Course Sequence (Modules)
The regular period of study is seven semesters. This includes a study semester and an internship of at least 20 weeks abroad, as well as the Bachelor thesis and the viva. Some elements are taught in English.
In the first three semesters students are taught the fundamentals of economics and the social sciences. In the 4th semester they specialize in one branch of tourism. The 5th semester is spent at a partner university abroad, in the 6th semester students must complete a 20-week internship abroad.
The 7th semester is subdivided into the compulsory course International Management III and the two elective courses from the block of courses entitled "Occupational Field Management" and "Social Scientific Aspects of Tourism Management". From the 4 th semester the course focuses on the project work and the discussion of case studies, which enable students to apply the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience they have acquired and which aim to foster independent learning in a team environment.
During the entire course of study great emphasis is placed on internationality and on the acquisition of foreign language skills, objectives to which the compulsory learning of a foreign language and the constant contact with visiting foreign students from partner universities contribute. In the 1st semester students take part in the Learners' Company, a collaboration with representatives from the actual working world which offers students the opportunity to take part in tourism projects, thereby providing task-based learning with a practical orientation. The fifth and sixth semesters are set aside for the stay abroad, which comprises both a study semester and an internship.
Students may only begin their integrated study abroad once all modules of the first three study semesters have been successfully completed.
210 ECTS credits are required for successful completion of the course.
During the 7th semester, students write their Bachelor thesis, as far as possible in practical collaboration with the tourism industry. The Bachelor examination consists of the module examinations, the Bachelor thesis and the viva dedicated to the defence of the thesis. The ISTM programme concludes with the awarding of a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Upon conclusion of the programme the students have the option of studying for a Master's degree at Bremen University of Applied Sciences. In the field of tourism they can opt for a 2-semester Master's in International Tourism Management (MBA) or for a 3-semester course of study which concludes with the degree of Master of Arts in Leisure and Tourism.