MSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management

Gain the skills and knowledge you need to work in this global industry on a course that develops both your practical and theoretical understanding of current themes and developments. You can also choose to gain work experience through a 12 month placement in industry, in the UK or overseas.

Tourism has experienced continued expansion and diversification, becoming one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world. According to UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2014) the worldwide international tourist arrivals are expected to see a 3.3% increase a year between 2010 and 2030, and reach 1.8 billion by 2030, with emerging destinations growing at the fastest rate.

This creates many career opportunities for qualified managers in the hospitality and tourism industries in both developed and developing countries. The MSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management is designed to prepare graduates for management and senior management positions in a complex and dynamic industry.

The course helps you to start or develop a career in the international hospitality and tourism industries. You build a strong theoretical and practical foundation by studying both business management modules, and tourism and hospitality modules.

You learn to apply and critically challenge your understanding of the industries in practical contexts, particularly in the work-related learning module and during your industry placement. You also critically examine the sustainability of the international hospitality and tourism industries. Throughout the course enhance your employability skills, such as communications and team-working, which are vital for rapid career development.

The placement option offers you an additional opportunity to develop your practical skills, either in the UK or abroad. We help you gain a placement by running employability workshops and have dedicated placement team to support you. Placement opportunities exist in organisations such as:

• Hilton

• Marriott

• Conrad

• Anantara resorts

• Como resorts

• the Gleneagles hotel

• the Hotelbeds Group

• Omega Travel

• Cosmos

• Visit Peak District and Derbyshire.

Download our work placement guide (PDF, 21KB) for more information.

You graduate with the skills and knowledge to plan, manage and promote products, services, businesses and destinations in the international hospitality and tourism industries in a competitive and sustainable manner.

The course is based on the following principles
• excellent student experience
• business engagement and employability – through the work-related learning module and the industry mentor scheme
• flexibility – through option modules and the bespoke work-related learning module

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Institute of Hospitality and is recognised by the Tourism Management Institute.

2016 entry requirements

Normally an honours degree or recognised equivalent qualification

We welcome enquiries from those who have substantial management experience but who do not have the normal entry requirements. We may invite you for an interview to discuss your particular background, experience and qualifications.

Through accreditation of prior learning (APL), you may be able to claim entry with credit or exemptions based on your existing qualifications, knowledge and experience.

If you do not meet the above criteria you can apply for the Graduate Diploma in Business and English. After passing this diploma we automatically offer you a place on one of our business-related masters degrees.

Work experience route
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS 6.5 score with a minimum of 6.0 in all skills or equivalent.

Non work experience route
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS 6.0 score with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent.

If your English language skill is currently below the required level we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.