Hotel Management – Diploma

For those seeking a more practical and career-oriented hotel management education

Study at a school that looks like a castle. SHMS – Swiss Hotel Management School is known for its impressive facilities and internationally respected hotel management programs.

SHMS offers a three-year program leading to an Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Hospitality Management, where half of the study time consists of paid internship periods. For those who wish, there is an option to complete the program with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Derby.

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, as well as international internship. All teaching is conducted in English. The program is eligible for student loans (CSN).

Want to know more?

For those seeking a more practical and career-oriented education in the hotel and hospitality industry, but who do not want to complete a full bachelor’s program, SHMS offers a three-semester program leading to an Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Hospitality Management.

Three semesters of classroom teaching, where each semester is followed by a paid internship period of 4–6 months, providing both experience and international connections. A total of 3 years, including 1.5 years of internship. After completing the program, you can continue for one additional semester to earn a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Derby.

Structure

1. Semester 1: Food & Beverage Management
   1. The first semester focuses on restaurant and service operations. You will learn the fundamentals of kitchen work, service, beverage knowledge, menu planning, cost control, and guest relations. It is a highly practical and hands-on introduction to the program.
      1. If you have completed the Hotel and Restaurant program at upper secondary school, you can receive credit for your prior education and skip this semester.
   2. Followed by a 6-month paid internship
2. Semester 2: Rooms Division Management
   1. In the second semester, the focus shifts to departments such as reception, housekeeping, and events. You will learn about yield management, revenue optimization, and marketing, among other topics. The teaching is more academic but always with practical application.
   2. Followed by a 6-month paid internship
3. Semester 3: Specialization
   1. In the final semester, you choose one of three specializations:
      1. Luxury Brand Management
      2. Event Management
      3. Digital Marketing
   2. You will also deepen your knowledge in HR, project management, decision-making, and branding. The semester concludes with a major project.
   3. Followed by a 6-month paid internship

After completing the program, you will receive the Swiss Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Hospitality Management, which also gives you direct entry into the final semester of the SHMS Bachelor’s program.

Contact us for a detailed syllabus

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

International internship in the hotel industry

Internships often take place at five-star hotels or resorts. With the help of 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 committed 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 the industry and has its own digital job platform where partners regularly post unique opportunities for our students.

The combination of an internationally recognized education and high-level internship placements 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.

Ask your questions!