Sustainable Tourism & Event Management - Galway & Sligo

Course Overview

Make your mark on the world. Choose sustainable tourism and event management.



As a destination, Ireland is a world leader in terms of tourism and events. But in a changing world, we need to revisit and redefine how we deliver tourism and events, not just in Ireland, but globally. We all know why sustainability is important. With the ATU online Certificate in Sustainable Tourism and Event Management, you will learn how to embrace and embed sustainability in your tourism and event organisations and at a broader destination level.



This online programme is unique with its focus on both the tourism and event industries. These industries are at the core of who we are as people, and we are looking forward to working with learners who are passionate about tourism and events and creating unforgettable experiences.



With the increasing legislation and consumer demands for more ethical and sustainable practices, all destinations and organisations need to upskill to respond to these developments. As we work together to achieve sustainable development goals in 2030 and beyond, this programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a leader in the exciting world of sustainable tourism and event management.



The online programme is designed to fit the needs of busy and aspiring leaders in tourism and event organisations. We will support those in public sector roles, or the private sector, be they individuals, organisations or destinations who are striving to be leaders in their sustainability journey. Together, we will learn about developing sustainable tourism and event experiences, minimise environmental impact, and create events that leave a positive impact.



Industry Experts, Real-world Projects, and a Global Perspective:

• The programme will be delivered by faculty members who are industry leaders in sustainability, tourism and event management.

• Real-world projects will allow you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting to benefit your own organisation, research interest or destination.

• We will adopt a global perspective that prepares you for a career anywhere in the world.



You’ll gain expertise in:

• Strategic Planning and Policy

• Measuring and monitoring tourism and event impacts

• Sustainable Experiential and Engagement Marketing



Irelands tourism and hospitality sector is central to the vitality of the Irish economy and accordingly, to address skills shortage issues further development of third-level courses is required. Managing, monitoring and measurement are key leadership competencies required to steer the tourism and event industries at this time of change as businesses, society and customers demand sustainable futures.



Who Should Apply?

The learner profile for this award is expected to be those working in or towards a management/business role looking to upskill with the aim of personal development and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of their sustainable tourism and event management competencies. In addition to industry professionals, this programme is also intended for suitable graduates progressing from the undergraduate level who wish to focus on tourism and event management. This course will allow learners to develop relevant skills and knowledge that can help unlock their potential when they proceed to the next stage of their careers.

Semester 1:

Sustainable Tourism and Events Impact Management (M) 5 ECTS

Strategic Planning and Policy for Tourism and Event Management (M) 5 ECTS

Sustainable Experiential and Engagement Marketing (M) 5 ECTS



(M) = Mandatory

Candidates must hold a Level 8 Bachelor of Business degree with a minimum grade classification of H2.2 in tourism, event, hospitality, business, marketing, or other related business discipline.



Candidates who do not meet the H2.2 performance standard in a Level 8 award will be required to apply through ATUs Recognition of Prior and Experiential Learning (RPEL) process.

Application Closing Date: 15th August 2025.



To apply please see "Application Weblink" above.

1 semester part-time online.



Recommended Study Hours per week

The taught module will typically have 1-hour live lecture on one evening per week. Students will be expected to engage in an additional 4 to 6 hours of independent learning each week for each module. Typically, there will also be face-to-face workshops twice in the semester but details of these will be highlighted at the start of the academic year.

Start Date: September 2025.

Careers

Become a leader in the future of tourism and events. Make a difference while creating unforgettable experiences.



This programme is designed to enhance a learner’s career prospects in the tourism and events management industry.



Employment opportunities are available in the private or public sector and learners may decide to pursue entrepreneurial initiatives for self-employment. Graduates in tourism and events are much sought after, and the skills developed are transferable internationally and from one aspect of the industry to another.



This requires the learner to study tourism and event management modules throughout the programme. The outcomes of the programme will provide the student with knowledge and skills for performing effectively at a high level in the sector. While the programme will be of interest to a wide and varied audience in tourism, event management and business fields, the specific career and career advancement opportunities that the award would support include at a minimum:



• Sustainable Tourism Officer

• Tourism Sustainability Manager

• Sustainability Communications Officer

• Sustainability & Climate Action Consultant

• Sustainability Policy Specialist

• Destination Marketing Director

• Experiential Marketing Specialist

• Marketing Events Manager

• PR & Events Executive

• Event Production Specialist

• Venue Operations Manager

• Green event planner



Progression

When you complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management the learner can decide to proceed to study for the Master of Science in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management and / or a PhD at ATU.



The Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management is part of the suite of postgraduate Tourism and Event Management programmes offered by ATU. This suite of programmes consists of:

• The MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management can be completed online in 2 years part-time. Learners who have completed the two certificates/postgraduate certificate can choose to complete a dissertation or capstone project to achieve their masters qualification.



• The Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management can be completed online over 1 academic year (2 semesters).



• The Certificate in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management and the Certificate in Sustainable Tourism & Event Measuring and Monitoring can each be completed part-time online over 1 semester.



This suite of programmes allows the learner to tailor their own learning path – learners can choose to register for the MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management from the start of their studies or to progress from a Certificate to PG Certificate and then onto the Masters, as suits their learning needs. Please refer to the individual webpages for further details on each programme.