The postgraduate International Tourism and Hospitality Management course from Robert Gordon University has been designed in collaboration with industry, the Tourism Management Institute (TMI) and the Institute of Hospitality (IoH) and offers you the opportunity to gain professional expertise as well as an industry tailored and highly relevant Master’s degree.
The MSc International Tourism and Hospitality Management course at Robert Gordon University recognises the importance of tourism and hospitality to national and international economies and the need for enthusiastic, competent managers to lead and inform the projected growth of the industry. A key focus of the course is on the development of digital skills to manage, communicate and sell to the target customer.
If you are considering a postgraduate study option starting in September 2025 or January 2026, then please be aware application deadlines are in place which may affect your first choice of start date or course selection.
Stage 1
You will gain a thorough understanding and awareness of contemporary tourism and hospitality issues and learn how to plan and develop strategies within both domestic and international contexts. Your transferable skills of communication, teamwork and decision-making will be established.
Stage 2
You will continue to develop your specialist skills, in-depth knowledge and practical experience. You will present a written research proposal for submission, which will normally form the basis for the Master's dissertation or project. A four week period of professional industry experience is undertaken at the end of the taught modules.
Stage 3
You are given the opportunity to conduct a piece of substantive, independent, research in area of your own choosing within international tourism and hospitality. You can work with live-clients on industry focused projects or present a formal dissertation of 15,000 words.
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
On Campus Study
You will engage with the course through online and on campus learning materials, lectures, tutorials, industry-led workshops and live client projects. These comprise of a mix of group study, site visits, discussion, simulation and presentations of findings by teams and individuals.
Access to our virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle, is also provided giving you access from home to learning materials (including videos, e-books and journals).
Part Time On Campus Study
You will combines aspects of online learning and on-campus delivery. You will benefit from the support of CampusMoodle but also face-to-face interaction with tutors and classmates.
Activity Summary
Please note the below activity summary represents full-time on campus mode only, part-time mode will differ.
- Lectures - 15-40 students per group, 6 hours per week
- Tutorial - 15-20 students per group, 3 hours per week
- Project Supervision - 1 student per group, 0.5 hour per week
- Field Work - 1 hour per course
- External Visits - various hours per course
How long is an International Tourism and Hospitality Management course?
The International Tourism and Hospitality Management MSc can be successfully completed within 12 - 33 months.
Independent Study
The course requires you to become independent 'open learners' and take responsibility for when, where and how your learning occurs. You will spend approximately 10-20 hours per week working on your own, undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for group activities and researching and writing course reports.
Assessment
Please note the below assessment period represents full-time on campus mode only, part-time mode students will study the same number of assessments but over a three year period.
- 5 reports
- 1 dissertation
- 1 portfolio
- 1 project output
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Our teaching staff have very strong links to industry, with the core teaching staff being members of a number of influential industry bodies including Aberdeen City & Shire Hotel Associations, VisitAberdeenshire Tourism Forum and The Burn Education Retreat (Goodenough College). One staff member is a Scottish Representative of the Tourism Management Institute.
They are actively engaged in research which underpins the course development and delivery.
Other staff members include guest lecturers and senior industry professionals which provides you with the opportunity to learn first-hand from professionals about the practical challenges which you may face in your working lives. Many of our staff feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
You will have the opportunity to undertake a four-week period of professional industry experience in a tourism or hospitality role, which will enable you to put into practice the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course.
You will have access to our Placement Office, who will support you remotely in sourcing and validating a suitable position.
Past placements have within Tourism and Hospitality have been undertaken at The Mariner Hotel, AECC, Gleneagles, Tui Travel, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Menzies Aviation.
Job Prospects
Worldwide expenditure on hospitality and tourism is set to increase over the next 10 years with "1 in 10 workers on the planet employed as a result of Travel & Tourism" by 2021 (World Travel and Tourism Council). Growth such as this creates many opportunities for those equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge. On completion of this course you will be able to embark on a professional career in the international tourism and hospitality industry.
Is studying International Tourism and Hospitality Management a good career choice?
Previous graduates from this course have gone on to careers in areas such as:
- Contract Catering (national and international)
- Facilities Management (national and international)
- Tourism Management in National Tourist Boards, Regional Tourist Boards, Visitor Attractions
- Tourism Consultancy
- Hotel and Hospitality Consultancy
- National and International Hotel Organisations
- Tourism research
Find out moreRGUflex
What is needed for an MSc in International Tourism and Hospitality Management?
- Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in any subject area.
- Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £7600 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £2850 |
| Year 2 | £2850 | |
| Year 3 | £1900 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £7600 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £2850 |
| Year 2 | £2850 | |
| Year 3 | £1900 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £17410 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £6530 |
| Year 2 | £6530 | |
| Year 3 | £4350 | |
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £7380 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £2770 |
| Year 2 | £2770 | |
| Year 3 | £1840 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £7380 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £2770 |
| Year 2 | £2770 | |
| Year 3 | £1840 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £7380 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £2770 |
| Year 2 | £2770 | |
| Year 3 | £1840 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £16900 |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £6340 |
| Year 2 | £6340 | |
| Year 3 | £4220 | |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.