Requirements and Target Audience in the Dual Bachelor's Programme in Tourism Management
The dual Bachelor's programme in Tourism Management at IU International University is aimed at those seeking a combination of basic business administration principles, practical phases, and in-depth industry knowledge in the field of tourism, events, or hospitality. Whether directly after (technical) A-levels or with work experience in relevant industries: The programme is particularly suitable for you if you are communicative, possess organizational talent, and have an interest in international, dynamic work environments. The target audience includes both high school graduates and professionals with relevant qualifications who wish to develop management skills for the tourism industry.
Admission Requirements
The following admission requirements apply to the dual study programme in Tourism Management at IU:
- General university entrance qualification (A-levels), subject-specific university entrance qualification, or university of applied sciences entrance qualification
- You can also be admitted without A-levels if one of the following conditions is met:
- Completed advanced training, e.g. master craftsman's certificate or state-certified business administrator
- Completed vocational training plus at least 3 years of full-time work experience
- International applicants must provide an equivalent school leaving certificate and sufficient knowledge of German
- There is no numerus clausus (NC) and no restricted access
- Applications and study starts are possible twice a year (April or October)
- A training contract with a practical partner is also required (IU assists in the search)
- Application documents: registration form, CV, latest certificates
Personal Requirements:
- Strong interest in working with people, intercultural exchange, and the tourism industry in general
- Enjoy organizing and optimizing processes, events, or trips
- Communication skills as well as openness and a service-oriented mindset
- Proactivity and willingness to take on responsible tasks in practical operations
- Basic IT and English skills are advantageous
- Resilience and flexibility to simultaneously complete theory and practical placements
The Dual Study Programme is particularly suitable for you if you are aiming for a practical, recognized university degree and want to combine theory with work experience in tourism from the start.
What do you learn in the Dual Study Programme in Tourism Management at IU?
In the Bachelor's degree programme in Tourism Management at IU International University, you will receive a practical and broad education. You can expect both business management and tourism-specific content, supplemented by current trends such as digitalisation and sustainability. The most important modules include:
- Business Administration and Management Basics: Introduction to Business Administration, Accounting, Financial Accounting, Cost and Performance Accounting, Managerial Economics, and Statistics form the foundation.
- Tourism Economics: You will learn about the structures, players, and business models in tourism – from travel providers to destination managers and event agencies.
- Marketing & Communication: In the Tourism Marketing module, you will learn how to market travel products and target specific audiences.
- Specialisation and Elective Modules: You can specialize in areas such as travel provider and distribution management, event management, or hotel management.
- Sustainability, Crisis Management, and Ethics: Sustainability management and ethical skills are part of your study plan, as well as dealing with crises in the tourism and event industry.
- Technologies & Artificial Intelligence: Current technological developments and AI applications are linked to tourism, hospitality, and events.
- Practical Projects and Reflection: Each semester, you will work closely with companies on real tasks and reflect on your practical experiences – in modules such as "Practical Project: Agile Project Management" or "Practical Reflection: Hospitality, Tourism & Event".
- Bachelor's Thesis & Colloquium: Your independent academic work on a topic in the tourism field concludes the programme.
A special focus is placed on intercultural competencies and applied research – preparing you well for international tasks in the field of tourism management.
How does the Dual Study Programme work?
At IU, you will study in a dual programme in one of the following two study models: In the Dual Study Programme, classes take place on campus two days a week, occasionally also online via live video conferencing. Afterwards, the learning is deepened with the help of study materials. The Dual myStudy combines flexible self-study with digital learning formats. You will independently acquire the theory via myCampus, supported by innovative learning materials and Syntea, your personal AI learning assistant. You can optionally participate in weekly virtual accompanying events as well as use other interactive live formats for deepening knowledge.
The Dual Study Programme in Tourism Management at IU usually lasts 7 semesters. Each semester consists of a combination of theoretical lectures and practical phases:
- In the classic Dual Study Programme, you are at one of the IU locations two days a week or attend classes virtually.
- In the Dual myStudy, you focus on flexible self-study with learning materials and AI support. In addition, there are regular virtual accompanying events.
- You will spend the remaining time in a company of your choice (20 hours per week).
- The theory and practical phases alternate regularly so that you can apply what you have learned directly in professional practice.
- You benefit from IU's large network of over 15,000 practice partners – assistance in finding a suitable company is included.
- Your study achievements are assessed through exams, term papers, practical projects, and reflections. You will complete the programme with a bachelor's thesis and a colloquium.
You can start the programme twice a year: April or October.
What career paths are open to Bachelor graduates?
With your dual Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management, you have many options in tourism, hospitality, and the event industry:
- Event Manager: Planning and conducting events, fairs, and congresses.
- Product Manager Travel: Development and marketing of travel offers.
- Travel Sales Manager: Sales and individual design of trips – from package tours to individual tours.
- Destination Manager: Management, marketing, and development of travel destinations.
- Hotel Management: Management of various hotel areas and guest management.
Other areas of employment include marketing, sales, quality management, or business consulting in the tourism sector. Graduates are particularly in demand because of their practical experience – according to IU, two out of three are directly hired by the practice partner.
Where can you study dual Tourism Management?
IU offers the Dual Study Programme in Tourism Management nationwide at various locations or online independently of location.
On-site locations for the Dual Study Programme: Berlin, Bremen, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Hannover, Cologne, Leipzig, Mannheim, Munich, Münster, Stuttgart
Dual myStudy: Self-study is done flexibly online via myCampus, digital learning materials, and a learning AI, supplemented by regular virtual accompanying events.
- Optional accompanying events for deepening knowledge – weekly via live video conference.
- All courses at the Virtual Campus are accredited as dual distance learning programmes.
- Your theory is 100% virtual – flexible, location-independent, at your own pace.
- You independently learn on myCampus with innovative learning materials and the AI learning assistant Syntea.
- Digital, interactive live formats promote exchange with instructors and fellow students.
This way, you can flexibly adapt your studies to your life situation and the job market – even if you don't have an IU location nearby.
How much does the Dual Study Programme cost? Are there financing options?
The Dual Study Programme at IU International University is tuition-free for you. The tuition fees are completely covered by your practice partner. This way, you receive a private, practice-oriented university education without any costs for you.
- In the dual model, there are no enrolment fees or ongoing tuition fees for you.
- In some cases, practice companies may even pay you an additional remuneration for your work.
- IU also supports you in finding a suitable practice company.
This way, you have a worry-free study financing and can fully focus on your successful start in the tourism industry.
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