PhD Tourism Management

About the project

• Research

PhD Tourism Management

• Overview
• Degree details
• Our students
• Research
• Entry and fees
• Careers
• Facilities
• Supervisors
• Recently viewed
• Related courses

Overview

A PhD in Tourism Management will enable you to become an expert in your chosen area of this busy industry. Our research in the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism (LGCHT) focuses on exploring risk, resilience and innovation within the tourism sector. We place a special emphasis on understanding challenges and opportunities in world tourism cities, tourist behaviour in the digital age and the relationship between tourism and wellbeing.

As a postgraduate researcher with us, you will receive training in a range of research methods and theoretical approaches. You will need to demonstrate strong analytical skills, creativity, motivation and a deep interest in all aspects of tourism. Working closely with your supervisors, you will undertake a rigorous scientific investigation, generating significant discoveries relevant to business, social life and academic scholarship.

LGCHT academics provide excellent supervision covering a diverse range of exciting research topics in tourism, including:

And Evidence-based research on diversity and inclusion.

This PhD is available for you to study:

As part of your application, please state whether you are applying for an online PhD.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

• crisis management in world tourism cities
• development challenges in world tourism cities
• digital storytelling in urban destinations: the use of social media and augmented reality in destination marketing visitor-generated content and its impact on destination image
• the use of social media and augmented reality in destination marketing
• visitor-generated content and its impact on destination image
• new tourist trends
• tourist sentiment monitoring systems
• destination reputational risk management
• tourism, health and wellbeing in later life: the effects of tourism on older people’s health and wellbeing how senior tourists articulate their tourism experiences relationship dynamics between senior tourists’ tourism experience and wellbeing
• the effects of tourism on older people’s health and wellbeing
• how senior tourists articulate their tourism experiences
• relationship dynamics between senior tourists’ tourism experience and wellbeing
• neurodivergent tourists' wellbeing: sensory sensitivities and accessibility challenges in tourism environments strategies for promoting inclusive travel experiences for neurodivergent individuals the therapeutic potential of tourism for neurodivergent people (stress reduction, social connections, etc.)
• sensory sensitivities and accessibility challenges in tourism environments
• strategies for promoting inclusive travel experiences for neurodivergent individuals
• the therapeutic potential of tourism for neurodivergent people (stress reduction, social connections, etc.)
• wellbeing of tourists with dementia and their carers: the impact of tourism on cognitive function and quality of life for people with dementia designing dementia-friendly tourism destinations and services supporting carers of people with dementia during travel experiences
• the impact of tourism on cognitive function and quality of life for people with dementia
• designing dementia-friendly tourism destinations and services
• supporting carers of people with dementia during travel experiences
• the role of women in tourism entrepreneurship
• barriers to women's leadership in the tourism sector
• privacy concerns and data management in smart tourism
• the balance between technological innovation and responsible tourism practices
• full-time or part-time
• on-campus or online
• starting in September or February.

About your degree

With academic staff with extensive professional experience within a vast array of disciplines, we provide a stimulating and supportive environment for your PhD in Tourism Management. You will benefit from:

Our online PhD allows you to undertake a postgraduate research degree from a location that fits with your lifestyle and commitments. As part of your application, please state that you are applying for an online PhD. As an online PhD student, you will not be required to visit the campus: all supervision, training, reviews and the viva voce examination are provided online.

An online PhD may not be suitable for all projects, and consideration will be given to the suitability of the research project and whether it can be completed successfully without regular access to campus facilities.

This PhD in Tourism Management is available for you to study full-time or part-time, online or campus-based.

All PhD students will have access to the University’s student support services , the Library’s e-resources collection and IT support services . You are also welcome to attend the annual doctoral students’ conference on campus.

A PhD is founded on independent research. You will undertake a systematic and in-depth exploration of your chosen topic to produce a substantial body of knowledge and make an original and important contribution to the subject area.

The support provided by your supervisory team will be vital to your student experience and scholarly advancement. You and your supervisors will have regular one-to-one meetings which will provide you with opportunities to develop your research topic and discuss your progress.

Based in the heart of Ealing, west London, you can make use of the excellent transport links to travel to the capital or further afield.

Our longstanding reputation and West London base have helped us to develop valuable links to national and multinational organisations, such as InterContinental Hotels Group, the Savoy Hotel, Hilton Hotels and the Royal Palaces. These connections can provide opportunities for you to gain work experience and build your professional network.

If you would like guidance or more information about studying for a PhD in Tourism Management, please contact Professor Alexandros Paraskevas .

• peer feedback and discussion
• a series of masterclasses and lectures from industry figures
• support by a supervisor and second supervisor suited to your project.
• PhD opportunities
• Support
• Networking

Research areas

• Crisis management in world tourism cities World cities are important destinations that attract many visitors, but are also environments that are vulnerable to many crises and disasters. Yet, not many studies have researched crisis in a city tourism context. This is surprising as there is a healthy literature on crisis in cities and an increasing number of studies discussing crisis in tourism destinations in general. Considering that world tourism cities are environments that present specific characteristics that differentiate them from other destinations, understanding the particularities of crises in tourist cities could help managers to better prepare and deal with such events. The main goal of this research is to explore the particularities of crises in world tourism cities and to investigate the four main stages of crisis management (early warning signal detection; preparedness and planning; response and recovery; resolution and reflection), with a focus on preparedness and planning. The specific aim of the research will be refined in collaboration with the successful applicant. Candidate profile You will be expected to hold a good first degree (first or upper second class) and/or a Masters degree (or equivalent) in tourism management or other similar disciplines. You should be able to work in a collaborative environment with a strong commitment to reaching research excellence and achieving assigned objectives. It is expected that you will carry out applied research work that will start from the establishment of a theoretical framework, continue with the implementation of the research design adopted and conclude with discussing the contribution to knowledge and implications for managers (the specific approach to be developed together with the successful candidate). Besides basic knowledge in tourism management, background knowledge and/or previous experience in the following areas, though not mandatory, will be considered very favourably: crisis management urban tourism statistical analysis Primary supervisor: Dr Cristina Maxim Contact: [email protected]

Crisis management in world tourism cities

• crisis management
• urban tourism
• statistical analysis
• Primary supervisor: Dr Cristina Maxim
• Contact: [email protected]
• Development challenges in world tourism cities World tourism cities attract large numbers of visitors, playing an important role not only in the global visitor economy but in a wider tourism context by exercising leadership and innovation, and are thus an important topic for tourism research. Global tourism cities are centres of trade and often host major national cultural institutions, whilst being catalysts for the development of tourism in their wider region. However, in a globalised world, global cities are faced with numerous challenges due to their characteristics and complexities in terms of economic, social or political functions, coupled with the diversity of people who experience such places either as residents, visitors or migrants. Still, limited research have been published on the topic, with most papers focusing on specific case studies. The main goal of this research is to investigate the development challenges faced by world tourism cities, with a particular focus on the sustainable development goals and their applicability in a city tourism context. The aim of the research will be refined in collaboration with the successful applicant. Candidate profile You will be expected to hold a good first degree (first or upper second class) and/or a Masters degree (or equivalent) in Tourism Management or other similar disciplines. You should be able to work in a collaborative environment with a strong commitment to reaching research excellence and achieving assigned objectives. It is expected that you will carry out applied research work that will start from the establishment of a theoretical framework, continue with the implementation of the research design adopted and conclude with discussing the contribution to knowledge and implications for managers (the specific approach to be developed together with the successful candidate). Besides basic knowledge in Tourism Management, background knowledge and/or previous experience in the following areas, though not mandatory, will be considered very favourably: urban tourism sustainability statistical analysis Supervisor: Dr Cristina Maxim Contact: [email protected]

Development challenges in world tourism cities

To enable you to enhance your professional profile, we support you throughout your research degree by:

We provide structured research training, expert supervision and an environment where you can discuss your research with other PhD students and researchers.

We run seminars in research methods from the Graduate Centre, as well as an ongoing series of events and activities organised by Schools and Colleges. Specialist help with academic English for students for whom English is not their first language is available.

We contribute to national and international initiatives and promote collaboration and networking opportunities. We also encourage and support you to publish and disseminate your research in academic journals and via presenting papers at conferences.

We run an annual conference for doctoral students, where you are encouraged to present a paper about your research. As well as being an opportunity to discuss your work with other students, the conference is a chance to gain valuable experience in presenting your research and participating in open discussions with academic peers.

You will also find other opportunities such as postgraduate student seminars and forums within your specific subject area.

Once you start a PhD course at UWL, you become part of our research community. You will have access to a postgraduate common room, located at our Ealing campus on St Mary’s Road, where you will meet fellow researchers from other subject disciplines offering scope for collaborations or simply to discuss ideas, allowing you to be part of a vibrant research environment.

• urban tourism
• sustainability
• statistical analysis
• Supervisor: Dr Cristina Maxim
• Contact: [email protected]
• providing research seminars
• organising doctoral events and activities
• facilitating networking and collaboration opportunities
• encouraging and supporting publication and dissemination of your research
• offering opportunities to gain teaching expertise and experience.

What our students say

The main factor that persuaded me to pursue a PhD at UWL was the opportunity to work with supervisors who are experts in their field and to be part of a university with a great reputation. My doctoral experience at the University of West London was outstanding. The University offers everything you need as a student to succeed in your studies and I received a huge amount of support. Also, the library provides a fantastic study environment.

Athanasios Lykartsis, PhD student

The main factor that persuaded me to pursue a PhD at UWL was the opportunity to work with supervisors who are experts in their field and to be part of a university with a great reputation. My doctoral experience at the University of West London was outstanding. The University offers everything you need as a student to succeed in your studies and I received a huge amount of support. Also, the library provides a fantastic study environment.

Athanasios Lykartsis, PhD student

Research Repository - Tourism

The Repository is a digital archive of research output by our academics and research students.

ICHARM

Research carried out by the International Centre for Hospitality and Aviation Resilience Management (ICHARM).

Research

Find out more about our research, the impact it has and how to join us as a research student.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements for a research degree are:

We look for individuals with:

Applicants should also submit a well-considered and persuasive research proposal, clearly outlining their aims, context and potential contribution to the field.

The minimum entry requirements for a research degree are:

We look for individuals with:

Applicants should also submit a well-considered and persuasive research proposal, clearly outlining their aims, context and potential contribution to the field.

• Requirements: UK
• Requirements: International
• a good first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class), or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• a Masters degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit, or equivalent postgraduate or research experience.
• dedication to undertaking rigorous and meaningful research
• enthusiasm for contributing to academic and creative practice
• a genuine passion for their chosen subject area.
• a good first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class), or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• a Masters Degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit, or equivalent postgraduate or research experience.
• Competence in written and spoken English is a pre-requisite for entrance to this programme.
• An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 (with no element under 6.0).
• dedication to undertaking rigorous and meaningful research
• enthusiasm for contributing to academic and creative practice
• a genuine passion for their chosen subject area.

Fees & funding

Please note that the following writing-up fees apply for the final year of full-time PhD study , a reduced amount from the standard fee per year:

Writing-up fees do not apply for the final year of part-time PhD study. The standard fee applies.

• Funding: UK
• Funding: International
• On campus PhD (Year 4): UK £1,900. International: £6,000
• Online PhD (Year 4): UK £1,000. International: £3,000.
• Fees for the 2027/28 academic year and onwards may be subject to change.
• Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course and you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year, except if otherwise stated.
• If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

Funding for postgraduate students usually comes from one or more of a range of key sources:

Find out more about funding opportunities .

Examples of most of these types of funding are included on the postgraduate studentships website (except for funding you may be able to obtain from your employer and self-funding).

The PhD Bursary is available to home and international students enrolling on a full-time PhD course in 2026/27. The Bursary consists of a £500 fee reduction in your first year of study and for each subsequent year of study, subject to successful progression, up to a maximum of 4 years.

We offer other generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. See our PhD scholarships and bursaries .

Please note that the following writing-up fees apply for the final year of full-time PhD study , a reduced amount from the standard fee per year:

Writing-up fees do not apply for the final year of part-time PhD study. The standard fee applies.

• research councils
• charities and trust funds, including those funded by the UK government
• higher education institutions
• overseas governments (international students only)
• employers
• professional and career development loans
• self-funding (including family funds).
• On campus PhD (Year 4): UK £1,900. International: £6,000
• Online PhD (Year 4): UK £1,000. International: £3,000.
• Fees for the 2027/28 academic year and onwards may be subject to change.
• Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course and you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year, except if otherwise stated.
• If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

For any overseas students, your first port of call should be grant-awarding bodies in your own country (e.g. The Ministry/Department of Education) and your local (or nearest) office of the British Council.

The British Council manage a small number of international studentship grants in some countries and should be able to tell you what other awards may be available to you - they also produce the sources of funding for international students guide.

The PhD Bursary is available to home and international students enrolling on a full-time PhD course in 2026/27. The Bursary consists of a £500 fee reduction in your first year of study and for each subsequent year of study, subject to successful progression, up to a maximum of 4 years.

Your future career

As a PhD graduate in Tourism Management, you will be a recognised authority within your research field, with the skills and expertise to be a leader within the hospitality sector.

Having gained valuable transferable skills during your PhD, you will be a self-motivated project manager with excellent organisational and analytical skills, experienced in public speaking and event planning, with an ability to effectively collect, analyse, interpret and communicate large amounts of complex data.

Most of our graduates do go on to careers within academia, while some take their research and teaching expertise into other professions.

Job roles

• travel brand manager
• hotel manager
• corporate communications consultant
• advertising account director
• PR consultant
• marketing manager
• event manager
• project manager
• operations manager.

Graduate employers

• airports/seaports
• international hotels
• UK hotel and leisure groups
• public sector tourism agencies
• airlines.

Our West London Campus

Explore our fantastic facilities at the University of West London's West London Campus.

Heathrow Exhibition

'Heathrow: The Journey' is a free, permanent exhibition at UWL's Ealing site. We are also home to the Heathrow Archive, a collection of more than 800 artefacts that tell the story of Heathrow's history from 1946 to the present day.

FlightPad Simulator

FlightPad is a high-tech, fixed-based flight simulator, ideal for aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike.

The Paul Hamlyn Library

The Paul Hamlyn Library provides an extensive range of books, journals and digital resources, PC and Mac workstations and a variety of study spaces.

The Graduate School

If you are interested in studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate, the Graduate School is here to support your research.

Rami Ranger House (Postgraduate Student Centre)

Rami Ranger House is a focal point for the University’s postgraduate and international students, providing dedicated space for social and learning interaction.

This building, which is three storeys high, offers spaces for collaborative working, socialising, supervision and mentoring on the ground floor. The first floor has work spaces for the postgraduate support teams to use, while the second floor provides guest accommodation for visiting scholars.

Travel and tourism

Whether you dream of managing a luxury resort, working as a tour guide in exotic locations, or even starting your own travel agency, our travel and tourism courses will help to launch your professional career.

Find out more

Discover seven reasons to study with us and how studying at UWL will support your future career.

Find out about student accommodation and the support for students.

Explore our campus and sites and book onto a campus tour or open day .

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

Rankings

• † Fees - the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the course. Fees are subject to change. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught international fees are subject to an annual increase.
• Teaching - your course will primarily be delivered in-person, however it may include delivery of some activities online, either in real-time or recorded.
• Testimonials - quotes are provided by current or former UWL students. These are mostly from the course but quotes from a UWL student on another course may be used if, for example, the course is new.
• Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.
• Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming, however staff and course content may have since changed.
• Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route and a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.
• The National Student Survey 2026 result is based on the average of all answers by the taught student populations.
• Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and after, 1992.
• PRES - rank out of 53 institutions.

Research areas