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. 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 our international master's program in tourism management here.

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Fact Sheet

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

You can apply online for the winter semester 2024/25 from 13 April to 31 August 2024.

Link to Online Application

Deadlines for foreign applicants*: incoming

You can probably apply for the summer semester from the beginning of October.

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.

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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 in der Fakultät MB zum Fotoshooting.
Elisabeth Eilers in der Fakultät MB zum Fotoshooting.
Elisabeth Eilers in der Fakultät MB zum Fotoshooting.

Elisabeth Eilers

Studienberaterin

Tel:

+49 3831 45 6532

Room:

118, Haus 1

News

++ Open House on 13th April - TDS master's program ++

We present our international master's program Tourism Development Strategies (TDS) - in presence AND online at 13:00pm.  
Take the opportunity and get to know our exciting program & our excellent framework conditions at HOST as well as lecturers and TDS students.

We are looking forward to meeting you!

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.

Perspectives

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!

Our alumni have found jobs here...

       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
Program Structure

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

Key
Professional expertise in Business Studies & General Management
Methodological competence, social/multicultural skills & personality development
Professional expertise in Tourism
Interdisciplinary modules

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

4-Semester Master's Program

Download the curriculum for the 4-Semester Master's Program (from winter term 2021-2022 onwards).

2-Semester Master's Program

Download the curriculum for the 2-Semester Master's Program (from winter term 2021-2022 onwards).

3-Semester Master's Program

Download the curriculum for the 3-Semester Master's Program (from winter term 2021-2022 onwards).


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

Learn more about the opportunities.


Program Organisation

Program Organisation

Learning Platforms

MOODLE

Login here with your user account.

Services

IT Services

Further information about wifi, the printing service and more can be found here.

Library

The Library supports you with the use, research and acquisition of media.

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 & more

Excursions

Current information winter term 2023-2024

"Land of Fire and Ice" - all students of the 1st semester Tourism Development Strategies (TDS) can look forward to our excursion to ICELAND this winter semester!
An outstanding and unique highlight is waiting for you!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Impressions Campus-Adé Event 2022
Proudly, our graduates Jishnu and Gurvinder wear their master hats.
Returning for a special day - Gurvinder travels to Stralsund University for the Campus-Adé event. His chosen hometown is currently Berlin.
We did it! The caps fly on completion of the master’s program in tourism
Final event 2018 - our congratulations on your brilliant overall grade, Edna!
Happiness!

I am studying Tourism Development Strategies, because ...

Carl

"... 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."

                                                                                                          Carl's profile

Max

"…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."

Max Steckbrief

Mahbub

"...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."

Mahbub's profile

Tamma

 

"...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."

Tamma's profile

Johannes

 

"...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."

Johannes' profile

Ela

 

“...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."

Ela's profile

Maraike

 

“...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."

Maraike's profile

 

I studied Tourism Development Strategies and today ...

Maximilian

Today I work as an
Junior Analyst Revenue Management 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

Ramona

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."

Ramona's profile

Claudia
Alumni-Stimmen Tourismus Master-Studium HOST

“...I work in the flight operations department at AIDA Cruises in Rostock.
I became familiar with the company mainly due to a joint practice project between the University and the HR Department of AIDA, which we realised in the 3rd semester of our TDS master’s program. The close collaboration and the authentic insight that we gained convinced me to apply for a job in Rostock after finishing my degree.

I am now very happy that I have remained in the region."
 

Claudia's profile

Sandra

"...I work for the state tourism board of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) as Area Manager and Network Consultant for LandArt.

The master's program helped me set sail for my professional career. The aimed contents helped me to develop both professionally and personally and to further my communication and organisation skills. I am now delighted that I play a role in shaping the tourism landscape in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and have managed to achieve my dream of living and working beside the coast."

Sandra's profile

Natalia

"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."

Natalia's profile

 

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