Tourism MSc

University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)

What is special about this course?

Recent worldwide developments have impacted our lives in every way. The tourism industry has never faced a greater global challenge or been in more need of skilled, focused expertise to guide it through these unprecedented times.

Developing the skills and resilience needed in such an environment as we find ourselves today is central to the MSc Tourism programme. You will concentrate on adapting to changing contexts, as framed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are being mainstreamed and adopted as an ‘international currency’ by different countries and nations, including Scotland.

Another key programme focus will be in developing and utilising meta-skills such as complex problem solving, critical thinking, communication, creativity and leadership. You will gain the benefit of observing and experiencing incremental progress and engaging with new tools and methods.

This fully online programme offers two specialised exit awards; the pathway you choose will depend on your own specific background and interests:

MSc Tourism
Travelling with a purpose will be the new tourism mindset. This pathway is for the tourism professional wanting to support communities, destinations and businesses in tourism, as part of the solution rather than the problem, for a sustainable and successful future.

MSc Tourism (Enterprise)
Tourism is a major part of the experience economy. This pathway is for the tourism professional wanting to create meaningful connections between operators and visitors, and ensure expenditure is directed to positive outcomes where quality of life matters.

Both pathways will help you develop and build on your specific interests and expertise, and gain practical, analytical, and highly transferable skills sought after by employers.

Special features

• The programme offers two pathways:
• MSc Tourism
• MSc Tourism (Enterprise)
• You can study online from anywhere in the UK or the world, giving you the flexibility to work around your schedule and lifestyle
• You will develop a strong portfolio of ideas, techniques, skills and templates to use as launch pads for yourself and others, in your current and future workplace: get things done and make a difference
• You can choose to study towards the career-enhancing qualifications of PgCert, PgDip or the full MSc degree, or take individual modules for personal or professional development
• You wil be encouraged to select assessments, topics and project work linked to your employment or career choices. In the full Masters you can also undertake project work at an advanced level.

Can I progress into further study?

The MSc Tourism provides excellent preparation and training for further advanced study (including PhD) in many areas of socio-economic, environmental and responsible tourism research.