3 European institutions providing world-class hospitality management degrees

What makes the Connaught in London, Cap Rocat in Mallorca, and Four Seasons Hotel Firenze in Florence some of the best hotels in the world? While some might argue that it is because of its gorgeous architecture, delicious food, or even the welcoming room service, we would say that it is their world-class hospitality that people remember. The positive vibes they bring are what consumers resonate with the most.

While just smiling and being nice to people are forms of hospitality, those are not enough to compete with the best hotels in the world. A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management will take you one step further as you equip yourself with skills in customer service, operational management, and business strategy. It prepares you for management, marketing, and operations roles, not just in the accommodation industry but across food and beverage, event planning, and tourism.

If satisfying customers in either of these sectors is something you are interested in, check out these global institutions that offer exceptional hospitality education.

Past students have completed their placement abroad in Spain, Greece, China, the US, Kenya, and New Zealand. Source: Bournemouth University/Facebook

Bournemouth University 

To learn is to change – that is the motto and story of Bournemouth University. At one of the top five universities in the world for hospitality and tourism (Shanghai Rankings of Academic Subjects 2024), you’ll be part of a community that strives to make an impact on the world around us – aiming for a more sustainable, inclusive, and healthy society.

Take the BA (Hons) International Hospitality & Business Management, for example. This is a dynamic degree blending business insight with hospitality expertise. You’ll explore responsible business practices and gain digital competencies and cultural intelligence, preparing you to thrive in today’s global workplace.

What makes this BA stand out even more is location and industry links. You will live and study in a location famous for its hospitality landscape with many hotels and restaurants. Industry speakers and events, ‘live’ scenarios and visits in the local area further help bring theory to life.

Global placements boost your employability further. Whether you go for a six-week stint or a full-year immersion abroad, you’ll explore how organisations operate and connect within the wider tourism ecosystem. Past students have landed placements in Spain, Greece, China, the US, Kenya, and New Zealand.

SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern pioneers the world-renowned dual education system in hospitality management. Source: SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern

SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern

There is no better way to study Swiss hospitality than to go to its source. Located in Lucerne, Switzerland – where vistas are said to be so beautiful they look photoshopped – SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern is one of the country’s original hotel management schools and a pioneer of the world-renowned dual education system. Since its establishment in 1909, SHL has built a track record of shaping students into future leaders in the hospitality, gastronomy, and other people-focused industries.

Practice-oriented programmes made this possible. SHL pairs academic knowledge with practical training (including two paid internships), and real-world experience. This, combined with a close-knit learning environment, helps you build competence and confidence.

The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management offers all of the above and more. As a combined programme by SHL and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Lucerne (HSLU), you’ll benefit from being part of two universities and graduating with two top-tier qualifications: the Swiss Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Hospitality Management and the bachelor‘s degree. Both are accredited by the Swiss Federal Government and recognised worldwide.

Other programme highlights include over 400 hours of practical experience, many excursions (such as to wineries, a coffee roastery or top hotels ), two unforgettable study trips, industry expert talks, team building days in the Swiss mountains, a dedicated programme to develop social skills, two project studies with real business cases, exceptional dining experiences (from breakfast to dinner), and a supportive community that fosters lifelong friendships.

The Bachelor in Hospitality Management offers two placement opportunities at a full-service hotel or a Michelin-star restaurant. Source: Hotelschool The Hague

Hotelschool The Hague

Ranked as the #9 best hospitality management school in the world, Hotelschool The Hague is where future leaders of the industry begin their journey. Here, you’ll develop and share your hospitality expertise while sharpening the leadership skills needed for a successful, global career.

Innovative hospitality research takes place here too, with areas focusing on City Hospitality, Strategic Foresight, Technological Innovation, Sustainable Talent Management, Circularity and Responsible Consumer Behaviour, and Business Resilience.

You’ll gain exposure ot all of the above and more you pursue the Bachelor in Hospitality Management. This programme provides the perfect balance of theoretical lessons, real-world experiences, and applied research, all of which prepare you for a career in hospitality management. Practical lessons typically take place at the in-house Skotel training hotel and Le Début fine-dining restaurant, both designed to expose you to working in a real environment.

Another programme highlight is the chance to take on two internships, one during your second year and the other at the end of the programme. For 19 weeks, you will work in either a full-service hotel or a Michelin-star restaurant (within a hotel) that is not in your home country, allowing you to broaden your horizons and immerse yourself in a different culture.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International