Overview
Tourism and events play a crucial role in promoting destinations, driving social and economic development, and shaping global experiences.
As destinations increasingly adopt event-led strategies to enhance their visibility and reputation, demand is growing for professionals with expertise across both sectors. The global tourism and events industry continues to evolve as traveller expectations change and destinations compete to attract visitors, investment and international attention.
This creates exciting opportunities for graduates with the skills to understand, manage and respond to these challenges.
Our MSc International Tourism and Events Management course develops the strategic, analytical and practical management skills essential for success within the global tourism and events sectors.
You'll explore the relationship between tourism, events and destination development. You'll examine the strategies that shape successful destinations, visitor experiences and event programmes.
At GCU, learning goes beyond the classroom. You'll gain hands-on experience by organising live events, working on industry-led simulations, and engaging directly with professionals through guest lectures from experts across tourism, events and hospitality.
Glasgow and Scotland are recognised as leading tourism and event destinations. This creates opportunities to gain valuable industry experience while you study. Supported by our academics and careers team, you can volunteer and apply for paid roles across the tourism, events and hospitality sectors. Previous MSc students have gained experience at major events including the Commonwealth Games and UEFA European Championship.
You'll also build valuable industry connections through networking events and masterclasses. These feature professionals working in:
- destination management
- tourism consultancy
- event activation
- sports
- hospitality
- policy
- Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
As part of GCU's commitment to the Common Good, you'll be encouraged to consider the wider social, economic and environmental impact of tourism and events. This will help you develop the integrity, responsibility and professional awareness valued by organisations across the sector.
This combination of academic insight, industry engagement and real-world application will help you build the knowledge, experience and professional networks needed to pursue opportunities across the global tourism and events industry.
Why study International Tourism and Events Management at GCU?
- Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality and the Tourism Management Institute. This demonstrates industry relevance and professional recognition.
- Developed with tourism and events professionals. This ensures you'll gain the knowledge, skills and industry insight employers value.
- Apply theory in practice through live projects, event delivery opportunities and industry-led simulations. Gain valuable experience while you study.
- Build professional networks through guest speakers, networking events and masterclasses with experts from across the tourism and events sector.
- Study in Glasgow and Scotland, recognised as leading tourism and event destinations. Gain valuable industry experience through volunteering and paid opportunities.
Accreditations
What you will study
Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.
In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.
Careers
Global travel and tourism supports around one in 10 jobs worldwide and contributes approximately 10% of global GDP (WTTC, 2024-25). This course prepares you for a wide range of careers across tourism, events, hospitality and destination management, both in the UK and internationally.
Typical roles include:
- Event Manager
- Destination Marketing Executive
- Tourism Development Officer
- Conference and Exhibition Coordinator
- Visitor Experience Manager.
Graduates have gone on to work with organisations including:
- Hilton Worldwide
- Historic Environment Scotland
- VisitScotland
- Glasgow Life
- Marriott International
- Commonwealth Games
- Union of European Football Associations (UEFA )
- Davis Cup
- EXPO
- Olympics.
The programme's strong professional connections across local and international government agencies, tourism boards, destination management organisations, event agencies and private sector partners provide valuable opportunities to engage with the industry throughout your studies.
Through live projects, event delivery opportunities, industry-led simulations and networking events, you'll apply your learning to real tourism and events challenges. You'll plan and deliver events, respond to authentic industry scenarios and build valuable professional experience. These experiences help develop professional confidence, enhance your employability and demonstrate your ability to operate effectively in live industry settings.
Course information
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Download the programme specification
In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus of their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.
Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.
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