This English-taught Master’s programme is designed for communicative, service-oriented students who aim for management roles in the global service economy. It is particularly suited to graduates with a business or economics degree who want to specialise in hospitality, as well as to those with practical experience in hotel, restaurant or other guest-facing service companies who wish to strengthen their theoretical foundation. The course prepares you for international management by focusing on the specific demands of service industries.
The curriculum covers the full spectrum of the service sector, with detailed study of tourism, hotels and gastronomy alongside core business topics that prepare you for leadership roles. You will build industry-specific expertise in corporate functions such as finance and human resources, while also developing leadership and intercultural management skills. The programme includes opportunities for international exposure—an internship abroad or a six-month semester at one of the university’s partner institutions can be part of your study path.
Graduates leave ready for senior management positions across diverse, complex roles in the hospitality and service industries, and the MA also provides a solid foundation for an academic career in teaching and research. Typical career areas include:
Requirements
This MA offers two pathways — a compressed one-year track and an extended two-year track — each combining industry-focused modules, applied case work and a research-led master’s thesis. Core themes include hospitality real estate and asset management, strategic distribution and revenue management, entrepreneurial hotel operations and contemporary workplace models (“New Work”), alongside corporate governance and business ethics. Students will apply theory through team-based industry case projects and develop rigorous research skills via a Research Methods module that supports the Master’s thesis.
The two-year option builds a broader foundation in the first year with modules on international business development, digital intelligence, global markets and finance, intercultural leadership, contracting and negotiations, and global HR management. In later semesters both tracks converge on the hospitality-focused curriculum and the thesis, while the two-year route adds an optional internship or an international study semester to deepen practical experience and global exposure. Graduates leave prepared for leadership roles that demand strategic decision-making, revenue optimisation, asset- and experience-focused thinking, ethical governance and evidence-based management.
This master’s program seeks applicants with a solid foundation in business or hospitality and/or relevant professional experience. The most straightforward route is a bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or Hotel Management. Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree in another subject may still be considered if they can demonstrate practical industry experience that complements their academic background. Admissions will look for evidence of both academic preparedness and practical understanding of the hospitality sector.
You will need to submit documentation that verifies your language ability, identity, and academic background, along with materials that explain your motivation and experience. International applicants should be prepared to provide official or certified copies and translations if their documents are not in English or German. A clear, well-targeted motivation letter and an up-to-date CV that highlights hospitality-related roles and leadership potential will strengthen your application.
Required documents:
Winter Semester (International)
31 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
30 January 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 October 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
30 April 2026
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across the global hospitality and service industries — for example in hotels and resorts, cruise companies, airlines, event and exhibition management, city marketing, travel agencies and portals, wellness and health tourism, leisure and holiday parks, and business travel management. The curriculum emphasises strategic, financial and people-management skills needed for senior international management positions.
The Master of Arts degree also provides a solid foundation for academic pathways in teaching and research, should you choose to pursue doctoral study or careers in higher education.
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