UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO · NEW ZEALAND
Postgraduate Tourism Studies at the University of Otago
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Influence tourism policy, protect places, and empower communities.Impact
- Work with internationally recognised researchers in sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, and visitor behaviour.Expert Faculty
- Develop advanced analytical and research skills.Skill Development
- Join a global community of thinkers and change-makers.Community
- Explore diverse career paths including Destination Management, Policy Analysis, and Sustainable Tourism Development.Career Opportunities
Engage in advanced research and real-world applications in Tourism at the University of Otago. This program allows you to explore tourism as a dynamic field encompassing social, cultural, environmental, and commercial aspects. You will investigate critical issues such as destination sustainability, the role of culture in visitor experiences, and how tourism can benefit local and indigenous communities. This postgraduate study is designed for those with an undergraduate degree in tourism, business, social sciences, or a related field, and a passion for research, people, places, and positive change.
Curriculum
Otago offers several postgraduate qualifications in Tourism, including Master's degrees and Diplomas. The specific curriculum will depend on your chosen program (e.g., MCom, MBus, PGDipBus).
- Year 1 (Master of Commerce - MCom)
- ThesisTOUR 5
- Year 1 (Master of Business - MBus)
- Business Principles for the 21st CenturyBSNS 411
- Research Skills and Methods 1BSNS 412
- Research Skills and Methods 2BSNS 413
- Advanced Tourism ConceptsTOUR 423
- Dissertation OR Applied Project OR Coursework PapersBSNS 590 / BSNS 580 / TOUR Papers
- Postgraduate Diploma in Business (PGDipBus)
- Various core and elective papers in Business and TourismBSNS, TOUR
- Postgraduate Certificate in Business (PGCertBus)
- Various core papers in Business and TourismBSNS, TOUR
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Introduction to TourismTOUR 101
- Destination ManagementTOUR 219
- Tourist Behaviour OR Tourism and Hospitality Enterprise ManagementTOUR 217 / TOUR 218
- 72 points at 300-level or above in Tourism (excluding TOUR 480)TOUR 300+
Careers
A postgraduate degree in Tourism from Otago opens doors to impactful roles where you can shape the future of the industry. You'll develop the skills to lead, research, and create positive change in destinations worldwide.
- Destination Manager or Planner
- Tourism Policy Analyst or Consultant
- Sustainable Tourism Development Specialist
- Researcher or Academic in Tourism Studies
- Visitor Experience Designer/Manager
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the postgraduate Tourism programmes?
- You will need a relevant undergraduate degree in Tourism, Business, Social Sciences, or a related field. Specific programme requirements may vary.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements?
- For IELTS Academic, you need an overall score of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0. For TOEFL iBT, you need an overall score of 90 (with a writing score of 21) for tests taken before January 21, 2026, or an overall score of 4.5 (with a writing score of 4.5) for tests taken from that date onwards.
- How long does a Master's degree in Tourism typically take?
- A Master of Commerce (MCom) involves a 120-credit thesis, generally completed in one year. A Master of Business (MBus) can include a dissertation or applied project of 120 credits, also typically completed in one year.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees increase annually, and the downloadable fees document for 2026 provides specific paper costs. Additional compulsory fees for Student Services and Pūtea Tautoko may also apply.
- What career opportunities are available after completing a postgraduate Tourism degree?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Destination Manager or Planner, Tourism Policy Analyst or Consultant, Sustainable Tourism Development Specialist, or become a Researcher or Academic in Tourism Studies.
- How do I apply for a postgraduate programme in Tourism?
- You should choose your programme, check specific entry requirements, prepare documents like transcripts and CV, and then submit your application through the University of Otago's online portal.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA relevant undergraduate degree in Tourism, Business, Social Sciences, or a related field.
IELTS (Academic)Overall score of 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0
TOEFL iBTOverall score of 90 (writing score of 21) for tests taken before Jan 21, 2026; Overall score of 4.5 (writing score of 4.5) for tests taken from Jan 21, 2026 onwards.
Meeting specific NCEA, Cambridge International, or IB standards studied in New Zealand may also fulfil English language requirements. Test results must generally be no more than two years old.
Fees
Tuition (international)Refer to the downloadable fees document for specific paper costs.
Tuition (home)Refer to the downloadable fees document for specific paper costs.
LivingInformation on living costs is not provided on these pages.
Tuition fees increase annually. The provided downloadable document lists fees for 2026. Additional compulsory fees for Student Services and Pūtea Tautoko may apply. Australian citizens/permanent residents studying onshore pay domestic fees; distance learners from outside NZ pay international fees.
How to apply
1. Choose Your ProgrammeSelect the postgraduate qualification that aligns with your career and academic goals (e.g., Master of Commerce, Master of Business, Postgraduate Diploma, or Certificate).
2. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language proficiency requirements for your chosen program. Visit the University's admissions and English language requirement pages for detailed information.
3. Prepare Application DocumentsGather necessary documents, which typically include academic transcripts, degree certificates, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), and a curriculum vitae.
4. Submit Your ApplicationComplete the online application form through the University of Otago's application portal. Pay close attention to any specific instructions or deadlines.
5. Await Offer and EnrolOnce your application is processed, you will receive an offer of place if successful. Follow the instructions to accept the offer and complete your enrolment.
Scholarships
University of Otago Māori Master's ScholarshipFunding provided
University of Otago Māori Entrance ScholarshipVariable (potentially higher value/longer tenure for exceptional candidates)
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the postgraduate Tourism programmes?
+
You will need a relevant undergraduate degree in Tourism, Business, Social Sciences, or a related field. Specific programme requirements may vary.
What are the English language proficiency requirements?
+
For IELTS Academic, you need an overall score of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0. For TOEFL iBT, you need an overall score of 90 (with a writing score of 21) for tests taken before January 21, 2026, or an overall score of 4.5 (with a writing score of 4.5) for tests taken from that date onwards.
How long does a Master's degree in Tourism typically take?
+
A Master of Commerce (MCom) involves a 120-credit thesis, generally completed in one year. A Master of Business (MBus) can include a dissertation or applied project of 120 credits, also typically completed in one year.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees increase annually, and the downloadable fees document for 2026 provides specific paper costs. Additional compulsory fees for Student Services and Pūtea Tautoko may also apply.
What career opportunities are available after completing a postgraduate Tourism degree?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Destination Manager or Planner, Tourism Policy Analyst or Consultant, Sustainable Tourism Development Specialist, or become a Researcher or Academic in Tourism Studies.
How do I apply for a postgraduate programme in Tourism?
+
You should choose your programme, check specific entry requirements, prepare documents like transcripts and CV, and then submit your application through the University of Otago's online portal.