Tourism Studies PhD
This programme is based at the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability, Dumfries Campus. Our staff are experts in tourism policy, planning and sustainable development. Our world-leading interdisciplinary research addresses the complexity of the tourism ecosystem and proposes sustainable, innovative and impactful solutions to its challenges.
- PhD: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time; Thesis of 70,000-100,000 words
Overview
Our Tourism Studies Research Group promotes research and debate about the contemporary challenges posed by the analysis of tourism as a socio-economic phenomenon. The ultimate goal of our work is to inform the sustainable practice of tourism management, through world-leading interdisciplinary research.
We are committed to the global effort towards sustainable and inclusive economic development. In a post-pandemic era, the recovery of the tourism sector is pivotal for a renewed prosperity based on communities’ wellbeing. Our research in tourism acknowledges the complexity of the current research agenda and the need to work at the boundaries of diverse disciplines to propose creative, innovative and impactful solutions.
The group encompasses a comprehensive range of expertise in tourism and beyond such as:
- tourism and regional development
- sustainable cultural tourism
- the geography and history of tourism
- tourism economics
- cultural economics
- tourism entrepreneurship
- philosophy
- heritage conservation
- architecture and planning.
All research students have two supervisors, providing complementary expertise. You will receive training in Dumfries, as well as benefit from training opportunities in Glasgow in Research Design, Qualitative Methods, Quantitative Data Analysis, Introduction to Social Theory for Researchers, Applied Qualitative Methods, and Generalised Linear Models.
Opportunities for postgraduate funding are available through the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences and other grant funded programmes, and applications from self-funded students are also welcome.
Study options
- PhD: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time.
Final assessment involves the submission of a thesis of between 70,000 and 100,000 words and an oral examination (viva voce).
We would particularly welcome applicants with an interest in our four priority research themes:
- Tourism as engine for sustainable development
- Sustainable Cultural Tourism and Heritage
- The Geography and History of Tourism
- Smart cities, decision support systems and the future of tourism
In addition, we welcome applications from PhD students interested in the intersection of Education, Tourism, Sustainable Development and Environmental Science. Our unique PhD (Interdisciplinary Studies) option allows students to enrol for co-supervision on topics that span the different subject areas within the school.
Entry requirements
Our regular standard of admission is usually a Master's degree or a 2.1 honours degree.
Required documents
Applicants should submit:- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
- CV
- Research Proposal
- Two References
- Named Supervisor information
You must demonstrate academic proficiency and a commitment to the core research themes of the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability. Please identify and contact a suitable supervisor before applying to discuss the application and project with them.
English language requirements
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English language proficiency level.
Accepted English language tests
We accept a wide range of English language tests for entry to this programme. Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date, and requirements must be met using a single test.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 7.0 overall with no subtest less than 6.5
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- We do not accept General Training
TOEFL iBT (Including MyBest and Home Edition)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 96 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 23; Listening 23; Speaking 23; Writing 24
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 98 overall with no subtest less than Writing and Listening at 5 and Reading and Speaking at 4.5
Pearsons PTE Academic (test centre only)
- 70 overall with no subtest less than Reading 62; Listening 62; Speaking 75; Writing 68
- We do not accept the online PTE Academic
Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency
- 185 overall, no subtest less than 176
Oxford ELLT
- 8 overall with Reading and Listening no less than 7 and Writing and Speaking no less than 8
LanguageCert Academic SELT/Academic/Academic Online
- 75 overall with two subtests at 75 and no subtest less than 70
Password Skills Plus
- 7.0 overall with no subtest less than 6.5
Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II
- 105 overall with no subtest less than 105
Kaplan Test of English
- Any two subtests at 510 or higher, and any two subtests at 480 or higher
PSI Skills for English
- C1 Pass
Duolingo English Test
- 130 overall with Writing at 130 and no subtest less than 120
Oxford Test of English Advanced
- 146 overall with no subtest less than 136
Alternatives to English language qualification
Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- Students must have studied for a minimum of their final year at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within 6 years of programme start.
TNE degree for UK University taught at a campus outside of the UK.
- Students must be awarded the degree by the UK university and must have completed the degree within 6 years of programme start.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- ST Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
Fees and funding
Fees
2027/28
- UK: To be confirmed [26/27 fee was £5,238]
- International & EU: £28,275
Fees are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Tuition fees for part-time study will be charged at half the full-time annual fee.
Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.
Alumni discount
We offer a 15% tuition fee discount to eligible self-funded alumni starting a Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Masters or Postgraduate Research (PGR) programme in the 2027/28 academic year.
This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme, Exchange programme, International Summer School or Erasmus programme with us. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships. No additional application is required.
Possible additional fees
- Re-submission by a research student £540
- Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
- Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790
Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.
Fully funded scholarships
Support
The College of Social Sciences Graduate School draws together internationally recognised scholars and respected practitioners to offer a range of research programmes.
Our programmes are based on thorough training in research methods and we encourage you to take part in numerous exciting seminars, conferences and events. We offer modern library, IT services and a wide-range of support services.
Our Graduate School Researcher Development Programme will support you to plan your professional development over the course of your PhD and ensure your employability.
How to apply
Identify potential supervisors
All Postgraduate Research Students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring. You may want to identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Please note, even if you have spoken to an academic staff member about your proposal you still need to submit an online application form.
You can find relevant academic staff members with our staff research interests search.
Required documents
- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
- CV
- Research Proposal
- Two References
- Named Supervisor information
Contact us
- If you have any questions about your application before you apply: contact our School of Social and Environmental Sustainability
- If you have any questions after you have submitted your application: contact our Admissions team
- Any references may be submitted by email to: pg-research-admissions@glasgow.ac.uk
International Students
- Advice on visa, immigrations and the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) can be found on our International student pages
Induction
- Getting started with PGR development: how postgraduate researchers are welcomed into our community