Tourism PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for Self-funded Students in the UK

A PhD in Tourism lets doctoral students explore research topics in areas related to Hospitality, Event Management and Travel. Typical projects will tackle topics to do with international travel, sustainability and the sharing economy.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Tourism?

PhDs in Tourism cover all aspects of the visitor economy and tourist behavior, allowing researchers to delve into important subjects relating to globalisation, diversity, climate change and much more. Some topics you might analyse include:

• Destination branding
• Digital visitor economy
• Risk and crisis management
• Sustainability
• Theme parks
• Tourist wellbeing

Depending on the nature of your research, you’ll become knowledgeable in quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods, before completing a lengthy PhD thesis.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for a typical PhD in Tourism usually involve a Bachelors and a Masters degree in a related subject. You’ll also need to submit a compelling research proposal detailing your study plans. You may also need some professional experience, depending on the programme.

PhD in Tourism funding options

In the UK, PhDs in Tourism are funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which provides a tuition fee waiver and a living cost stipend. Depending on the programme, you may submit your own research proposal before being considered for funding, or apply for a project that already has funding attached.

It’s also possible to apply for a PhD loan to help with the costs of a doctorate in Tourism (although this can’t be combined with Research Council funding). Other options for financial support include university scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and charities.

If you’re considering a part-time PhD in Tourismt, it may also be worth asking your employer if they’re happy to sponsor you.

PhD in Tourism careers

The skills and knowledge acquired during a PhD in Tourism can be applied in a variety of careers, such as tourism policy development, tourism marketing and planning, tourism research, and teaching. In addition, a PhD in Tourism can also lead to other careers in fields such as business, education, marketing, and law.

If you’re interested in entering the tourism industry, a PhD in Tourism is a great option. Not only do you get to explore research topics in areas related to Hospitality, Event Management and Travel, but you can also find employment in the industry after your degree. With a strong knowledge of tourism, you can make a name for yourself as a professional researcher and help shape the future of tourism.