International Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management MSc

The Capstone Research Project module aims to equip with knowledge and skills to undertake an independent research project, applying rigorous research methods to explore contemporary business challenges, opportunities and trends. As a significant component of the postgraduate program, the Capstone enables students to integrate their learning by developing a research proposal, conducting a critical literature review, applying appropriate research methodologies, and analysing findings.

This module aims to provide an in-depth understanding of global hospitality and tourism from social science and business perspectives, with a focus on both the UK (specifically London) and international contexts. Students will explore key theories, industry trends, challenges and opportunities and learn how to link global strategies with local contexts. Emphasis will be placed on sustainable practices, equipping students with the skills to address environmental and social impacts while fostering long-term resilience and growth in the sector.

This module aims to equip students with the theoretical foundations and practical skills needed to lead effectively, manage diverse global teams, and develop strategic initiatives that drive innovation and professional practice in tourism and hospitality contexts. Emphasising human resource management (HRM), equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and the wellbeing of employees, customers and self, it will cover topics including crisis management, organisational resilience, collaboration, negotiation and networking. Students will be prepared to professionally address complex challenges and embrace inclusive, competitive, and innovative opportunities within the industry.

Students will learn the fundamentals of starting a business, including opportunity identification, business model development and financial planning. The module covers critical aspects of growing a business, such as scaling strategies, strategic partnerships and market expansion. It also addresses the importance of consumer psychology, helping students understand customer behaviours, preferences and trends that influence purchasing decisions in hospitality and tourism settings. In addition, the module explores digital applications in marketing, enabling students to effectively use social media, e-commerce platforms, and digital marketing tools to enhance brand presence and customer engagement.

Focusing on the key aspects of managing natural and man-made visitor attractions across the globe, with an emphasis on governance, interpretation, marketing, legal and operational issues of opening attractions to the public whist providing a quality visitor experience. Students will learn targeting and positioning of attractions and events, funding, health and safety legislation, creative innovation, sustainability, and visitor management drawing on fieldtrips to attractions in the region and international case studies. Areas covered include, managing visitor flow, and leveraging digital tools to create engaging and memorable attractions and events that drive visitor economy.

Examining the interplay between cultural tourism and the creative industries, this module spotlights how cultural assets and creative practices can drive tourism development. Students will explore the role of culture, heritage and creative industries in creating unique visitor experiences, as well as the economic and social benefits these activities bring to destinations. The course combines theoretical and strategic approaches to the promotion of culture and creativity in tourism, with a focus on sustainability, community engagement and the preservation of cultural identity. Through case studies and projects, students will learn to develop innovative strategies that integrate cultural and creative elements to enhance tourism offerings and strengthen local identity and culture.

This module explores emerging trends in the hospitality and tourism sectors, focusing on diverse and evolving types of tourism. Students will examine areas such as destination management, medical tourism, culinary tourism, eco-tourism, wellness tourism and sports tourism, as well as innovative hospitality concepts. The module highlights how these trends are shaping the industry, emphasising the importance of adapting to new demands, sustainability practices and unique visitor experiences. Through case studies and practical examples, students will gain insights into the opportunities and challenges of managing these niche sectors, equipping them to develop strategies that drive growth and innovation. 

*Professional Experience is available to full-time students enrolled on the 24-month Professional Experience programme at the London campus. This includes the opportunity to undertake a 12-month placement. If a placement is not secured, or if students are missing up to 30 taught credits, they can instead complete the Business Transformation Project module.

We are regularly reviewing and updating our programmes to ensure you have the best learning experience. We are taking what we have learnt during the pandemic and enhancing our teaching methods with new and innovative ways of learning.

We aim to model a wide range of teaching strategies and approaches on the course which you can adapt to your own setting.

How is the MSc International Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management  taught?

Teaching methods on this programme will enhance your employability; the external visits and the field trip will expose you to hospitality and event management professionals. All modules use international case studies so as to apply their knowledge to contemporary issues. The programme aims to engage in blended learning making use of online resources and techniques. There is a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminar discussions group debates, field trips, podcasts, private study all of which together aim to give you a variety of approaches and experiences.

How we'll teach you

You'll attend workshops, seminars, lectures and talks by guest speakers, and further your understanding through online class discussions and work on case studies.

In your own time, you'll use online learning resources and do your own research, directed reading and independent study. There will be some sessions on research methods.

Some coursework and research will be done in groups and you will work on your own International Business Management Project.

The course is delivered by our academics in person and via digital platforms. Our learning activities include lectures, presentations, webinars, one-to-one tutorials and group projects.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience. Your personal tutor will support you with help and advice throughout your studies.

Where will I study?

Our Hendon campus, north London.

Teaching vs independent study

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Timetable

Your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study. We aim to make your timetable available at least 2 weeks before you the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week looks like this:

Learning terms

FT: Full-time

PT: Part-time

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Zoom or MS Teams, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

You have a strong support network available to you to make sure you develop all the necessary academic skills you need to do well on your course.

Our support services will be delivered online and on campus and you have access to a range of different resources so you can get the help you need, whether you’re studying at home or have the opportunity to come to campus.

You have access to one to one and group sessions for personal learning and academic support from our library and IT teams, and our network of learning experts. Our teams will also be here to offer financial advice, and personal wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Your knowledge, understanding and skills required by this program’s learning outcomes will be assessed by a range of methods including digital poster design and presentation, digital portfolio analysing real-world cases, developing a Business plan, designing and creating new tourism products, critically evaluating current cultural and creative tourism development, reflecting on industry-related field trips, and applying Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management theories and concepts to conduct a research work.