Tourism Futures Studies
Master of Science
Tourism Futures Studies, with its distinct focus on possible futures, is designed to enable graduates for a successful career in the vibrant and dynamic tourism sector.
Key Information
Programme Profile
The M.Sc. Tourism Futures Studies (TFS) at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences prepares graduates to shape the future of tourism and hospitality. The programme develops analytical skills, interdisciplinary knowledge, and strategic foresight to tackle complex industry challenges.
Students gain a strong foundation in tourism concepts while exploring key themes such as sustainability, resilience, and social responsibility, equipping them to become innovative leaders in a dynamic global tourism sector.
Focus Areas
Students of the TFS programme strengthen their profile using electives in the 1st and 2nd semesters. Specialisations are available in:
- Entrepreneurship
- Global Marketing
- Intercultural Communication Theories and Methods
- Specific Issues of Intercultural Management
- Natural & Cultural Heritage Management
- Sustainable Tourism Management
- Exponential Technologies
- Real & Virtual Spaces in Tourism Futures
Career Prospects
The tourism industry is highly diverse and rapidly growing, offering excellent career opportunities for our graduates. With its focus on future trends, TFS provides an excellent foundation for careers in Tourism Consulting, Strategy, Foresight, Entrepreneurship, and other fields that shape the future of tourism. Careers exist in local, regional, national, and international tourism organisations, including public institutions, non-profits, and private tourism companies.
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Programme Structure
The programme combines a solid theoretical foundation with practical, hands-on learning, including business simulations, case studies, project work, and role plays.
Students engage in intensive independent study, allowing them to progress at their own pace and explore areas of personal interest. They develop essential skills such as research, organisation, presentation, critical thinking, logical analysis, and goal-oriented responsibility.
- 1st Semester
- 2nd Semester
- 3rd semester: Internship/Study Abroad (optional)
- Final Semester: Master Thesis
- Documents
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 include:
- 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.
Internship
Gaining practical experience can be an integral factor in successfully entering the job market following completion of the MIBIM 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.
Study Abroad
When choosing this option, the grades received during your exchange studies will be counted toward your overall MIBIM 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 MIBIM students by clicking below.
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.
- TFS Infosheet | 1.68 MB
- TFS Study Plan | 474.60 KB
- TFS Study and Exam Regulations SPO 1 (official German version) | 218.09 KB
- TFS Study and Exam Regulations SPO 1 (unofficial English version) | 255.71 KB
- Admission Regulations (official German version) | 155.48 KB
- Admission Regulations (unofficial English version) | 165.30 KB
- Module Handbook SPO 1 | 1.12 MB
Requirements and Application
The Master programme Tourism Futures Studies has restricted admission, which means you must apply for a place.
Admission Requirements
- An excellent or good first degree in Business Studies or in a business-related discipline, with 210 ECTS credits and a German average grade of 2.5 or better or an equivalent international qualification.
- High proficiency in English.
Application Procedure & Required Documents
ATTENTION APPLICANTS WITH A NON-GERMAN BACHELOR'S DEGREE: Before applying to Heilbronn University, you must first apply for degree recognition.
All applications are submitted through the Heilbronn University Application Portal. The following documents MUST be submitted with your application by the application deadline of July 15th.
- General Certificate of Education/High School Diploma
- Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) and Transcript of Academic Record
- Proof of English-language proficiency
- Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Motivation (2 pages in English)
- For non-German first degrees, a copy of the recognition confirmation/certificate
If applicable, the following can be submitted to enhance your application:
- Certificate confirming your study/internship abroad
- Testimonial confirming your relevant work experience after completion of your first degree
Contact
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Further Information
- Why study here?
- More about our faculty
- Guide for International Students
- Student life and funding
- FAQ
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