Plymouth Business School

MSc Tourism and Hospitality Management

Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
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Are you a future tourism and hospitality industry leader? With a strong managerial focus, this programme will furnish you with a combination of tourism and hospitality theory, operational skills and practical methods of analysis. Take the opportunity to study the related areas of tourism and hospitality within a single programme to ensure you have the tools to become a confident and high executive-level manager in the international tourism and hospitality sector.

  • H

    Start this programme in January or September.

Careers with this subject
Our graduates hold managerial positions in hotels, airlines, tour operators, the cruise industry, government tourism ministries and universities around the world. Transferable skills gained from us also allow our graduates to work in other sectors such as investment banks, and import and export businesses.

Careers service

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated careers service supporting you from the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation.
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements, networks - working with the academic staff teaching on your course. We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features
  • According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization one in 11 jobs worldwide are now in tourism, so you will enhance your career opportunities through our focus on employability.
  • Join our successful graduates who hold management positions in hotels, airlines, tour operators and travel agencies, the cruise industry, government tourism ministries and universities around the world.
  • Learn from research-active staff at the forefront of knowledge, conducting research into areas such as the social impacts of tourism, the relationship between tourism and crime, working conditions in the industry, the adoption and reporting of corporate social responsibility, tourism education, and literary and heritage tourism in Cornwall.
  • Study while you work - this course is offered part-time and is suitable for those with experience of the service sector.
  • Secure relevant work experience through short internships during your third term.
  • Gain transferable skills which allow you to work in other sectors such as investment banks and import and export businesses.
  • You have the option to start your study in September or January.

Course details

  • Programme overview

  • During your year of study you will explore subjects such as sustainable destination development and crisis management, experience design and digital marketing, trends and revenue management in hospitality, and leading, managing and developing people. You will also learn to assess your own self-development and develop your team leadership and presentation skills.
    Our programme has developed close relationship with tourism and hospitality industry. You can access a range of industry engagement opportunities such consultancy projects for real businesses, guest sessions from industry practitioners, industry-led workshops and fieldwork visits to travel related exhibitions and destinations. Such opportunities help you develop critical insights into the industry.
    A range of assessment methods, including essays, reports, case-studies and oral presentations, will be used to measure your performance academically and in relation to experiences in the workplace. Most importantly, MSc candidates will have the whole year to undertake a capstone project under supervision of a specific supervisor. You’ll also benefit from research method training workshops, to help you succeed in your capstone project.
    The design of our postgraduate programmes focuses on four taught modules and a capstone project. We believe that simplicity in programme design provides you with a better learning experience. The dynamic and challenging nature of contemporary business does not isolate concepts into small packages – and neither do our programmes. This approach links concepts together as they are in the real world, and enables you to focus in on what really matters.

    Core modules

    PBS7000
    Capstone Project

    In this capstone project, you will synthesise and apply learning from the taught element of the programme to a project of your choosing. There is scope for you to undertake a broad range of project types, including consultancy, business analysis, business development or academic study.

    THM7001
    Trends and Revenue Management in Hospitality

    As issues confronting hospitality managers are rapidly evolving, we are compelled to evaluate current trends and react to changes that have a direct impact on revenue management. In this module, you will examine problems and characteristics specific to the hospitality sector, scrutinise a range of relevant theories and evaluate service quality perspectives and digital trends, enabling you to apply the knowledge you gain to revenue management and decision-making processes.

    THM7002
    Sustainable Destination Development and Disaster and Crisis Management in Tourism and Hospitality

    In this module, you will assess tourism planning and management issues in relation to sustainable destination management. You will gain a sound grasp of the theories, approaches, principles and methods of disaster and crisis planning, prevention, management and control within the context of the tourism and hospitality industry.

    THM7003
    Experience Design and Digital Marketing

    Modern design approaches can be used to develop new and better touristic experiences. In this module, you will examine a broad range of insights and cases, focussing on how they enable the tourism industry to track and communicate with visitors in a more meaningful way and more effectively manage visitor experiences. As digital marketing has become crucial for brands and companies to attract customers and gain their trust, you will engage with this critical and far-reaching subject by evaluating the creation and implementation of integrated digital marketing plans.

    HRL7006
    Managing People and Finance

    This module will provide an introduction to the complexities of leading, managing and developing people in the workplace. It is one of the core areas in the field of both Human Resource Management and Management, and through an exploration of both relevant theory and practice, it seeks to develop a critical understanding of the complexities and contested nature of leadership and management and the opportunities for leading and developing people, groups and organisations. Additionally, the module aims to provide knowledge and understanding of accounting and finance for managers.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Tourism and Hospitality Management programme specification_2413

Entry requirements
Students would normally be expected to have a second class honours degree or an equivalent award in any subject.
Please view the country specific pages for further information regarding the equivalency of your degree. International applicants will be required to provide evidence of their English language ability, for example by achieving an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent. English language requirements . Pre-sessional English language courses are available if you do not meet these requirements.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
New student 2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £10,900 £11,350
International £18,400 £18,950
Part time (Home) £610 £630
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.
For general information about our fees and funding please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/money.

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.

How to apply

Apply online

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

Research opportunities

Our research is undertaken within three broad areas.

summer holidays
Consequences of tourism and events
We embrace research from across a spectrum of disciplines such as geography, anthropology, education, management, psychology and political science.
General Views of Newton Abbott
Economic and social spatial analysis
Space and place play a key interaction and relational role in society and often understanding of contemporary economic and social phenomena, structures and processes, demands the adoption of a spatial perspective.
Find out more about BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management
Service marketing and management
Remarkable growth of the service sector is changing the way organisations are structured and managed. These transformations are not only essential to organisational sustainability, but could also serve as opportunities to enhance business performance.
Vinod Alexander

Vinod Alexander – MSc Tourism and Hospitality Management graduate

“Plymouth is one of the best universities for tourism and hospitality management. I can definitely vouch for that because there are excellent professors, great interactive sessions, challenging projects, and also great facilities on campus.”
From the UK to India to the United Arab Emirates, Vinod has gone on to work as an assistant manager at the Atlantis, The Palm, in Dubai.

Meet our experts

  • Lecturer in Tourism Management
    Programme Leader
  • Professor
    Comprehensive research portfolio, expertise in socio-economic issues in tourism
  • Lecturer in Leadership and Business Management
  • Interim Head of School
    Research interests include student travel, marketing and food
  • Associate Head of School - International
    Research interests include service quality, technology use and e-strategies
  • Lecturer in Human Resource Studies/Leadership

Plymouth Business School

  • ?Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

  • ?Committed to social, economic and environmental responsibility

  • ?Supporting the internationally recognised focus on sustainability and social purpose of the University

  • ?Leading business ready graduates onto a successful career and happy life

  • ?Supporting graduates to make informed choices based on current economic and market trends

  • ?Building students resilience and confidence

  • ?Promoting practical skills development

Fitzroy Building

The University of Plymouth is creating an exciting new space for the Plymouth Business School in which current and future students can foster the knowledge and enthusiasm that they will need to achieve their ambitions. Work is underway at the heart of our city centre campus.
Watch our video visualising what the new building will look like.