The MS in tourism studies is a two-year theoretical and practical programme at the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences. This is a high-quality international programme offering a significant level of flexibility and an interdisciplinary approach.

Is the program for you??

• Are you interested in society and nature?

• Do you want to contribute to developing industries and communities in a sustainable and responsible way?

• Do you want the opportunity to learn from and work with leading researchers and experts in tourism studies?

• Would you enjoy an interdisciplinary approach and a focus on sustainability in the Arctic region?

What is the study about?

Tourism studies is a young and exciting field of research here in Iceland.

Students will learn to work independently and use specialised methods, equipping them for a range of careers, including research and leadership positions in the private and public sectors.

Programme structure

The programme is 120 ECTS and is organised as two years of full-time study.

The programme is made up of:

• Courses, 60 ECTS

• Master's thesis, 60 ECTS

Students may choose between the following specialisations:

• Tourism studies

• Arctic tourism

• Business

The programme is built around a core of mandatory courses, with additional elective courses.

Potential research focuses in tourism studies include:

• Arctic tourism

• Environmental issues and conservation

• Management of tourist destinations

• Cultural tourism

• How tourism can strengthen regions and local economies

• Outdoor recreation, perception and the landscape

Arctic tourism is a new specialisation

Including topics such as:

• The relationship between tourism and the natural environment and communities in the Arctic.

• Sustainability in Arctic tourism

• Constitutional law and policy

Arctic tourism is a specialisation dealing with characteristics, challenges, and possibilities in tourism and the tourist trade in the Arctic. The specialisation gives a comprehensive context on tourism in the Arctic and provides an insight into the conditions and context of tourism in different places and diverse Arctic communities.

The study programme addresses tourism development in the Arctic from different angles putting it in context with various changes that are happening in the area. These include climate change and plans for harnessing natural resources, as well as the increased interest of tourists wishing to get to know and travel around Northern regions. The specialisation aims to provide knowledge and tools to strengthen the development of responsible tourism in the Arctic. Students can develop expertise in Arctic tourism and sustainable development that can be applied both within the private and public sectors.Emphasis is placed on an international perspective. Two core courses are offered in distance learning in collaboration with the University of the Arctic on tourism.

Organisation of teaching

The programme is taught in Icelandic and English. Textbooks are in English or Nordic languages and lecture slides are in Icelandic.

Exchange studies are available at all stages of the Master's programme.

Main objectives

The programme has been designed with a focus on practical and academic value, as well as allowing students to tailor the programme to suit their own interests with the help of the academic supervisor.

Students are given opportunities to work independently on research projects in their chosen field in an international environment.

Other

Completing a Master's degree in tourism studies allows you to apply for doctoral studies.

• See the doctoral programme in tourism studies

• See all doctoral programmes at the UI School of Engineering and Natural Sciences.