Postgraduate Study in Tourism
Tourism at Otago goes beyond conventional thinking and explores all aspects of the industry.
Focusing on local and international perspectives you will understand the big picture as well as the day-to-day operations. Study tourism at Otago and you’ll be immersed in a rich, multicultural environment.
You’ll be all set to really discover what the world has to offer. Be a part of the future of tourism in New Zealand and shape the international stage.
Why study Tourism?
The tourism sector offers you the opportunity to drive change and innovation, while focusing on sustainable practices and mutual benefit for local communities. It is as dynamic as it is diverse. Tourism is a critical element of the New Zealand economy and has been earmarked by the Prime Minister as a key sector of the economy that continues to play a leading role in New Zealand's economic development. It is about unlocking the potential of tourism places, managing natural and built resources, understanding heritage and cultural issues, developing events and co-creating experiences that leave a lasting impression on locals and visitors alike.
The study of tourism is about understanding tourism and hospitality, and being well placed to manage tourism – be it at the level of business, destination or government – for sustained success. Tourism is also about practical things like hospitality, planning, managing and marketing. Being part of the Bachelor of Commerce, you will gain solid skills in business alongside knowledge of the societal and environmental implications of tourism. By the end of your degree, you'll enter a resilient industry with multiple dynamic opportunities for graduates.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Tourism as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Master of Commerce (MCom)
A one-year thesis-only master's degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Master of Business (MBus)
A coursework degree with an optional research component, awarded in a chosen specialist subject, completed in one-year's full-time or equivalent part-time study
Postgraduate Diploma in Business (PGDipBus)
A two-semester (at full-time), coursework programme, offering specialisation in a variety of subjects and a possible entry pathway into the MBus
Postgraduate Certificate in Business (PGCertBus)
A coursework programme, typically consisting of three papers, that can be completed with full-time study (half year) or part-time study (full year)
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers required |
|---|
|
Note: Endorsement may require enrolment in papers totalling more than 120 points, depending on the extent of prior study in relevant subjects and whether the student wishes to be eligible for postgraduate study in the subject of endorsement.
| Thesis |
|---|
|
The Master of Business in Tourism will be awarded on successful completion of 180 points from one of the three options (Dissertation, Project or Coursework) outlined in the schedule below.
| Option | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Compulsory papers: | |
| BSNS 411 Business Principles for the 21st Century | 10 | |
| BSNS 412 Research Skills and Methods 1 | 10 | |
| BSNS 413 Research Skills and Methods 2 | 20 | |
| BSNS 590 Dissertation | 60 | |
| TOUR 423 Advanced Tourism Concepts | 20 | |
| Plus papers to the equivalent of 60 points from: | 60 | |
| TOUR 426, TOUR 511, TOUR 516, TOUR 518, TOUR 520, TOUR 521, TOUR 522, TOUR 525, TOUR 527 | ||
| Total | 180 | |
| Project | Compulsory papers: | |
| BSNS 411 Business Principles for the 21st Century | 10 | |
| BSNS 412 Research Skills and Methods 1 | 10 | |
| BSNS 413 Research Skills and Methods 2 | 20 | |
| BSNS 580 Applied Project | 40 | |
| TOUR 423 Advanced Tourism Concepts | 20 | |
| Plus papers to the equivalent of 80 points from: | 80 | |
| TOUR 426, TOUR 511, TOUR 516, TOUR 518, TOUR 520, TOUR 521, TOUR 522, TOUR 525, TOUR 527 | ||
| Total | 180 | |
| Coursework | Compulsory papers: | |
| BSNS 411 Business Principles for the 21st Century | 10 | |
| BSNS 412 Research Skills and Methods 1 | 10 | |
| BSNS 413 Research Skills and Methods 2 | 20 | |
| TOUR 423 Advanced Tourism Concepts | 20 | |
| Plus papers to the equivalent of 120 points from: | 120 | |
| TOUR 426, TOUR 511, TOUR 516, TOUR 518, TOUR 520, TOUR 521, TOUR 522, TOUR 525, TOUR 527 | ||
| Total | 180 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
TOUR papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOUR101 | 2025 | Introduction to Tourism | 18 points | Summer School, Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| TOUR102 | 2025 | Global Tourism | 18 points | Summer School, Semester 2 |
| TOUR216 | 2025 | Sport Tourism | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR217 | 2025 | Tourist Behaviour | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR218 | 2025 | Tourism and Hospitality Enterprise Management | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR219 | 2025 | Destination Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR221 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| TOUR301 | 2025 | Cultural and Heritage Tourism | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR304 | 2025 | Event and Conventions Management | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR305 | 2025 | Tourism Product Development | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR306 | 2025 | Ecotourism and Sustainable Development | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR310 | 2025 | Leisure: Lives and Societies | 18 points | Summer School |
| TOUR350 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| TOUR351 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| TOUR423 | 2025 | Advanced Tourism Concepts | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR426 | 2025 | Event Management | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR511 | 2025 | Tourist Culture | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR516 | 2025 | Tourism Entrepreneurship and Business | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| TOUR518 | 2025 | Tourism Destination Development | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR520 | 2025 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| TOUR521 | 2025 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| TOUR522 | 2025 | Tourism and Global Environmental Change | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR527 | 2025 | Tourism and Development Ethnographic Field School | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
Contacts
Department of Tourism
Otago Business School
Email tourism@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/tourism
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
World-class research
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.
Explore our research