MSc Sustainable Business Management: Tourism

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc Sustainable Business Management: Tourism at the University of Exeter is designed for those who want to make a real difference in the tourism industry. You’ll gain the skills to lead businesses in a way that benefits people, communities, and the environment, all while exploring innovative approaches to sustainable business.

Curriculum Structure

Year (1‑Year Master’s Program)
This one-year master’s gives you a mix of core learning, practical application, and flexibility to focus on what excites you most. You’ll start with modules like Sustainable Business Management and Strategic Innovation for Sustainable Business, learning how to build business strategies that really work in the real world. On the tourism side, Contemporary Tourism Industry and Sustainable Tourism Management show you how tourism can grow responsibly, respecting both the environment and local communities. You’ll wrap up with a Major Project, where you apply what you’ve learned to tackle a real sustainability challenge in tourism — it’s your chance to make a tangible impact.

Optional modules let you dive deeper into areas like Environmental Governance, Climate Change, or Nature, Health & Wellbeing, so you can tailor the program to your passions and career goals.

Focus Areas

Sustainable business in tourism, circular economy, strategic innovation, environmental governance, climate change, community and ecosystem resilience.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate ready to manage tourism businesses with sustainability at the heart, design strategies that make a positive social and environmental impact, and develop practical consultancy-level skills to implement circular economy solutions.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Business School is triple-accredited (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS), giving your degree strong recognition worldwide.

Reputation & Employability

Exeter is known for research that’s “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2021), and the Business School ranks 9th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 for Business & Management. Graduates go on to work in destinations management organisations, sustainable tourism consultancies, government, NGOs, and general management roles with a sustainability focus.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Exeter, you won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll get your hands dirty applying what you learn in real-world tourism and sustainability projects. From day one, the programme encourages you to think like a sustainability consultant, exploring how businesses and destinations can grow responsibly. With access to the Environment & Sustainability Institute and other cutting-edge research hubs, you’ll work in an environment buzzing with innovation and practical impact.

Here’s how you’ll gain real, practical experience:

Live Projects & Major Project: Tackle a 45‑credit Major Project, where you can design solutions for real sustainability challenges in tourism, like circular business models or eco-friendly destination strategies.
Case Studies & Consultancy Exercises: Work on hands-on business transformation challenges in modules like Circular Economy Management Consultancy Services, giving you consultancy-style experience before you even graduate.
Field Trips: Explore local destinations and ecosystems to see sustainability and tourism in action, connecting classroom theory with the real world.
Research Centres & Institutes: Collaborate with hubs like the Exeter Centre for Circular Economy (ECCE) and the Environment & Sustainability Institute (ESI), gaining insight from world-class research and expert staff.
Green Campus Initiatives: Join sustainability projects on Penryn Campus, from biodiversity monitoring to waste reduction, and make a tangible impact while learning.
Graduate School Community: Work alongside students from other MScs in the Graduate School of Environment & Sustainability, sharing ideas and building cross-disciplinary skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSc leave ready to make a real difference in the tourism industry and beyond. You could become a tourism destination specialist, sustainability consultant, CSR manager, or work with NGOs and governments to drive community-focused tourism projects. With strong business and sustainability skills, you’ll also be well-prepared for leadership roles in various sectors, combining strategy with a positive environmental and social impact.

Here’s how Exeter helps you turn that potential into reality:

Career Support & Guidance: The Business School’s Career Zone offers one-on-one coaching, workshops, and access to Handshake, connecting you with thousands of employers.
Internships & Professional Experience: Participate in sector-specific training and even paid internships through the Professional Pathways program.
Networking & Employer Connections: Exeter’s Employer Engagement team runs events, mock interviews, and drop-ins to help you meet companies and build professional contacts.
Graduate Success & Salaries: Around 92% of Exeter graduates are employed or studying further within 15 months, and the median salary for Business & Management graduates is about £34,000.
Accreditation & Recognition: The Business School is triple-accredited (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS), so your degree is respected worldwide.
Real-World Impact: Graduates go on to work in destination management organisations, sustainability consultancies, environmental NGOs, and leadership roles that influence business and tourism practices.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re thinking of continuing your studies, this MSc sets a strong foundation for a PhD in sustainable tourism, environmental governance, or circular economy management. You can also join Exeter’s Graduate School of Environment & Sustainability, working alongside researchers across business, ecology, and social sciences to deepen your expertise.