| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Global Sustainable Tourism MSc program at Ulster University equips professionals with specialized knowledge and practical skills in sustainable tourism management. Through a block structure, students explore topics such as global issues, sustainability reporting, and data analytics. The program culminates in a dissertation or capstone project, empowering graduates to become leaders in responsible and environmentally-conscious tourism development.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Global Sustainable Tourism - MSc
Summary:
This program aims to equip current and aspiring professionals in the tourism industry with specialized knowledge and practical understanding of how tourism management theory informs professional practice, promoting sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism operations.
Objective:
To empower graduates to become leaders in sustainable tourism development and management, contributing to a more responsible and environmentally-conscious tourism industry.
Program Description:
The program is delivered through a block structure, allowing for full-time or part-time study, catering to working professionals. It covers a wide range of topics related to sustainable tourism, including:
- Global Issues in Sustainable Tourism: This module explores sustainable tourism from wider perspectives of policy, planning, development, and management.
- Fundamentals of Sustainable Management: This focuses on the critical aspects of sustainability within business operations.
- Sustainability Reporting and Governance: This delves into sustainability reporting requirements and the role of good governance in achieving sustainability targets.
- Operationalizing Sustainable Tourism: Students explore the practical application of sustainable tourism principles within the industry.
- Data Analytics for Sustainable Tourism: Equips students to analyze tourism data and utilize it to address sustainability challenges.
- Leadership and Professional Development: This focuses on developing emotional intelligence, resilience, and effective coaching and mentoring skills, alongside ethical leadership practices.
- The program culminates in a Dissertation or Capstone Management Project, allowing students to either conduct research on a chosen topic related to sustainable tourism or undertake a management-focused project related to the field.
Outline:
Program content:
- Year 1:
- Semester 1: Global Issues in Sustainable Tourism, Fundamentals of Sustainable Management.
- Semester 2: Sustainability Reporting and Governance, Operationalising Sustainable Tourism.
- Year 2:
- Semester 1: Data Analytics for Sustainable Tourism.
- Semester 2: Leadership and Professional Development, Dissertation or Capstone Management Project (completed in Semester 3).
Structure:
Block delivery with modules taught in 3-day sessions (usually Wednesday-Friday).
- Course Schedule: Modules delivered every 4 weeks during each semester (3 semesters total), with additional half-day learning sets for tutorial support and assessment preparation.
Individual Modules:
Year 1:
- Global Issues in Sustainable Tourism: Examines sustainable tourism through the lens of policy, development, and management, focusing on over-tourism and aligning development with environmental considerations.
- Fundamentals of Sustainable Management: Explores the drivers, challenges, and trends of sustainability within business operations, emphasizing ethical decision-making, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.
- Semester 2
- Sustainability Reporting and Governance: Focuses on sustainability reporting requirements, good corporate governance, and managing sustainability-related risks, opportunities, and targets.
- Operationalising Sustainable Tourism: This module explores the implementation of sustainable practices within tourism, considering economic, environmental and socio-cultural aspects, with a focus on circular economy and social equity.
Year 2
- Semester 1:
- Semester 2:
- Leadership and Professional Development: This focuses on developing emotional intelligence, resilience, effective coaching, mentoring, and ethical leadership skills.
Dissertation/Capstone Project:
Students can choose to undertake either a research-based dissertation on a chosen topic or a management-oriented project related to sustainable tourism.
Assessment:
Assessment methods:
- Written reports
- Essays
- Short synopsis
- Analysis of case studies
- Individual and/or group presentations
- No formal exams.
Teaching
Teaching methods:
- Traditional lectures
- Case studies
- Workshops
- Guest lectures
- Site visits to relevant tourism destinations
- Teaching staff: Highly qualified academics with expertise in their fields and Fellowship or Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Careers
- Career options:
- Leadership positions in sustainable tourism organizations
- Management roles in tourism businesses with a strong focus on sustainability
- Policy and research roles in government agencies or NGOs dedicated to tourism development
- Consulting opportunities in the sustainable tourism sector
Ulster University
Overview:
Ulster University is a public university in Northern Ireland with campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, Derry~Londonderry, and a dedicated Sports Village. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research opportunities. The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation, ranking in the top 10% of UK universities for research impact.
Services Offered:
Ulster University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available at all campuses.Sports Services:
The university boasts a dedicated Sports Village with various facilities and memberships.Student Union:
The Ulster University Students' Union (UUSU) offers a variety of support services and social activities.Student Wellbeing:
The university provides support services for student mental health and well-being.Digital Services:
Students have access to online resources and services through the university portal.Library Services:
The university library offers a wide range of resources and support for learning, teaching, and research.Employability and Careers Advice:
The university provides guidance and support for students seeking employment opportunities.Global Partnerships:
The university offers opportunities for international students and partnerships with other institutions.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Ulster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:
Strong sense of community:
Each campus fosters a welcoming and supportive environment.Active student life:
UUSU organizes various social events, clubs, and societies.Access to facilities:
Students have access to modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and accommodation.Opportunities for personal development:
The university offers various programs and activities to enhance students' skills and well-being.Key Reasons to Study There:
High-quality education:
Ulster University offers a wide range of programs taught by experienced academics.Strong research focus:
The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation.Vibrant campus life:
Students can enjoy a diverse and engaging campus experience.Excellent support services:
The university provides comprehensive support services for students' academic and personal needs.Career-focused approach:
The university emphasizes employability and provides career guidance to students.Academic Programs:
Ulster University offers a wide range of academic programs across various faculties, including:
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Life and Health Sciences
Ulster University Business School
The university is particularly strong in areas such as:
Nursing and Healthcare
Business and Management
Engineering and Technology
Arts and Humanities
Other:
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
- Ulster University is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
- The university has a dedicated website for alumni and supporters.
- The university offers a range of online courses and resources.
Ulster University recognizes a range of qualifications for admission to its courses.
Specific Entry Requirements for the Global Sustainable Tourism MSc:
- Second-class honours degree or better: A second-class honours degree or better from a recognized university in the UK, Republic of Ireland, the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country deemed of equivalent standard.
- Equivalent qualifications: An equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma, an approved professional qualification, or another qualification deemed of equivalent standard.
- English language proficiency: Competence in written and spoken English to GCSE grade C or equivalent. Non-English speakers must demonstrate appropriate English ability for this level of study and provide evidence of English competence to IELTs 6.0.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants do not necessarily need a primary degree in a cognate area, but prior knowledge of studying tourism and/or business at an undergraduate level or relevant work experience may be beneficial.
- In exceptional circumstances, an individual with substantial and significant experiential learning may present a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee). This portfolio may be considered as an alternative entrance route.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Minimum English language requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. The information is presented in a clear and organized manner, enhancing the overall quality of the response.
