Tier 6

MSc/MA in Event Tourism

A full MSc/MA combining advanced taught modules with a supervised dissertation. Twelve months full-time (or twenty-four part-time): two semesters of taught modules plus a dissertation in the Summer Term, framed by two international immersion weeks. The degree itself is partner-awarded — the award must be made by an authorised higher education institution. ISET designs and delivers the specialist curriculum, industry immersion, and research supervision; it does not award the degree itself. All 7 ISET Pedagogy Pillars apply.

Key Facts

QualificationMSc/MA in Event Tourism (partner-awarded)
EQF Level7 (UK FHEQ Level 7 — UK Master’s)
ECTS Credits90-equivalent, subject to partner validation
UK Credits180 (6 taught modules × 20 + 60-credit dissertation)
Duration12 months full-time (September–September) or 24 months part-time
Delivery ModeBlended — taught modules + Immersion Week 1 (5 days, January) + Immersion Week 2 (10 days, April) + dissertation supervision
Total Learner Hours1,800 minimum (288 contact + 612 guided independent study + 900 dissertation hours)
Assessment55% individual coursework / 45% team assessments — includes a 2-hour supervised examination (ET704) and a 30-minute viva voce (DIS701)
AI RoleAI as Research Instrument & Strategic Analyst
Awarding BodyISET provides the specialist curriculum, industry immersion, research support, and teaching resources. The MSc/MA award itself is made by an authorised higher education partner institution — not by ISET.
Start DateJanuary 2027

Programme Structure

60 ECTS CreditsTaught Modules — Semester 1 & 2 (September–June)+
  • ET701 Advanced Event Tourism Strategy & Portfolio Optimisation (10 ECTS / 20 UK Credits, ISET) — Semester 1
  • RM701 Research Methods & AI-Augmented Inquiry for Event Tourism (10 ECTS / 20 UK Credits, ISET + Partner) — Semester 1
  • TM701 Advanced Tourism Theory & Destination Competitiveness (10 ECTS / 20 UK Credits, Partner) — Semester 1
  • ET703 Commercial Innovation & Multi-Stream Revenue Systems (10 ECTS / 20 UK Credits, ISET) — Semester 2
  • ET704 Sustainability Leadership & Regenerative Event Tourism (10 ECTS / 20 UK Credits, ISET) — Semester 2
  • One elective module, chosen from 6 (10 ECTS / 20 UK Credits, ISET) — Semester 2
  • Immersion Week 1 — 5 days, January: research methods workshop, dissertation launch, cohort bonding
  • Immersion Week 2 — 10 days, April: 48-Hour Event Sprint, LIVE event attendance, industry immersion, Event IP investor practice
30 ECTS CreditsDissertation — Summer Term (July–September)+
  • DIS701 Dissertation / Applied Research Project (30 ECTS / 60 UK Credits) — 15,000–20,000 words
  • Original contribution using real industry data and platform analytics
  • Supervised by an ISET academic (fortnightly) with a partner-university examiner
  • 30-minute viva voce before a panel of 2 examiners (1 internal + 1 external)

Learning Outcomes

  • Critically evaluate event tourism strategy, portfolio theory, and destination competitiveness models at an advanced level
  • Design adaptive portfolio optimisation strategies using scenario planning and Monte Carlo simulation
  • Construct original research designs, using AI-augmented research methodology, culminating in a dissertation of publishable standard
  • Design multi-stream revenue architectures with NPV/IRR investment appraisal
  • Evaluate sustainability paradigms and design evidence-based, science-based net-zero transition pathways
  • Specify enterprise AI systems using no-code methodology and lead complex commercial negotiations and stakeholder presentations

Career Outcomes

Masters graduates are equipped for senior roles across the event tourism ecosystem:

  • Head of Strategy — National Tourism Organisation
  • Senior Research Fellow / Lecturer (Event Tourism)
  • Director of Sustainability — Major Event Organisation
  • Commercial Director — Event Company / Rights Holder
  • Government Tourism Economist / Policy Lead
  • Event IP Entrepreneur (Series A pathway)
  • Convention Bureau Strategy Director
  • AI & Digital Intelligence Lead (Tourism Sector)

Entry Requirements

  • Standard entry: bachelor's degree (minimum 2:1 / 60% / 3.0 GPA) plus 2 years of relevant professional experience
  • ISET Pathway (T5): T5 Postgraduate Diploma with Merit or above — 15–20 ECTS-equivalent exemption, completable in 6–7 months
  • ISET Pathway (T2): T2 Certificate with Distinction plus 3 years of professional experience — 10 ECTS-equivalent exemption
  • ISET Pathway (T4): T4 CETP Professional Certification, subject to RPL assessment
  • Career changer: relevant bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of industry experience
  • English language: IELTS 6.5 overall (no component below 6.0), or equivalent

Advance Your Expertise

Applications are submitted to your chosen ISET partner university, which makes the MSc/MA award — ISET does not award the degree itself. T5 PG Diploma graduates (Merit or above) receive a 15–20 ECTS-equivalent exemption and can complete in as little as 6–7 months. Fees are set by the delivering institution.