Presentation
What is a Master’s degree in Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy?
INSEEC’s Grande École programme, specialising in Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy, prepares you for careers in tourism, hotels and gastronomy on an international scale. This course confers a Master’s degree (equivalent to Bac+5) recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research and is RNCP level 7 certified. The course is taught entirely in English and is AMBA accredited, preparing you for a successful career in the luxury tourism, wine tourism and top-of-the-range hotel sectors.
Diploma and professional certification
This state-approved degree confers a Master’s grade and has been AMBA accredited since 2016, guaranteeing its recognition in France and internationally.
Professional certification as an Innovative Projects Manager level 7 (EU), NSF code 310, awarded by INSEEC Grande École, registered under number 41044 on the RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles) by decision of the Director General of France Compétences.
Objectives and skills
This Master’s degree is designed to train managers capable of driving innovative strategies in tourism, leisure and gastronomy, while creating exceptional customer experiences in an international context.
The programme develops key skills in :
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Service marketing and customer experience
- Innovation and the digital transformation of tourism
- Gastronomy and luxury hospitality
- Revenue management and demand management
- Event and destination management
- Tourism consumer behaviour
- Sustainable development and responsible tourism
The content
The courses below are taught on the Lyon campus, in English. The programme evolves each year to incorporate innovations in the tourism sector and the new expectations of travellers.
1ʳᵉ year (Level L3)
60 ECTS credits – 568 hours
This fundamental year lays the foundations for management and develops your understanding of the international dynamics of tourism and hospitality. Students spend 2 months on the London campus before undertaking their work placement.
- Understanding the world’s major issues
- Intercultural skills
- Developing critical and independent thinking
- Become an expert, responsible and efficient manager
- Supervised collaborative work: INSEEC Personal Project
- Undertaking and leading change
2ᵉ year (M1 level)
60 ECTS credits – 428 hours
This year consolidates your managerial skills and introduces you to the specificities of management in tourism, leisure and gastronomy. You choose a pre-specialisation from September to December, go abroad if necessary from January to May, and then complete a minimum 2-month work placement in a company from June to August.
- Building autonomy and the ability to decipher the world
- Professional methods, skills and practices
- Career paths
3ᵉ year (Level M2) – Core curriculum
60 ECTS credits – 238 hours (initial)
The core curriculum develops your strategic and ethical skills in the context of the experience and hospitality industries. In the initial phase, the first semester finalises your specialisation, or enables you to obtain a Double Degree abroad. From January to August, you complete your end-of-studies internship of at least 6 months, culminating in the oral presentation and defence of your applied research dissertation.
- Open Innovation Challenge
- Research Methodology Seminar
- Advanced Management
- Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility
- Preparing for the Grand Oral
- Crisis Management Night
3ᵉ year (M2 level) – Speciality courses
Speciality courses immerse you in cutting-edge management practices in tourism, gastronomy and leisure.
- Marketing innovation in tourism
- Demand and revenue management
- Service marketing and excellence strategy in tourism
- Gastronomy, the culinary arts and luxury hospitality
- Digital tourism
- Consumer behaviour and tourism trends
- Event management
Assessment procedures
The assessment uses a variety of methods to validate your managerial skills as applied to the tourism sector:
- Continuous monitoring of your acquisitions.
- Personal work and group projects.
- Half-yearly and final examinations.
- Case studies from the tourism industry.
- Design and presentation of tourism projects.
- Hotel management simulations.
- Research thesis applied to tourism.
- Compulsory work placements and professional assessment.
Validation is achieved by capitalising on all the skill blocks and obtaining 180 ECTS credits over the three years of the programme.
Is this diploma recognised by the State?
Yes, it is an official certification from the Ministry of Higher Education. France Compétence guarantees the quality of INSEEC and its courses.
- A demanding quality label appreciated by companies
Nos Campus
Partout en France
École de commerce à Paris
Découvrez trois campus modernes et faciles d’accès dans des lieux emblématiques de Paris.
École de commerce à Bordeaux
Rejoignez un campus moderne et chaleureux en bord de Garonne, au cœur d’une ville vivante et conviviale.
École de commerce à Lyon
Profitez d’un campus historique au cœur de Lyon, ville culturelle et étudiante parmi les plus dynamiques de France.
1/3
Testimonials
Our students are satisfied
-
In my final year of a Master’s degree at INSEEC, I am working as an advertising manager on a work-study program at JCDecaux in the Basque Country and southern Landes region. The work-study program allows me to apply what I learn in class while gradually entering the workforce.
Simon Faure
-
Originally from Reunion Island and having completed an ECT preparatory course, I chose INSEEC Grande École for its excellence in work-study programs and its stay in London. The merit-based scholarship allowed me to attend my first year in Paris free of charge, on a modern campus in the heart of the city.
Rachel Adolphe
-
As a Master 2 student at INSEEC Grande École, I had the opportunity to study in Bordeaux, London, and Casablanca, as well as in New Caledonia. These international experiences and the school’s network enabled me to easily secure my work-study position as a recruitment officer.
Ninon Metais
Key figures for class 2024
For RNCP title n°41044
“DipViGrM – Grande École Programme
Rate of presentation for certification
National pass rate
Professional experience
A career path
Internships give you the chance to work in prestigious hotels, tourist offices, events agencies and gourmet restaurants. You will develop a detailed understanding of the codes of hospitality and build your professional network in an exciting international sector.
INSEEC supports you
Dedicated support in your search for internships in tourism, luxury hospitality, and gastronomy in Lyon and internationally.
Job dating
Monthly meetings with our partners: luxury hotels, palaces, tourist offices, receptive agencies, and gourmet restaurants.
Match’Up
Access to thousands of internship opportunities in tourism, hospitality, events, and high-end catering.
Corporate and Alumni Relations Department
Take advantage of our network of 10,000 partner companies and 115,000 alumni to accelerate your career in hospitality and tourism.
Coaching Workshop
Weekly programs: standards of excellence in hospitality, codes of luxury, networking, etc.
Business
What are the career opportunities after a Master’s degree in Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy?
This course opens the door to exciting careers in tourism, hotels and gastronomy. The hospitality sector is looking for international profiles who are able to combine operational excellence, innovation and a sense of service for career paths all over the world.
Application
What are the admission requirements for the Master’s degree in Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy?
Admission to 1st year (Level L3)
- Accessible to students holding or in the process of obtaining a BUT, BTS, Licence 2, RNCP level 5 certified qualification (Bac +2), or enrolled in 2ᵉ year of IEP.
- Admission via the Evolution 1 competitive entrance examination (application + oral tests).
- A good level of English is required to follow the courses entirely in English.
Admission to 2nd year (M1 level)
- Open to students who have completed or are in the process of completing a Licence 3, Bachelor’s degree, Master 1, engineering degree or level 6/7 RNCP-certified qualification attesting to at least 3 years of higher education.
- Admission via the Evolution 2 competitive entrance examination (application + oral tests).
- An advanced level of English is required for this international course.
Are you in a preparatory class?
- You can enter the first year of the Grande École programme by taking the BCE competitive entrance examination.
Your application
- Submitting your application
- Admission test
- Eligibility results
Tuition fees
What are the tuition fees for the Master’s degree in Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy?
Tuition fees vary from year to year. Several financing solutions are available to support you.
- 2nd year undergraduate
- 1st year 1-year€12 950
- 2nd year 1-year€13 390
- 3rd year 1-year€13 390
- Grade de Master Degree
Financial aid
INSEEC offers a number of financial aid schemes:
Our financial aid
Banking partnerships and their advantages
- 2nd year undergraduate
- 1st year 1-year€12 950
- 2nd year 1-year€13 390
- 3rd year 1-year€13 390
- Grade de Master Degree
Visit us at
Discover the Grande École Programme events
-
BTS
25/02
Open House Days in Online
-
Bachelor
17/01
Open House Days in Bordeaux
-
BBA
17/01
Open House Days in Bordeaux
FAQ
All you need to know about the Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy Master’s Degree
The top questions asked about the Grande Ecole Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy programme (conferring a Master’s degree). The team at the Lyon campus will be happy to help you!
Let’s meet
Still not sure? Meet our teams to help you make the right choice!
What are the objectives of the Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy Master’s Degree?
The aim of this programme is to train managers capable of running international tourism, hotel and gastronomy businesses. You will develop expertise in service marketing, revenue management, digital innovation and event management.
The aim is to prepare you to create exceptional customer experiences in different areas of hospitality, while integrating sustainability and cultural heritage issues.
Is the INSEEC Master’s degree in Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy recognised by the State?
Yes, the Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy programme awards a Bac +5 diploma conferring the Grade de Master, recognised by the French State since 2005. It has been AMBA accredited since 2016 and is RNCP level 7 certified (record 41044).
INSEEC Grande École is a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles, guaranteeing the highest level of recognition with a special mention for the excellence of its courses.
Which partner companies recruit students from this programme?
INSEEC’s network of 10,000 partner companies regularly recruits graduates of the Programme Grande École (PGE) Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy :
- International hotel groups and palaces.
- Tourist offices and regional promotional bodies.
- Gastronomic restaurants and Michelin-starred establishments.
- Event agencies and MICE organisers.
- Digital tourism platforms and startups.
What soft skills are developed following a Master’s degree in Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy?
This programme develops the essential qualities needed to excel in international hospitality:
- Excellent service and a warm welcome.
- Intercultural skills and communication in foreign languages.
- Adaptability and stress management in an operational environment.
- Leadership and management of multicultural teams.
- Creativity and the ability to create memorable experiences.
- Discretion and professionalism.
Are there any internship or work-study opportunities during the Master’s degree in Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy?
This programme is offered as an initial training course, with compulsory work placements every year. You will spend several periods immersed in tourist, hotel or gastronomic establishments to gain practical experience.
A corporate relations officer will help you find work placements in France and abroad, which are particularly popular in this international sector.
What languages are used for lessons and exams?
The entire Grande Ecole Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy programme is taught in English. This total linguistic immersion prepares you to work in the international tourism industry, where English is the main working language.
Fluency in other foreign languages (French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin) is strongly encouraged to enhance your profile in global hospitality.
What is the admission process for the Master’s degree in Tourism, Leisure & Gastronomy?
There are three competitive entrance exams, depending on your level:
- BCE competition for entry into 1ʳᵉ year (L3) after a preparatory year (classe préparatoire)
- Evolution 1 competitive entrance examination for entry into year 1ʳᵉ (L3) after a Bac +2 (2-year higher education qualification)
- Evolution 2 competitive entrance examination for entry to the 2nd year (M1) after a Bac +3/4 (higher education qualification)
The process includes an application and oral tests. Your passion for tourism, your cultural awareness, your experience in hospitality and your international career plans will be put to good use during the interviews.
How does this programme differ from a university Masters in Tourism?
The INSEEC Master’s degree differs from a university Master’s in Tourism in its international approach, 100% in English, its focus on luxury business and management, and its network of prestigious partner companies.
Unlike university courses, which are often theoretical, this programme focuses on operational aspects, with professional tools, speakers from the sector and work placements in excellent establishments. Further study is also made easier thanks to the internationally recognised AMBA accreditation.
Why is Lyon an ideal destination for training in tourism and gastronomy?
Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is recognised as the world capital of gastronomy. The city offers an exceptional environment in which to study tourism and hospitality, with its Michelin-starred restaurants, major cultural events, strategic position at the crossroads of Europe and dynamic tourist industry.
You will benefit from privileged access to key players in the sector and internship opportunities in prestigious local establishments.
Is there an active INSEEC alumni network to help with professional integration?
Yes, the INSEEC network has 115,000 alumni, including many professionals working in tourism, luxury hotels and gastronomy around the world. The city offers an exceptional environment in which to study tourism, with its Michelin-starred restaurants, major cultural events and strategic position at the crossroads of Europe.
Made for you
Our other Grande Ecole Programme courses
-
- 1st year postgraduate
- 3rd year undergraduate
CGE accredited MSc – Sustainable Tourism Management
-
- 1st year postgraduate
- 3rd year undergraduate
CGE accredited MSc – International Business Management
-
- 2nd year postgraduate
Executive DBA Business Economics and Transitions
-
- 2nd year undergraduate
- 3rd year undergraduate
Master’s degree in Corporate Finance & Financial Analysis
-
- 2nd year undergraduate
- 3rd year undergraduate
Master’s degree in Digitalisation, AI and Big Data
-
- 2nd year undergraduate
- 3rd year undergraduate
Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Management and Leadership