International Destination Management Master's Degree - MSc/PgD/PgC

The MSc International Destination Management will be awarded on successful completion of 180 credits: 100 credits of compulsory taught modules, one optional module (20 credits) and a project module (60 credits).

The Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) can be awarded following the successful completion of 60 credits of taught modules.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) can be awarded following the successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules.

Compulsory taught modules (20 credits each):

• Managing Cultural Dimensions of the Global Business
• Critical Concepts in Destination Management
• Destination Marketing
• Research Skills for Professional Practice
• Developing Quality Destinations

You can tailor your learning further with optional modules from our MSc International Hotel and Hospitality Management or MSc International Events Management, gaining insight into the interconnected worlds of tourism, hospitality and events.

Choose one optional module (20 credits):

• Contemporary Global Issues in Hospitality
• Event Experience, Design and Management
• Entrepreneurial Decision Making for Destination, Hospitality & Events
• Professional Practice

Choose one final project module (60 credits):

• Internship Project *
• Dissertation
• Enterprise Project
• Consultancy Project

* Select Internship Project if you’re following the MSc International Destination Management (with Internship) pathway. You will undertake a 48-week placement at the end of your two semesters of taught modules. See internship terms and conditions below.

If you’re an international student who’s accepted onto the MSc International Destination Management with internship pathway, you will be given a 2-year student visa. The internship pathway is subject to fulfilment of terms and conditions.

To be eligible for progression onto the internship element of the programme, you will be required to meet all of the following conditions:

• Maintain regular and consistent attendance in the first and second terms.
• Have no outstanding tuition fees.
• Seek and secure your own appropriate, relevant industry placement. The placement will need to be formally approved via a Tri-party agreement and approved by the set deadline (further information will be provided once enrolled at the University).
• You will secure a data gathering agreement with your industry placement if applicable.
• Pay the placement fee on time.
• Retrieve any failed assessments (if applicable) during the placement period.

Failure to meet the placement Terms & Conditions by the deadlines will mean you are unable to undertake the internship pathway, and you will be transferred to the one-year standard course structure instead. Please note, this change of course structure/length will be reported, and your visa length will be adjusted accordingly if you’re an international student.

Learn from our research-active teaching team with expert knowledge and industry experience in international hospitality, events and tourism destination management.

We offer high-quality and flexible learning at Cardiff School of Management through a mix of traditional teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, case studies and groupwork combined with digital and hands-on experiential learning to suit a range of learning styles.

Through independent reading and collaborative, cross-cultural group work, you’ll learn how to critically evaluate real Welsh case studies and compare them with international examples, drawing on the diverse industry experience within the student community. Teamwork is an essential skill within international destination management, and you’ll present, write reports, collate information and critically evaluate research as part of a group.

Benefit from field trips and guest speakers led by industry experts, providing real-world insights into the latest developments in destination management across the globe. You can select an optional work-based module (Professional Practice) where you will critically analyse a managerial area or leadership opportunity within an organisation.

You also have the opportunity to gain year-long industry work experience (48 weeks) in the UK or abroad, with our MSc International Destination Management with Internship pathway. This takes place after completing the taught modules, and your 60-credit final project will take place whilst in the workplace. A great opportunity to put classroom learning into practice.

This blend of teaching methods ensures active engagement and the development of crucial skills for careers in destination management and beyond. As a postgraduate student, you will be encouraged to take more responsibility for your own learning and evaluate your own learning needs to become an active and independent learner.

You will be academically supported by your Programme Director, Year Tutor and module leaders throughout your studies. If you’re an international student, additional study skills workshops and support tutors are available via our Global Engagement team to help you master academic writing, presentations, report writing and more.

Our MSc International Destination Management uses a range of different assessment methods, including written coursework, essays, academic posters, group and individual presentations, portfolio analysis, written reports, reflective portfolios and research projects.

This approach allows you to demonstrate your competencies in a variety of formats, emphasising practical skills, teamwork and strategic thinking.

Employability

You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience through live projects, real-life case studies, work placements and collaboration with our extensive network of industry partners. Our purpose-built hospitality suite with industry standard kitchens on campus is also designed to put theory into practice in a supportive environment.

If you select the Professional Practice module, you’ll complete a 15-day work placement with a real organisation to enhance your employability. There’s also the option to complete a final consultancy project with an industry practitioner, giving you direct experience solving real business challenges.

If you’re looking for even more hands-on experience, our MSc International Destination Management with Internship pathway offers the opportunity to spend a year working in industry, either in the UK or overseas.

With our strong links with industry and a global network of alumni working across sectors, you’ll be well-connected and career-ready by the time you graduate.

Careers

Our MSc International Destination Management opens doors to a wide range of exciting career paths across the global travel and destination development landscape. Whether you’re inspired by place-making, destination marketing, cultural experiences, or sustainable tourism planning, you’ll graduate with the strategic insight and confidence to lead. Typical roles include:

• International Destination Manager
• Place Marketing Specialist
• Visitor Experience Manager
• International Tourism Operations Director
• Project Manager
• Destination Analyst
• Tourism Policy Advisor
• Attractions Manager

The destination management field offers a diverse range of opportunities, where graduates are well-positioned to take on influential roles across public, private, and third-sector organisations – shaping how places are developed, promoted, and experienced.

All prospective students must satisfy Cardiff Metropolitan University’s admission requirements for students on master’s courses, as specified in Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Academic Handbook. The normal minimum requirements for entry onto master’s degrees are:

1. an initial degree awarded by another approved degree awarding body (2:2 or above); or
2. a non-graduate qualification which is deemed to be of a satisfactory standard for the purpose of postgraduate admission

Students who do not hold such qualifications will be assessed as to their suitability through interview, and where necessary the taking of references. Non-graduates who lack formal qualifications (i.e., formal qualifications which marginally fall short of the normal minimum entry requirements) should be compensated for by his/her relevant work experience provided that such candidates have held, for a minimum of two years, a responsible position which is relevant to the master’s degree to be pursued.

International Applicants

Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

There are quality assurance measures taken at programme, school and institutional level to ensure standards are consistently met.

Selection Procedure

All applicants are required to complete an application form. Sometimes, applicants are interviewed, either face-to-face or by telephone.

How to Apply

Applications for this course should be made direct to the University via our self-service facility. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages.

If you are interested in using credit from another institution, or have obtained qualifications and/or experience to study for a course at Cardiff Met, you can find further information on this as well as information on how to apply on the RPL page.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Dr Darryl Gibbs:

• Email: dgibbs@cardiffmet.ac.uk
• Tel: 029 2041 7132