Tourism and Culture

Tourism and Culture at Radboud University is an innovative and interdisciplinary master's program designed to explore the intricate relationships between tourism, cultural heritage, and societal development. This program aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to understand, analyze, and influence the cultural and social impacts of tourism in a globalized world. Throughout the course, students investigate how tourism shapes urban and rural environments, affects local communities, and interacts with cultural identity and heritage preservation. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and encourages students to develop sustainable and ethically responsible tourism policies and practices.

The program integrates perspectives from social sciences, humanities, and environmental studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in tourism and cultural management. Students will engage with a variety of case studies from different regions, gaining insights into international tourism trends and cultural diversity issues. Courses cover topics such as cultural tourism, heritage management, tourism marketing, policy development, and the role of technology in tourism innovation. Additionally, students will have opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and collaborative projects with industry stakeholders, ensuring practical experience alongside academic learning.

Radboud University’s Tourism and Culture program fosters an international outlook, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and encouraging intercultural dialogue. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in cultural institutions, government agencies, tourism organizations, and consulting firms, where they can contribute to creating inclusive, sustainable, and culturally sensitive tourism initiatives. This master’s program is ideal for individuals passionate about cultural heritage, social development, and creating positive tourism experiences that respect local traditions and promote intercultural understanding. Enrolling in this program offers a unique chance to study at a renowned university in the Netherlands, known for its strong focus on societal relevance and academic excellence in the fields of tourism and cultural studies.

Key courses: Cultural History of Tourism; Tourism and Storytelling; Tourism and Heritage; Remaking Tourism; Developing Tourist Formats.

A completed Bachelor's degree with Bachelor thesis

in Archaeology, Art History, History, Literary Studies, Cultural Studies, Media Studies, English, Dutch, French, German, Spanish, Liberal Arts or a related discipline.

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of ≥575 (paper based) or ≥90 (internet based) and all subscores ≥22
• A IELTS score of ≥6.5, and all subscores ≥6.5
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher
• successful completion of a Bachelor's programme that was taught completely in the English language in one of the following countries: EU/EEA-countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Radboud Faculty of Arts Study Funds

Students who receive either the Radboud Scholarship or the Orange Tulip Scholarship are eligible for an additional grant to assist with study costs. The grant consists of 2,500 euros paid in 10 instalments throughout the year.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

Tourism and Culture at Radboud University offers a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic relationship between tourism, cultural heritage, and societal development. The program is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to understand the complex interactions between tourists, local communities, cultural institutions, and sustainable development. Students will examine various aspects of tourism, including cultural tourism, sustainable practices, policy analysis, and the economic and social impacts of tourism on different regions.

The curriculum emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from anthropology, sociology, economics, and environmental studies to provide a holistic understanding of tourism phenomena. Courses cover topics such as heritage management, tourism marketing, stakeholder engagement, and the role of technology in the tourism industry. Additionally, students are encouraged to critically analyze contemporary issues like overtourism, cultural commodification, and the preservation of cultural identity in a globalized world.

Radboud University’s location in the Netherlands offers students unique opportunities for fieldwork and internships within a country renowned for its rich cultural history and vibrant tourism sector. The program fosters an active learning environment, promoting teamwork, research skills, and intercultural communication. Faculty members are experts in their respective fields, providing mentorship and guidance tailored to individual interests and career goals.

Graduates of the Tourism and Culture program are well-prepared for careers in cultural organizations, tourism management, policy development, heritage conservation, and related sectors. They are also equipped to pursue further academic research or specialize in niche areas within tourism studies. Overall, the program combines academic rigor with practical relevance, aiming to develop professionals capable of promoting sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism practices worldwide.