International Hospitality Management, Master of Arts

Who is the Master’s in Hospitality Management & Leadership suitable for?

The degree programme “Hospitality Management & Leadership (M.A.)” at SRH University Dresden is aimed at individuals who specifically aspire to leadership positions in the international hotel industry and hospitality management. Typical applicants already hold a first university degree – usually in hotel-related or business-related disciplines – and ideally have gained experience in hotel or hospitality management. The programme is particularly designed for candidates who wish to develop their management skills in a multicultural, international environment and deepen existing industry-specific knowledge. It also offers a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing an academic career in tourism, hospitality, or business administration after their studies.

Admission requirements in detail

The formal admission requirements depend on the chosen study variant:

• For the 120 ECTS variant (4 semesters):
  • Bachelor’s certificate and complete transcript
  • • Completed minimum 3-year degree in Hotel/Hospitality Management OR
    • Completed minimum 3-year degree in Business Administration and at least 6 months relevant professional experience in hotel/hospitality management OR
    • Completed minimum 3-year degree in another subject and at least 12 months professional experience in hotel/hospitality management
• For the 90 ECTS variant (3 semesters):
  • Bachelor’s certificate and complete transcript
  • • Completed minimum 4-year degree in Hotel/Hospitality Management OR
    • Completed minimum 4-year degree in Business Administration and at least 6 months relevant professional experience in hotel/hospitality management OR
    • Completed minimum 4-year degree in another subject and at least 12 months professional experience in hotel/hospitality management

• Regardless of the study variant, the following must also be submitted:
  • Motivation letter
  • Proof of English language skills (e.g. through a recognised language certificate, as the entire course is taught in English)
  • Certificate of general or specialised higher education entrance qualification
  • Curriculum vitae in tabular form
  • Copy of a valid ID

After submitting your documents, you will also undergo a personal selection interview in which suitability and motivation for the course are assessed. Final admission is granted after a successful interview and submission of all necessary documents.

Personal requirements for successful participation

In addition to the formal criteria, specific personal qualities and competences are critical for success in the Master’s programme in Hospitality Management & Leadership:

• Good command of English (the entire course is taught in English)
• Willingness to take on management and leadership roles in an international context
• Teamwork skills and intercultural openness
• Experience or strong motivation to work in the hotel or hospitality industry
• Analytical skills as well as interest in economic contexts and strategic corporate management
• Flexibility and mobility, e.g. for internships or semesters abroad
• Self-responsibility, reliability and organisational talent
• Communication skills and willingness to engage in continuous personal development

The programme is ideal for you if you want to learn in a practice-oriented way, are interested in entrepreneurial challenges in the hospitality industry and want to actively promote your career in an international and dynamic sector.

What awaits you in the Master’s International Hospitality Management?

In the Master’s programme International Hospitality Management at SRH University Dresden, you gain comprehensive insights into key areas of the hotel and gastronomy industry as well as their international interrelations. The course deepens both economic and industry-specific aspects, such as finance, human resource management, and hotel marketing. A special focus is placed on leadership skills in multicultural contexts, current digitalisation trends, and practice-relevant challenges of the sector.

• Specialisation in Business Administration and Hospitality: Study contents such as International Business Development, Global Markets & Finance, Hospitality Real Estate and Asset Management provide you with business expertise with a strong industry focus.
• Leadership and Management: You specifically develop leadership qualities and learn to lead intercultural teams as well as to develop innovative hotel concepts.
• Practical Projects and Case Studies: In practical modules and team projects, you analyse real business cases and develop solutions for current challenges in hospitality.

How does the course work?

The Master’s International Hospitality Management is offered full-time and can be studied in two variants: as a four-semester programme with 120 ECTS or as a three-semester Fast-Track programme with 90 ECTS. The language of instruction is English. The course starts are possible on 1 April or 1 October each year.

• Structure 4 semesters (120 ECTS):
  • 1st semester: Strategic Management, Marketing Management, Economics of Globalization, Business Research Methods, Accounting
  • 2nd semester: Introduction to Leadership, Hospitality Management I & II, Operations Management, Global Finance
  • 3rd semester: Choice between long internship, short internship or semester abroad; Case Study Hospitality Management
  • 4th semester: Master Colloquium, Master Thesis
• Structure 3 semesters (90 ECTS):
  • Contents from the first two semesters cover economic and industry-specific fundamentals.
  • The third semester includes the Master Colloquium and the Master Thesis.
• Practice Orientation: Through an integrated internship or a semester abroad, you gain valuable experience in international hospitality companies.
• CORE Principle: The programme is organised in 5-week blocks, allowing you to engage intensively and practically with each subject area.

As a network university of HotellerieSuisse, you can also complete internships in Switzerland.

What career prospects do you have after the Master’s?

With a “Master of Arts” degree in Hospitality Management & Leadership, a wide range of career opportunities open up for you in senior management positions in the hotel and gastronomy industry worldwide. The international orientation and practice-oriented study contents also prepare you for academic careers or roles in associations and tourism organisations.

• Executive positions in international hotels, hotel projects and facility management
• Management roles in Food & Beverage, Revenue Management or hotel chain headquarters
• Consulting and advisory firms in tourism
• City and destination marketing, tourism organisations and associations
• Health and wellness facilities
• Science and research within the tourism context

Where does the course take place?

You will complete your studies at the modern campus of SRH University in Dresden. Additionally, the programme offers the option of a semester abroad or an internship abroad, for example in Switzerland through the cooperation with HotellerieSuisse.

What are the costs of the course and what financing options are available?

The tuition fees at SRH University amount to €750 per month for students with EU/EEA nationality (regardless of whether 3 or 4 semesters). For international students from non-EU/EEA countries, the fee is €5,750 per semester. A one-time enrolment fee of €750 (EU/EEA) or €1,000 (non-EU/EEA without residence permit) is charged. The fees remain constant throughout the entire period of study.

• Study model Regular Track (4 semesters, 120 ECTS): €750 / month for EU/EEA students, €5,750 / semester for non-EU/EEA students
• Study model Fast Track (3 semesters, 90 ECTS): same monthly and semester fees as above
• Cost overview: The total costs for the 4-semester course are €18,000 (EU/EEA) or €23,000 (non-EU/EEA), plus possible enrolment and other fees.

Various financing options are available, including educational loans, scholarships, and support programmes.