International Tourism & Hospitality Management with Advanced Practice

Do you want to work in the 21st century’s fastest growing industry? Are you looking for a diverse career with global opportunities? Our MSc International Tourism & Hospitality Management is your ticket to a world of opportunities.



Ulster University is ranked 2nd in the UK for Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism (The Guardian University Guide 2024). Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality, this qualification is recognised worldwide for international employment.



As the global tourism and hospitality industry evolves and the local industry transforms, innovative, creative and professional people are needed to drive it forward - this could be you. Working in partnership with industry experts we have created a relevant and practical course meaning you will graduate industry ready with the skills employers are looking for. Our modules encourage collaboration and forward thinking with the opportunity to share ideas and experience with a diverse network of international students.



From a manager of a boundary pushing hotel, or a customer experience manager at a world famous attraction to a marketer in a national tourism office or creator of the next digital tourism operator there are endless career opportunities for those who complete this course. Whatever you dream of becoming in this diverse and exciting sector, this course will lead you one step closer to making it a reality.



With all assessment coursework based, you will cover topics such as, key industry principles, strategic marketing, managing and leading people, business sustainability and innovation as well as exploring contemporary issues facing the sector.



By choosing the Advanced Practice option you will complete either an internship or an applied consulting project, working with an industry sector partner. This will enable you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real life organisational setting providing you with invaluable work experience. It will enhance your employability and career prospects by building your confidence in a business environment, providing you with tangible experience and allowing you to network and showcase your skills to potential employers.



Conversion Course

Are you looking to pivot your career or expand your expertise?

This programme provides the perfect opportunity to transfer your skills to a different sector with no need to have a background in the subject area.



View all our conversion courses and find out how they can benefit you.



The course starts with a 3-day induction period to introduce you to your new network of students and staff.



All modules are taught in 3 day blocks (usually Wed-Fri 9-5) so you can fit your learning around your lifestyle. Classes are taught both online and at the Belfast campus.



One module is delivered approximately every 4 weeks during each semester (4 semesters in total) with three half day Learning Sets (tutorial learning support) per module to allow you to meet with your tutors and student groups to develop your assessed work.



The calendar of scheduled teaching will be made available to you prior to you starting the course.



You will progress onto this advanced practice pathway on completing the six taught modules prior to the Dissertation. You will complete the course in 21 months across 5 semesters: this equates to 2 semesters to complete the six taught modules; a summer semester break; 1 semester to complete the Advanced Practice Pathway (either the Internship & Professional Development or Applied Consultancy Project) and 1 semester to complete the Dissertation.



Work placement / study abroad

By choosing the Advanced Practice option, you will complete either an internship or an applied consulting project, working with an industry sector partner. This will enable you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real life organisational setting providing you with invaluable work experience. It will enhance your employability and career prospects by building your confidence in a business environment, providing you with tangible experience and allowing you to network and showcase your skills to potential employers.



Professional recognition

Institute of Hospitality (IoH)

Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality that academic, vocational and professional standards achieved are appropriate and programme content and delivery meet international Institute of Hospitality benchmark standards.

Year 1

Semester 1

• Tourism & Hospitality Principles

• Strategic Marketing

• Managing & Leading People



Semester 2

• Contemporary Issues in Tourism & Hospitality

• Business Sustainability & Innovation

• Research Methods



Year 2

Semester 1

• Advanced Practice

• Dissertation

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 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.



An interview may form part of the selection process.



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 Tier 4 visa purposes.



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

Full-time Postgraduate course. You will complete the course in 21 months across 5 semesters.

Start dates:

September 2025

January 2026

Career options

This internationally recognised course will provide you with the diverse knowledge and skills needed to operate across the industry within a vibrant and diverse range of sectors from business and non-profits to sport, arts, music and hospitality.



You could find yourself working within event management companies, in-house for an organisation or freelance organising large or small events ranging from personal events like weddings and parties, through to business to consumer (B2C) events like festivals and business to business (B2B) events like conferences and exhibitions.



Whether you are currently working in the industry and want to progress your career to management level or are a recent graduate who wants to enter the sector for the first time the knowledge and skills learned will equip you for working in a diverse range of job roles.



The Advanced Practice will give you the opportunity to work with industry teams developing your practical skills and getting you one step ahead when it comes to employment. Graduating both with a degree and demonstrable practical experience this advanced study will develop your global citizenship, analytical, presentation, entrepreneurial and evaluation skills – what employers are looking for in both the business and leisure event sector.