Wellness and Spa Services Design and Management

  Estonia

• Other Cities in Estonia: 
Tartu

Description: The aim of this international master's program is to provide students with the necessary theoretical knowledge, professional skills and practical tools required for working in wellness, spa or other related organizations at the management level.

Curriculum structure:
Main study modules:
1. Society and Wellness module - 15 ECTS
2. Individuals and Wellness module - 15 ECTS
3. Tourism and Wellness module - 15 ECTS
4. Business and Wellness module - 15 ECTS
Project Management and Internship - 15 ECTS
Basics of Research - 9 ECTS
Elective courses - 6 ECTS
Master's thesis - 30 ECTS
Total = 120 ECTS

Main study modules:
All four modules are linked with the concepts of sustainability, entrepreneurship, quality, creativity, innovation and experience.

1. Society and Wellness module (15 ECTS)
- Principles of Sustainable Development
- Wellness History and Philosophy
- Creative Economy and Wellness

2. Individuals and Wellness module (15 ECTS)
- Customer Behavior
- Human Resource Management for Wellness and Hospitality
- Wellness and Spa Service Quality Management

3. Tourism and Wellness module (15 ECTS)
- Wellness and Health Tourism
- Spa Treatments and Nutrition
- Leisure and Recreation

4. Business and Wellness module (15 ECTS)
- Strategic and Financial Management
- Wellness and Spa Service Design and Marketing
- Wellness and Spa Entrepreneurship and Innovation

* Project Management and Internship module (15 ECTS)
This module is designed to support the development of creativity in students and will rely on field-case studies and practical experience. During the 8-week internship students will have the chnace to participate in the activities of a real organization or business in Estonia or abroad, which is related to each student's specialization.

* Basics of Research module (9 ECTS)
The primary focus of the module is on the preparation, presentation and defense of a master's thesis. Courses include Research Methods, Leisure Sociology and a Master´s Seminar.

* Elective courses (6 ECTS) can be chosen from courses currently available at the University of Tartu or its colleges.

* Master's thesis (30 ECTS) The master's thesis is intended to demonstrate and assess skills in the application of acquired knowledge and to independently carry out a research task.

Highlights: Unique 2-year program combining the best theory and practice
- Internship
- International teaching staff
- Instruction in English

Great emphasis is given to the acquisition of skills and competence in the following areas:
- creative and innovative entrepreneurship,
- strategic, financial and operational management,
- hospitality and quality management,
- service design and development,
- wellness and spa marketing,
- project management and research.

Over the last decade the wellness and spa industry has witnessed a rapid expansion. Although an increasing number of people use non-conventional services and treatments, the majority of chances in wellness have yet to be developed by individual entrepreneurs and professionals.

Excellent international career prospects
- Resorts, spas, wellness and health companies
- Business and consulting companies
- Tourism organizations
- Leisure, recreation and rehabilitation centers
- Social services, municipalities
- Research, academic career and PhD studies

Wellness is a key factor in the sustainability of any society. What is wellness?

* Wellness can be defined as the balanced state of body, spirit and mind, including emotional, physical, intellectual, social, environmental, occupational and spiritual wellness.
* Wellness is also viewed as a way of life, including such holistic aspects as self-responsibility, physical fitness, healthy nutrition, mental activity, environmental sensitivity and beauty care. The purpose is to create a healthy body, soul and mind.
* The balance between different aspects of wellness as a combination of "well-being" and "fitness" is becoming a necessary lifestyle in an era of increasing competition, pressure and stress.
* Wellness has become an important topic of research and development as well as a huge and rapidly growing business. The wellness and spa sector within the tourism and hospitality industry has now become one of the key profitable sectors in international business and its volume equals or even surpasses that of global oil exports, and the food and car industries.
* Wellness has become a new prospective topic of education that has several important aims - to teach one how to live well and healthily, and how to plan, manage and operate a wellness business.

Why study the program in Parnu?

* 170 years of health resort and hospitality traditions
* Internationally acclaimed health tourism destination with membership in the European Spas Association
* One-third of Estonian spa hotel capacity along with water parks, swimming pools, baths and beauty salons
* Parnu College shares in the academic excellence and traditions of the University of Tartu, established in 1632

Degree Level: Masters Degree

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: 2900 EUR/year

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel to Estonia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available. University of Tartu offers a limited number of one-time scholarships that cover 50% - 100% of the 1st year's tuition fee. Please write for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is 60-90 days

University of Tartu, International Relations Office's Mission Statement: The University of Tartu is a national university uniting different branches of science. The mission of the University of Tartu is to act as the guardian and advocate of a highly educated Estonia through internationally acclaimed research and the provision of research based higher education.

Year Founded: 1632