Description

A joint programme of two departments from two higher education institutions: the Department of Social Theology and Christian Culture (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) and the Department of Organisation Management, Marketing and Tourism (International Hellenic University).

Academic year 2026–27
Applications open from 1 September to 10 October 2026 — apply here.: http://msc-religioustourism.web.auth.gr/

Programme focus
The programme is devoted to the study and research of diverse religious and pilgrimage-related phenomena, primarily in Greece but also across the wider Balkan and Asia Minor regions, as well as in the Holy Lands. It also aims to provide and develop tourism-related skills for those who wish to work in the field of religious and pilgrimage tourism, either professionally in the public or private sector.

The programme at a glance

• Eligibility: Graduates of all departments of Higher Education Institutions (A.E.I.), of Higher Ecclesiastical Academies, and of the Hellenic Armed Forces and Security Services Schools. Final-year undergraduate students may also apply.

• Duration: Three (3) semesters, equivalent to 90 ECTS.

• Structure: Taught postgraduate courses during the first two semesters; Master’s dissertation during the third semester.

• Mode of delivery: Fully via synchronous distance learning; language of instruction: Greek.

• Tuition fees: €2,000 in total — €200 upon registration and the remaining €1,800 in three (3) equal instalments of €600 each, payable before the start of each semester.

Advantages of the programme

• The programme awards a postgraduate degree whose relevance is recognised across a wide range of professional fields in both the public and private sectors.

• It covers, on an interdisciplinary basis, the two fields required for specialisation in religious and pilgrimage tourism:

  • religious and theological knowledge, provided by the Department of Social Theology and Christian Culture, and

  • its tourism and managerial administration, provided by the Department of Organisation Management, Marketing and Tourism.

• It studies religious and pilgrimage tourism holistically, incorporating—alongside theological and tourism expertise—the historical and cultural heritage involved, as well as its environmental and ecological footprint.

• It keeps pace with international scientific and technological developments in its field and equips students with up-to-date specialised knowledge and skills.

At the same time, it promotes scientific research and contributes to the outreach and dissemination of its findings to society.

Career Prospects:

• Graduates can contribute high-quality professional, research, and scholarly work to academic, ecclesiastical, and social institutions,
• to become executives in public and private organizations involved in religious and pilgrimage tourism, such as, for example, executives in the Church’s social welfare programs, local government, and public administration,
• to contribute as educators to the work of education, both public and private, as well as to the work of cultural and humanitarian organizations.