Raising the Standards of Management Education: BHMS

The BHMS campus buildings and student residences are located in the heart of the beautiful city of Luzern, within walking distance from each other and from the city center itself. Living and studying in the heart of this unique city enable students to enjoy urban qualities as well as the charm and exclusivity of Luzern. What’s more is that the university has implemented a unique system of education by dividing a 20-week semester into four mini-terms of 5 weeks each. This system enables students to focus on only 3 to 4 academic subjects at a time instead of the usual 8-10 subjects as in other Swiss hotel schools. As a result, BHMS students are able to complete 12-14 academic subjects within a 6 month period without overloading them.

Fast track Bachelor’s Degree

BHMS (together with The Robert Gordon University) has designed one of the fastest track BA Degrees in Switzerland without compromising its educational quality. At BHMS, students can achieve a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Hotel and Hospitality Management in 18 months of study plus an 18-month paid internship period. A similar education in another Swiss hotel management school would require 24 months of study plus a 12 month internship period. This gives BHMS graduates an advantage of studying 6 months less while gaining 6 additional months of paid work experience in Switzerland. Furthermore, Industry training is an integral part of the study program at BHMS.

During every academic year, students are required to carry out a 4-6 month industry training period in a hotel or a restaurant approved by BHMS. In addition, BHMS works with numerous international placement agencies that specialize in placing graduate students in Europe, Asia, and North America. A Career and Placement Counselor assists students with placements in hotels and restaurants in Switzerland and abroad.

Undergraduate Hospitality and Management Programs

Diploma Hospitality Management

This one-year program is designed for those who have completed their secondary education and are looking for a career in the hospitality/tourism industry or the international business sector. The program has a dual focus on developing a broad understanding of the operational aspects of the international hotel industry and building knowledge of key business and management principles. It comprises of one semester of 20 weeks plus 4- 6 months paid internship in Switzerland or overseas.

Higher Diploma Hospitality Management

This second year provides the knowledge needed to further a career in global tourism, hospitality, and other multi-national business sectors. Students advance their understanding and skills in business management with subjects that include accounting, sales, and marketing as well as human resources management. It comprises one semester of 20 weeks plus 4- 6 months paid internship. After completing the two-year program at the BHMS Business & Hotel Management School students decide either to follow the BA in Hotel & Hospitality Management or the BA in Global Business Management final year pathway.

BA Degree Hospitality Management

The BA in Hotel and Hospitality Management program provides all students with an academic qualification that is attractive to potential employers: the skills and ability to enter the working world and a ‹tool box› that can be applied to a range of careers in the hospitality industry. Graduates may become accomplished managers, capable of working across a range of public and private enterprises including leisure facilities, hotels, theme parks, conferences, exhibitions and event management.

BA Degree in Global Business Management

The BA in Global Business Management program provides the student with an academic qualification and skill set that is attractive to potential employers across a range of global business sectors in fields such as international sales and marketing, finance and controlling, banking, human resources, operations management, supply chain management and administrative positions in government and NGOs.

Director’s vision

Beat Wicki, Director:

"As director of BHMS, it is a privilege to guide students in their professional and personal development during their whole student life at our campus. Together we can develop the next generation of hospitality and business managers. My experience and expertise in setting up schools and educational programs all over the world help me in finding good solutions for most of the challenges. "