Tourism Management

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 12.7 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 21.5 k / Year(s)  
StudyQA ranking:4953 Duration:12 months

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This programme combines our expertise in tourism with the School’s overall focus on enterprise and innovation, making it perfect for those interested in managerial positions within the tourism industry.

With over 40 years of history, our MSc Tourism Management is one of the longest-established university programmes in tourism in the world. The programme takes a broad view of tourism management and explores issues and problem relevant to a wide range of situations and issues that managers and other professionals are likely to face.

You will develop academic skills and knowledge, learning approaches to management decision-making and critical evaluation. There is also a practical focus on the managerial and strategic issues in the rapidly developing tourism industry.

The programme’s intensive but generalist approach prepares you for a wide range of possible careers in travel and tourism. Our graduates often take up employment opportunities in official tourist organisations, transport, hotels, tour operating and travel agency companies, government and other organisations where knowledge of tourism management is important.

Why Surrey?

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is a world-leading centre of research and teaching, thanks to our top academics and unsurpassed connections with the hospitality and tourism industries. Postgraduate students from the School make an enormous contribution to the development of their respective subjects.

Module overview

The programme consists of six compulsory modules, two from a range of optional modules, and a dissertation.

Compulsory modules

Hospitality and Tourism Operating Systems

Provides an understanding of the way that hospitality operations function through the adoption of a systems approach. You will analyse a series of hospitality operations, identifying key systems and their interrelationships.

Tourism Management

Critically analyses the functions of management within tourism businesses, examines the structure and dynamics of the tourism industry and the operation of tourism businesses. It includes a one-day fieldtrip to Brighton.

Tourism Social Science

Examines the contribution of social science to the understanding of tourism and develops an appreciation of the complexities of tourism as an industry and a social phenomenon.

Tourism Strategy

You will understand, apply and critically evaluate strategic analysis for tourism organisations and destinations. You will be able to evaluate strategies, their appropriateness and the issues that will determine whether or not they are successful.

Visitor Attraction Management

Applies the core learning of the programme, including management, finance and organisational behaviour, to the specifics of visitor attraction management.

Research Methods

Introduces the process of research project formulation and the key elements of research design, preparing you to execute your research study for your dissertation in a systematic and scientific manner.

Optional modules

Destination Management and Marketing

Develops a critical appreciation of the key principles, concepts and techniques associated with destination management and marketing, as well as an understanding of the connection between theory and practice.

Financial Management

Provides the foundations for understanding, analysing and interpreting financial information, and enables you to apply accounting principles and financial theory across management disciplines and organisations.

Innovation in Tourism

Innovation is regarded as vital for the development of tourism organisations, destinations and the tourism sector in general. You will explore the importance and the dynamic nature of innovation in tourism. You will critically reflect on contemporary strategies, concepts and ideas that currently shape tourism practices. This module also deals with the factors that facilitate or inhibit innovation, as well as future trends in tourism innovation.

Project Management

Develops a practical understanding and ability to plan and manage a small to medium-sized project to its successful conclusion.

Sustainable Tourism

Tourism can only exist in the long term upon a sustainable resource base, but also faces short-term demands for profits in a challenging market. You will investigate its evolution, growth and future, and the complexities involved.

Tourism Development

Examines tourism policies, tourism development plans and regulatory mechanisms in a variety of locations and political structures internationally.

Tourism Services Marketing

This introduction to marketing module is divided into two distinct elements: the principles of marketing, and the tourism-specific application of marketing.

Fieldtrips

Tourism fieldtrip to Cambridge

The Destination Management and Marketing module includes a three-day fieldtrip to Cambridge. It incorporates guest lecture sessions from local and regional destination marketing organisations, as well as a city and college tour. Additionally, you will gain first-hand experience of addressing a specific research problem and conducting marketing research. Insights gained from the field experience are channelled back into producing a theoretical report.

Fieldtrip to Brighton

As part of the Tourism Management module, you will participate in a one-day fieldtrip to Brighton. The fieldtrip includes a talk and Q&A session with the Director of VisitBrighton and a guided tour led by a ‘Blue Badge Guide’.

During the fieldtrip, you will evaluate the portfolio of tourism attractions and infrastructure in Brighton, and examine issues related to destination rejuvenation and development, and the role of meetings and conferences in destination development and management.

Other fieldtrips

Further fieldtrips include visits to Guildford Cathedral and an attraction of the Merlin Entertainment Group.

Applicants should normally hold a Bachelors degree (UK 2.1 or above) or equivalent qualification from a recognised British or overseas university.Relevant work experience could be an additional benefit where applicants have not reached the standard entry requirements, although it is not an admissions requirement for this particular degree programme. Higher level professional qualifications may also be accepted. Each applicant is assessed on their own merit.English language requirementsIELTS minimum overall: 6.5 IELTS minimum by component: 6.0We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

Surrey and Santander Scholarships

The University of Surrey are pleased to offer three scholarship schemes aimed at further enhancing our cultural diversity:

  • Surrey Country Scholarships
  • Santander Country Scholarships
  • Santander University Scholarships

Tullow Oil Scholarship Scheme

The University of Surrey is delighted to announce it has recently been selected to participate in the Tullow Oil Scholarship Scheme.

Indonesia-UK DIKTI Scholarship Scheme

Open to lecturers and administrative staff at Indonesian universities.

Discounts for Surrey graduates

Thinking of continuing your education at Surrey? As an alumni of Surrey you could be eligible for a 10% discount on our Taught Masters programme fees.

Accreditation

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

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