Course Structure

The MBA in International Tourism Management has 16 modules, which have to be completed. Students take an exam in 13 out of the 16 modules. Lectures account for about 630 hours (see Modules and Credits). The modules comprise either 30 or 60 hours. Usually one module is completed after two weeks. Classes are held in English. The optional internship can be done in Germany or abroad. The students gain credit points for their examination results according to the ECTS system (see general structure chart).

Course accompanying examinations must be performed alternatively as follows:

• Supervised written exams 
• Oral exams 
• Seminar papers or presentations 

The Master's Examination consists of: 

• The course accompanying exams 
• Master thesis plus oral defence

Course Content

Compulsory Modules

Modul 1 is an introduction to tourism science and theory at Masters level. Apart from the theory and science of tourism the module also focuses on practical knowledge and applications. Practical exercises and case studies are integrated in this part of the module.

Intercultural Management includes "Culture and Cross Cultural Management" where students will learn about the influence of culture in the workplace, concentrating on three levels of intercultural competence: intercultural sensitivity, enhancement of knowledge about other cultures and practical skill improvement.

International Financial Management consists of two components: "Global Finance" and "International Accounting". Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to understand and deal with major issues in the financial management of international corporations and to apply methods used to manage risk in global markets.

Corporate Social Responsibility aims to provide students with subject-focused, methodological as well as key competencies. Students are supposed to know and comprehend different viewpoints and opinions with regards to the main thematic foci ethics, sustainability and sustainable development. In “Human Resource Management”, the students will be familiarised with the management of human resources in an international context.

In Tourism Marketing students acquire the competence to strategically evaluate the future shape and direction of tourism marketing; to explore key approaches and best-practices in this regard; and to study (with a research and practical orientation) the development and implementation of competitive strategic marketing plans.

After completion of International Legal and Tax Framework, students will have gained essential knowledge in international business law and the practice of conclusion of contracts and conflict resolution in international commerce. Students will have gained a profound insight into the tax systems and deepened knowledge about taxes most relevant to enterprises involved in international business, and have the ability to assess tax related advantages and disadvantages of different legal forms, corporate strategies and location factors.

Strategic Planning includes "Marketing Research" that enables students to analyse data and apply statistical analyses and "Development and Implementation of Strategy" after what students will have a solid understanding of the most common strategic management approaches as well as their pros, cons, and limitations.

International Project Management addresses fundamental principles of project management, its possible fields of application and its relevance for the process optimization of the value chain. Different approaches and instruments of project management and project team leadership are introduced before project organization, structuring and controlling are discussed in detail including Demand in Tourism.

Applied Project Management comprises a real case study including individual reading and research, team work, class discussions, presentations, portfolio discussions of findings. Different approaches and instruments of Project Management, Strategic Planning and Tourism Management will be applied in this real tourism specific project.

The Master Thesis Seminar covers standards in academic writing, the function of the Master Thesis within the programme context, approaches to find an adequate research question for the final thesis, strategic issues and questions regarding personal goals and career planning, cooperation with companies and business practice for writing the thesis, originality of the thesis topic, approach to literature research, literature originality issues and plagiarism rules, the writing a mock-thesis. Master Thesis involves the students in actually engaging in the research or case study project and writing and finalising the thesis paper.

The Internship includes a 20-week internship work contract with a company or organisation involved in general or tourism business or activities.

Elective Courses

- Contemporary Issues in Tourism

- International Politics and Relations in Tourism

- Leadership Challenges

- Applications of Business Strategies in E-Tourism and Tour Operation