Master in International Tourism and Destination Management at University of Macerata
Two-year English-taught LM-49 master's at the University of Macerata in destination management, sustainable tourism and cultural heritage, with an internship, field trips and a double degree option with KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt.
Master
2 years
Macerata
English
University of Macerata
International Tourism and Destination Management (ITourDeM) is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-49) taught entirely in English at the University of Macerata. It trains destination managers in sustainable tourism, heritage and tourism business planning. Fees follow country and income rules, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree, ideally in tourism, cultural heritage, languages, economics or business; STEM graduates qualify only with exams in economics, law, geography, history or sociology.
- Gaps of up to 15 credits are covered by single preparatory courses (3 CFU each) in tourism law, tourism economics, tourism geography, European history or sociology of culture.
- English at B2 level (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 87, Cambridge B2 or equivalent), an English-taught bachelor's or native speaker status; otherwise an interview checks your English.
- A motivation letter and at least two references on the DreamApply portal.
- An online admission interview on background, motivation and languages before formal enrolment.
- At enrolment: your legalised, translated degree with a declaration of value, Diploma Supplement or CIMEA statement.
About the programme
International Tourism and Destination Management (ITourDeM) is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-49, design and management of tourist systems) worth 120 ECTS. It is run by the Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Tourism of the University of Macerata and taught entirely in English, with lectures, exams and the final dissertation all in English.
The course combines socio-economic, historical and geographical approaches to prepare managers who can build and run tourist destinations, design tourism products and promote sustainable use of natural and cultural resources. It suits graduates in tourism, cultural heritage, languages, economics or business who want a management career in the tourism sector.
What you will study
The first year builds the core in geography, history, law and intercultural skills, while the second year adds business planning, Italian for tourism, electives, an internship and the dissertation. Units in the 2026/27 offer include:
- Geography of Sustainable Destinations and Urban History (9 ECTS each)
- English: Language and Culture (9 ECTS) and Cultural Differences (6 ECTS)
- Environmental Law and Tourism (6 ECTS)
- Planning and Control Systems in Tourism Businesses (9 ECTS)
- Electives such as Tourism and Heritage Management, Landscape and Environment Geography, Creative Processes for Tourism, Educational Tourism and Art, Fashion, Tourism and Law
- Short units in Heritage Marketing and Digital Resources for Tourism, plus a 4 ECTS field trip
- Italian Language and Culture for Tourism (3 ECTS), an internship and a 12 ECTS final dissertation
How the programme is taught
Internships place students in organisations and businesses in Italy or abroad, with each credit worth 25 hours of work, and Erasmus+ traineeship grants can fund a placement abroad. A double degree with the Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU) in Germany takes up to five UniMC students a year: they spend the third semester at KU and graduate with the ITourDeM degree and a KU M.Sc. in Tourism and Sustainable Regional Development. Enrolled students apply through a department call.
Career paths
The course site points graduates to tourism companies and institutions, tourism product design and marketing, integrated tourism enterprises and consortia, cultural and exhibition events, reception services, and government bodies at international, national and local level. Roles it names include:
- Destination manager and tourism manager
- Tourism marketing manager and product development specialist
- Event coordinator and hospitality manager
- Government tourism officer and sustainable tourism consultant
- Cultural heritage manager or researcher in tourism studies
Fees and scholarships
UniMC charges international students by country of origin. Under the 2025/26 rules shown on the 2027/28 portal, students from developing and non-OECD countries pay €156 a year, and students from OECD countries €807, with merit conditions from the second year. ERDIS Marche, the regional agency, gives scholarships to non-EU students who meet its merit and income rules, so this degree can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
Apply for pre-admission on UniMC's DreamApply portal with your degree and transcript, English proof, a motivation letter and two references. For 2027/28 there are six rounds from 3 November 2026 to 30 April 2027, and a €20 pre-admission fee applies from this year. Classes start on 13 September 2027.
Once pre-admitted, you complete Universitaly pre-enrolment in spring and apply for a type D study visa. In Macerata you enrol, pass the online admission interview and apply for a residence permit within eight days of arrival.
How ApplyAZ helps
If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.
Questions and answers
Is ITourDeM taught entirely in English?
Yes. All lectures, exams and the final dissertation are in English. International students without Italian at B2 level also take 3 credits of Italian, and a short Italian for tourism unit is part of the plan.
Which bachelor's degrees are accepted?
Tourism, cultural heritage, languages, economics and business degrees fit best. STEM graduates qualify only if their exams include economics, law, geography, history or sociology. Gaps of up to 15 credits are closed with single preparatory courses.
Is there an entrance test?
There is no written test. Every first-year student passes an online interview on background, motivation and languages, which also checks English if you have no B2 certificate. You can attend classes before the interview.
When can I apply for 2027/28?
DreamApply runs six pre-admission rounds, from 3 November 2026 to 30 April 2027, with a €20 fee. Classes start on 13 September 2027.
How much are the fees?
Under the 2025/26 rules, students from developing and non-OECD countries pay €156 a year and students from OECD countries €807. ERDIS Marche offers regional scholarships to eligible students.
Can I earn a double degree?
Yes. Up to five students a year spend the third semester at KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt in Germany and earn both the ITourDeM degree and a KU M.Sc. in Tourism and Sustainable Regional Development.
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