Introduction
This exciting MSc, Master of Business Management, specialized in Hospitality Management, challenges students to study at a high academic standard, combining case studies and research. However, the degree program also has a real practical approach in its design - through project weeks, professional inquiry, and a module of professional-based learning in which students complete a short work placement often linked directly to their final project.
The program offers a combination master of business administration subjects and broader modules in economics and management. Through modules looking at global economics and strategic management, globalization, society & culture students the program will enable students to further develop their deeper knowledge of business management and administration.
The master's specialization in Hospitality Management specifically looks at Critical Perspectives in Hospitality, Operational Excellence strategies in Hospitality, and International Hospitality Development.
Course Content
Semester 1
(Core Modules)
Marketing Management
Globalization, Society & Culture
Research Methods Introduction (Final Project)
The World Economy
Professional Inquiry
(Specialisation Modules)
Hospitality Operational Excellence
Critical Perspectives in Hospitality Management
Semester 2
(Core Modules)
Research Methods (Final Project)
Micro Economics - Global Perspectives
Strategic Management
Project Module (3 Project Weeks, linked to Final Project)
(Specialisation Modules)
Marketing Hospitality, Tourism & Events
International Hospitality Development
Semester 3 (Work Placement & Graduation)
Professional Based Learning
Final Project
Course Structure
The master program is delivered in a block format, with 2 modules being covered every 6 weeks. Core module classes are inter-disciplinary - you study shared modules with master students from different business management specializations. Due to the rolling entry (6 times a year) groups are dynamic, extremely international, and diverse.
The modules are delivered intensively over consecutive days in the so-called 'block format', which means that each module has 6 days of teaching split into two blocks of 3 days. Teaching methods include group work, case studies, presentations, and live projects. The course is delivered through a variety of approaches including lectures, presentations, tutorials, and case studies, with an emphasis on interactive learning. Each module is taught by two lecturers, often a full-time Wittenborg lecturer and a guest lecturer from a partner university. Modules include regular guest speakers from the industry.
The Industry
The hospitality industry is an outward-looking global sector that is rapidly expanding across the world. It requires thousands of Master graduates every year to lead and develop enterprises that cater to increasingly informed guests who want value for money and who are looking for service uniquely tailored to their needs.
As is the case with other industries in the service sector, technology has brought new modes of direct communication with guests who now have more control and choice in selecting accommodation, transport, and other suppliers in the hospitality sector. For instance, for many guests a restaurant’s website is now the first point of contact and serves as a virtual business card, hence needs to be maintained and kept interactive.
Thus, the new hospitality model is based on embracing new technology and the evolution of the guest as a highly informed stakeholder seeking choice, personal service, and competitive pricing as well as relying increasingly on user reviews.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Master of Business Management specialized in Hospitality Management can look forward to a range of career opportunities. Industries that generally require hospitality management services include:
the health sector
cruise liners
airlines
resorts
theme parks
casinos
the education sector
conferences
the entertainment industry
Some specialized career options for MSc graduates would be:
Restaurant or catering manager: Restaurant managers ensure their establishment operate efficiently and profitably. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including business performance, recruiting, and retaining skilled members of staff who have a knack for sales as well as ensuring high standards of food, service, health, and safety.
Hotel manager: A hotel manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of a hotel - whether a small, boutique hotel or a larger establishment. He or she would have frequent meetings with heads of departments such as catering, household, security, and maintenance. Among many other tasks, the hotel manager will also analyze sales figures and devise marketing and revenue strategies, ensure compliance with licensing laws, deal with serious customer complaints, or welcome VIP’s. All in a day’s work.
Service consultant: Many managers in the hospitality sector, after gaining considerable experience, move gradually into consultancy while others feel equipped enough to start immediately as a freelance consultant or joining an established consultancy firm. As a service consultant, you might develop training manuals, create and implement service protocols, develop marketing strategies, and improve the culture of service within the organization.
Entrepreneur: The hospitality sector affords a host of opportunities for starting your own business - whether as a transport service provider, accommodation owner, restaurant owner, hotelier, marketing specialist, or wine producer.
Educator and researcher: With their in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of the hospitality industry, graduates of the master's program can follow a career as a lecturer at a wide range of institutes offering training in this field or pursue further studies such as a Ph.D.
Entry Requirements
The admission requirements (criteria) for the Master Business Management programs (all specializations) are as follows:
a Bachelor degree or equivalent recognized qualification;
Applicants are requested to provide an academic reference from their previous education institute;
It is necessary to have obtained a Bachelor's degree from the domains of business, management, economics, or trade. In their bachelor's degree applicants must have completed an academic piece of work (final project or dissertation) that demonstrates a degree of academic writing and research experience.
no professional experience is required for these master's programs;
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL Equivalent. Click here for an overview of the equivalent scores. The TOEFL Code of Wittenborg is 4889.
The English language proficiency level requirement is ½ a point higher than the minimum national requirements in the Netherlands.
