Tourism Development Strategies
Master Program
International, strategic, individual: that’s the master’s program Tourism Development Strategies (TDS) at the Hochschule Stralsund. TDS is a master’s program in business studies with a specialisation in the field of tourism & management. The components strategy and development are combined in a unique manner. The structure of the program is also unique, because it can be tailor-made to fit by choosing from a list of modules. Depending on your bachelor's degree, you will be able to complete our international master's program in 2, 3 or 4 semesters.
Our international orientation of the program is a particular plus. English-language teaching as well as students and lecturers from different countries enable for each participant an intercultural exchange from the very beginning. Partnerships with universities worldwide also enable our students to spend a semester abroad, with our partner in Italy there is even the excellent opportunity to obtain a double master's degree (in English).
The special highlight of the program is our international excursion, during which you can achieve numerous practical experiences and gain insights into destination development. Sustainable learning through personal experience is also made possible through our unique encounters with other cultures.
Find out more about the international tourism Master's program, which offers perfect and broad options for your career. With our high practical relevance in the TDS Master's program, you will lay the foundation for actively shaping the tourism of the future - innovatively, digitally and sustainably.
Overview
Program | Tourism Development Strategies (TDS) |
School | School of Business Studies |
Starts in | Winter semester |
Admission | free |
Length of study | 2, 3 or 4 semesters |
Credit points | 60-120 ECTS |
Degree | Master of Arts (M. A.) |
Main language of instruction | English |
Accreditation | until 31.08.2024 |
Requirements
Even if you have not received your final degree certificate by the application deadline, you can still apply for a master’s program with your current transcript of records or proof of ECTS points that you have currently already gained, the preliminary final mark and the expected date of completion.
2-semester master's program (undergraduate degree: 240 ECTS)
- An undergraduate degree in the field of economics (240 ECTS-Point)
- A relevant internship that lasted at least 12 weeks or professional experience (internships during undergraduate degree will be credited)
- Proof of proficiency in English (level B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- Signed declaration of commitment about the payment of 1,970 EUR program costs [Details] (e.g. for an excursion abroad, company visits, not tuition fees)
3-semester master's program (undergraduate degree: 210 ECTS)
- An undergraduate degree in the field of economics (210 ECTS-Point)
- A relevant internship that lasted at least 12 weeks or professional experience (internships during undergraduate degree will be credited)
- Proof of proficiency in English (level B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- Signed declaration of commitment about the payment of 2,170 EUR program costs [Details] (e.g. for an excursion abroad, company visits, not tuition fees)
- Foreign applicants: Proof of proficiency in German (level B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages)
4-semester master's program (undergraduate degree: 180 ECTS)
- An undergraduate degree in the field of economics (180 ECTS-Point)
- Proof of proficiency in English (level B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- Signed declaration of commitment about the payment of 2,170 EUR program costs [Details] (e.g. for an excursion abroad, company visits, not tuition fees)
- Foreign applicants: Proof of proficiency in German (level B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages)
An Admission Commission considers the provided expertise and decides on admission.
Information for foreign applicants: Incoming
Application Dates
The next enrolment for university entrants (1st semester) starts in winter semester. You can probably apply for the winter semester from the mid of April.
Enrolment for summer semester is only possible for more advanced semesters (students changing degree programs or universities) with creditable achievements.
The application for the summer semester 2025 must have been received by post by the 28 February 2025.
Link to Online Application
Deadline for all non-EU applicants with foreign certificates: 30.11.2024. Please find more information here: incoming
Short Description of TDS
Apart from expert knowledge in tourism, in business administration and in general management, you have the possibility to obtain skills and methods that prepare you for the dynamic changes seen in politics, the tourism industry and society. Our goal is to provide you with the skills to act responsibly and independently. That’s why it is our objective to strengthen your social competence and, at the same time, to develop your personality. Tourism and internationality go hand-in-hand and therefore our international english speacking master’s program enables you also to consolidate your multicultural competence.
Our teaching concept aims to cover a broad range of knowledge to provide you with the following skills:
- the ability to think and act strategically
- business development, in particular with regard to sustainability aspects of the tourism industry
- digitalization in tourism
- interpretation of markets and their contexts
- product development in the tourism branch
- management know-how
- dealing with change
- destination development/destination management
- use of creativity and innovations as competitive factors
- communication skills
- support for the development of an own value system.
An extensive range of compulsory electives enables you to set customised specialisations.
In all three degree paths (2/3 or 4 semesters), the master's program begins in the winter semester. With its many projects and excursions, our master's program has a consistent international practice orientation. Our international excursion is scheduled during the 1st semester. The subjects are taught in English throughout the 2-semester program, and in English (85 %) and German (15 %) in the other variations. In the 4-semester program, an internship (21 weeks) is planned during your 3rd semester. This work placement is designed to deepen and apply your knowledge of business administration, management and tourism. A semester abroad is possible too. In the last semester you work on your Master's thesis, which entitles you to a doctorate at a university.
Program Management
Steffi Schnierer
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin, Mitglied des Prüfungsausschusses der Fakultät für Wirtschaft
Tel:
+49 3831 45 7070
Room:
139, Haus 1
General Student Advice Office
Elisabeth Eilers
Studienberaterin
Tel:
+49 3831 45 6532
Room:
118, Haus 1
News
International Excursion: practical experience and adventures
Soon it will start! Our new TDS Master's group is looking forward to the start of their international excursion. From 21-30.10.24 they will explore the archipelago of the Azores and analyze sustainabletourism. The Azores has been already certified as the 1st archipelago worldwide for their sustainable tourism development in 2019.
The students are looking forward to a variety of appointments with companies, a visit to the University of the Azores and discussions with scientists. And of course there will be plenty of opportunities to get to know the unique natural environment: during our field trip three islands will be discovered.
Our excursion is a special highlight, providing students with lasting experiences.
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Picture gallery
Live and experience cosmopolitanism: study together, share unique experiences and take part in organising your own excursions – take a look at the photos and be amazed by the variety of our international master’s program, Tourism Development Strategies.
Goals and Career Prospects
The tourism Industry is one of the most dynamic branches in the entire business scene. Companies that are running in this exciting working atmosphere, face many challenges that require attendance of the most competent and well-trained staff members. To provide proper strategic solutions to the dynamic challenges of the tourism world, you have to be very well informed and educated about many different aspects related to these complex tourism mechanisms. The master's program Tourism Development Strategies will provide and train you these up-to-date concepts as well as sharpen your talent. With this specialized program, you will be able to provide a huge value to the industry and to the companies that you will potentially be working at.
Practice-oriented and International
With our master's program, we are not only supporting you with various essential concepts for today’s business world; such as innovation, change management, current trends, risk management, product development, sales, diversity etc. but also constantly providing you with distinguished professional contacts and job opportunities. International company meetings, hands-on experiences as well as conferences and workshops are a fundamental part of our education allowing you to put your theoretical knowledge into practice. With interactive, practice-oriented lectures and real-life projects, you will be introduced to the demands of the professional world. All of our professors and instructors are very well informed about up to date methods and tools that prepare you for your career path. They will be personally mentoring and training you during your education. With this excellent combination, you will be packed with skills and experiences that will open golden doors for you after graduation. (Often, even already before you actually graduate!)
Occupational Profiles
Like in every sector good positions in well-known companies require highly-qualified graduates. By including all of the mentioned international and intercultural aspects to our students, we make sure that they are marked as high-qualified in the sector when they graduate. With all of the skills they are provided with, they have the chance to become excellent candidates for the managerial and strategic positions of the tourism & leisure industry.
The positions and the companies that our graduates have occupied in the professional world reflect the wide range of career opportunities in tourism management very well.
We have provided some examples of the distinguished companies and institutions and the positions that are now filled by graduates of our master's program: it's time to kick-start your career in tourism!
Company/Position
- Accor Hotels Deutschland GmbH - Regional Sales Manager
- adesso SE - Senior IT Consultant
- AIDA Cruises AG - Yieldmanagement ATR GmbH - Einkauf
- AIDA Cruises AG - Specialist Ground Transportation
- Allgeier Experts - Recruiter Temp
- Aon Deutschland - Product Manager International People Mobility (IPM)
- Arbeit und Leben (DGB/VHS) Berlin Brandenburg - Project Leader
- Atlantur - Chief of Operations Santiago
- ATOSS Software AG - Junior IT Consultant
- AWO Kreisverband Bamberg Stadt und Land e.V. - Quality Management Representative
- Babbel - Senior Sales & Customer Service Manager
- Bad Pyrmont Tourismus GmbH - Managing Director
- Berge & Meer Touristik GmbH - Product Manager South and East Africa Purchasing Bathing and Round Trips
- Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH/ visit Berlin - Senior Project Manager
- BigXtra Touristik GmbH - Produktmanagement
- BMW Group - CRM Budgetsteuerun und -planung
- BookerZzz - Account Manager
- Brand USA - Communication Manager
- Career Partner Group - Content and Social Media Marketing Manager
- Carnival Maritime GmbH - Assistant to the SVP Marine Operations
- City-Marketing - Villingen-Schwennigen
- CLINTON GmbH - International Marketing Assistant
- Clip Film- und Fernsehproduktion GmbH - Content Manager
- com-a-tec GmbH - Event & Management Assistant
- CWS International - Product Manager
- DER Touristik - Reiseleitung Spanien
- Destination Davos Klosters - Business Sales Coordinator
- DREAMLINES GmbH - Senior Product Manager
- Dr. Fried & Partner - Consultant
- earthwalker GmbH - Product- Marketing Manager
- EDEKA AG - Junior Project Manager CRM
- educom GmbH - Senior Manager Corporate Consulting
- Europa Park - Reluntica Manager Operations & Services
- Fachhochschule des BFI Wien - Coordinator Incoming Student Mobility
- FTI Touristik GmbH - Team Manager Product Analysis
- Glücksburg Consulting - Online Marketing Destinations
- GOPA Consultants - Business Support Manager 'Governance und Economic Development'
- GreenCycle GmbH / Schwarz-Gruppe - Professional, Business Development
- Groupe Henner - Senior Account Coordinator
- Hapag-Lloyd AG - Manager Controlling Area Germany & Central Europe
- Hasbro - Junior Trade Marketing Manager
- Heimrich & Hannot GmbH - Senior Consultant
- Holiday Inn - Manager
- Inhouse Mobility GmbH - Key Account Consultant
- Invest in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern GmbH - Consultant
- Lufthansa Technik AG Argo Aviation Hamburg - Project Manager
- MakerPort Stralsund & Digitales MV - Project member
- MeyerBeratung - Consultant
- Münsterland e.V. - Project Manager Tourism Marketing
- NIT - Institut für Tourismus und Bäderforschung in Nordeuropa GmbH - Strategy & Development
- OTTO Office - Online Marketing
- Reisen Aktuell - Procurement Hotels
- Performance Advertising GmbH - Senior Manager Direct Marketing
- PernixData - Inside Sales Representative/Sales Development
- Potsdam Marketing und Service GmbH - Head of Marketing
- Rostocker Gesellschaft für Tourismus und Marketing mbH - Project Manager MICE-Marketing
- Set Communications - Project Manager Healthcare
- Sky Media GmbH - Project Manager Programmatic Sales
- SOS-Kinderdorf e.V. - Consultant Public Relations and Marketing
- SPACE EXPERIENCES - Business Development Consultant
- Stadtmarketing Bamberg e.V. - Marketing- und Veranstaltungsmanagement
- Studiosus Reisen München GmbH - Study tour guide
- Sylt Marketing GmbH - Deputy Managing Director
- Sylt Marketing GmbH - Online Marketing
- Tchibo GmbH - Trade Marketing Manager / Sales International
- TF Bank AB - Bank Employee
- Therme Bad Wörishofen - Event Management
- Tourismusregion Anhalt-Dessau-Wittenberg - Tourismus Marketing
- Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - Themenmanagerin und Netzwerkberaterin LandArt
- Treptow-Köpenick district office of Berlin - Project Management City Marketing/Tourism
- Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield -
- Urlaub & Natur - Marketing Management
- Verivox GmbH - Product Manager
- Volkswagen AG - Website Content & Digital Communication
- Wikinger Reisen - Product handling "The Alps"
- Windrose Finest Travel - Team Leader Finest Places
- Kreuzfahrtberater GmbH - Junior Product Manager
We offer you the Tourism Development Strategies program in three varieties, differing in length. Depending on the scope of previous academic study, the accredited master's degree can be obtained in two, three or four semesters:
- 2-semester master's program (undergraduate degree: 240 ECTS)
- 3-semester master's program (undergraduate degree: 210 ECTS)
- 4-semester master's program (undergraduate degree: 180 ECTS)
2-Semester Master's Program
3-Semester Master's Program
4-Semester Master's Program
Curricula
ECTS & Teaching Hours per Week
The allocated ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) points mirror the workload for the respective module (1 ECTS point is equivalent to 30 hours of work). ECTS make it possible to compare and recognise study achievements, for example if you want to transfer to another university.
The teaching hours per week (SWS) represent the weekly teaching hours of one course.
1 unit = 2 SWS = 90 minutes.
Facts about Types of Study
Theory and Practice
Academic and professional contacts of the master's program
A close connection to the academic and professional world is a decisive criterion for being able to achieve a successful career. Linking theory and practical experiences is part of the master's program's philosophy.
Our practice partners include:
AIDA Cruises and HOST have been working together since 2006 based on a cooperation agreement.
This cooperation is shown in joint projects that are realised in the master's program Tourism Development Strategies (TDS). This guarantees the close linkage between theory and practice.
AIDA provides suitable perspectives for a promising future.
- Awarded with "Fair Company"-seal of approval since 2010
("Fair Company"-seal includes a commitment to fair treatment of interns, students and graduates). - Multiple award "Most Attractive Employer" among others in 2021 for skilled workers and graduates in the tourism industry
- Regular award "Top Employer Germany" since 2014. AIDA Cruises was also honoured with this award by the Top Employers Institute in 2022. "
We are very happy that graduates of the master's program Tourism Development Strategies have found jobs with AIDA Cruises.
A cooperation agreement between HOST, the master's program Tourism Development Strategies and the Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH (visitBerlin) has been in place since July 2015.
Our cooperation is shown in joint projects that are realised in the master's program Tourism Development Strategies. These guarantee close linkage between theory and practice.
Fortunately, graduates from our master’s program have found their perspective at visitBerlin and can apply the skills and competencies that they have just gained.
What Kind of Study Type Are You?
Apart from having the opportunity to study the master’s program Tourism Development Strategies as a full-time degree, the program can also be completed as part of a dual degree program with in-depth practice, or part-time. This way of studying can be flexibly tailored to meet your personal demands depending on your personal situation and circumstances.
Dual Programs with In-Depth Practice
Part-Time Study
Program Organisation
Legal Provisions
General Examination Regulations (in German):
Subject Examination Regulations (in German):
Study Regulations (in German):
Subject Examinations (in German)
- Fachprüfungsordnung vom 15. Juli 2015
- Fachprüfungsordnung vom 09. Juli 2013
- 1. Änderungssatzung vom 11. Oktober 2010
- Prüfungsordnung vom 15. Mai 2009
Study Regulations (in German)
Learning Platforms
MOODLE
Login here with your user account.
Services
Program Management
Steffi Schnierer
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin, Mitglied des Prüfungsausschusses der Fakultät für Wirtschaft
Tel:
+49 3831 45 7070
Room:
139, Haus 1
Studienbüro 4
Anne-Cathleen Klein
Sachbearbeiterin Studienbüro
Tel:
+49 3831 45 6637
Room:
123, Haus 1
Excursions
Current information winter term 2024-2025
"Archipelago of the Azores" - all students of the 1st semester Tourism Development Strategies (TDS) can look forward to our excursion to the AZORES this winter semester!
An outstanding and unique highlight is waiting for you!
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OUT into the world
"Excursions are the laboratories of the international tourism programs"
The philosophy of our master's program aims to constantly and sustainably link theory and practice. But a study trip does not just aim to improve subject knowledge and provide the opportunity to improve our students' networks, but also to expand the students' horizons, because students often come into contact with completely different cultures.
Constant interaction with approximately 20 students for a period of 10 days improves the participants' abilities to work in a team. Furthermore, communication, social competencies and of course individual personalities are strengthened.
Sustainable learning through own experiences - find out about our students' experiences on our most recent excursions:
Internationality and Partner Universities
You will experience internationality during our master's program Tourism Development Strategies through various components that have been strategically included in the program's concept:
- bi-national approach of the master's program
- bilingual teaching
- intercultural approach
- students and lecturers from abroad
- international excursions with professional contacts
- international content
- thesis in English
In several modules of the master's program special international features are compared in detail. For example, students are taught about best practice concepts, international tourism markets or intercultural particularities when it comes to contract negotiations.
During the master's program you have the opportunity to study abroad for one semester. We currently have partnerships with the following universities:
University of Iceland,
Iceland
GUtech University of Technology, Oman
Högskolan Dalarna, Sweden
Izmir Katip Celebi Universitesi, Turkey
Udayana University, Bali/Indonesia
University degli di Bergamo, Italy
University of Central Lanacashire, Cyprus
Final Event of the TDS Master’s Program – Your Graduation
It is a special pleasure for us to farewell our graduates after completion of their studies in a dignified setting. With the Campus-Adé event, a university-wide annual event has been established at which all graduates who have completed their studies in the past two semesters come together at our University of Applied Sciences Stralsund. Highlights of this event are undoubtedly the presentation of the certificates and the awarding of the traditional Master's hats.
We as the Faculty of Business Studies also offers all graduates from our faculty the opportunity to get together again on Campus Adé Day. At our get-together, there is space and time for personal conversations with professors and staff members. After all, they are the ones who have accompanied and supported our students throughout their studies. Often, the graduation is also a perfect opportunity for fellow students who wrote their theses at different locations to meet again.
We wish our graduates of the Tourism Development Strategies Master's program all the best for their future!
We would be more than happy to stay in close contact -
be it via our own TDS LinkedIn group, via our TDS Instagram account or in person.
I am studying Tourism Development Strategies, because ...
"... I have a previous bachelor’s degree in business and want to expand my knowledge within the field of tourism since my home region in Finland has an important tourism sector.
The practical approach with case projects and an excursion were decisive factors for studying TDS. Additionally, I have always enjoyed travelling and I find different cultures fascinating, this program enables me to work with what I love."
"…Travelling is a passion to me. I understood that early while I was away from home. After I graduated from my bachelor’s in tourism management, it was clear to me, that I want to deepen the skills and knowledge I have picked up so far. The TDS master’s course encourages to think further and aims to develop tourism. Additionally, the students come from several foreign countries, so their stories and experiences are wonderful contributions to the lectures."
"...after having my graduation in Business Management, I was looking for an internationally acknowledged master’s program in business administration with a specialisation in the field of tourism. Since the program structure of TDS meets all my expectations, I didn’t make any mistake to take the chance to study TDS, which provides me a perfect foundation for a successful career in the global tourism industry."
"...the courses on offer and the international excursion were very appealing. This program gives me the chance to consolidate my bachelor’s degree in small groups that make learning very pleasant.
In my eyes, the University offers every opportunity for completing your degree successfully in a fun way and with nice people. Of course, the location right next to the Baltic Sea was a further bonus point. But also the buildings are modern and offer lots of opportunities for students to work together outside of the lectures to complete their assignments. The professors aren’t just from Germany, but also abroad, which helped my English-speaking degree program immensely."
"...I was looking for an internationally oriented program. The lectures are in English and some of the professors come from abroad. This can only be seen as an advantage if you want to pursue a career abroad.
Courses are held in small groups which make it possible to achieve individual goals. Of course the excursions are also a real highlight. Our semester went to Milan and then to the Sultanate of Oman. And here students visit lots of businesses, providing opportunities for interesting exchange."
“...the University is one of the very few universities in Germany to offer an English-speaking business and tourism-oriented degree course that builds on an undergraduate degree.
We look at and compare traditional tourism companies such as TUI and Thomas Cook with large internationally active corporations such as Nestlé or Coca Cola. These comparisons provide the chance to look beyond the boundaries of tourism and teaches you how other large corporations act."
“...I was able to use the extra credit points that I gained during my double bachelor’s degree to shorten my length of study in the master’s program to three semesters. HOST’s course was the only course that actually caught my eye in this respect. Only Stralsund considers the various types of bachelor degrees (6/7/8 semesters) and provides master’s programs to match (2/3/4 semesters).
I was also particularly impressed with the program contents. The main reasons why I chose to study in Stralsund were the intensive and in-depth level of practice and the previous practice experience of the lecturers."
I studied Tourism Development Strategies and today ...
Today I work as ...
Regional Manager Europe at the GCB German Convention Bureau.
I'm responsible for marketing Germany as a MICE-Destination (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) on the European continent.
I especially liked...
the internationality of our study program and of the students, the connections that the university has todifferent companies and the flexibility of the TDS study program, in terms of absolving it either in 2, in 3 or in 4 semesters.
My study in three words: INTERNATIONAL, PRACTICE-ORIENTED, FLEXIBLE
Today I work as an
Revenue Management Analyst for SunExpress in Frankfurt/ Main.
I especially liked...
The international focus is very important in the TDS master’s program and it has helped me during my different job positions and also in private life to deal with different people and cultures.
Further, the course „Managing Financial Performance“ gave valuable insights in Revenue Management and has inspired me to work for an airline.
In general, the program offers excellent insights into the tourism industry, lectures are delivered in English with a strategic focus.
Maximilians profile
Today I work as a
Tourism Consultant at Kohl > Partner in Stuttgart.
My focus in on destination consulting and concept development as well as destination coaching.
I especially liked …
the fact that the majority of the courses always dealt with very specific topics and projects that were worked on together in this familiar environment, but that there were also many opportunities for personal development through specific courses and opportunities at HOST.
My TDS-study in 3 words: ENRICHING, INTERNATIONAL, FUN
Today I work as ...
Sector Lead Sustainable Tourism at Import Promotion Desk - a development cooperation project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
We support sustainable tourism companies in different developing countries with their access to the European travel market.
I especially liked ...
the international orientation of the master's programme, with English as the language of study and the international excursion, which has certainly contributed to my current international working environment. Further, a special characteristic was definitely the familiar atmosphere and individual support during the TDS programme in Stralsund.
My TDS study in 3 words: INTERNATIONAL, CONNECTING, FUN
I work as an
Account Manager in a marketing agency specialized in tourism organizations.
Our clients are mainly international destination marketing organizations such as Visit California and Destination British Columbia.
I especially liked …
the familiar atmosphere, not only within the master program but within the whole HOST. Since I lived in the student dormitory on campus it was easy to get in touch with students from other degree programs and there were many events throughout the year such as the ‘TDS Barbecue’ each semester and the ‘Campus Spectacle’, a small festival organized by students for students.
One of my personal highlights of the TDS master program was definitely the excursion to Vancouver, Canada. It was a great opportunity to put our theoretical knowledge into practice and to get to know the different tourism players within a destination."
Today I work as a
Tourism Consult for Dr. Fried & Partner in Munich.
Part of my work currently includes project management for the National Platform Future of Tourism.
I decided to study TDS because...
I was looking for a practice-oriented course of study with a focus on destination management and development that is taught in English.
Plus I've always wanted to live at the Baltic Sea - win win :-).
My TDS-study in 3 words: INTERNATIONAL, CONNECTIONS, COLLABORATION
"I work as an
Assistant to the VP Nautical Operations in Hamburg.
I especially liked...
the different excursions we had with great companies, the fairs like SUPA and our international study trip. This excursions and fair provides the students with good connections for jobs, but also insides on what German and international companies are expecting from us. I enjoyed travelling to Thailand because having the experiential tourism as a core of our study trip, made me more conscious of what tourism involves.
I feel that in general HOST combines the essential implements to face the competitive business world."