Entrepreneurship & Tourism | Master


Apply now

 Application Deadline: March 31, 2024

FIBAA Logo AACSB Logo
Short Facts
  • Time model & language: Full-time | German and English
  • Duration of study: 4 semesters | 120 ECTS
  • Majors in
    Strategic Management & Tourism (DE)
    Marketing Management & Tourism (EN)
  • Optional Double Degree from the Edinburgh Napier University, UK
  • Prerequisites: Bachelor or equivalent degree in relevant studies or studies comprising a certain level of relevant ECTS points
  • Academic Degree: Master of Arts in Business | MA or M.A.
  • Tuition fee: EUR 363,36 / semester plus membership fee for the Austrian Students’ Union (ÖH) for EU and EEA citizens

Before studying

As a commencing student you may have many questions: What does the desired course of studies teach me? How do I apply? What are the requirements for admission to studying at MCI, and what is the application deadline? What are my career options after graduation? Below you will find all the answers and information you may need.

Overview

Students doing group work

Regular study tours to nationally and internationally renowned companies offer a unique glimpse behind the scenes of the leisure and tourism industry.

The Entrepreneurship & Tourism Master’s degree offered by MCI aims to contribute to the professionalization of entrepreneurship in the leisure and tourism industry. The program incorporates current challenges faced by the industry to enable students to recognize and make use of the resulting opportunities for enterprises. It furthermore aims to create a general awareness of trends and current developments in international tourism. Two of the central processes currently affecting the industry are digitization and constantly changing consumer behavior.

The program provides students with well-founded theoretical knowledge as well as practical expertise. The encouragement of entrepreneurial thinking and action is considered a top priority throughout the course. This includes leadership skills, innovation skills, and intercultural competencies as required by the leisure and tourism industry. The students thus develop a holistic understanding of this dynamic sector. Together with international experts, they will reflect on questions of the national and international competitive power of companies and destinations. The interdisciplinary nature and practical orientation of the course ensures that the graduates are able to discuss relevant issues in reference to current developments.

The diversity of tourism and its overlaps with related subjects becomes particularly evident in the two focus areas which students are allowed to specialize in, according to their interests.

The Entrepreneurship & Tourism Master program targets graduates of relevant Bachelor’s degree courses as well as today’s and tomorrow’s executives intending to make an active contribution to the industry. The practical relevance and diversity of their education provides them with excellent career prospects.

 

Contact
Prof. Mag. Hubert J. Siller | Head of Department & Studies Bachelor's program Tourism Business Studies
Prof. Mag. Hubert J. Siller Head of Department & Studies

If you have any questions about the study program, please contact us.

Consultancy situation between MCI staff and future student

Admission

Applications for admission are accepted on a rolling basis. The required documents are to be submitted online. Applicants are welcome to apply for multiple programs of study, as long as a plausible rationale is given. The final decision may be taken by the end of the application procedures.

  Application
deadline
Interview
Date 1 Nov 12, 2023 Nov 29, 2023
Date 2 Feb 4, 2024 Feb 22 & 23, 2024
Date 3 Mar 31, 2024 Apr 18 & 19, 2024
Date 4 May 26, 2024 Jun 13 & 14, 2024

To be admitted to the Master program applicants require a Bachelor degree diploma. This would especially refer to Bachelor degrees in business sciences with a focus on the tourism- and leisure industries.

Graduates with a degree in economics require a minimum of 45 ECTS credits in the area of economics, and ideally, they would have a minimum of a one-year work experiences in the area tourism & leisure.

Information for graduates whose previous degree is based to a significant extent on formally acknowledged recognition of prior learning:
In this case it may be possible that the legal and/or degree specific admission requirements are not or only partly fulfilled. Please consider the relevant legal regulations for this instance (§ 4 Abs 4 iVm § 12 FHG). We will gladly provide further information and consultation via email or phone (admissions@mci.edu; Ext. 1621).

Recognition of previous qualifications in the master program:
Applications for recognition of examinations or credits obtained through other study programs or previous scientific experience must be submitted to the Program Director. A decision will only be taken in cases where the application for admission has met with a positive decision. Recognition of credits or previous experience is only granted for individual classes in the program.

In just two steps to your desired study program at MCI:

Step 1 – Online application: CV & motivation

A complete online application consists of a CV, a letter of motivation, information on educational background, qualifications, professional career, social achievements and academic as well as professional goals. We would like to know why you are applying to study at MCI.

You may apply for more than one degree program at the same time, provided you can conclusively explain your respective motivations in your letter of motivation.

Step 2 – Online admission interview

In the second step, all applicants will be invited to an online admission interview.

In this interview, we want to get to know you. We are particularly interested in your motivation to study at MCI as well as your professional and personal goals you want to achieve with the help of your studies.

Within three weeks after the admission interview, we will inform you about the admission decision.

Student selecting a book from a row in the library

While studying

MCI study programs stand out due to the quality of their content, relevance to the business world, and their international orientation. The close cooperation with partners from  industry and integrative internships enable students to gain practical experience as early as in their Bachelor’s studies. In addition to providing expert knowledge, MCI places great importance on encouraging personal development and the development of social and intercultural competencies.

Full-time

The Master program Entrepreneurship & Tourism is a full-time degree program with a job-friendly time model.

Special features of the four-semester Master program are the overall semester itinerary as well as the semester schedules and class timetables. This teaching schedule allows students to continue with their professional activities during their studies or gain practical experience in the field.

The winter semester takes place from mid-September to the end of December, the summer semester from mid-March to the end of June. A semester generally consists of 15-week-courses and an examination period. Blocked units allow an intensive immersion into individual topics.

Seminars and lectures take place Wednesday afternoon to Friday evening, occasionally on Saturday, and will comprise 7-8 teaching units per day, 45 minutes each. Examinations, guest lectures and excursions can also take place outside these regular times.

Graduates of the program are conferred the academic title of Master of Arts in Business, in short MA or M.A. This is attested by a leaving certificate, the Master diploma, the international diploma supplement, and further documents where relevant. MCI Alumni are entitled to combine their academic degree with the brand “MCI” to provide trust and orientation in an increasingly intransparent international education market. Example: BSc (MCI).
Source: GZ BMWF-52.330/0195-I/6/2013

Major Strategic Management & Tourism (DE)

The Strategic Management & Tourism focus deals with family-owned businesses and the challenges they pose to strategic management. The aim of this course is to produce entrepreneurs qualified to take over executive positions in tourism service companies. Therefore, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on leadership, destination management, tourism marketing, and international tourism.

Facts

Time model & language
Full-time | German and English
Academic year
Winter semester: September – December
Summer semester: March – beginning of June
Structure
1. – 3. semester: Core curriculum
3rd semester: International semester (EN) (optionally abroad)
4th semester: Selected topics, Master thesis and final exams
Tuition fees
For students from EU & EEA countries: EUR 363,36 / semester plus membership fee to the Austrian Student Union (ÖH). Details & information for students from third countries can be found at admission.

Module overview

Subject%
Entrepreneurship 16%
Leadership 10%
Law 8%
Family Business Management 10%
Tourism Marketing & digitalization 12%
International Tourism 15%
Destination Management 10%
Development & Innovation 11%
Academic Research & Studies 8%

Curriculum

  1 2 3 4
Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Tourism 1 | 1      
Entrepreneurship 2 | 3      
Finance & Controlling 2 | 2 2 | 3    
Business Plan & Startup   2 | 2    
Entrepreneurship Case Studies     2 | 3  
Strategic Pricing & Yield Management     1 | 2  


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

  1 2 3 4
Leadership        
Leadership Skills 2 | 3      
Cross-Cultural Competencies & Ethics   2 | 2 1 | 2  
Communication & Sales Training      2 | 3  


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

  1 2 3 4
Entrepreneurship & Law 2 | 2 2 | 2    
Business Creation and -Transfer   2 | 3    


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

  1 2 3 4
Family Business Management 2 | 3 1 | 2    
FBM/Entrepreneurship Case Studies 1 | 1 2 | 2    
FBM / Entrepreneurship Forum       1 | 1


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

  1 2 3 4
Tourism Marketing  2 | 2      
Consumer Behaviour   2 | 2    
Digital Marketing 1 | 2      
Digital Sales & Distribution   2 | 2    
eTourism Business Models     2 | 3  


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

  1 2 3 4
International Tourism Markets 1 | 2      
International Tourism     2 | 3  
International Marketing      2 | 3  
Global Economics      2 | 3  
Sustainability & Tourism     2 | 3  
Emerging Tourism Markets     2 | 3  


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

  1 2 3 4
Tourism Policy & Structural Development  2 | 3      
Destination Management  2 | 3      
Destination Management Case Studies    1 | 2    
Sustainable Destination Development        2 | 2


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

  1 2 3 4
Product Development & Innovation   2 | 2    
Service Design   2 | 2    
Architecture & Tourism     2 | 2  
Sports Tourism       2 | 2


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

  1 2 3 4
Empirical Social Research 2 | 3      
Academic Research & Studies   1 | 1    
Applied Market Research   2 | 3    
Master Thesis Seminar       1 | 1
Master Thesis       24


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

Major Marketing Management & Tourism (EN)

The Marketing Management & Tourism course focuses on the new world of market management, as increasingly determined by social media, and its consequences for companies and destinations. Current problems, and modern approaches, to tourism marketing are analyzed with regard to digitization, brand management, and consumer behavior. The prime aim of this module, however, is to provide management and marketing expertise in the tourism sector.

Facts

Time model & language
Full-time | English
Academic year
Winter semester: September – December
Summer semester: March – beginning of July
Structure
1. – 3. semester: Core curriculum
3rd semester: International semester (optionally abroad)
4th semester: Specialization, Master thesis and final exams
Tuition fees
For students from EU & EEA countries: EUR 363 / semester plus membership fee to the Austrian Student Union (ÖH). Details & information for students from third countries can be found at admission.

Module overview

Subject%
Entrepreneurship 17%
Leadership 10%
Tourism Marketing 17%
Digital Marketing 14%
International Tourism 15%
Destination Management 10%
Development & Innovation 8%
Academic Research & Studies 8%

Curriculum

 1234
Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Tourism 1 | 1      
Entrepreneurship 2 | 3      
Finance & Controlling 2 | 3      
Fundamentals of Law   2 | 2    
Business Plan & Startup   2 | 2    
Entrepreneurship Case Studies     2 | 3  
Strategic Pricing & Yield Management     1 | 2  


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

 1234
Leadership  2 | 3      
Leadership Skills   2 | 2     
Cross-Cultural Competencies & Ethics     1 | 2   
Communication & Sales Training     2 | 3  


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

 1234
Tourism Marketing Management 2 | 3      
Marketing Management Case Studies 2 | 3 1 | 2    
Consumer Behavior   2 | 3    
Brand Management & Communication   2 | 3    
Services Marketing Case Studies       2 | 2
Entrepreneurship Forum       1 | 1


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

 1234
Digital Marketing 2 | 3      
Digital Sales & Distribution   2 | 2    
Content Management & Marketing   2 | 2    
eTourism Business Models     2 | 3  
Digital Trends in Tourism       2 | 2


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

 1234
International Tourism Markets  1 | 2      
International Tourism     2 | 3  
International Marketing     2 | 3  
Global Economics     2 | 3  
Sustainability & Tourism     2 | 3  
Emerging Tourism Markets     2 | 3  


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

 1234
International Tourism Policy 2 | 3      
Destination Management 2 | 3      
Destination Marketing    2 | 2    
Destination Management Case Studies   1 | 2    


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

 1234
Product Development & Innovation   2 | 2    
Service Design   2 | 2    
Architecture & Tourism     2 | 2  


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

 1234
Empirical Social Research 2 | 3      
Academic Research & Studies   1 | 1    
Applied Market Research   2 | 3    
Master Thesis Seminar       1 | 1
Master Thesis       0 | 24


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

COOPERATION & CAREER PARTNERS (SELECTION)

  • Tirol Werbung
  • Österreich Werbung
  • Land Tirol
  • CMI – Congress Messe Innsbruck
  • Messe Berlin
  • Congress Centrum Alpbach
  • Swarovski Tourism Services
  • VVT – Verband der Tiroler Tourismusverbände
  • Alpenresort Schwarz
  • Eurotours International Kitzbühel
  • Stanglwirt
  • Destination British Columbia

Destination partner

 

  • 2022-2023 : Schladming-Dachstein
  • 2020-2022: Tirol Werbung
  • 2019-2020: Zell am See Kaprun
  • 2018-2019: Achensee
  • 2017-2018: Saalfelden Leogang
  • 2016-2017: Ötztal Tourismus
  • 2015-2016: Olympiaregion Seefeld
  • 2014-2015: Innsbruck und seine Feriendörfer
  • 2013-2014: Stubai
  • 2012-2013: Pitztal
  • 2011-2012: St. Anton am Arlberg
  • 2010-2011: Kitzbühel
  • 2009-2010: Paznaun - Ischgl
  • 2008-2009: Serfaus - Fiss - Ladis


Learning Goals

In order to ensure the transfer of learning and to enable students to develop relevant competencies, MCI has defined clear cross-curricular learning goals. These describe, in detail, the knowledge and skills acquired by our graduates on completion of their studies at MCI.

Three stylized persons in white on a blue circle, arrows between the persons symbolize efficient communication in the professional field

Responsible Leadership

Inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, our graduates demonstrate a commitment to ecologically sustainable, economically responsible, and socially equitable decision-making.

Three white gears on a blue circle symbolize the ability to apply theories and scientific methods to practical problems

Academic Rigor

Our graduates can apply relevant theories and appropriate scientific methods in their field of work.

Studying abroad

One of the most essential components of MCI study programs is their international orientation. Both faculty and curriculum, as well as the project assignments, reflect the international focus of MCI. The third semester is officially termed international semester, as it may be completed at one of MCI’s many partner institutions or in the form of English-language classes at MCI in Innsbruck. This not only aids the students’ personal development, but also strengthens their awareness of foreign markets.

International Study Programme (Study tour)

Students in the Master’s degree program in Entrepreneurship & Tourism benefit from a highly innovative and practical knowledge transfer facilitated by the organization of international study tours. By visiting select tourist destinations, e.g. Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the Emirates, Kerala in India, Hong Kong and Macao in China, Vancouver and Whistler in Canada, or Las Vegas and Hawaii in America, students attain a glimpse behind the scenes, acquainted with successful concepts of tourism, and given a chance to attend guest lectures at our partner institutions. In line with the motto “We make the world our classroom”, here bridges are built between theory and practice as well as between alpine and international tourism.

Josef Margreiter, CEO Lebensraum Tirol 4.0

Tyrol belongs to the most successful tourist regions in the world. The innovative Master’s degree in Tourism Business Studies at MCI underpins our position.

Josef Margreiter, CEO Lebensraum Tirol 4.0

Dr. Dirk Glaeßer, member of the World Tourism Organization UNWTO, Madrid

“What fascinates me most about this innovative Master’s degree is how it perfectly combines theory and practice.”

Dr. Dirk Glaeßer, member of the World Tourism Organization UNWTO, Madrid

Dr. Franz Tschiderer, chairman of the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Tourism Association

“MCI tourism graduates are in high demand in the tourism industry. Research in the field of tourism carried out by MCI provides valuable and practically relevant insights for both businesses and destinations.”

Dr. Franz Tschiderer, chairman of the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Tourism Association

Dr. Petra Stolba, CEO of the Austrian National Tourist Office ANTO

“On many occasions, we were able to experience MCI students as very competent and committed experts. They are a testimony to the excellent education provided by MCI. The institution has been a valuable and reliable partner in this field for many years. It is, in fact, one of the main supporters and promoters of Austria as a competitive tourist destination.”

Dr. Petra Stolba, CEO of the Austrian National Tourist Office ANTO

Research & Development

At the Entrepreneurial School®, providing a consistent link between science and practice has top priority. Therefore, we provide our students plenty of opportunity to put their newly acquired knowledge to practice, even during their studies. The collaboration with companies and organizations of different sizes and sectors forms one of the cornerstones of the MCI concept. Such cooperative work does not only benefit our students, but also, ­to a large extent our partners.

Based on the three research levels enterprise, destination, and region, a number of areas of research representing cross-cutting fields of interest can be defined, which constitute the research focus at MCI Tourism.

The exploration of the research areas identified in the illustration, namely business management/leadership, entrepreneurship/innovation, finance management, personnel management, service marketing, resource management, economics & policy-making, in the context of enterprises, destinations and regions shall ultimately contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of alpine tourism.

CUSTOMER

The motivation to travel is subject to changes in social values. The “new” tourist is characterized mainly by more extensive experience, new ideals, an altered lifestyle and greater independence and flexibility. Today’s travel and consumer behavior in the alpine region differs greatly from that of previous generations and, therefore, requires comprehensive analysis. Based on this analysis, customer-oriented decisions can be made...

FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS

Family businesses are in fact the backbone of the Tyrolean tourism industry, and are, therefore, the focus of tourism research at MCI. On the supply side, the quality of individual service providers determines the competitiveness and success of a tourist region...

DESTINATION

Tourism companies are usually part of a tourist value chain and, therefore, service partners in the destination. A destination is, therefore, the actual competitive unit in tourism that must be managed strategically. On the supply side, the quality of destinations is decisive for the competitiveness and success of a tourist region...

Tourism Research

Vision & Mission – Based on the vision “Leading in Mountain Tourism Management”, applied tourism research at MCI investigates the dynamic interaction of the major agents in tourism (customer, family business and destination) to strengthen the sustainable competitiveness of tourism in the alpine environment.

After studying

Studying at MCI is an investment in a successful future. Through close cooperation with industry and the practical orientation of all courses, MCI graduates are in particularly high demand on the job market and have several job offers even before graduation.

Professional Opportunities

Major Strategic Management & Tourism

  • Leisure-, Sports- and Recreational Facilities
  • Destination Management Organisations
  • The Hospitality Industry
  • Tourism Consulting
  • Event Management
  • Tour Operators and Travel Agencies
  • Lift Operation

Professional Opportunities

Major Marketing Management & Tourism 

  • Leisure-, sports- and recreational facilities
  • Destination management organizations
  • The hospitality industry
  • Tourism consulting businesses
  • Event management
  • Tour operators & Travel agencies
  • Lift operation

 

MCI Alumni & Friends

MCI Alumni & Friends provides a dynamic service platform promoting contacts, image, professional careers, and personal development of MCI and its graduates. We are delighted with all the graduates who choose to stay in touch even long after completion of their studies, and allowing us to be a part of their various careers:

Success Stories

Questions and answers

Yes, it is possible and it is even recommended that you apply before obtaining your Bachelor’s Degree certificate in order to secure one of the limited places in your desired course of study. Please include the most recent transcript of records in your application. Should your application be successful, the Bachelor’s certificate is to be submitted by the start of your studies.

Yes. Candidates are welcome to apply for both fields of specialization in the Entrepreneurship & Tourism program and can state their preferences in the online application. In any case, this must be submitted only once. The admission interview must be taken only once as well. The candidates’ suitability is then also assessed separately for each course.

The Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship & Tourism combines theoretical and practical content in an attractive location at the heart of the Alps. Specializations available in Strategic Management & Tourism and Marketing Management & Tourism enable students to distinguish themselves according to their preferences. Small group sizes ensure that the MCI Tourism team can provide each student with the individual support the require. We rely on the commitment of both our employees and our students to guarantee long-term learning success.

Applicants must provide proof of at least 45 ECTS points gained in business-related subjects as part of the regular curriculum of a Bachelor’s degree. Once we have received your online application, we will assess the content of your previous studies as to its relevance. Practical experience cannot be counted towards your studies.

The Entrepreneurship & Tourism program accepts 50 students at the beginning of each winter term. 25 study places are available for the Strategic Management & Tourism course and another 25 for the Marketing Management & Tourism course.

No. The timing of your application and participation in the application procedure, do not influence your chances of getting a place to study at MCI. However, we recommend and application so that applicants can assess their chances of finding a place at an early stage in their personal planning.

The program usually starts at the beginning of September in the winter term. It is not possible to pick up tourism studies at MCI in the summer term.

Yes. Candidates are welcome to apply for both fields of specialization in the Entrepreneurship & Tourism program and can state their preferences in the online application. In any case, this must be submitted only once. The panel interview must be taken only once as well. The online-based entrance examination, however, must be taken separately for each course. The candidates’ suitability is then also assessed separately for each course.

Yes. Applicants can choose to attend the interview on-site at the MCI or online. However, applicants are requested to select and reserve their preferred interview time slot well in advance (see Dates & Deadlines). The exact dates and times for the interview will be announced after the application deadline.

For citizens of the following countries, the tuition fee is 363 euros per semester plus a fee for compulsory membership to the Austrian National Union of Students:

  • EU citizens,
  • EEA and Swiss citizens, and
  • non-EU citizens who, according to § 2 of the University of Applied Sciences Studies Act, are subject to § 1 of the Regulation on Eligible Groups of Persons (see Federal Law Gazette II No. 340/2013, in its current version).

For students of non-EU countries not considered eligible according to above regulations, the tuition fee is as follows:

  • Bachelor’s courses: 6,250 euros / semester plus compulsory Austrian National Union of Students membership fee
  • Master’s courses: 6,250 euros / semester plus compulsory Austrian National Union of Students membership fee

Your application documents regarding nationality will be assessed in detail as part of your admission procedure. Scholarships are available for applicants from non-EU countries and can be applied for as part of your online application.

Students of this study program have the choice within their curriculum, but also as part of their extracurricular activities, to choose between modules, specializations, additional courses, electives, etc. Additionally, the semester abroad at one of our numerous partner universities as well as projects and final papers, enable our students to make their study program a truly unique experience.    

Lectures and seminars in full-time courses are held on weekdays and occasionally on Saturdays. To facilitate a more intense discussion of individual topics, some lessons may also be organized in blocks.

Attendance is mandatory in all classes. If you miss 25% of a course or more, this will have an effect on your final grade.

Exemption from mandatory attendance may be granted if a valid reason is given (e.g. sickness, visit to authorities or other personal reasons). Please submit your written request including relevant proof to the department for approval.

To a certain extent, yes. Although the Master’s Degree course in Entrepreneurship & Tourism is a full-time program, its condensed syllabus and adaptation of semesters to the tourist seasons give students enough time to gather some practical experience. The completion of any study-related tasks should, however, have priority during all four semesters.

No. The curriculum of the Master’s Degree program in Entrepreneurship & Tourism does not include a mandatory internship. The adaptation of semester times to the tourist seasons still gives you plenty of opportunity to gain practical experience outside your studies, should you wish to do so.