Course Summary
Make your mark on the world. Choose sustainable tourism and event management.
As a destination, Ireland is a world leader in terms of tourism and events. But in a changing world, we need to revisit and redefine how we deliver tourism and events, not just in Ireland, but globally. We all know why sustainability is important. With the ATU online Masters in Sustainable Tourism and Event Management, you will learn how to embrace and embed sustainability in your tourism and event organisations and at a broader destination level.
This online MSc programme is unique with its focus on both the tourism and event industries. These industries are at the core of who we are as people, and we are looking forward to working with learners who are passionate about tourism and events and creating unforgettable experiences.
With the increasing legislation and consumer demands for more ethical and sustainable practices, all destinations and organisations need to upskill to respond to these developments. As we work together to achieve sustainable development goals in 2030 and beyond, this programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a leader in the exciting world of sustainable tourism and event management.
We place a strong emphasis on measuring and monitoring as a key focus of this programme. If you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it, so we will guide the learners through measuring current and future economic, social and environmental impacts. This aligns with the UN Tourism sustainable tourism definition that calls to address the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.
The online programme is designed to fit the needs of busy and aspiring leaders in tourism and event organisations. We will support those in public sector roles, or the private sector, be they individuals, organisations or destinations who are striving to be leaders in their sustainability journey. Together, we will learn about developing sustainable tourism and event experiences, minimise environmental impact, and create events that leave a positive impact.
Industry Experts, Real-world Projects, and a Global Perspective
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- The programme will be delivered by renowned faculty members who are industry leaders in sustainability, tourism and event management.
- Real-world projects will allow you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting to benefit your own organisation, research interest or destination.
- We will adopt a global perspective that prepares you for a career anywhere in the world.
You'll gain expertise in:
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- Sustainability indicators.
- Measuring and monitoring tourism and event impacts.
- Environmental, social and governance leadership.
Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sector is central to the vitality of the Irish economy and accordingly, to address skills shortage issues further development of third-level courses is required. Managing, monitoring and measurement are key leadership competencies required to steer the tourism and event industries at this time of change as businesses, society and customers demand sustainable futures.
The MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management is part of the suite of postgraduate Tourism and Event Management programmes offered by ATU. This suite of programmes consists of:
-The MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management can be completed online in 2 years part-time. Learners who have completed the two certificates/postgraduate certificate can choose to complete a dissertation or capstone project to achieve their masters qualification.
-The Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management can be completed online over 1 academic year (2 semesters).
-The Certificate in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management and the Certificate in Sustainable Tourism & Event Measuring and Monitoring can each be completed part-time online over 1 semester.
This suite of programmes allows the learner to tailor their own learning path – learners can choose to register for the MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management from the start of their studies or to progress from a Certificate to PG Certificate and then onto the Masters, as suits their learning needs. Please refer to the individual webpages for further details on each programme.
The aim of this online MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management and its associated programmes is to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies in sustainable tourism and event management to facilitate them to take on senior leadership and management positions in tourism and event management, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and public and local authorities. As part of the MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management, learners have the opportunity to make a novel contribution through an original piece of research as part of their dissertation or capstone project.
This programme will enable graduates to work as expert members of a team around sustainable destination management, consultancy, innovation, and academia in the field of sustainable tourism and event management.
The suite of programmes will also provide a postgraduate qualification in sustainable tourism and event management that will contribute to lasting national and regional economies. The program will meet the demand of the industry to measure, monitor and report on sustainable tourism indicators while transitioning to net-zero destinations.
Tourism is Ireland’s biggest indigenous industry and there are many and varied career opportunities, both in Ireland and internationally, at all management levels in a wide range of tourism and events-related organisations. Therefore, the learner profile for this award is expected to be those working in or towards a management/business role looking to upskill with the aim of personal development and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of their sustainable tourism and event management competencies.
In addition to industry professionals, this programme is also intended for suitable graduates progressing from the undergraduate level who wish to focus on tourism and event management. This course will allow learners to develop relevant skills and knowledge that can help unlock their potential when they proceed to the next stage of their careers.
Programme Structure
The table provides a short overview of the modules that the learner will complete as part of this programme. Further details on each module can be found under the Course Format tab.
Features and benefits of the course:
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- Flexible part-time study - the programme is delivered online in the evenings allowing you to fit your studies around your work and other commitments. Live lectures are recorded and you can access all module material at any time from wherever you are in the world.
- Tailor your learning - study towards the MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management qualification over a time that meets your needs.
- Learners can also progress from the two single semester certificates and the PG certificate onto the Masters or enrol directly on the Masters programme from the beginning of their studies.
- As an online student on the MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management (2 years part-time) you will have a maximum of 3 to 3.5 hours of lectures per week plus additional time to dedicate to your own reading and projects as required.
- There will be workshops and destination visits to see how the knowledge you are acquiring in class can be applied in industry.
- Practical implementation of concepts that provide graduates with the knowledge and skills to identify sustainable solutions and opportunities.
- Develop an understanding of the latest and most appropriate theories relevant to the domain.
Key Course Information
When you are studying part-time online it is very important that you allocate enough study time to your online course to stay focused, reduce stress and achieve your goals.
Study hours: For the part-time study of the MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management, there will be three modules per semester. In semester 1, students will complete three modules and will have one evening per week online for three 1-hour live lectures. In semester 2, students will complete three modules, over two evenings per week. Live lectures normally take place after 6pm, Monday to Thursday, but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. The live lectures are recorded for students that cannot attend live sessions. Semesters 3 and 4 are dedicated to the Research/Capstone Project, where each student will research a real-world project that will allow them to apply their knowledge in a practical setting to benefit their organisation, research interest or destination. Students will be supported with 1.5 hours supervision per week from our faculty team of leading experts.
Examinations/Assessments: Assessments will vary between project work, reports and essays. Most modules are assessed using 100% Continuous Assessment.
Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025
Entry Requirements
Candidates must hold a Level 8 Bachelor of Business degree with a minimum grade classification of H2.2 in tourism, event, hospitality, business, marketing, or other related business discipline.
Candidates who do not meet the H2.2 performance standard in a Level 8 award will be required to apply through ATU’s Recognition of Prior and Experiential Learning (RPEL) process.
Career Opportunities
Become a leader in the future of tourism and events. Make a difference while creating unforgettable experiences.
This programme is designed to enhance a learner's career prospects in the tourism and events management industry. Employment opportunities are available in the private or public sector and learners may decide to pursue entrepreneurial initiatives for self-employment. Graduates in tourism and events are much sought after, and the skills developed are transferable internationally and from one aspect of the industry to another.
This requires the learner to study tourism and event management modules throughout the programme. The outcomes of the programme will provide the student with knowledge and skills for performing effectively at a high level in the sector. While the programme will be of interest to a wide and varied audience in tourism, event management and business fields, the specific career and career advancement opportunities that the award would support include at a minimum:
-Sustainable Tourism Officer
-Tourism Sustainability Manager
-Sustainability Communications Officer
-Sustainability & Climate Action Consultant
-Sustainability Policy Specialist
-Destination Marketing Director
-Experiential Marketing Specialist
-Marketing Events Manager
-PR & Events Executive
-Event Production Specialist
-Venue Operations Manager
-Green event planner
Further Study
When you complete the MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management the learner can decide to proceed to study for a PhD at ATU.
The MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management is part of the suite of postgraduate Tourism and Event Management programmes offered by ATU. This suite of programmes consists of:
-The MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management can be completed online in 2 years part-time. Learners who have completed the two certificates/postgraduate certificate can choose to complete a dissertation or capstone project to achieve their masters qualification.
-The Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management can be completed online over 1 academic year (2 semesters).
-The Certificate in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management and the Certificate in Sustainable Tourism & Event Measuring and Monitoring can each be completed part-time online over 1 semester.
This suite of programmes allows the learner to tailor their own learning path – learners can choose to register for the MSc in Sustainable Tourism & Event Management from the start of their studies or to progress from a Certificate to PG Certificate and then onto the Masters, as suits their learning needs. Please refer to the individual webpages for further details on each programme.
Testimonials
Fiona McKenna, PhD student at ATU talks about her research in measuring and monitoring tourism for sustainability and the importance of sustainability tourism in Ireland and globally.
Programme Fees
Academic Year 2024/25 Fees
Total Programme Fee: €6,300
Discounted/Part-Funded Places through the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS):
There is a limited number of funded places for eligible participants in the Republic of Ireland, who can avail of a 35% cost reduction on course fees for Year 1 of the MSc programme through our funding partners National Organic Training Skillnet. Please go to Sustainable Tourism & Event Management (ATU) – NOTS and sign up through NOTS to avail of their special funded rate for these programmes.
ATU Alumni Fees Reduction: There is a 20% reduction in fees for members of the ATU Alumni Network. It can be applied to those who register on a Level 9 Masters Award (90 credits) available across any ATU campus. - Alumni Scholarship for Master Programmes | ATU - Atlantic Technological University
To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage.
If you apply and are approved for an online course at ATU Sligo, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 to secure your place. Your deposit will then be credited against the course fees once you are registered as a student. Students at ATU Sligo are also eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees.
For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.
If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage.
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Tourism and Events Impact Management | 05 |
| Strategic Planning and Policy for Tourism and Event Management | 05 |
| Sustainable Experiential and Engagement Marketing | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Leadership in Environmental Social Governance (ESG) | 05 |
| Sustainable Tourism and Event Measuring and Monitoring | 05 |
| Research Design & Development | 05 |
Semester 3
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research/Capstone Project | 60 |