Master of Philosophy (M Phil) in Management Sciences: Tourism and Event Management

Career Opportunities & Professional Pathways

A Master of Philosophy in Tourism and Event Management provides advanced, research-driven knowledge and skills that open up diverse, high-level career opportunities across the global industry. Graduates are equipped to drive innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth. Career pathways include:

  • Senior Management & Operations Leadership: Hotel Directors, Tourism Board Executives, and Operations Managers, overseeing complex hospitality operations, ensuring profitability, and managing large-scale tourism projects with a focus on guest satisfaction and staff efficiency.
  • Strategic Planning & Sustainable Development: Destination Managers, Tourism Development Consultants, and Sustainability Coordinators, advising governments, NGOs, and private entities on sustainable tourism development, infrastructure planning, and eco-friendly practices that benefit local communities.
  • Marketing, PR & Event Management: Tourism Marketing Managers, Digital Marketing Specialists, and Convention Services Managers, creating and executing domestic and international campaigns, managing digital presence, and meticulously coordinating large-scale festivals, conferences, and cultural events.
  • Academia, Training & Entrepreneurship: University Lecturers, Training and Development Managers, Travel Agency Owners, and Tour Operators, sharing advanced industry knowledge with students, developing professional training programmes, or launching niche ventures in ecotourism, adventure travel, or luxury tourism.

Research Output & Dissertations

As a research-only Master’s degree, this programme culminates in a substantial, original dissertation. Prospective students are encouraged to review past research to understand the scope, rigour, and real-world impact of the work produced within the Faculty of Management Sciences.

Masters : Master of Philosophy (M Phil) in Management Sciences: Tourism and Event Management

M_PTEM

Campus

Duration of Programme

SAQA Credits

NQF Level

Bloemfontein Campus

1 – 4 years (full-time), 2 – 4 years (part-time)

180

9

Programme-Specific Requirements

Minimum Prior Qualification

An appropriate qualification at NQF Level 8 in tourism or hospitality, specifically:

  • A cognate Postgraduate Diploma, OR
  • A cognate Honours degree, OR
  • An NQF Level 8 (480-credit) Professional degree.

Required Academic Performance

  • A minimum average of 60% in the preceding NQF Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma or Honours degree.
  • Holders of an NQF Level 8 (480-credit) Professional degree must have obtained at least a 60% average at the fourth-year level of study.
  • A minimum score of 60% in a 24-credit Research Methodology course at NQF Level 8.
  • Review Process: Admission to this Master’s degree is strictly subject to a formal departmental review and selection process.

Programme Regulations & Provisional Admission Process

  • Degree Type & Duration: This is a research-only Master’s degree (MPhil) (180 SAQA credits, NQF Level 9) with no formal coursework. Duration is 1–4 years (full-time) or 2–4 years (part-time).
  • Provisional Admission Period: Students are provisionally admitted and given a maximum of 6 months (full-time) or 12 months (part-time) to prepare a research proposal. During this time, they will be exposed to three optional research modules (A, B, and C) in a seminar format.
  • Proposal Approval Process: The research proposal must first be presented at the departmental level, and subsequently to the Faculty Research and Innovation Committee (FRIC). Only upon acceptance by FRIC will the student be formally registered to proceed with empirical research.
  • Research Methodology Support: Students who scored below 60% in prior research methodology components may be required to attend special research seminars organised annually on campus for postgraduate students.
  • Termination of Admission: Failure to fulfil the proposal submission conditions within the allotted time may lead to the termination of provisional admission, unless an acceptable extenuating motivation is provided (in which case, one final extension period may be granted).
  • Graduation: After successful completion and examination of the dissertation, the Master of Philosophy in Management Sciences will be awarded during an official graduation ceremony of CUT.

Need the Full Programme Details? Consult the Student Calendar

We know that choosing your future is a big step! While this page gives you the key highlights, the official CUT Student Calendar is your complete, authoritative guide. We highly recommend reviewing it to see full details on this programme, including admission criteria, complete module structures, assessment rules, and what to expect during your studies.

 View the Student Calendar →

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