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Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management
Pave the way for a career in hospitality with this hands-on degree that blends traditional hospitality skills with a contemporary approach to management. Refine your skills with specializations in events or design, and graduate ready to succeed in the global hospitality industry.
Next intake
February 2025
Duration
3 years
Location
Caux & Leysin
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Where tradition meets innovation
- Multi-campus, multicultural experience
- Accredited degree from the University of Derby, UK
- Specializations in hospitality, events, or design
- Two internships for a head start in your career
- Graduate with a:
Bachelor (in chosen specialization) from Swiss Hotel Management School
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (in chosen specialization) from the University of Derby
Structure
4 semesters of study, 3 specializations, combined with 2 professional worldwide internships
Year 1
Master the tools of food & beverage management in this practical semester that will immerse you in the world of hospitality and learn all about the high standards required in service.
Semester 1
Food & Beverage Management
- Beverage Studies
- Introduction to Hospitality and Events
- Introduction to Service and Kitchen Theory
- Service and Kitchen Practice
- Food and Beverage Cost Control
- Hospitality Design I
- Accounting I
- Business and Academic Communications I
- Art of Employability I
- Language I (French or German)
Worldwide internship (4-6 months)
Your first professional experience plays a crucial role in your undergraduate studies, providing you with real-world experience at a leading company.Year 2
Discover how to use administrative tools for daily tasks and learn the management principles for various departments. In this semester, our experienced faculty will lead you through a more academic approach to hospitality management theory.
Semester 2
Rooms Division Management
- Yield and Revenue Optimization
- Marketing
- Hospitality Design II
- Housekeeping Management
- Accounting II
- Rooms Division Management
- Event Concept Design
- Business and Academic Communications II
- Art of Employability II
- Language II (French or German)
Worldwide internship (4-6 months)
This internship allows you to take responsibility and apply the management concepts you have learned in class.Year 3
Dive into your chosen specialization while still developing your core hospitality skills. Semester 3 is when you will cultivate your niche within the hospitality industry, and Semester 4 focuses on your specialization. Add the final touch to your studies with a digital portfolio project and stand out to industry employers with this sample of your personal hospitality experience.
Semester 3
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Human Resources and Leadership
- Marketing and Branding Management
- Accounting III
- Project Management
- Research and Reporting
- Chosen specialization (see below)
Semester 4
- Contemporary Trends
- Strategic Management
- Digital Marketing
- International Resort and Spa Management
- Chosen specialization (see below)
Independent study
Digital portfolio project
- Project presentation – (hotel business plan, company event or hotel design)
- Digital CV – banquet, digital marketing projects, etc.
- Reflective digital portfolio – final chapter of critical reflection
Specializations
Semesters 3+4
Hospitality Management
Semester 3:
- AI and Digital Innovation
- MICE and Logistics
- Hospitality Economics
- Ethics, Sustainability, and Business Culture
Semester 4:
-
Food and Beverage Development
- People and Intercultural Strategies
Semesters 3+4
Event Management
Semester 3:
- MICE and Logistics
- Hospitality Economics
- Event Experience Creation
- Event Experience Management
Semester 4:
- Sustainable Event Management
- Entrepreneurship in Hospitality and Events
Semesters 3+4
Design Management
Semester 3:
- Digital Design and Visual Technology
- Hospitality Design III
- Food and Beverage Outlet Design
- AutoCAD
Semester 4:
- Innovation in Design and Technology
- Retail Management of Luxury Brands
Hear from our students
The best place to study hospitality
Nikola is from Bulgaria and is passionate about hospitality. He enrolled in our bachelor's program and hasn't looked back since!
"One of the most interesting classes was housekeeping. You learn how to clean and prepare rooms fit for royalty. I also really like the the Leadership across Cultures class as it exposed me to different ways of doing things and broadened my horizons."
2nd best school for employer reputation
Our unique partnerships and internship opportunities open doors to some of the world’s top players. Get invaluable real-world experience, connect with people at the heart of the business, and learn from the greats–both in the classroom and in the workplace. The curriculum is informed by the industry and supports your employability and career development.
Next intakes
We highly recommend applying early. If you need a student visa, please be sure to allow 8 – 12 weeks between application and program start date.
February 2025
September 2025
Requirements & fees
- Completed secondary school education (IB Diploma, IBCP Diploma**, Maturité, Abitur, French Bac, 2 A-levels, high school diploma or equivalent). Direct entry options or credit transfer options may be available for IBCP, IBDP and BTEC Candidates. For further details or an individual assessment, please kindly contact directentry@swisseducation.com
- Recommended minimum age of 17 years old
- English language proficiency of IELTS academic module 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46 or equivalent. If you don't have the required language level, you can improve your language and study skills with our English Foundation Program. Please note that if you require a visa, Swiss authorities need to be provided with a valid TOEFL or IELTS score (not older than one year).
We highly recommend applying early. If you need a student visa, please be sure to allow 8 – 12 weeks between application and program start date.
Advance Learning Program
- Taking tertiary-level coursework requires that you meet the demands of lectures, seminars, and assignments. If English is not your first language, you are required to complete a short language assessment during the induction period. If you do not meet the minimum level for your academic program, you will be required to participate in the Advance Learning Program which runs in parallel to your regular studies and supports your academic progression. Students who benefit from this program will not be charged an additional fee.
Your future awaits