The added value of the NHTV Master in Tourism Destination Management to your bachelor degree?

Every year, bachelor graduates raise specific questions related to the added value of the (NHTV) Master in Tourism Destination Management course. Especially in comparison to their Bachelor programme or compared to other Master degrees at other universities in The Netherlands or abroad.

These questions are very relevant, especially at times of an economic downturn in many countries in the world. Where are new opportunities? How important is an international recognized degree nowadays? What are required skills for the future? And how does a Master degree improve your professional profile for your future career?

We have asked a few bachelor graduates to share their views and experiences with the Master in Tourism Destination Management.

Students in Melbourne during Phase 2 of the Master TDM

What do they have to say about this master degree?

Florian Zielke
In my opinion the Tourism Destination Management programme is a very valuable follow-up study for undergraduate students with a tourism focus in particular. The merits of this programme are the high degree of actuality in content as well as its contemporary teaching methods.

I especially liked the high level of interaction in class that encompassed discussions and debates on global developments and their respective effects on the tourism industry.

Wouter Wensink
The course provides lessons about perseverance, social dynamics, cultural differences, management and many other things which will put you in a better position when applying for jobs in the coming years. I sincerely recommend everyone with hesitating thoughts to follow this Master because as vivid as this one you are not going to find it anywhere!

Sabrina Kamann
Having studied ITMC (International Tourism Management and Consultancy) at NHTV, I was aware of the complexity of tourism management. However, the TDM course provided me with much more insight into the specific field of destination management, covering a wide range of aspects, complementing and enhancing the knowledge I obtained during my ITMC studies. I can advise anyone who can imagine working in destination management to study this master: It creates a profound theoretical basis, while also bringing the industry and dynamics of destination management closer and bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Master in Tourism Destination Management – what can you expect?
(A short introduction)

This one-year Master programme focuses on practice, policies and future of tourism destinations and is divided into three phases: Theory, Practice and Dissertation.

During the first phase in Breda, destination theories, models, developments and practical cases will be studied. Courses are given by lecturers, along with an interesting team of visiting lecturers from international organizations and universities.

The second phase offers a very unique learning environment. It focuses on practical research and consultancy assignments at three different destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. Students stay at these destinations for a period of three months and work on research assignments. They interact with managers of large tourism organizations, governments, Non Government Organizations (NGO’s) and tourism entrepreneurs at the destination. Simultaneously, lecturers from NHTV supervise and support students during the preparation and the presentation of their assignments. During this phase, students learn to apply their knowledge on destination management to international tourism settings, with a strong focus on research techniques, analysis and advisory skills. At the same time, it offers students hands-on international experience, which is highly valued by future employers.

Finally, the third phase of the programme comprises of the carrying out of independent, individual research assignment: the writing of a dissertation at (Applied) Master level. Students select their own subject and can conduct their research in cooperation with a commissioner or individually, at a place of their choice. Worldwide.