Advance your career in international tourism and hospitality with greater flexibility
Starting from the 2026/2027 academic year, VUM offers the Master’s programme in International Tourism in distance-learning mode. Upon successful completion, students graduate with a Master’s degree awarded by VUM.
The programme is designed for graduates who wish to develop specialised expertise for leadership and management roles in tourism and hospitality through a more flexible mode of higher education. It follows the curriculum documentation for the corresponding full-time programme and is equivalent to it in terms of the content of study, the required number of credits, the degree awarded and the professional qualification obtained. Students follow either a three-semester or four-semester route, depending on their previous academic background.
The learning process is delivered predominantly through electronic learning and e-administration tools, giving students remote access to learning activities, study resources, assessment and administrative services. Semester examinations in a non-contact format are conducted remotely through an electronic assessment and examination system. Where appropriate to the specific nature of the programme and the needs of students, the distance-learning mode may include in-person periods. These in-person periods may not exceed 15% of the total number of hours in the curriculum of the corresponding full-time programme.
Students enrolled in the distance-learning mode graduate with a VUM Master’s degree in International Tourism. A Cardiff Metropolitan University degree is not awarded in this mode of study.
Why choose International Tourism at VUM?
| Programme | International Tourism |
| Mode of study | Distance learning |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Degree awarded by VUM | Master’s degree in International Tourism |
| Study routes | 3 semesters or 4 semesters, depending on the applicant’s academic background |
| International award option | Not applicable to distance-learning mode |
| Start date | September / February |
| 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 applicant’s previous degree and academic background. 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 |
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 recognition, legalisation, translation, visa or residence requirements may apply depending on the applicant’s citizenship and the country in which the previous qualification was awarded.
You can find detailed information about scholarship opportunities, semester tuition fees and student loans here.
The distance-learning programme is organised on the basis of the curriculum documentation for the corresponding full-time Master’s programme and is equivalent to it in terms of:
The learning process is delivered predominantly through VUM’s electronic learning and e-administration systems. Through the electronic learning platform, students receive remote access to module information, learning materials, assignment instructions, assessment requirements, additional resources, online activities, self-assessment tasks, dedicated student-only online spaces and other forms of academic support adapted to postgraduate distance learning.
Academic support is provided through institutional e-mail communication with lecturers and scheduled online consultations, where applicable. Students completing the Final Project are supported through consultations with their academic supervisors.
Assessment in distance-learning mode may include online assignments, analytical reports, case studies, projects, presentations, portfolios, individual tasks and other forms of assessment aligned with the module learning outcomes. Semester examinations and the defence of the Final Project, where conducted in a non-contact format, are held remotely through an electronic assessment and examination system.
Where appropriate to the specific nature of the programme and the needs of students, the distance-learning mode may include in-person periods. These in-person periods may not exceed 15% of the total number of hours in the curriculum of the corresponding full-time programme.
* Disclaimer: Programme structures, modules, learning activities and assessment requirements may change due to academic, regulatory 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, where applicable and subject to Erasmus+ rules, VUM selection procedures, programme requirements and available funding.
Students enrolled in distance-learning mode who are interested in Erasmus+ funded mobility should consult the VUM Erasmus+ Office regarding available opportunities and applicable conditions.
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.
