International Marketing

Tourism and its related business activities are among the most important factors of the world economy. Today the tourism industry has become the world's biggest employer. In order to address the complexities in coordinating the different tourism-related industries and to meet the need to upgrade skills in this sector, there is a demand for the improvement of education in this field. Taking this into account, we have developed this specialist MBA course, focusing on tourism management skills.
The MBA in International Tourism Management (MTM) programme provides graduates with specific management competencies focused on the tourism practice in an international dimension. Based on a business-related first academic education, participants acquire the key qualifications of tourism management which enable them to fulfil the requirements in the different areas of international tourism.

The main fields of qualification in the curriculum of the MTM programme are:

• International and global tourism management
• Market strategic and operative marketing competence
• Sensitivity to the environments of tourism
• Specific management competencies in the tourism business (such as project and process management, quality management, e-tourism management)

The project management module integrates a practical project in an international destination.

Educational organisation

Full-time programme organised in block modules
First Semester

• Introduction

A: The Phenomenon of Tourism and its Systems
B: Tourism Economics and Industries

• Intercultural Management

A: Culture and Cross-Cultural Management
B: Human Resources and Diversity Management

• International Financial Management

A: Global Finance
B: International Accounting

• Corporate Social Responsibility

A: Business Ethics
B: Sustainable Development

• Tourism Marketing

A: Specifics of Tourism Marketing
B: Marketing Operations

Second Semester

• International Legal and Tax Framework

A: International Business Law
B: International Taxation Systems

• Strategic Planning

A: Marketing Research
B: Development and Implementation of Strategy

• International Project Management

A: Project Management concepts
B: Demand in Tourism

• Applied Project Management

A: Tourism Case study
B: Field Research

Electives: one has to be selected

• Contemporary Issues in Tourism
• Sceptical Analysis
• International Politics and Relations in Tourism
• E-Business in Tourism

Third semester
Thesis and oral defence

Study abroad unit(s)

A practical project is done abroad.

Internships

A six-month internship is an optional part of the programme. It is very important for foreign students to gain experience in Germany and insight into German management practice in tourism. Where possible, students may get guidance and are assisted in finding a placement, but German language proficiency is necessary.

Forms of assessment

The programme comprises 10 modules, including electives. Exams are portfolio assessments.
Each module is rewarded with six ECTS credits.

Course objectives

Graduates of the MTM programme have deepened their methodological and analytical skills acquired in previous studies and work experience, particularly through the unity of research, teaching and learning, and have acquired in this way the following advanced competencies:
They can

• deeply understand the phenomenon of tourism and its systems
• recognise tourism as a dominating factor of the world economic development, the features of and changes in the tourism industry
• take into consideration the diverse environmental influences on the tourism business and evaluate the respective opportunities and risks
• estimate the tourism demand and apply the available methods of prognosis
• apply simultaneously global and local strategies and operations in the markets
• perceive foreign cultures with their characteristics and develop adequate patterns of behaviour
• implement measures of tourism marketing, taking into consideration the specifics of the tourism product and the requirements of social responsibility and sustainability
• apply the different methods of marketing research and analyse their results
• develop strategic planning for tourism companies and destinations
• appreciate social responsibility and ethical orientation as forward-looking categories of corporate policy and adjust management operations respectively
• recognise and apply specific management methods in the tourism business in relation to HRM, financial management, quality and process management
• apply methods of project management to initiate and implement innovations in the tourism business
• be capable of applying information and communication technology for problem solutions in tourism management (e-tourism)

Language requirements

Proof of a very good level of English shown by certificates (A-level; TOEFL paper-based: 560; TOEFL iBT: 80; IELTS: 6.0), entrance test or English as language of instruction in previous education

Academic requirements

• An academic degree (Bachelor's) in business, economics, social sciences or tourism management or related fields from an accredited university
• One year of work experience

Enrolment fees

A fee of about 290 EUR per semester for the Students' Union, the Student Social Organisation and the semester ticket

Costs of living

Food/meals: approx. 300 EUR/month
Warm food and snacks are least expensive at the university's cafeterias.
Local transport is included in the enrolment fee. Students receive a semester ticket, which is a pass for free access to buses, trams, and regional trains servicing Bremen and the surrounding area.
Academic expenses: about 30 EUR/month
The University Library (with three locations) is free of charge.
Health insurance: approx. 80 EUR/month
Living expenses: approx. 700 EUR/month (including rent)

Job opportunities

Students may be assisted in finding a part-time job to earn extra money. German language skills are necessary for employment.

Arrival support

The International Students' Association (ISA) provides pre-arrival service (support in visa processes) and supports students in all aspects of settling into their new environment.

Services and support for international students

Living and studying in another country is both exciting and interesting, but at the same time it also necessitates organisational and administrative work. Our international applicants and students do not need to worry about this. Our Student Service (ISA) looks after them right from the start and answers all questions with regard to their planned study visit in Bremen beforehand. The international student assistance (isa@hs-bremen.de) takes on the task of finding accommodation, gives support with visa applications, clarifies insurance queries and helps students in their dealings with authorities both at home and abroad. This service is available to students free of charge. Furthermore, ISA allocates tutors to students and regularly organises excursions and events during their period of study in Bremen.

Accommodation

The International Student Assistance (isa@hs-bremen.de) takes on the task of finding accommodation. This service is available to students free of charge. Applicants also have access to an online database where they can choose from various options for accommodation. Most students live in rented rooms or apartments which must be rented for at least six months. The rent for a single room is approx. 300 EUR.