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The range of part-time distance learning courses in the field of Tourism & Hospitality is, on the one hand, very limited. On the other hand, there are two interesting private universities, IU and IST University, offering courses in Hotel Management and Tourism Management.
Almost all the courses I'm presenting here are offered by private universities. The only exception is the Bachelor's degree program in Tourism Business at the state-run Jade University - more on that below.
At the end of the article, you will also find an overview of possible Master's programs that offer specializations in Tourism Management. Currently, there are no exclusive Master's distance learning programs in Tourism Management available.
Alle Fernstudiengänge im Fachbereich Tourismus & Hospitality
We have a total of 14 courses in the field of Tourism & Hospitality.
Tourism Management in Health & Wellness
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
The bachelor's programme "Tourism Management in Health & Wellness" at APOLLON University focuses on the interface between tourism, management, and health. The degree programme is aimed at future leaders in …
Tourism Management
- IST University of Management
- 6 Semester
- German
- including tourism marketing, trends and innovations in tourism, hospitality management, customer integration and communication, customer care manageme…
Hotel Management
- IST University of Management
- 6 Semester
- German
- General Management includes, among other things, business, management-related, and legal basics, industry-specific expertise such as hotel marketing, …
Hotel management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
Hospitality and professional guest service are your world - then prepare for a career in the hotel industry. With the Bachelor's distance learning course in Hotel Management, we give you …
Event management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
Exhibitions, trade fairs, sports events, concerts, and other events: Is this your world? Then enroll in our part-time Bachelor's programme in Event Management. We will prepare you with a mix …
Tourism management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
With our Bachelor in Tourism Management, we systematically prepare you for the exciting challenges of the tourism industry. Throughout the flexible IU study programme, you delve into 3 subject areas …
Business administration and tourism management
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- German
The part-time Bachelor's degree programme in Business Administration and Tourism Management at the European Distance University in Hamburg combines sound business fundamentals with specific content from the tourism sector. The …
Tourism management
- DIPLOMA University
- 7 Semester
- German
- Tourism economy and policy, tourism geography and mobility, hospitality and event management, travel organization and sales, tourism and event managem…
Hotel and tourism marketing
- IST University of Management
- 6 Semester
- German
- Marketing - Basics and Strategies, Hotel Basics, Hotel and Quality Management, Tourist Basics I, Basics of Business Administration, Scientific Working…
Tourism and Event Management
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
Quality since 1848, also in distance learning. This course at Hochschule Fresenius provides you with advanced knowledge of tourism business, as well as the international trade fair and event industry, …
Tourism Management
- Jade University
- 6 Semester
- German
- Foundations of Business Administration, Financing and Corporate Accounting, Tourism Marketing, Tourism Law, Destination Management, Health Tourism Man…
Tourism
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 4 Semester
- German
The distance learning programme "Tourism" at the European Distance University Hamburg leads to the degree "Master of Arts" and comprises 120 ECTS credits. The course covers a variety of topics …
Tourism and Sports Management
- Private University Goettingen
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor's degree in Tourism and Event Management enables you to take up a responsible position at the lower management level: You can work in a tourism or event company …
Event Management
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor of Arts in Event Management at the European Distance University Hamburg is designed for professionals who want to deepen their knowledge in the field of event management. The …
Universities Overview
Currently, there is only one state-run university offering a distance learning program in the field of Tourism, Jade University in Lower Saxony. Additionally, there are several private universities with suitable study programs. Here's a brief profile of all the universities:
Jade University: The Jade University Wilhelmshaven/Oldenburg/Elsfleth is a state-run university of applied sciences with locations in Lower Saxony. The university was founded in 2009, and currently has around 7000 students enrolled. The university offers several online degree programs, including a Bachelor's online course in Tourism Business. Notably, Jade University is the only state-run university that offers a corresponding Bachelor's degree, and the Bachelor's program is very affordable.
IU International University: IU is a university of applied sciences, and also Germany's largest private distance learning university. In the WS 2024/2025, over 130,000 students were enrolled in one of the over 80 degree programs offered by the university. IU was founded in 1998 with a focus on degree programs for the hotel industry and tourism. Today, among its numerous distance learning courses, the university also offers Bachelor's programs in Hotel Management, Tourism Management, and Event Management.
IST University of Management: IST University of Management is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences located in Düsseldorf. In WS 2019/2020, a total of 3035 students were enrolled at the university. IST University's focus is on degree programs in the field of Sport & Fitness, as well as distance learning programs in the field of Tourism & Hospitality. Noteworthy: The distance learning programs at IST University are also offered in a dual variant, combining practical training with flexible distance learning.
European Distance University Hamburg: Euro-FH is a private university of applied sciences located in Hamburg. In WS 2019/2020, a total of 7523 students were enrolled at the university. Euro-FH functions as a business school with a focus on business administration degree programs, but now also offers programs in psychology, social work, as well as Bachelor's programs in Business Administration and Tourism Management.
DIPLOMA University: DIPLOMA University of North Hesse is a private university of applied sciences located in Bad Sooden-Allendorf. In WS 2019/2020, a total of 7901 students were enrolled at the university. DIPLOMA University offers a variety of distance learning programs in areas such as Business & Law, Health & Social Affairs, and Technology. The B.A. Tourism Management program lasts 7 semesters in full-time study and offers 3 specialisations, such as Sports and Health Tourism.
AKAD University: AKAD University is a private university of applied sciences located in Baden-Württemberg. The university focuses on degree programs in the fields of Computer Science & Technology and Business Administration. In WS 2019/2020, a total of 5241 students were enrolled at the university. Although AKAD does not offer a pure distance learning program in Tourism and Hotel Management, there is an opportunity to specialise in Tourism Management within the International Business Communication Bachelor's program.
Costs and Tuition Fees
Most of the courses I introduce here are offered by private universities and consequently incur higher tuition fees. However, the distance learning programs in Tourism and Hotel Management at private universities are usually more flexible, with more varied study materials, and allow for enrollment at any time.
By the way, you can potentially claim study fees as expenses for tax purposes in distance learning, for instance as business expenses. This also applies to costs associated with distance learning, such as literature expenses or travel costs for on-site events. This way, you can get back a portion of the tuition fees from the tax authorities.
Here is an overview of the tuition fees for each course:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourism Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Jade University | 6 Semester | from 4073 € total | |
| Tourism management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University | 7 Semester | from 11489 € total from 177 € monthly | |
| Tourism, Master of Arts Distance learning program | European Distance Learning University Hamburg | 4 Semester | from 11880 € total from 495 € monthly | |
| Tourism and Event Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 12420 € total from 215 € monthly | |
| Tourism and Sports Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Private University Goettingen | 6 Semester | from 12590 € total from 199 € monthly | |
| Tourism Management in Health & Wellness, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | APOLLON University of Health Sciences | 6 Semester | from 12780 € total from 288 € monthly | |
| Business administration and tourism management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | European Distance Learning University Hamburg | 6 Semester | from 13392 € total from 279 € monthly | |
| Hotel Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IST University of Management | 6 Semester | from 13644 € total from 379 € monthly | |
| Tourism Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IST University of Management | 6 Semester | from 13644 € total from 379 € monthly | |
| Hotel and tourism marketing, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IST University of Management | 6 Semester | from 13644 € total from 379 € monthly | |
| Hotel management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Tourism management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly |
Bachelor in Hotel Management at IU
Here I present to you the Bachelor's program in Hotel Management at IU as an example. The course lasts 6 semesters in full-time study. However, most students opt for one of the two part-time variants. In the part-time study program, you study for a total of 8 semesters until graduation, while in part-time program II, you study for a total of 12 semesters until graduation.
Prerequisites for admission include a high school diploma, a technical high school diploma, or equivalent qualifications. Admission is also possible without a high school diploma or technical high school diploma if you have completed a vocational training or advanced training, such as becoming a certified business economist.
Furthermore, you can have previous achievements recognized to shorten the study time. Recognizable achievements may include specific further education, parts of vocational trainings, and professional experience.
In full-time study, you can structure your study plan as follows:
- 1st Semester: Business Administration, Academic Work, Computer Training, Tourism Management
- 2nd Semester: Marketing, Business Mathematics, Economics and Markets, Accounting and Financial Statements, Destination Management, Law
- 3rd Semester: Cost and Performance Accounting, Statistics, Tourism Marketing, Project Management, Commercial Law, Planning and Development of Travel
- 4th Semester: English as a Foreign Language, Financing and Investment, Tourism Law, Intercultural Management, Sales in Hotel and Tourism, Tour Operator and Travel Agent Management
- 5th Semester: Human Resources, Current Topics in Tourism Management, 2 Free-choice Specializations
- 6th Semester: 1 Free-choice Specialization, Digital Business Models, Business Leadership, Bachelor's Thesis
As a specialization in the field of science, you can choose one of these topics: Health Tourism, Cruise Tourism, Sustainability Management in Hospitality, Tourism, and Event.
In addition, you can choose 2 functional and industry specializations from this range of topics: Health Economy, Meeting Events, Leisure Events, Catering and Catering, Business Controlling, Advanced Leadership, Applied Sales, Business Consulting, E-Commerce, Human Resources, International Marketing and Branding, IT Management, Supply Chain Management, Health Care Management, Real Estate Management, Air Transport Management, Entrepreneurial Hotel Management, Market Psychology, Online and Social Media Marketing, Organizational Psychology, Planning and Decision Making (ERP), Corporate Financing, Practical Project, Event Management, International Management.
Read more about the course B.A. Tourism Management in the course profile.
Dual Distance Learning B.A. Tourism Management at IST University
Distance learning is particularly suitable for a dual study program, which combines vocational training with a bachelor's degree. Here I present the B.A. Tourism Management at IST University Düsseldorf as an example, which is also offered in a dual variant.
Required is the general higher education entrance qualification, the subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, or an equivalent university degree. In addition, you must complete an apprenticeship in a tourism-specific company. However, those without an apprenticeship contract can also complete the non-dual version of this distance learning course.
- 1st Semester: Basics of Business Administration, Marketing - Basics and Strategies, Academic Work and Learning Methods, Touristic Foundations I
- 2nd Semester: Business Informatics and New Media, Business Law, Hospitality Management, Law and Quality Management in Tourism, Business English
- 3rd Semester: Marketing - Special Applications, Microeconomics, Introduction to Accounting, Touristic Foundations II
- 4th Semester: Taxes and Balances, Business Management and Personnel Management, Business Mathematics and Statistics, Tourism in the Context of Economy and Society
- 5th Semester: Entrepreneurial Decision Foundations, Macroeconomics and International Economics, Trends and Innovations in Tourism, Tourism Marketing
- 6th Semester: Special Management Perspectives and Communication, Business Ethics, Elective Module
- 7th Semester: Elective Module, Bachelor's Thesis
Towards the end of the course, you choose 2 elective modules: Forms of Tourism: Sports Tourism & Culture, Forms of Tourism: Cruise Management & Ecology, Hotel Management, Practical Phase (Internship, Study Abroad, or Professional Activity), Forms of Tourism: Cruise Management & Culture, Forms of Tourism: Sports Tourism & Ecology, or Tourism Consulting. In addition, students can also complete elective modules from other courses at IST University.
The course normally lasts for 7 semesters but can be extended free of charge for up to 3 additional semesters. The tuition fees amount to a total of 13,818.00 euros and are paid in monthly instalments of 329.00 euros each.
More about the course: B.A. Tourism Management - Course Profile.
Master's Programs in Hotel and Tourism Management
Currently, there is only one Master's distance learning course in the field of Tourism, namely the Master's in Tourism at the European Distance University Hamburg! An alternative could be a Business Administration or Management distance learning course with a specialization in Tourism Management. Corresponding specializations are available in these Master's programs:
| Course | University | Duration | Course contents | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Management, Master of Arts Distance learning program | Private University Goettingen | 3 Semester | Management, Knowledge Management, Organizational Development, Innovation and Network Management, Employee Conversations, International Economics I, Monetary International Economics, International Mana… | from 9344 € total from 483 € monthly | |
| General Management, Master of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 4 Semester | Digital business models, research methodology, Applied Statistics, Strategic Management, Leadership, Seminar: Change Management, Institutional Economics, Project: Institutional Intervention for Digita… | from 14143 € total from 329 € monthly | |
| General Management, Master of Business Administration Distance learning program | European Distance Learning University Hamburg | 4 Semester | Introduction to management, economics, commercial law, marketing, accounting and finance, specialization abroad I & II, leadership, specialization I & II, business management | from 14656 € total from 458 € monthly | |
| Management, Master of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 2 Semester | Managing in a Global Economy, Strategic Management, Elective A, Advanced Research Methods, Operations and Information Management, Elective B, Seminar: Managing People and Organizations, Master's Thesi… | from 10099 € total from 475 € monthly | |
| Tourism, Master of Arts Distance learning program | European Distance Learning University Hamburg | 4 Semester | Methods of applied tourism research, sustainability in tourism, specialisation (cruising, aviation, event management, mountain tourism management), management strategies in tourism, sales psychology i… | from 11880 € total from 495 € monthly |
More Master's programs: Management in Distance Learning: 20 Bachelor's and Master's Programs Compared
About the Author Christian Wolf
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