On 17th March 2022, EHL Hospitality Business School launched a new master’s degree in Hospitality Management: the MSc in Hospitality Management (MiHM). As part of its mission to redefine hospitality leadership and management for the new generation, EHL has developed a hospitality master’s degree that addresses the changing face of the industry, based on new customer needs and expectations, developments in technology and innovation, and a greater demand for soft skills in managerial leadership. In brief, an agile master’s program that brings hospitality ideas to life within the ever-changing parameters of today’s world.
MiHM preparing the new generation for tomorrow’s hospitality world
The Master of Science in Hospitality Management program trains learners to step into a management role in today's hospitality setting. It guides them through service management principles and specialist industry best practices, putting their previous studies and experience into action through rigorous research and a 12-week professional placement.
Students are taught service business design, talent management, financial controls, customer centricity and leadership skills. Every topic is explored through a hospitality lens, giving a sharper perspective of the ever-changing industry parameters. There are also courses in critical thinking, academic research and writing to prepare for a successful completion of their capstone thesis.
What you should know about the MiHM program
1. A program that balances hands on experience with academic research
The MSc in Hospitality Management is a full time master’s degree course spread over three semesters and is taught in English uniquely at EHL Campus Lausanne. It is aimed at encouraging learners to build on their previous experience, introducing them to advanced hospitality management strategies and challenging them to balance academic research for their thesis with practical hands-on application during their 12-week professional immersion.
2. Full immersion & specialization
The small, interactive on-site classes give students the chance of full immersion into the unique EHL hospitality culture, cultural diversity as well as the vast industry network that the school is famous for. The MIHM program includes a rich variety of modules ranging from entrepreneurship skills to talent management, alongside a variety of field trips, guest speaker sessions and personalized side classes leading to extra certification.
But what makes the MiHM really unique is its specialization track where learners have the choice of two academic routes in their second semester: F&B management, or hospitality finance, real estate and consulting. These routes enable students to develop a professional specialization in parallel with extensive knowledge of hospitality management.
Food and beverage in hospitality - Specialization option 1
Learners are invited to explore innovation in F&B concepts and service, and learn how to manage operations cost-effectively without compromising on quality. Students also take part in a culinary business field trip and the EHL F&B concept week to broaden their awareness. Modules also include a look at interior deign, innovation for new experiences and new dining concepts.
There will be additional professional certifications which are currently in the planning stages and will be confirmed soon.
Hospitality finance, real estate and consulting - Specialization option 2
This specialization focuses on learning how to manage a hotel as an investment that delivers value to all stakeholders. Students gain an understanding of financial consulting, private equity and mergers and acquisitions from a hospitality point of view, as well as training in feasibility analysis, valuation of real estate, portfolio and asset management.
There will also be professional certifications that learners can opt to take part in. These will be confirmed soon.
3. How the semesters are laid out
The first semester covers general hospitality and management skills. Modules include business logics, service economics, customer-centricity, effective people management, key soft skills in leadership to name but a few.
The second semester introduces the specialization track where students chose from the two main options listed above. Each route focuses on the expertise needed for different hospitality management roles and explores the challenges affecting key functions. Semester two is also when the writing of the capstone thesis begins.
The third semester is the only one not on campus; it involves a paid 3-month ‘immersion’ in a company where students are helped to find a professional context in which to apply and develop their formation through real-life experience and insights. This professional immersion, part of the capstone thesis, exposes the students to life in a management role and the challenges faced on a day-to-day basis. Not only does the experience provide vital insights and context for their research, but it also increases the learners' attractiveness to employers and enables them to build a network in the industry. The immersion phase also helps gain industry-recognized professional certifications while studying, helping graduates stand out when applying for roles.
After the professional immersion stage, students have one more month to complete and present their capstone thesis. This applied research project invites learners to address a managerial complexity in the hospitality sector. The research is an opportunity to demonstrate the professional, interpersonal and leadership skills that students have developed as they apply critical thinking to their chosen topic. Students work closely with a faculty supervisor during the capstone thesis.
4. Career prospects
Depending on the specialization track, graduates of the MIHM program have the choice of entering not only hospitality-related sectors but also finance, real estate and consulting. The horizons are certainly broad since the MIHM is a program aimed at learners with ambitious career plans in mind.
The MSc in Hospitality Management primes graduates for a successful career in the service sector. It prepares for entrance into the industry with all-encompassing managerial skills, equipping graduates with a deeper understanding of leadership, service business design, innovation and talent management to succeed with agility in different hospitality functions.
Learning agility and soft skills
Today's hospitality managers need to navigate seasonal fluctuations, 24/7 customer-facing service, high-value premises, and a breadth of talent to manage. The MSc in Hospitality Management explores fundamental business principles alongside highly sought-after soft skills. Learn what operating with agility really means. The program teaches the nuances of talent management, marketing, revenue strategies, logistics and customer centricity for an industry where change is ever present. It gives the tools to analyse data, trends and stakeholder values to make good decisions in fast-changing situations; a complete training to become an effective and affective leader in today's hospitality landscape.
