Master's Program Strategic Tourism Management

Study Program

This program provides students with the necessary qualifications to become international managers. The courses include lectures, seminars, and case studies as well as various trainings, simulations and role plays. In addition to acquiring knowledge, students participate in group and project work that trains their problem solving ability and helps them to further develop their soft skills (teamwork, presentations techniques, etc.).

Foundational semester (1st Semester)

In the first semester, students examine the different key issues of the tourism sector. They pay special attention to the cultural, ecological, and social conditions that have to be taken into account when designing tourist offerings. They also focus on the value chain of tourism. This semester provides students with a comprehensive overview of all areas of tourism management. Students learn management approaches, project management, accounting, human resources, and business law. In addition, students take Business French or Spanish and practice presentation techniques and intercultural skills.

Specialization Semester (2nd Semester)

In the second semester, students continue with their communication and language training. In addition, they take two out of three elective modules. Students who would like to work in the field of purchasing or product development in the future can choose Product Planning. Students who would like to work in the field of public relations, advertising, or brand management can choose the module Communications. The module Distribution provides students with the expertise to take on positions in sales. In the last few years, the area of e-distribution has become increasingly important for tourism managers.

Study Abroad Semester (3rd Semester)

During their international semester, students further develop their intercultural skills and expand on their foreign language skills in the region where they would like to work in the future. With this in mind, they choose one of the ISM’s partner universities in Europe or overseas for the international semester. Students can take classes in Tourism & Leisure Behavior, Tourism Risk Management, or Sports Management which relate to their chosen region.

Master's Thesis

The Master’s Thesis is the last stage of the program. Students are responsible for undertaking a research project with a concrete, applied basis. Students should transfer their general knowledge of Strategic Tourism Management to solve specific problems for a tourism company.

Languages of Instruction

German and English. In addition, students take language courses in French or Spanish.