FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the MSc
1. The MSc Program and its Differentiation
1 What is the MSc in "Digital Transformation and Innovation in Tourism"?
It is the new Postgraduate Program of the Department of Tourism Studies at the University of Piraeus that unites tourism, management, technology, data, innovation, and sustainability into a single, modern, and applied curriculum. It approaches digital transformation not as just another technical specialization, but as the new operating model of the entire tourism ecosystem.
2 Why was this MSc created now?
Tourism has already changed. Artificial Intelligence, data, international digital platforms, automation, sustainability, accessibility, and new forms of experience are redefining businesses, destinations, and public policies. The MSc responds to the need for professionals who can turn these changes into strategy, innovation, and measurable value.
3 How does it differ from a general tourism MSc or a technical IT program?
It is neither a general tourism program nor a program limited to digital marketing or technical tools. It connects strategic management, artificial intelligence, data analytics, information systems, digital marketing, investments, human resources, platforms, ESG, accessibility, and innovation with the actual operations of tourism.
4 Is it truly unique internationally?
The MSc stands out as the first academic master's program internationally with an exclusive and holistic focus on Digital Transformation and Innovation in Tourism. This differentiation lies in the title itself and the organizational core of the curriculum—not just a single course, a concentration, or a general digital tourism theme.
5 Who is it for?
To graduates seeking modern specialization connecting tourism, management, and technology; to executives in tourism enterprises and hospitality; to professionals from IT, data, digital marketing, and consulting; to officials from municipalities, regions, destination management organizations (DMOs), and other public bodies; as well as to startuppers and young entrepreneurs active in TravelTech, AI, platform development, and the creation of novel tourism experiences.
2. Curriculum and Educational Experience
6 How long is the program and how many ECTS does it award?
The duration of study is three (3) academic semesters, and the program corresponds to 90 ECTS.
7 How is the curriculum structured?
It includes 12 mandatory courses—6 in the 1st semester and 6 in the 2nd semester—a non-ECTS preparatory Research Methods Workshop at the start of the program, and a 3rd Research & Innovation Semester featuring a Research Design and Thesis Seminar (5 ECTS) and a Master's Thesis (25 ECTS).
8 What are the core thematic areas?
Artificial intelligence and information systems, strategic management, digital marketing and customer experience, tourism economics and digital innovation, digital human resource management, digital investment evaluation, knowledge and innovation management, crisis management, ESG and sustainability, accessibility and inclusion, digital innovation in alternative forms of tourism, as well as digital platforms and foreign investments.
9 How are classes conducted?
Through a flexible HyFlex / blended learning model, combining minimal in-person and primarily online participation with live interaction and asynchronous support via the University's digital infrastructure. The goal is to combine flexibility with genuine academic engagement.
10 What are Learning Sprints?
Each course is organized into an intensive two-week cycle. Students focus on one course at a time: in the 1st week, they establish concepts and tools and launch an applied project, while in the 2nd week, they dive deeper with case studies, applications, and completion of the assignment/project.
11 Why is this model suitable for working professionals?
Because it reduces simultaneous distraction across multiple courses, allows focused concentration, and leverages HyFlex participation and asynchronous material. The educational design ensures that postgraduate specialization can seamlessly integrate with professional life.
12 On which days are classes scheduled?
The timetable is structured around Thursday, Friday, and Saturday cycles. Exact days and hours per course are outlined in the detailed MSc schedule.
13 How are students evaluated?
With an emphasis on continuous and applied evaluation: assignments, applied projects, case studies, presentations, and exams, depending on the approved syllabus of each course. The goal is not merely acquiring knowledge, but developing the ability to apply, analyze, and make decisions.
14 What role do Artificial Intelligence and data play?
They constitute a core and horizontal element of the Program. They are linked to information systems, forecasting, personalization, sentiment analysis, digital marketing, revenue management, HR analytics, business intelligence, strategy, and innovation, alongside data governance, privacy, and responsible AI usage.
3. Market, Networks, and Career Prospects
15 Is there a real connection with the market?
Yes. The philosophy of the MSc is based on connecting theory and practice through real case studies, applied projects, industry challenges, modern tools, and master's theses focusing on actual business or destination problems.
16 What entities and networks does the Department of Tourism Studies partner with?
The Department already maintains active partnerships with market entities, public policy stakeholders, and international networks, including indicatively: the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (ΞΕΕ), HATTA & FedHATTA, the Council of Europe, and the Chamber of Cyclades. At the University of Piraeus level, institutional partnerships/memorandums also exist with bodies such as the Ministry of Tourism and the GNTO.
17 What do these partnerships mean for the student?
They enhance access to the labor market and real case studies, guest experts, industry challenges, applied projects, theses tackling real-world problems, and a networking web connecting the university, the market, and public policy.
18 What are the career prospects?
Graduates of the MSc in "Digital Transformation and Innovation in Tourism" acquire an exceptionally competitive professional profile. By combining management science with cutting-edge technologies—Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Information Systems—they prepare for leadership and specialized roles in the private, public, and academic sectors.
19 What indicative roles can the MSc lead to?
Digital Transformation Manager / CDO, Hotel Technology & Systems Specialist, Revenue & Dynamic Pricing Manager, E-commerce & Digital Distribution Manager, TravelTech Product Manager, Digital Marketing & UX/CX Strategist, AI & Innovation Project Manager, Tourism Data Analyst / BI Specialist, Digital Strategy / ESG Consultant, Smart Destination / DMO Manager, Tourism Policy & EU Projects Manager, as well as research/academic pathways.
20 Does it also support academic or research advancement?
Yes. The 3rd Research & Innovation Semester, the Research Design and Thesis Seminar, and the Master's Thesis strengthen the capacity to design and implement applied or academic research, serving as a robust foundation for further research or doctoral pursuits.
4. Cost, Financial Support, and Candidacy
21 What are the tuition fees?
The total tuition fees are €5,000 for the entire program, amounting to less than €1,700 per study semester. Payments are made in installments.
22 Is there a possibility for free tuition or a discount?
Yes. Provisions are made for free tuition or a 50% fee waiver for those who meet specific legal economic/social and academic criteria. The procedure is applied in accordance with the current institutional framework.
23 Are scholarships provided?
Yes. By decision of the competent bodies, excellence scholarships, social-criteria scholarships, and/or work-study/contributory scholarships may be awarded in accordance with announced terms.
24 Who is eligible to apply?
Holders of a first-cycle undergraduate degree from domestic Higher Education Institutions or recognized foreign equivalent institutions. Detailed criteria, required documents, and the selection procedure will be outlined in the official call for applications.
25 What is the language of instruction?
The official language of instruction is Greek. Individual courses, lectures, or educational activities may also be offered in English, in accordance with the academic design of the Program.
5. Launch 2026-2027 and Stakeholder Updates
26 When does the MSc start?
The launch of the MSc is announced for the 2026-2027 academic year.
27 Have official applications opened?
At this stage, a mailing list and non-binding expression of interest form are active. The official call for applications will be published separately.
28 What does "Stay Informed" mean?
It means signing up for the MSc mailing list to receive information regarding the program, the detailed schedule, informational events, and the official call for applications. Registration does not constitute an application, pre-registration, seat reservation, or admission priority.
29 Where can I get information?
On the official website https://msc-dtitour.unipi.gr/ and via the Stay Informed form. Those who sign up for the mailing list will receive the latest official updates about the MSc.