address workplace challenges within tourism and hospitality organizations. Our field-study invites you to apply your theoretical and applied learnings from your program in global communities. In addition, our internship option offers you the opportunity to build valuable industry experience both domestically and internationally. The MATM program is offered in two delivery models: on-campus or blended delivery that combines online learning with two one-week residencies on our stunning Victoria campus. If you’re unsure about committing to a master’s level program, Royal Roads also offers a Graduate Certificate in Tourism Management that fully ladders into the MATM program. You may be able to transfer previously earned credits from a RRU Graduate Certificate program. For more details contact an enrolment advisor. Who it’s for This program is for anyone with a tourism-related background who wants to obtain the skills, confidence and strategic vision to lead change in an exciting career in the global tourism industry. To learn more about the application requirements for the program visit our Program Admissions page. Key Features The Master of Arts in Tourism Management is a 36-credit program that covers a wide array of topics integral to your success in the highest levels of the tourism industry. The program, which combines team-based work and online learning, consists of six required courses, a range of electives courses, field studies, semester abroad opportunities, an optional internship, three optional specializations and three completion options. Field study The MATM on-campus program includes a field study to a world-renowned destination. During this trip, you’ll conduct field research on a topic of your choice while connecting with local agencies and experiencing the destination from a tourist’s perspective. This week-long trip includes both group activities and individual time to explore on your own. The field study is an optional component for our students in the blended MATM delivery. Please note, there’s an additional field trip cost associated with the field study. Internship As part of the MATM program, you’ll have the chance to develop valuable industry connections and experience during an optional 420-hour internship. Your internship is an opportunity to intimately explore a specific career path - either in Canada or abroad. Students are required to seek out their own internship positions however RRU staff and faculty support the search process through career learning and development workshops, community networking events and skill building. Learn how our Career Learning and Development office supports Royal Roads students. Specializations The MATM has three specialization options: Social Entrepreneurship, Disaster and Emergency Management or Sustainability. Selected due to areas of high demand in the market, these specializations allow you to personalize your learning experience, customize your program, and gain the knowledge and practical experiences in areas that interest you most. Learn more… Completion options You’ll be able to choose from three different program completion options: course-based, major research project (MRP) or thesis option. Both the major research project and thesis options are recommended if you’re considering pursuing a doctorate in the future. Course-Based: The course-based option includes the six required courses plus five elective courses that you’ll choose depending on your research interests. You’ll complete the program with a capstone course which consolidates your program. Through this completion option, you’ll have the opportunity to customize your learning by focusing on themes within the tourism and hospitality industry and expanding your consulting and entrepreneurial skill sets. Major Research Project (MRP): Following the six required courses, you’ll select three elective courses and complete a major research project. This research project integrates both theory and applied research. You’ll complete your project with guidance from a faculty advisor. An MRP includes 1) a paper 2) a video, spoken presentation, forum, or other approved presentation medium If you’re looking to apply your research learnings in your current workplace or if you’re interested in getting some applied project experience, this path is ideal for you. This completion option gives you an opportunity to deep-dive into a specific topic of interest. Thesis: In addition to the six required courses, you’ll choose two elective courses as well as develop a thesis. The thesis option requires approval from the program head. This approval process is in place to ensure you are committed to finishing the thesis within the duration of your program. You'll complete a comprehensive research paper which includes both primary and secondary research on a particular topic of interest. You’ll work with your faculty advisor to identify your topic, methodology, theoretical framework and appropriate literature. In addition, you’re required to select an academic committee and are expected to defend your thesis at the end of your program. Admission Requirements Standard Admission Four year (or comparable) undergraduate degree, preferably in a related field, from a recognized post-secondary institution, normally with a minimum admissions GPA of ‘B’ (3.00/4.33). At least two years of full-time work experience within the tourism or hospitality industry. Flexible Admission Under flexible admission, the combination of work experience, education, and professional development is assessed. Applicants must show evidence of having sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to complete a demanding academic course of study at a graduate level and have significant industry related experience. As a general guideline: Applicants with no post-secondary education would normally require a minimum of seven years of progressive work experience, three years of which would be in a leadership role. Applicants who have completed some post-secondary education (but who do not meet our 4-year degree requirement) will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis with greater emphasis placed on the quality and years of work experience. English Language Proficiency If English is not your primary language, please review our English Language Requirements Additional Recommendation(s) Academic writing skills are required for success in this program and an English composition course focused on academic writing is therefore recommended. The Academic Writing and Critical Thinking course offered through Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University meets this recommendation. Outcomes Graduates of the Master of Arts in Tourism Management program possess a broad range of applied technical, interpersonal, analytical, and advanced communication skills that transfer directly to entrepreneurial and management roles within the tourism industry. The curriculum focuses on developing skills across four broad areas: 1. Knowledge and Critical Thinking You’ll hone your critical thinking skills in applying interdisciplinary research to the study of tourism and hospitality, and you’ll learn to demonstrate integrity when collaborating with a diverse array of industry stakeholders. You’ll also learn how to effectively – and ethically – use research methods, concepts and theories to examine a range of challenges and solutions in the building of successful tourism organizations and destinations. 2. Global Awareness You’ll learn to evaluate the impact of both local and global affairs on tourism organizations and destinations, and you’ll develop innovative strategies for building personal, organizational and community resilience. You’ll leave this program with an acute understanding of the important role of tourism and hospitality professionals as responsible global citizens. 3. Effective Communications You’ll develop an arsenal of highly effective communication tools, including speaking, writing, listening and feedback skills. You’ll learn how to effectively gather and analyze information, and how to compile your research into written materials using the APA reference method. You’ll rely upon these skills in a number of situations you’ll face throughout your career in tourism and hospitality, including negotiation, conflict resolution, change management and networking. 4. Leadership and Collaboration Building on your existing leadership skills, you’ll learn sophisticated techniques to network more effectively, support collaborative decision-making, and foster mutual understanding in order to achieve both individual and team results. On a more personal level, you’ll acquire vital self-assessment and self-awareness skills that will lead to more positive and mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. Careers The Master of Arts in Tourism Management (MATM) program opens the door to an array of exciting opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector, both locally and internationally. Graduates of the program hold management and executive-level positions within resorts, destination management organizations, inbound tourism companies, government agencies and more. Because a master’s degree is often required for attaining upper-level positions within the global tourism industry, many of our graduates find that combining their prior tourism industry experience with the academic credentials acquired in the MATM program is the key to unlocking their professional potential. The MATM program will enable you to explore a wide variety of rewarding career paths, including upper-level positions with hotels, resorts or cruise ship operators; professional consulting in the information technology or real estate sectors; leadership positions within destination, recreation or event management organizations; and myriad roles in other sectors such as government, finance, education and more. If you’re a passionate believer that tourism matters – in your community and around the globe – and you’re ready to take your career to the highest possible level, then the MATM program holds the key to unlock your potential. Courses ITAI: Introduction to Academic Integrity TRMNIP: Career Development TRMNOT: Orientation to Tourism Graduate Studies DEMN502: Foundations in Disaster and Emergency Management DEMN553: Disaster Response and Sustainable Recovery ENVP500: Developing a Sustainability Perspective IHMN505: Trends and Issues in Hospitality Management IHMN520: Finance for Tourism and Hospitality Management IHMN550: Research Methodology TRMN501: Tourism Leadership TRMN502: Critical Perspectives on Global Tourism TRMN503: Transforming Destinations TRMN505: Strategic Tourism Marketing TRMN506: Sustainable Tourism Management TRMN507: Responsible Stewardship: An Examination of Ethics in Tourism IHMN650: Strategic Planning for Tourism and Hospitality TRMN625: Social Entrepreneurship TRMN640: Major Research Project TRMN680: Tourism Management Capstone TRMN690: Thesis TRMN692: Internship Financial Aid & Awards

This program, which is run jointly by the Department of Economics and the National Centre for Tourism Policy Studies, is geared to provide students with an understanding of the international tourism industry and an appreciation of the key issues affecting its continued development; it also presents an opportunity to gain insights into the marketing and management issues impacting on the sector; students are also presented with opportunities to update their language and information technology skills, their communication and presentation skills, and to interact with tourism industry practitioners and visiting international faculty; research skills are developed through dedicated methodology modules leading to the completion of a dissertation on a chosen topic in tourism; an integral part of this course is an international field trip which all students undertake.

As a graduate of the English-language Master’s program in International Tourism and event Management (M.Sc.), you’ll enjoy excellent job prospects and development opportunities in companies both at home and abroad. This is the ideal foundation for a career in the booming global tourism and events sector and for adopting strategic roles that go beyond day-to-day business operations.

International tourism generates billions of euros annually and is still one of the fastest-growing industries. Depending on whether it is business or pleasure, the hospitality and event management sectors also benefit from – and add to the experience of – international tourism, and are inextricably linked to it. Taking into account these associated areas only makes the overall sector more lucrative and appealing.

Tourism has grown to become a global economic industry. Managing international tourism means understanding its diversity and requires a frequent change of perspectives between the various stakeholders involved in tourism: different types of tourists, tourism businesses, the local community, tourism employees, governments, NGOs, activist groups, and tourism industry associations – to name a few.

Master in Management and Leadership is a programme integrating interdisciplinary approaches in business and management studies.

Tourism is an increasingly important part of our lives, and the tourism industry is one of the few global industries forecast to grow in the long term. Managing this rapidly growing industry to meet visitors' demands in a sustainable way is exciting and challenging. This long-established course will give you the knowledge, analytical abilities and skills you need to make a career as a tourism professional. Annual student feedback for this course is very positive, with teaching, staff contact and course content receiving particular praise. This reflects the teaching team's efforts to provide a valuable and effective course as well as a supportive, friendly and stimulating environment for your studies. Members of the teaching team have published academic texts used by students of tourism at many UK universities. You'll benefit from access to these texts and the insights of these authors. Furthermore, staff teaching on the course are active researchers, and their teaching is informed by both their own research and their engagement with the industry. You'll learn about the nature and characteristics of tourism and explore how it can be marketed, managed and planned, examining cases from around the world. Your management and entrepreneurial skills will be developed to assist you in finding employment in many different parts of this dynamic and growing industry. A range of option modules allows you to focus on your particular interests and to explore the links between the different aspects of tourism. A dissertation gives you the chance to apply your learning to develop in-depth, specialist knowledge of a tourism topic of your choice.

Explore the world of tourism and hospitality with our MA in International Tourism and Hospitality Management, which is designed with insights from leading hospitality and tourism businesses. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, tourism accounted for 10% of global GDP in 2017, with more than 313 million people working in the industry.

We aim to give you an understanding of issues and approaches to the representations of peoples, other species, habitats, places, cultures and environments in various kinds of writing. You’ll graduate with the ability to apply what you’ve learned to your own professional practice.

This is a trans-disciplinary Masters that builds expertise in understanding the role played by the cultural sector (arts, theatres, heritage etc) in developing and managing tourism and hospitality as major engines of growth, regeneration and job creation in the 21st century.

A master’s degree offers the opportunity to specialize in a specific area. This increases your chances of standing out from the broad mass of university graduates, completing a doctorate or pursuing scientific work. In addition, many employers attach great importance to well-trained skills, which you can learn during your bachelor's degree and expand and deepen with a master's degree.