Global Sustainable Tourism

Overview

The MSc in Global Sustainable Tourism is aimed at current and prospective managers across the tourism industry, providing them with specialist in-depth knowledge and practical understanding of how tourism and management theory informs professional practice, enabling the industry to aspire to be sustainable, more resilient and inclusive in how it operates. The course is taught in a block structure to allow for full-time study as well as part-time study for those working in the industry. Ulster University is ranked 1st in the UK for Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism (The Guardian University Guide 2025).

F/T Programme

Semester 1

Global Issues in Sustainable Tourism

Data Analytics for Sustainable Tourism

Fundamentals of Sustainable Management



Semester 2

Sustainability Reporting and Governance

Leadership and Professional Development

Operationalising Sustainable Tourism



Semester 3

Dissertation or Capstone Management Project



P/T programme

Year 1

Semester 1

Global Issues in Sustainable Tourism

Fundamentals of Sustainable Management



Semester 2

Sustainability Reporting and Governance

Operationalising Sustainable Tourism



Year 2

Semester 1

Data Analytics for Sustainable Tourism



Semester 2

Leadership and Professional Development

Dissertation or Capstone Management Project (completed in semester 3)

Applicants must normally have gained:

A second-class honours degree or better from a recognised university of the UK, Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or



An equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved professional qualification or other qualification; and



Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English to GCSE grade C or equivalent. Non-English speakers must demonstrate that English ability is appropriate for studying at this level and provide evidence of English competence to IELTs 6.0.



Applicants do not have to hold their primary degree in a cognate area, but prior knowledge of studying tourism and/or business at an undergraduate level or relevant work experience may be beneficial.



In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for UKVI visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements

• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Do you have another qualification awarded by Ulster University or by another university or other educational institution, or have evidence of accreditation of prior learning?



These may be considered for exemption from part of the programme, provided you register as a student at Ulster University for modules amounting to at least the final third of the credit value of the award at the highest level.



What exemptions can I get?

The Course Director can advise candidates as to the eligibility of their accredited course.



How do I apply for exemptions?

When accepted on the course, you are asked to complete an exemptions form, which is reviewed by the Course Director and exemptions are then agreed during the induction process.



Exemption is not permitted from the dissertation or management project.

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

The programme is designed for those current working in the tourism and allied travel sector to upskill their specialist and management knowledge, helping to inform tourism policy both at a local and national level. For international students taking this degree, the specialist tourism and management knowledge received will be integral to enable better tourism policy in their home country regarding how it is planned, developed and managed in the present day and near future.