Umeå University

Overview

The Master’s program in Tourism and Sustainable Development at Umeå University equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze the impact of tourism on destinations while promoting sustainable regional development. This two-year program emphasizes both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, preparing graduates to address real-world challenges in tourism planning and policy.

What you'll study

The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of tourism dynamics through a spatial perspective. Students will engage in core courses, methods training, and a final thesis project, which can be conducted in collaboration with various organizations.

Core courses

• Tourism and Sustainable Development
• Geographies of Tourism and Sustainability
• Sustainability, Destinations, and Regional Development
• Population, Migration, and Mobility

Spatial Analysis and Methods

• Spatial Analysis
• Advanced Spatial Analysis

Thesis

• Final Thesis Project (supervised individually; potential collaboration with industry or governmental bodies)

Electives and Specialisation: Depending on course offerings, students may have the opportunity to tailor their thesis and coursework to focus on specific themes within destination development and sustainability.

Entry requirements

Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an internationally recognized institution, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen (180 ECTS). Additionally, at least 90 ECTS credits should be in relevant fields such as Tourism, Geography, Human Geography, Regional Science, Planning, Hospitality Management, Service Management, or similar disciplines.

English requirements

Proficiency in English is essential, with accepted scores from standardized tests including:

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90
• PTE Academic: Minimum score of 62
• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5

Other requirements

• Demonstrated proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
• Submission of required application documents through Umeå University’s application portal, including transcripts and degree certificates. Document requirements may vary; refer to the current application guidelines.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Tourism and Sustainable Development program are well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including tourism management, regional planning, and sustainability consulting. They can pursue roles in governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and private enterprises focused on sustainable tourism practices and regional development initiatives.