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.
Professional Practice
This 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 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 the 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 an independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.
Contact Hours
Owing to the nature of postgraduate programmes, a significant proportion of your time will be spent in independent study and research. Research students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however, the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme. For taught programmes, weekly contact hours may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study.
Methods of Assessment
The way you will be assessed on your course will vary depending on the subject and the type of postgraduate programme you select. A taught programme could include a written dissertation, exams, presentations, and projects. A research programme could include a thesis, oral examination, and presentation to a group of research academics. You may be expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Please see the individual course pages to find out more.
Modules
Customer Service Management (Core)
Destination Management: Policy, Planning, and Development (Core)
Destination Marketing and Branding (Core)
Field Course Module (Core)
Final Project (Core)
Personal Professional Development (Core)
Digital Marketing (Option)†
Disaster Management (Option)†
Event Design and Implementation (Option)†
International Entrepreneurship (Option)†
Professional Practice (Option)†
Strategy Making (Option)†
The Visitor Experience at Cultural and Heritage Attractions (Option)†
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.
Scholarships
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, you 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.
"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
Course-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 textbooks, the University provides students who enroll 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 2021-22
Honours degree or equivalent.
f 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.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. This qualification must have been obtained prior to submitting your application.
For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
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. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Industry Expertise
Delivery and assessment are 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 the industry. Mentoring and coaching are 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.
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.
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 costs for the trip are covered by the University.
100 Funded Field Trip Places
As part of your global education at the Lincoln International Business School, we are offering students the opportunity to undertake funded international trips to exciting overseas destinations. Postgraduate students have the opportunity to travel to destinations in the UK, Europe, the USA, and the United Arab Emirates.
These field trips combine academic study with first-hand experiences of language, culture, and industry, allowing you to put theory into practice. We've designed themes specifically for postgraduate students that align with learning areas such as Industry (4.0), Financial Services, and Visitor Economy.
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 career 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.
