The Master of Science in Sustainable Tourism (SLQF 10) and Master of Sustainable Tourism (SLQF 9) degree programmes cater to the development of human resources in the tourism sector of Sri Lanka by giving students training in economic, social, cultural, environmental and managerial aspects of the tourism and tourism related industries. These programmes intend to provide required training for the workforce involved in tourism and related fields to enhance the productivity of the sector. The Master of Science in Sustainable Tourism –MSc (Sustainable Tourism) is a two year coursework and research degree programme and the Master of Sustainable Tourism – MST is a 18 months coursework degree programme.
The degree programmes have the following objectives:
Target Groups
A candidate who possesses one of the following qualifications is eligible to apply for the Master of Sustainable Tourism / MSc in Sustainable Tourism degree programmes:
- A Bachelor’s degree in tourism or a related field obtained from a recognized University, OR
- A Bachelor’s degree in any other field obtained from a recognized University preferably with work experience in tourism or a related field, OR
- Any other professional qualifications with 2 years of work experience in the industry as acceptable to the relevant Board of Study.
Course Structure
Course Code | Course Name | Credits
| Status*
| Relevant program |
MST 501 | Introduction to Tourism | 02 | C | Common for M(ST)/ MSc programs |
MST 502 | Economics of Tourism | 03 | C | |
MST 503 | Governance of Tourism | 02 | C | |
MST 504 | Visitor Management and Marketing | 02 | O | |
MST 505 | Environment and Sustainable Tourism | 02 | O | |
MST 506 | Human Resource Management in Tourism | 02 | C | |
MST 507 | Heritage and Cultural Tourism | 02 | O | |
MST 508 | Special Interest Tourism | 02 | O | |
MST 509 | Tourism Policy and Planning: Theory and Practice | 03 | C | |
MST 510 | Pro-Poor Tourism | 02 | O | |
MST 511 | Marketing Communication in Tourism | 02 | O | |
MST 512 | Accounting and Finance in Tourism | 02 | O | |
MST 513 | Destination Management and Marketing | 02 | O | |
MST 514 | Society, Culture and Tourism | 02 | O | |
MST 515 | Research Methodology | 03 | C | |
MST 516 | Destination Study Tour | 01 | C | |
MST 601 | Land Use Management in Tourism | 02 | O | |
MST 602 | Tourism Information Systems | 02 | O | |
MST 603 | Crisis and Disaster Management in Tourism | 02 | O | |
MST 604 | Cultural Resource Management | 02 | O | |
MST 605 | Entrepreneurship and Tourism Business Planning | 03 | C | |
MST 606 | Methods of Data Analysis | 03 | C | MSc only |
MST 697 | Independent Study | 05 | C | M(ST) only |
MST 698 | Thesis | 20 | C | MSc only |
*C-Compulsory, O-Optional.
Destination Study Tour
This course will be conducted as a residential workshop outside the University, locally or internationally. Industry experts will conduct seminars and lectures on contemporary issues in the field of tourism management.
Independent Project
A student who follows the Master of Sustainable Tourism (MST) undertakes an independent study on a selected/assigned aspect of tourism. The outcome of the independent study can be a report, literature survey, business plan, policy framework or any other comparable form.
Dissertation/Thesis
A student who follows the Master of Science in Sustainable Tourism – MSc (Sustainable Tourism) undertakes an independent research under a supervisor/ panel of supervisors and writes a dissertation/thesis of 25,000-30,000 words on a selected title approved by the relevant Board of Study. This research project provides students with knowledge in the relevant area and skills required to undertake a scientific study, critically analyze research outcomes and present them in public. The dissertation will be assessed by two examiners and a Viva-voce Examination Board.
Programme Requirements
Students following the MSc in Sustainable Tourism degree programme are required to earn 60 credits (40 credits from courses and 20 credits from a dissertation) to complete the degree.
Students following the MST degree programme are required to earn 40 credits (35 credits from courses and 5 credits from an independent project) to complete the degree.
