Program Overview

Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management: Luxury Brand Management

The Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management: Luxury Brand Management is a one-year program designed to build solid foundations in the luxury sector while strengthening expertise in hospitality business. The program allows students to build on their previous academic and professional experience as they develop advanced skills in both Hospitality Business Management and Luxury Brand Management.

Program Highlights

• The program is crafted for ambitious professionals ready to lead in the world of luxury.
• It sharpens expertise in strategic leadership, premium brand positioning, and high-end service excellence across hospitality, fashion, and lifestyle sectors.
• The curriculum combines real-world projects, industry case studies, and hands-on experience to prepare students for senior roles managing iconic hotels, exclusive lifestyle portfolios, and global luxury brands.
• Through strategic partnerships and internships with leading luxury companies, students gain invaluable industry exposure, powerful networks, and the confidence to step into a career defined by influence, prestige, and international opportunity.

Program Objectives

By blending theory and practice, this intensive academic program empowers students to:

• Develop core expertise in hospitality operations, finance, marketing, and leadership.
• Build advanced knowledge of luxury brand strategy, consumer behavior, and experience design.
• Apply learning to a real industry challenge through a research or consultancy project.

Curriculum Structure

The standard program is 36 weeks (two semesters) of on-campus courses, followed by a semester during which the Independent Study project is completed, and an optional paid global internship. For those who need to fast-track their studies, an intensive, 18-week on-campus option is possible.

Standard Track — 36 weeks

• Semester 1: Foundation courses in hospitality business management, including Strategic Financial and Revenue Management, Marketing Management, and Leadership and Talent Management.
• Semester 2: Specialized Luxury Brand Management Courses, including Strategic Luxury Brand Management, The Modern Luxury Consumer, Luxury Value Creation, and Consumer Experience Design.
• Semester 3: Independent Study (30 ECTS credits), where students showcase advanced research, critical thinking, and self-management skills through a substantial project aligned with their career goals.

Fast-Track — 18 weeks

• Semester 1: Combination of foundation courses in Hospitality Business Management and specialized courses in Luxury Brand Management.
• Semester 2: Independent Study and optional paid global internship.

Upcoming Intakes

• September 2026
• February 2027

Accreditations and Recognitions

The Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) is recognized and approved by numerous prestigious academic and industry partners. The MA in International Hospitality Business Management degree is accredited by the University of Derby.

Why Study Luxury Brand Management at SHMS

Studying hospitality at SHMS offers a high-quality, internationally recognized education that equips students with the academic and practical knowledge, skills, and networks needed to succeed in any sector of the international hospitality industry.

Career Outlook

An International Hospitality Business Management / Luxury Brand Management degree prepares SHMS graduates to step into leadership roles at luxury hotels and resorts. Graduates are ready to advance to roles such as Retail Luxury Manager, Luxury Hotel Manager, Product Manager/Marketing Manager, and Luxury Retail Buyer/Merchandising Manager.

Transfer from Your University

Transferring to SHMS is a simple process designed to accommodate students from diverse backgrounds. Students may be able to apply credits from another college or university toward their degree.

Application Process

To apply for the Master in International Hospitality Business Management / Luxury Brand Management, students need to complete an online application and upload required documents, including transcripts, proof of English proficiency, passport copy, curriculum vitae, motivation letter, and reference letters (if applicable).

Admission Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Hold a postgraduate diploma from SHMS with an internship or a recognized bachelor's degree (minimum 2.2 Hons) in any discipline, or have five years of work experience at a managerial/supervisory level in the hospitality industry.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency in IELTS academic module 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 60 or equivalent.

Fees & Scholarships

Need-based financial aid and merit scholarships are available to help make this investment in the future more affordable. Scholarships are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Prior experience in the hospitality industry is not required to enroll in the program.
• Students cannot choose more than one specialization.
• Scholarships are available, and it is recommended to apply early.
• The program does not offer certification opportunities as part of its standard curriculum, but students may explore additional certifications such as Masterclasses and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) separately.
• Pursuing the program part-time is not recommended; instead, students might consider the online MA program.