Learn more about the programme structure, study experience and career opportunities within the Tourism and Change specialisation.
Study Model
The Master's programme can be completed full-time or part-time.
Full-time Study
- Complete the programme in 3 semesters
- Focus on academic, professional and personal development
Part-time Study
- Flexible completion within up to 8 semesters
- Ideal for combining studies and employment
Flexible Study Planning
- Adapt your study plan to your rofessional and personal situation.
Programme Structure
The programme combines business administration, tourism expertise and change management.
Business Administration Modules (mandatory elective modules – you choose between specified modules)
- Complement your tourism expertise with business knowledge.
Sustainability
In this module category, you will critically examine the role of businesses in society, the expectations of different stakeholders and the aspiration to deliver economically, socially and ecologically sustainable services.
Digital Transformation
Explore the impact of digital transformation on products, services and processes and become acquainted with digital business models such as online platforms, e-commerce, digital services, Web 2.0 and social media applications. Understand their revenue mechanics as well as how online marketing can support digital business. Analyse how companies develop and the tools that can be used to facilitate and control business development.
Organisational Leadership
You will learn how to manage your employees, discover the prerequisites for successful managers, obtain the skill to set and achieve common goals with your employees and learn how to adjust your management style to different situations. You will analyse how companies can attract talented employees, how they want to be treated and how they can be tied to the organisation.
Consultancy Project
- The interaction between academic studies, research and industry is an important element of the master’s degree programme. In the consultancy project you will apply the knowledge acquired in your studies to real-world challenges. You will work in a small group for an external client, who will expect you to develop solutions relevant to their particular challenge.
- Are you a company and would like to assign a consultancy project? You can find more information on this website.
Master's Thesis
- The master’s thesis allows you to choose a particular profile and thus to position yourself in the job market. A good choice of topic is critical for your job prospects. Write the master’s thesis with a tourism organisation or company, extend your network and improve your chances on the job market.
- Are you a company and would like to assign a master's thesis? You can find more information on this website.
Elective module
- Think outside the box and take a module from a different master’s degree programme, do a work placement, go on a field trip or design your own independent study. The choice is yours.
Mandatory modules
Tourism and Change (mandatory modules – modules must be completed)
- The specialisation is structured around three central themes:
Analysing change
Understand the forces shaping tourism and society.
Topics include:
- Global trends
- Climate change
- Digitalisation
- Demographic change
- Geopolitical developments
Managing change
Learn how organisations successfully navigate transformation processes.
Topics include:
- Change Management
- Leadership
- Strategic Management
- Organisational Development
Designing change
Create positive impact through innovation and sustainable development.
Topics include:
- Innovation
- Social Marketing
- Behaviour Change
- Entrepreneurship
- Sustainability
Projects and Practical Experience
Research-led Teaching
The teaching at the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons is research-led. This means that our lecturers, assistant lecturers and academic staff are also involved in a number of research and consultancy projects at the Institute for Tourism and Leisure. Because we collaborate closely with companies in the tourism and leisure industry, we are aware of the latest challenges facing the industry and are able to come up with ground-breaking solutions.
Career prospects
Tourism is subject to pronounced dynamics of change. Graduates are needed who not only have profound knowledge in their respective fields, but who understand the changes affected and created by tourism and are able to devise appropriate strategies for the future.
Your knowledge and skills set gained in the master’s degree programme allow you to work in all tourism sectors (hospitality management such as hotel management, tour operation, destination management/marketing or travel agency services).
With the relevant work experience, you will be able to take on leadership roles, e.g. as head of business units, member of the executive board or regional manager.
Enhance your employability
The programme offers you a variety of different opportunities to enhance your employability. The relationship between studying, research and practice forms an important part of the programme. The Master’s in Tourism and Change enables students to combine theory and practice in various modules and deal with current challenges experienced by tourism businesses.
Mentoring programme
Personal contacts, connections and interpersonal relationships are a crucial part of business life. We pair our students with experienced managers from a variety of different tourism sectors. These mentors support the student with career planning, networking and personal development. Benefit from insights into professional life, an expansion of your network and a transfer of know-how. Previous students have had mentors from Singapore Airlines, Zurich Airport, Graubünden Tourism, Intercontinental Davos, TUI Suisse, FIS Marketing (International Ski Federation) among others.
Work Placement
Work experience is a key requirement for a career in tourism. Gain experience, apply the knowledge acquired in the programme and further develop professional and social skills during a work placement. ‘Trying out’ a new career role will give you an insight into the operations of a specific employer and give you new ideas about career options. Act as a reflective practitioner and position yourself in the job market upon graduation. Non-EU/EFTA students on a student visa may not undertake their work placement in Switzerland.
Symbolon profile and personal development
The Symbolon profile offers you the opportunity to get to know yourself better and to judge your talents, strengths and motivations more accurately. In a follow-up coaching session you will develop the necessary steps for your personal development. Know yourself to work on your weaknesses during your studies but also to highlight your strengths.
Our recent graduates are doing the following jobs
- Event manager, Swiss sports event company (graduated in 2019)
- Head of tourist centre and mountain Lab, Switzerland (graduated in 2019)
- Operations manager groups and events, Swiss inbound tour operator (graduated in 2019)
- Sales and marketing support, working outside tourism (graduated in 2019)
- Marketing and reservations manager, Swiss cable car company (graduated in 2017)
- PR and communications manager, regional tourism organisation, Germany (graduated in 2016)
- Project manager for marketing and student recruitment, Swiss hotel school (graduated in 2016)
Doctorate in Economics
Doctorate in Economics at the University of Zurich
After completing your studies, you have the opportunity to continue your studies within the framework of a doctorate at the University of Zurich (cooperation agreement with the University of Zurich). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the director of studies.
Your next step
Would you like to find out more about the Master’s programme or check whether it suits your background? We’d be happy to help you with the next steps.