Master’s Programme in Sustainability and Tourism

The Master’s Programme in Sustainability and Tourism is a two-year, 120-credit programme taught in English. The courses combine theory, research, and practical insights with a focus on sustainable tourism, destination marketing, and cultural heritage management. In addition, you will benefit from field visits to businesses, cultural heritage managers, and regional tourism destinations, as well as guest lectures and seminars led by industry professionals, international partner universities, and alumni — giving you opportunities to build networks and learn about research and the job market.

Semester 1 (Autumn) – Late August to mid-January

In the first semester, you will study the four main modules of the programme. Each contributes to an aspect of sustainability and tourism development:

• Sustainable Destination Development (KG3019), 7.5 credits
• Event Tourism – Planning, Marketing, Evaluation (TR3009), 7.5 credits
• Management and Interpretation of Cultural Heritage Sites (AKG27R), 7.5 credits
• Place and Destination Marketing (ATR2AF), 7.5 credits

Semester 2 (Spring) – Late January to mid-June

In the second semester, you will study research methods and complete a project focusing on an aspect of sustainability and tourism development at an international or local destination:

• Theory and Research Methods (TR3010), 15 credits
• Project Work in Tourism Studies (ATR2BJ), 15 credits or Degree Thesis in Tourism Studies (60 credits) (TR3008), 15 credits

Semester 3 (Autumn) – Late August to mid-January

You will choose optional courses worth 30 credits, either at Dalarna University or another university in Sweden or abroad, depending on your interests and in consultation with the programme director. The available optional courses may vary between semesters.

Semester 4 (Spring) – Late January to mid-June

• Thesis for Master’s Degree (120 credits) in Tourism Studies (ATR2BB), 30 credits

Note: 1.5 credits equals one week of full-time study.

Degree Awarded

Upon completion of the programme, you will receive a Master of Science (120 credits, two years) in Tourism Studies. This degree also qualifies you to apply for PhD studies in Sweden.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the Master’s Programme in Tourism Destination Development is 192,000 SEK in total (48,000 SEK per semester).
Note: EU/EEA citizens are not required to pay tuition fees.

Tuition fees are paid in four installments of 48,000 SEK and the first payment should be made as soon as possible after you have received your invoice and no later than the deadline on the invoice. This allows for reasonable processing time for a residence permit application.

If you have any questions about tuition fee payments, please e-mail tuitionfees@du.se.

Scholarships

Students admitted to the Master's Programme in Sustainability and Tourism may be eligible for two scholarships offered by Dalarna University.

Choose Dalarna First Scholarship
If you apply on time and are admitted to this programme as your first choice on UniversityAdmissions.se, you are eligible for a one-time scholarship of 5,000 SEK. This amount is deducted from your first semester tuition fee, provided you also apply for the scholarship no later than February 15 (autumn intake).

Academic Excellence Scholarship
Students in this programme can also qualify for the Academic Excellence Scholarship, which recognises outstanding academic achievement during the programme.

• Semester Award: Receive 10,000 SEK per semester when you meet the criteria for outstanding academic results.
• Programme Distinction: An additional 10,000 SEK may be awarded if you receive the Semester Award in every semester of the programme.

To qualify for the Semester Award, you must:

1. Complete all 30 credits that are part of the programme curriculum for that semester.
2. Earn at least 15 credits with course grades of A (pass with distinction) and B (pass with merit) — at least one course must have a final grade of A.
3. Have all course results reported within 6 weeks after the semester ends.

The Semester Award is evaluated independently for each semester, meaning you may receive it for one semester even if you do not qualify in the other.

Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISGP)

A limited number of students from select countries may be eligible to apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) – external link, a national scholarship programme managed by the Swedish Institute. This scholarship is highly competitive and awarded independently of Dalarna University.

For full eligibility details and how to apply for Dalarna University’s own scholarships, visit our Scholarships Overview webpage .

Should you apply?

You should have an interest in combining your passion for sustainability and tourism with curiosity for the research and theory that shape the development of the global tourism industry. If you have previously majored in Social Sciences and have documented knowledge of spoken and written English, then you are a good candidate for this programme.

How to apply

Applying to the Master’s Programme in Sustainability and Tourism is quick and easy. Just complete these two steps:

1. Click on the green "Apply" button to create a user account and add the programme in the online application portal at UniversityAdmissions.se – external link .
2. Submit the required documents to verify that you fulfill the entry requirements listed below. It is usually possible to upload the required documents to your user account.

• How to submit an application
• Required documents for application (UniversityAdmissions.se – external link)

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Master’s Programme in Sustainability and Tourism you need to have:

• A completed bachelor’s degree with a main field of study in the Social Sciences (for example: tourism studies, business administration, economics, development studies, political science, sociology, geography) or an equivalent degree. Final-year students may apply but must provide proof of degree completion before the programme starts.
  If your academic background differs from the formal requirements, contact the programme director to check your eligibility.

English language proficiency

You must provide proof of English language proficiency. In some cases, your previous studies in English may fulfill this requirement. Approved English proficiency results include:

• IELTS (academic training): 6.5 overall (with no part of the test below 5.5)
• TOEFL (Internet-based): 90 (with a minimum of 20 on the written part)

For specific information, see the English documentation webpage at UniversityAdmissions.se – external link .

Career Opportunities

Tourism is a major growth industry internationally, and there is an urgent need for knowledge on how to develop destinations in a sustainable manner. The courses in Master's Programme in Sustainability and Tourism prepare you to work within the tourism and marketing fields, and can lead to countless job opportunities, including positions as:

• Junior Online Marketer
• Tourism Officer
• Destination Development Consultant
• Operations Manager

You will most likely find work in destination-marketing organisations, at hotels, in activity companies, and within local and regional tourism-planning organisations throughout the world.

International internships

You can receive an Erasmus+ grant to complete an internship and can apply for one up to 12 months after completing your studies. This is available to all students in the programme, regardless of nationality, who pursue an approved internship within an Erasmus+ programme country (except Sweden).

Further studies including studying towards a PhD

Upon completion of the programme, you may also apply for a PhD position within Tourism Studies or similar fields at any Swedish university.  

Stay in Sweden and look for work

You can apply for a 12-month residence permit to stay in Sweden and look for work after you complete a degree programme of at least 60 credits. International students are encouraged to stay in Dalarna and Sweden and look for a job after graduating from the Master's Programme in Sustainability and Tourism.

Using your degree overseas

The degree awarded by Dalarna University for this programme is internationally recognized and has been used by previous students to attain employment or pursue further studies outside of Sweden.

You can also apply to receive an Erasmus+ grant for an internship, even up to 12 months after completing your studies. This opportunity is available to all students in the programme, regardless of nationality, who pursue an approved internship within an Erasmus+ programme country other than Sweden.

A close-knit study environment

Dalarna University is a small university, which will allow you to develop close professional relationships with your classmates and teachers. You will study at the Borlänge campus, which is located close to the region's largest shopping centre, beautiful natural surroundings and outstanding outdoor activities.

Students from the world over come to study Sustainability and Tourism at Dalarna University. Typically, there are 20 students in each class. Lessons include lectures; seminars; group discussions; presentations; study visits; and written assignments. You will normally have four to eight hours of classes a week, 20 to 30 hours of individual reading and writing assignments, and group projects.

Since Master's Programme in Sustainability and Tourism admits only a small number of students, you will easily get to know your classmates and be involved with activities in and around Dalarna and Sweden with new-found friends. The knowledge and experiences you share with your classmates, along with the opportunity to be involved in interesting tourism destination development projects, will prepare you to join our alumni who go on to find their ideal jobs within the field.

An international classroom

Students from all over the world come to study Sustainability and Tourism at Dalarna University. With the wealth of practical experience and the opportunity to participate in interesting tourism and sustainability projects that programme students receive, many go on to find their ideal jobs in the field.