International tourism covers a broad spectrum, and students can choose between master's degrees focusing on international tourism management and international tourism and hospitality. Advanced degrees in international tourism management typically look at the social and environmental impact of long haul travel and globalization issues, and students have the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial and business skills that gives them a competitive advantage in the international market. Degrees in tourism management and hospitality look at the role the hospitality industry plays in the global economy. They learn about organizing international tours and ways for hotels and resorts to maintain a competitive advantage.
Master's programs focusing on tourism and the environment look at the complex relationship between tourism and the environment and examine its economic and environmental impact on the developing world. Students study the principles of sustainable development and investigate possible solutions to the negative environmental impact of tourism, such as carbon emissions from long haul flights. Master's degrees incorporating study of tourism and conservation examine the impact of tourism on the natural world. Students might, for example, develop study projects that promote tourism, while still protecting endangered species.
An MA, MSc or MBA in tourism management may incorporate the study of the hospitality, recreation, leisure and travel service industries. Someone doing a master's degree in tourism and travel services management, for example, would learn about managing a travel agency, travel industry law and international and domestic travel, in preparation for a career as a tour operator or events organizer.
Job prospects are determined by the graduate student's choice of degree. A master's in tourism and conservation, for example, prepares someone to work for a conservation, group or in a wildlife complex. A degree in international tourism is advantageous to someone who wants to work for an international hotel chain or as a tour operator.
Someone already employed in the tourism industry can pursue a master's degree to advance her career. A master's in tourism may also be undertaken as part of a doctorate program, suitable for people to want be a lecturer or researcher in this field. Students must complete a thesis on a related subject of their choice.