The Master of International Tourism Management (MITM) at AUT is an advanced Level 9 postgraduate qualification designed for students and professionals seeking leadership, research, and strategic expertise in the global tourism industry.

The programme focuses on:

• Sustainable tourism
• Destination management
• Tourism innovation
• Visitor economy
• Tourism leadership
• Crisis and resilience management
• Tourism research and policy
• Indigenous and cultural tourism

Key Reasons to Choose This Programme

• Ranked among the world’s top tourism master’s degrees by Eduniversal
• Strong tourism industry and research connections
• Research-led teaching by internationally recognised academics
• Focus on sustainability, innovation, and global tourism trends
• Flexible research pathways including thesis, dissertation, or applied project
• Opportunity to study in Auckland, New Zealand’s tourism gateway city
• Strong preparation for leadership and doctoral study
• Practical learning connected to tourism industry challenges
• Multicultural international learning environment

Programme Structure / Subjects Offered

Students complete 180 points through coursework and a research pathway.

Research Methods Courses

• CLSY810 Qualitative Social Research Methods
• CLSY811 Quantitative Social Research Methods

Tourism Management Courses

Students may study topics including:

• TOUR801 Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Tourism, Hospitality and Events
• TOUR804 Consumer Perspectives in the Visitor Economy
• TOUR805 The South Pacific and Tourism
• TOUR806 Contemporary Topics in Tourism, Hospitality and Events
• TOUR807 Special Topic in Tourism
• TOUR808 Urban Tourism and Creative Placemaking
• TOUR809 Tourism, Ethnic Minorities and Indigenous Peoples
• TOUR812 Sustainable Leadership in Hospitality, Tourism and Events
• TOUR814 Events and Leisure: Concepts, Practices and Impacts
• TOUR815 Critical Perspectives of Tourism & Hospitality Management
• TOUR818 Risk, Resilience and Crisis Management

Disciplines / Specialisations Covered

The programme includes advanced study areas such as:

• International Tourism Management
• Sustainable Tourism
• Tourism Leadership
• Destination Management
• Tourism Innovation
• Tourism Research
• Visitor Economy
• Indigenous Tourism
• Tourism Entrepreneurship
• Tourism Policy
• Events and Leisure
• Crisis and Risk Management

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers in:

Tourism Industry

• Tourism Manager
• Destination Marketing Manager
• Tourism Development Specialist
• Visitor Experience Manager
• Tourism Strategy Consultant

Public Sector

• Government tourism agencies
• Regional tourism organisations
• Local councils and destination boards
• Parks and conservation tourism

Private Sector

• Tourism operations management
• Product development
• Tourism marketing
• Visitor management
• Tourism consultancy

Research & Education

• Tourism Researcher
• Lecturer or Academic
• Doctoral study pathway

Community & International Organisations

• NGOs and tourism associations
• UN tourism organisations
• Community tourism enterprises
• Sustainability and development projects

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students generally require:

• Valid New Zealand student visa
• Offer of Place from AUT
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Valid passport
• Medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency proof

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Important Notes

• Some papers may only be available in specific semesters.
• Students need satisfactory academic performance for research progression.
• Research is supervised by internationally recognised tourism academics.
• The programme provides a pathway to doctoral and advanced research study.
• AUT’s tourism programmes maintain strong links with sustainability, indigenous tourism, and global tourism research initiatives.

Industry Engagement & Research Opportunities

Students benefit from:

• Industry-linked tourism projects
• Research supervision from global tourism experts
• Exposure to sustainability and tourism innovation initiatives
• Networking with tourism and hospitality professionals
• Access to AUT New Zealand Tourism Research Institute

Programme Highlights

• Globally ranked tourism management master’s degree
• Advanced Level 9 postgraduate qualification
• Strong sustainability and leadership focus
• Flexible thesis, dissertation, and applied project pathways
• Industry-connected and research-led curriculum
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand’s tourism hub
• International learning environment
• Pathway to doctoral research and senior tourism leadership careers