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TFS

Tourism is a highly dynamic, continuously developing phenomenon in an uncertain environment. Tourism is influenced by technological, environmental, and societal change. A profound analysis of the future helps to take better decisions today. Our Master of Science in Tourism Futures Studies is designed to enable graduates for a successful career in this vibrant and dynamic sector. With its distinct focus on possible futures it is a great basis to start a career in Tourism Consulting, Tourism Strategy, Tourism Foresight, Tourism Entrepreneurship, and all fields that profit from looking into the future of tourism.

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Join us for an Online Info Session

Would you like to learn more about the TFS programme and how it can prepare you for the challenges tourism organisations are facing both now and in the future? Then join one of our upcoming interactive, online information sessions!  We will also provide information about the city of Heilbronn, the university and faculty, our state-of-the-art campus, as well as everything you need to know about the admission requirements and application process.

Information sessions will resume in March 2026 for the Winter Semester 2026/2027 intake.

Please contact us for individual consultations in the meantime!

Overview

Degree: Master of Science
3 Semester: 90 ECTS
Language: English
Location: Heilbronn Bildungscampus
Study form: Full-time
Start: Winter semester
Deadline: July 15

Programme Overview

The M.Sc. in Tourism Futures Studies (TFS) is aimed at preparing first-degree graduates for a career shaping the future of tourism & hospitality.

The study programme ensures that graduates possess heightened analytical skills, interdisciplinary knowledge, and strategic foresight to effectively address the multifaceted challenges of our time.

The study programme is meticulously designed to address the future challenges confronting the tourism and hospitality industry. This exploration is pivotal for molding future leaders in a dynamic, resilient, and socially responsible global tourism sector. The programme seamlessly integrates fundamental tourism concepts with a comprehensive understanding of interconnected challenges, employing dynamic approaches such as sustainability, resilience, and social integration across all modules.

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Career Perspectives

The tourism branch is an extremely diverse sector. As a result of its rapid growth, it offers excellent career prospects for graduates of the M.Sc. in Tourism Futures Studies programme. Job opportunities exist in a wide range of globally-operating local, regional, national and international tourism organisations. Potential employers include the various public sector institutions and non-profit organisations that regulate and promote the tourism industry, as well as private tourism companies.

Programme Structure

Students experience a period of intensive independent study. This allows them to progress at a speed suited to their individual needs and to work on their own initiative in areas which are of interest and value to them. Some more specific objectives of this approach are:

  • to introduce the students to the techniques of researching, organising and presenting the results of their work,
  • to stimulate critical thinking and logical analysis,
  • and to develop a sense of responsibility for attaining their goals.


The course content is founded on a sound theoretical basis and includes experience-based and hands-on forms of learning such as guided business simulations, case studies, project work and role plays.


Our M.Sc. in Tourism Futures Studies comprises three major stages:

The programme starts with an induction period during which students assess their current level of subject knowledge and getting familiarised with:


  • Research Methods I
  • Tourism Futures Studies: Fundamentals
  • Tourism Futures Studies: Leadership for Tomorrow
  • Digital Transformation: Foundations, Business Models and AI in Tourism
  • Electives I


Semester two offers advanced studies. Taking a cross-disciplinary approach, this phase provides an opportunity to increase the participants' expertise in understanding Futures from Art, Literature, Media & History, as well as
Activism, Policy Innovations and Ethical Perspectives. In addition, students deepen their knowledge in Research Methods and specialise in Tourism Futures by participating in a comprehensive Integrated Tourism Futures project. The units:

  • Research Methods II
  • Tourism Futures Studies: Inspiration & Learning
  • Influencing Tourism Futures: Activism, Policy Innovations
    and Ethical Perspectives
  • Integrated Tourism Futures Project
  • Electives II

During an optional 3rd semester, students have the possibility to complete either an internship or spend a semester abroad at one of our partner universities. When taking advantage of this option, students will collect an additional 30 ECTS credits that will be counted toward their Masters degree (thereby collecting a total of 120 credits). Certain conditions apply when completing the optional semester, such as minimum requirements, duration and content.

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Study Abroad

When choosing this option, the grades received during your exchange studies will be counted toward your overall TFS grade point average. Students must complete a minimum of 30 ECTS points (or equivalent) to earn credit. Find out more about the partner universities available to our TFS students by clicking below.

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Internship

Gaining practical experience can be an integral factor in successfully entering the job market following completion of the TFS program. Not only do students have the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have gained as part of the program, but they also can build additional skills.  Students electing to complete an internship during the optional 3rd semester can receive 30 ECTS points which are awarded on a pass/fail basis.

The final stage of the TFS programme is the Master Thesis and Defense, which requires in-depth empirical research in the student’s chosen area. Ideally, the thesis is based on real situations in conjunction with international companies or organisations. During the first two semesters, this programme offers various courses on quantitative and qualitative research, which will prepare students for this stage.  Students have 6 months from their date of registration to submit the final thesis and schedule the defense.

Requirements and Application

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Further Information

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our study programme?  Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

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Student Life and Funding

Learn more about student fees, funding, accommodations, and student services?

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Our campus and the Faculty of International Business

Find out more about the Faculty of International Business and about student life on the campus and in Heilbronn.

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