Event, Design, and Hospitality Management — Bachelor’s

Study at the famous palace above Montreux.

SHMS — Swiss Hotel Management School is world-renowned for both its architecture and its international hospitality management programs. With a unique combination of theory and practice, students gain a deep understanding of the field and a solid foundation for their future careers.

We offer an exciting education built on internationally recognized Swiss hospitality traditions, with a focus on global trends, business strategy, and operational leadership. Refine your skills with three specializations and receive a comprehensive education in the hospitality industry.

The program is offered in Caux, located near Montreux, Switzerland. Accommodation, meals, and health insurance are included in the price during your time at the school, along with international internships. All instruction is in English. The program is eligible for student loans (CSN).

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A practically oriented program

• International experience across multiple campuses
• Swiss federally accredited degree, also accredited by the University of Derby, UK
• Unique specializations
• Two internship periods give you a head start in your career
• Graduate with a:
  • Bachelor’s (in chosen specialization) from Swiss Hotel Management School
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (in chosen specialization) from the University of Derby

Courses are held at two traditional Swiss palace hotels in Caux and Leysin. Beautiful banquet halls, a grand theater, a fully equipped spa, and a variety of restaurants with diverse dining options provide students with the best possible facilities. Together with our strong British university partner, we offer unique career opportunities.

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Structure

You’ll earn a Swiss Higher Federal Diploma after just 2 years, and can continue with a third year and a bachelor’s degree.

A total of 4 semesters of academic studies, combined with 2 internship periods that can be completed either in Switzerland or globally. The program also offers 3 specializations.

1. Year 1 — Caux: Fundamentals of Hospitality Operations
   1. Semester 1 — Food & Beverage
      1. Students receive a practical introduction to service, kitchen operations, menu planning, beverage knowledge, and cost control.
   2. Semester 2 — Rooms Division & Events
      1. Focus on hotel operations, marketing, housekeeping management, and event design — along with continued language training and communication.
2. Year 2 — Leysin + internship (6 months)
   1. Semester 3 — Specialization & Project Management
      1. Choose one of three tracks:
         1. Hospitality Management
         2. Event Management
         3. Design Management
   2. The program prepares students for the Swiss Advanced Federal Diploma and provides direct admission to the final year of the bachelor’s program.
3. Year 3 — Leysin + internship (6 months)
   1. Semester 4 — Advanced Studies & Digital Portfolio
      1. You’ll further develop your specialization, create a digital portfolio, business plan, or event concept, and conclude with a reflection and CV project.

Specializations

• Hospitality Management
  • Focus on technology, sustainability, finance, and leadership in a global and people-centric industry.
• Event Management
  • Learn to create, plan, and execute events with a focus on logistics, finance, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
• Design Management
  • Combine design, technology, and luxury brands with strategic thinking and digital tools such as AutoCAD.

Contact us for the exact syllabus

SHMS is the first international hospitality school in the world, and the first higher education institution in Switzerland, to receive the prestigious designation of “Apple Distinguished School.” This recognition is awarded to educational centers that demonstrate innovative use of technology to support learning objectives and inspire students’ creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, while cultivating environments where students are happy and eager to learn.

International internship in the hospitality industry

The program includes two internship periods totaling one year with international placement. Internships often take place at five-star hotels or resorts. With the school’s excellent international network, you have the opportunity to complete your training program anywhere in the world.

Career guidance

The school has a dedicated career department with engaged staff, and as a student you will have regular individual meetings to help you with internship placements and career planning. The school also organizes recruitment fairs with industry partners and maintains its own digital job platform where our partners regularly post unique opportunities for our students.

The combination of an internationally recognized education and high-level internships means that SHMS students possess unique skills and are highly sought after in the global job market.

Contact us for more information, or to begin your application process.

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