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Application Deadline: July 2, 2023
Are you looking for a business degree focusing on tourism, leisure, (outdoor) sports, event management, and sustainability? A research based program with a high level of practical relevance and a strong international focus? The study program in Entrepreneurship, Tourism, and Leisure Business at MCI prepares you for a professional career nationally or abroad, with a practical focus and a finger on the pulse of the dynamic developments in this exciting industry.
In addition to English, students may choose to study Russian, Spanish, Italian, or French as a second language.
#ThreeReasons to study Tourism Business Studies at MCI by student Melanie Walder-Moosmann. ©MCI
Campus Tour at the MCI
Welcome to MCI - The Entrepreneurial School®
The program focuses on entrepreneurial thinking and acting in the tourism and leisure business. It is a comprehensive business program focusing on management, marketing, communication, digitalization, and sustainability in tourism, sports & leisure. The program also teaches social skills as well as two foreign languages. Altogether, this program will prepare you for a management position at a national level and abroad.
The Bachelor's program combines theory and practice and addresses the constantly changing conditions in the Tourism and Leisure Business. Interacting with lecturers and guest lecturers who are specialists in their field and interacting with experts during numerous excursions, you will get to know key players in the industry and gain an exclusive behind-the-scenes view of companies and destinations. During an (international) internship in your final year, you will be able to apply and further enhance your theoretically acquired knowledge and build your professional network. In addition, an international semester at one of our numerous partner universities offers you an enriching experience where you can deepen your content and cross-cultural knowledge and skills.
Students in the "Entrepreneurship, Tourism & Leisure Business" program can select from two tracks. The "Tourism, Leisure and Event Management" program is in German & English. The "Tourism, Sports & Leisure Business" program is entirely in English. The main difference between the two tracks is their primary language of instruction.
Do you share our passion for the Tourism and Leisure Industries and would like to study at one of the most renowned, internationally top-ranked, and accredited (AACSB) universities? If you do, then we look forward to receiving your application!
If you have any questions about the study program, please contact us.
Applications for admission are accepted on an ongoing basis via our online application platform. In the sense of your personal further planning, we recommend that you submit your application early.
Applicants are welcome to apply for multiple programs of study, as long as a plausible rationale is given.
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.
In addition to the quality of the content, the MCI degree program places particular focus on business relevance and internationality. Through close cooperation with our partners from the business world and the integrated internship, students gain valuable practical experience during their studies. Personality development and the acquisition of social and intercultural skills are equally an essential part of the Tourism Management degree program as the transfer of comprehensive professional expertise.
The very well-established business degree program "Entrepreneurship, Tourism & Leisure Business," launched in 2000, will be offered in German and English from fall 2022. The special focus of this study program lies in its pronounced orientation towards entrepreneurial thinking and action in the Tourism and Leisure Business. In terms of content, it builds on sound business education.
Well-founded theoretical foundations, the highest level of practical orientation, a compulsory work placement, and two compulsory foreign languages are essential elements of this renowned full-time study program at MCI.
Full-time
The Bachelor program Tourism Business Studies is a full-time degree program. In full-time studies, lectures and seminars are held on weekdays, with blocked units allowing for an intensive immersion into individual topics.
The classes usually take place from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:15 and / or from 13:15 to 16:30. In exceptional cases, the times may vary and the lessons and / or examinations may take place outside the specified times or possibly on Saturdays.
A special characteristic of the 6-semester Bachelor program is the semester schedule. The winter semester takes place from September to December, the summer semester from March to the beginning of July. This enables students to take advantage of opportunities during their semester breaks to acquire professional experience as well as to work in professionally relevant jobs in tourism and leisure. A semester generally consists of 14-week-courses and an examination period.
Graduates of the program are conferred the academic title of Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, in short BA or B.A. This is attested by a leaving certificate, the Bachelor 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
The Tourism, Leisure & Event Management major is primarily taught in German, with a focus on Event Management & Innovation. More than 90% of the content of the courses from the German-language track are identical with English-language track. The 6th semester is the international semester of the study program, which is conducted entirely in English. The two tracks are merged in the third year of the program (5th and 6th semester). The Bachelor's thesis can be written in German or English.
Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits
The Tourism, Sports & Leisure Business major is held entirely in English. More than 90% of the courses are identical to the German-language major, with a specialization in the area of Tourism, Outdoor Sports & Health. The two majors are merged in the third year (5th and 6th semester). The Bachelor's thesis can be written in German or English.
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.
Our graduates have fundamental knowledge and skills in management science.
Our students can explain and apply current concepts and theories in management science.
Our graduates have basic knowledge and skills in scientific methodology.
Our students can apply relevant theories and appropriate scientific methods in real-world contexts.
Our graduates have relevant problem-solving skills.
Our students can make active use of critical thinking skills in analogue or digital contexts.
Our students can approach problems responsibly considering ethical issues.
Our graduates have effective communication skills.
Our students can communicate effectively in analogue contexts.
Our students can communicate effectively in digital contexts.
Upon graduation, our students will link and apply basic management-knowledge with current issues in the tourism industry and their respective professional field of responsibility.
Our students will make a difference through their ability to combine theory and practical thinking and develop relevant action plans.
One of the most essential components of MCI study programs is their international orientation. This is reflected not only in the curriculum and assigned projects, but also in the backgrounds of our faculty and students. Each program also includes the opportunity for students to spend a semester abroad at one of MCI’s many partner institutions.
At MCI, each program of study requires students to complete an integrative internship of at least 15 weeks at a national or international company. Students receive support from the respective department in organizing this internship and are supervised in coordination with the company.
Our department and the MCI Career Center regularly provide up-to-date information about internship positions and the situation on the labor market in general.
As part of practice-oriented projects, students are provided with the opportunity to work with local and international businesses. This allows them to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice and in collaboration with the project team. Their theoretical knowledge is further deepened by a mandatory internship of several weeks duration.
“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, former CEO of the Austrian National Tourist Office ANTO
“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, former chairman of the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Tourism Association
In the thick of it rather than on the sidelines: the MCI international network provided me with new contacts and career prospects beyond national borders.
Josef Schmid; graduate of Tourism Business Studies
A practice-oriented and effective program that points the way ahead: this experience had a lasting effect on my development like no other stage in my career in tourism.
Peter Grander
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.
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.
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 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...
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...
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.
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:
The MCI offers a number of internationally oriented Master's courses. The master program in Entrepreneurship & Tourism is aimed directly at the graduates of this bachelor program. The completion of a master's degree qualifies for the relevant doctoral studies.
Yes, it is possible and it is even recommended that you apply before obtaining your school-leaving certificate in order to secure one of the limited places in your desired course of study. Please include your most recent certificates available in your application. Should your application be successful, the relevant school-leaving certificate may be submitted at a later date.
Yes it is possible that with just one online application, you can apply for both majors associated with the Bachelor in Entrepreneurship, Tourism & Leisure Business. The process is further simplified so that applicants would only need to take the admission interview once. However, the application as well as the interview results would be evaluated separately for each major.
Due to the high number of applicants, and for organizational reasons, the relevant department determines the dates for the admission interviews. It is therefore not possible for students to choose a date.
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.
Ninety students are admitted every winter semester into the „Entrepreneurship, Tourism & Leisure Business” program,. Sixty study places are allotted to the specialization “Tourism, Leisure & Event Management,” and thirty study places are allotted to “Tourism, Sports & Leisure Business.”
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:
For students of non-EU countries not considered eligible according to above regulations, the tuition fee is as follows:
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.
Before beginning the "Entrepreneurship, Tourism & Leisure Business" program, students must select from one of two majors. when applying (double applications possible). The major "Tourism, Leisure & Event Management" predominantly in German and the major "Tourism, Sports & Leisure Business" completely in English represent the two specialization options. Before the start of the program, students can choose between the second foreign languages Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, or Mandarin (depending on demand). In the third semester, students must choose a compulsory elective subject for personal specialization; a selection of compulsory elective subjects is available in the "Entrepreneurship, Tourism & Leisure Business" program and in other MCI degree programs. Outside the curriculum, there are individual specialization and elective options.
Outside the curriculum, additional foreign language courses can be taken or so-called MCI "badges" can be earned. Badges are awarded after successful completion of additional courses in topics such as Responsible Management, Digital Communication, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Scientific Data Management, International Career Skills, etc.
The semester abroad with its numerous partner universities, the internship in the 5th semester, as well as project assignments and the final thesis allow students to set an individual focus during the study program.
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.
Most of our students choose to stay at a shared apartment or in dormitories. Links and advice on how to find accommodation are provided on our website.
Lectures and seminars in full-time courses are held on weekdays. To facilitate a more intense discussion of individual topics, some lessons may also be organized in blocks.
The semesters are adapted to the tourist seasons. While the winter term starts at the beginning of September and lasts until Christmas, the summer term lasts from the beginning of March to the beginning of July. This enables our students to work during the winter season.
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.
MCI professors collaborate with executives from industry, guest lecturers from across the globe, and recognized experts from science to create added value for our students based on practical teaching with an international focus.
English as the first foreign language is taught in the first and second semesters. As a compulsory second foreign language, students can choose between Italian, Spanish, French (at different levels), and Russian/Mandarin (depending on demand) from the first to the fourth semester.
Most of our lecturers are also practitioners. In addition, projects are carried out in cooperation with industrial partners (e.g. event managers). Guest lectures are integrated into the curriculum and at least one excursion each semester provides students with an opportunity for direct exchange and the discussion of practical problems. An entire semester is spent in an internship.
Yes. Due to several prestigious accreditations, including the AACSB or THE-ICE accreditation, MCI is one of Austria’s leading business schools. An MCI degree in Tourism Business Studies thus qualifies you for admission to a Master’s degree course abroad.
Our graduates are qualified to engage in entrepreneurial tasks in the major fields of the tourism and leisure industry. They may opt for a career in destination management organizations (tourism associations), in the hotel or food service industry, in event management, leisure and sports facilities, consulting, the lift and cable car industry, or in travel agencies and the travel business in general. Many graduates have also built successful careers outside the tourism industry, such as in marketing and communications, or in finance.
