Course Overview
Course summary
Tourism is an increasingly important part of our lives, and the tourism industry is one of the few global industries forecast to grow in the long term. Managing this rapidly growing industry to meet visitors' demands in a sustainable way is exciting and challenging. This long-established course will give you the knowledge, analytical abilities and skills you need to make a career as a tourism professional.
Annual student feedback for this course is very positive, with teaching, staff contact and course content receiving particular praise. This reflects the teaching team's efforts to provide a valuable and effective course as well as a supportive, friendly and stimulating environment for your studies.
Members of the teaching team have published academic texts used by students of tourism at many UK universities. You'll benefit from access to these texts and the insights of these authors. Furthermore, staff teaching on the course are active researchers, and their teaching is informed by both their own research and their engagement with industry.
You'll learn about the nature and characteristics of tourism and explore how it can be marketed, managed and planned, examining cases from around the world. Your management and entrepreneurial skills will be developed to assist you in finding employment in many different parts of this dynamic and growing industry.
A range of option modules allows you to focus on your particular interests, and to explore the links between the different aspects of tourism. A dissertation gives you the chance to apply your learning to develop in-depth, specialist knowledge of a tourism topic of your choice.
Top reasons to study with us
- Central London location – You'll study in the heart of London, one of the world's leading tourism destinations, with access to an extraordinary range of major tourist attractions and tourism-based businesses
- Learn from experts – You'll be taught by a teaching team with specialist knowledge in tourism and related disciplines, who are also active researchers. Visiting industry speakers also bring additional expertise and industry experience to the course
- Site visits and field trips – Site visits, incorporated into your studies, allow you to explore a wide variety of aspects of the tourism industry. A residential field trip to a UK destination is also offered to enhance your knowledge and understanding
Course climate action statement
This course will promote understanding essential to accelerate climate action in the tourism and events sector. We will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and practical responses to help mitigate the risks of ecological and social disruptions, and to share your learning when entering employment.
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.
You'll be able to choose three option modules, a selection of which are listed below. Please note that we cannot guarantee all option modules will run each year, as availability will depend on demand.
Core modules
This module evaluates destination development strategies, exploring alternative destination management structures and discusses the role of destination planning in limiting the negative impacts of tourism. Using a case study approach you will be challenged to explore the different scenarios and challenges used by tourism destinations around the globe.
This module provides an opportunity to choose a subject that interests you, and to investigate it rigorously and in depth. With the support of an academic supervisor you will prepare and implement a research plan in order to complete an in-depth piece work which offers new insights and understanding relevant to tourism.
This module develops an understanding and knowledge of the essential communication and research skills needed for academic life and professional practice. It provides guidance on communicating, analytically and creatively, in the written form, digitally, orally and visually. You will also develop the key skills needed for the successful completion of a research project, as well as developing your abilities for professional problem-solving and decision-making.
This module will help you develop a critical awareness and thorough understanding of the particular characteristics of the tourism industry and the broader implications of tourism development. You will examine the role, operation and interdependence of the various components of the tourism industry.
This module examines the use of marketing by tourism business and destinations, emphasis on the marketing mix, segmentation and the use of digital marketing for tourism communications. The module also considers entrepreneurial practices and financial management in order to enhance your commercial awareness.
Option modules
The module explores the demand for air travel and prospects for the future. You will evaluate the economic and commercial performance of airline and airport operators, as well as examining the broader impacts of air travel on the economy and the environment.
This module uses global events as examples through which we can better understand the strategic management of sports events and cultural festivals. You will analyse the different ways that events are produced and consumed internationally, examining the influence of globalisation. You will also explore the relationship between events and host cities, critiquing debates regarding the capacity of global events to define and regenerate places
This module introduces you to strategic management and develops an understanding of your own professional skills through industry practice via either a team consultancy project for, or a research work placement in the tourism and/or events industry. Building on your existing knowledge, and reflecting on and transforming your professional skills, you will examine a current issue on behalf of your industry partner.
The requirement for tourism and event businesses to operate sustainably, in the broadest sense, is now stronger than ever and for aspiring professionals, grounding in responsible practice has become a necessity. This module explores the founding principles of ‘responsibility’ in event and tourism management and considers the range of contexts for sustainable practice from both an industry and stakeholder perspective. Domestic and international examples are used in order to illustrate the different contexts and applications. The module addresses four key aspects: responsible business practice; improving the quality of life of host communities; conserving the local environment and local culture; and sustainable design. Students will gain detailed subject knowledge and understanding on the planning and implementation of responsible practices and also be encouraged to develop their evaluative skills when analysing existing policy and practice.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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Open evenings
Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
Graduates of this course have gone on to establish careers in a wide variety of fields around the world, including national and regional tourism organisations, marketing roles with transport organisations such as airlines and tourism destinations, and working for companies specialising in business tourism.
Excellent career prospects
Pursuing a Master's in Tourism Management opens up diverse and exciting career opportunities across various sectors. These include hotel and resort management, travel consultancy, destination marketing and management, public relations, tourism operations and travel agencies, government and public sector roles, technology and innovation in tourism, international organizations and NGOs, and the cruise industry, in addition to academic and research opportunities. This course will equip you with crucial employability skills such as communication, leadership and management, cultural awareness, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Industry links
We have a well-established network of professional local and international links to help you prepare for a career managing tourism experiences and events.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Hotel and Resort Management
- Resort Operations Manager
- Guest Relations Manager
- Travel Consultancy
- Travel Consultant
- Tour Package Designer
- Destination Marketing and Management
- Tourism Development Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Tourism Operations and Travel Agencies
- Tour Operator
- Travel Planner
- Government and Public Sector Roles
- Visitor Economy Policy Advisor
- Community Development Officer
- Technology and Innovation in Tourism
- Travel Technology Specialist
- E-commerce Manager for Travel
- Virtual Tour Developer
- International Organizations and NGOs
- Tourism Development Consultant
- Sustainable Tourism Coordinator
- Academic and Research Opportunities
- Tourism Researcher
- Academic Advisor for Tourism Programs
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have gone on to work at:
- Airlines (e.g., British Airways, Emirates)
- Booking agencies (e.g., Expedia, Booking.com)
- Destination marketing organisations (e.g., VisitBritain, VisitCornwall)
- Global hotel companies (e.g., Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt)
- Independent travel agents
- Travel Tech Companies (e.g., TripAdvisor, Airbnb)
- Tour operators (e.g., TUI Group, Intrepid Travel)
- International Organizations (e.g., UNWTO, World Travel & Tourism Council)
- Cruise Lines (e.g., Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line)
- Government Departments and Boards
- Universities, Research Institutes
Guest speakers
You'll also learn from guest speakers who bring additional expertise and industry experience to the course. Previous speakers have come from the following organisations:
- VisitBritain
- London & Partners
- Destination Management/ Marketing Organisations
- Local Government Association (LGA)
- Camden Council and Westminster City Council
- London Neighborhoods Forums
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Dimah Ajeeb
Senior Lecturer
Dimah is a Senior Lecturer in Architecture, Urban Design, Regional Planning and Tourism. She is a member of the School of Architecture and Cities Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee and has been awarded the Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) through the Professional Recognition and Enhancement Scheme for Teaching (PRESTige).
Dimah holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a PGDip in Urban Design and Physical Planning from the State University of New York. Both are fully accredited by the American Planning Association. Her PhD research is on the UK’s political economy and its implications on the wider governance and financial arrangements. Dimah currently works in architectural design, urban design, and planning consultation since 2006.
At Westminster, you're not just studying tourism and events—you're immersed in it. Our MA courses offer unparalleled insights and experience into these vibrant sectors, which influence people and places
Course Team
- Dr Helen Farrell - Assistant Head of School
- Dr Rutendo Musikavanhu - Senior Lecturer
- Dimah Ajeeb - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Stroma Cole - Reader
- Professor Anne Graham - Professor of Air Transport and Tourism Management
- Josef Jammerbund - Lecturer
- Lindsey Hanford - Senior Lecturer
- Clare Inkson - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Maja Jovic - Assistant Head of School
- Chiara Orefice - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Ilaria Pappalepore - Reader
- Professor Andrew Smith - Reader
- Dr Nancy Stevenson - PTVL - DCDI
Why study this course?
Learn from experts
You'll be taught by research-active staff with specialist knowledge in tourism and related disciplines. Visiting industry speakers also bring additional expertise and industry experience to the course.
Central London location
You'll study in the heart of London, one of the world's leading tourism destinations, with access to an extraordinary range of major tourist attractions and tourism-based businesses.
Site visits and field trips
Site visits, incorporated into your studies, allow you to explore a wide variety of aspects of the tourism industry. A residential field trip to a UK destination is also offered to enhance your learning experience and knowledge.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1). Applicants with a lower second class honours degree (2:2) are required to submit an essay. Exceptionally, an applicant without these formal qualifications but with considerable work experience in tourism or related industries may be accepted at the discretion of the Course Leader.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1). Applicants with a lower second class honours degree (2:2) are required to submit an essay. Exceptionally, an applicant without these formal qualifications but with considerable work experience in tourism or related industries may be accepted at the discretion of the Course Leader.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
What our students say
Shakila Parizad
Tourism Management MA - 2024
One of the best things about studying at the University of Westminster as an international student is the feeling of belonging. The support provided in all aspects, from academic to mental health and wellbeing, makes me feel less alone while far from my home country.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
MORE 2023 Degree Show
MORE is an annual exhibition of our postgraduate students' thesis projects. It showcases students’ talent, creativity, and strategic work. You can see the latest online collection at MORE 2023.
Image: student work by Shada Elmagri
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £10,700 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
The fee includes the cost of a residential field trip. The fee is reviewed annually so actual charges may vary. You'll be advised of any changes ahead of the trip.
International tuition fee: £17,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
The fee includes the cost of a residential field trip. The fee is reviewed annually so actual charges may vary. You'll be advised of any changes ahead of the trip.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2022/23
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about our research group related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
In the heart of London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.
Marylebone Campus is opposite Baker Street tube station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.
For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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