Advance your career in international tourism and hospitality
The Master’s programme in International Tourism at VUM is designed for graduates who wish to develop specialised expertise for leadership and management roles in the international tourism and hospitality sector. Through an industry-aligned curriculum, students explore the strategic, operational and global issues shaping contemporary tourism and hospitality, while developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, research and decision-making skills needed to understand what drives organisational success. The programme combines advanced academic study with applied learning, professional scenarios and practical assignments. It prepares students to reflect critically on theory and practice and to develop as confident tourism and hospitality professionals. Students follow either a three-semester or four-semester route, depending on the level and field of their previous higher education.
Why choose International Tourism at VUM?
| Programme | International Tourism |
| Mode of study | Full-time |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Degree awarded by VUM | Master’s degree in International Tourism |
| Study routes | 3 semesters or 4 semesters, depending on the level and field of the applicant’s previous higher education |
| International award | MSc International Hotel and Hospitality Management awarded by Cardiff Metropolitan University |
| Cardiff Met registration | At the start of the applicable VUM study route, subject to meeting the relevant requirements |
| Location | Varna University of Management, Bulgaria |
| Route | September Intake | February Intake |
|---|---|---|
| 3-semester route | 1.5 years / 3 semesters | 1.5 years / 3 semesters |
| 4-semester route | 2 years / 4 semesters | 2 years / 4 semesters |
*The applicable study route is determined during admission on the basis of the level and field of the applicant’s previous higher education. The three-semester route is intended for graduates in tourism, hospitality or a related field, while the four-semester route provides additional subject preparation for graduates from other academic backgrounds.
| 3 semesters | 4 semesters |
|---|---|
| Intake 2026-27 | Intake 2026-27 |
| Intake 2025-26 | Intake 2025-26 |
Admission to VUM is based on the applicant’s previous higher education, academic performance, professional profile, motivation, English language proficiency and submission of the required application documents. The three-semester route is intended for applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in tourism, hospitality or a related field. Applicants from other academic backgrounds normally follow the four-semester route. Admission is carried out in accordance with VUM’s admission rules and the applicable Bulgarian legislation. Additional document recognition, legalisation and translation requirements may apply depending on the country in which the previous qualification was awarded. Visa or residence requirements may also apply depending on the applicant’s citizenship and individual circumstances.
You can find detailed information about scholarship opportunities, semester tuition fees and student loans here.
Students follow an integrated programme of study at VUM that meets the requirements for both the VUM Master’s degree in International Tourism and the MSc International Hotel and Hospitality Management awarded by Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Eligible applicants may register for the MSc International Hotel and Hospitality Management awarded by Cardiff Metropolitan University at the start of the applicable VUM study route, subject to meeting the academic, English language, administrative and assessment requirements of both institutions.
Programme delivery for a Cardiff Met degree is subject to the recruitment of a minimum cohort size.
Entry Requirements
Admission Policy and Procedures for Cardiff Met Programmes at VUM
Credits and Final Award
The Cardiff Met programme comprises 180 British credit points, including taught modules worth 120 British credit points and a 60-credit Dissertation.
The Cardiff Met programme includes the following modules:
| Module | British Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Managing Cultural Dimensions of the Global Business | 20 |
| Strategic Hospitality Operations | 20 |
| Destination Marketing | 20 |
| Research Skills for Professional Practice | 20 |
| Contemporary Global Issues in Hospitality | 20 |
| Professional Practice | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Total credit points | 180 |
| Final Award: MSc International Hotel and Hospitality Management | |
* Disclaimer: Programme structures, modules, learning activities and assessment requirements may change due to academic, regulatory, validation-related or operational reasons. VUM makes every effort to keep website information accurate and up to date; however, applicants are advised to request the latest programme information during the application process.
VUM students may have opportunities to take part in international mobility for study or traineeships. Students may spend a semester or academic year at one of VUM’s partner universities or complete traineeships with partner employers abroad, where applicable and subject to Erasmus+ rules, VUM selection procedures, programme requirements and available funding.
VUM works with more than 100 partner universities in over 20 countries and has long-standing partnerships with nearly 200 employers across Europe. During the full cycle of study, students may take part in outgoing mobilities with a combined duration of up to 12 months. Mobility opportunities must be compatible with the structure and academic requirements of the selected Master’s route.
You can find detailed information about Erasmus+ study and traineeship opportunities here.
The International Tourism programme is designed to support advanced professional development and preparation for managerial, analytical and strategic roles in tourism, hospitality and related service industries.
Graduates of the programme may pursue careers in areas such as:
Typical professional roles may include hotel or hospitality manager, destination manager, tourism development specialist, operations manager, marketing manager, events manager, tourism consultant, business analyst, project manager or entrepreneur. Career progression depends on previous experience, individual performance and the requirements of the relevant employer.
