Swiss Hotel Management School :: Foreword

SHMS, Swiss Hotel Management School is Switzerland’s largest English speaking hotel management institution, with students from more than 60 countries around the world:

1. Quality Training
SHMS provides quality training in the long established Swiss tradition, combined with advanced management techniques, to match current international trends in the hospitality industry. In addition, all programmes at SHMS are taught in English, the world language of hospitality. This perfect combination assures students the highest quality education and prepares graduates to face the challenging and competitive world of hotel management.

2. International Qualifications from three Countries
International Qualifications from three Countries
SHMS has a wide range of programmes to suit most students’ needs. Whether you are looking for a short term diploma programme (2 years) or to study to degree or masters level (3 to 4 years), SHMS offers the programme to meet your needs. Programmes specially designed for mature entrants, including Postgraduate Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, are also available.

The BA (Hons), MA and PhD programmes offered at SHMS are awarded by the University of Derby, a leading UK university which in 2004 was ranked by the Guardian newspaper as being in the top five British Universities for hospitality and tourism. This guarantees that the highest standards are maintained and confers international accreditation and worldwide recognition to the qualifications we offer. Students who undertake the Degree programme at SHMS will have the chance to graduate with three internationally recognised qualifications:

Swiss Higher Diploma in International Hotel, Travel and Tourism or Events Management
AH&LA American Diploma in Hospitality Management
British BA (Hons) Degree in Hospitality, Tourism or Events Management.

3. An Exciting Range of Programmes and Progression Options
SHMS Caux is the Centre of Excellence for practical hospitality education. Here students can study for the renowned Swiss Higher Diploma in Hospitality Management. However, at SHMS University Centre students can elect to study a total of five exciting Higher Diploma Programmes:

Hospitality Management
Tourism Management
Events Management
Hospitality and Events Management
Hospitality and Tourism Management

Depending on the Higher Diploma programme studied, eligible graduates may progress to any of the BA (Hons) programmes offered at SHMS UC. Furthermore, suitably qualified graduates of any of the BA (Hons) programmes can enter any of the available MA programmes.

4. Sate-of-the-Art Facilities
To assist students to achieve the best results, SHMS provides the latest study facilities, including free online access to the internet on all computers within the school, as well as access to the University of Derby library online and the University’s virtual learning platform are available to BA (Hons) and MA students. In many areas within SHMS, students can also utilise wireless connection to the internet. The recreational and study facilities at SHMS have been refurbished to offer some of the most modern facilities available in Switzerland.

5. Paid Work Experience
Studying in Switzerland gives you the opportunity to gain international work experience. Each year of study at SHMS consists of a 5 month academic term followed by a 4 - 6 month internship in Switzerland or abroad. Students work in paid practical training in the industry, which, in the first year is administered by the school. The practical training is fully integrated with the academic programmes.

6. SEG Membership
SHMS is a member of SEG, Swiss Education Group, an alliance of Switzerland's finest Hotel Management Schools. This membership allows us to offer our students additional benefits only SEG member schools are able to provide. All SEG schools are 100% Swiss owned, which ensures your education is based on the famous "Swiss Hospitality Tradition".

7. Graduate Placement Services
With its many links to some of the finest hotels around the world, SHMS offers its graduates a wide variety of job opportunities through the SEG Career Advisory office.

8. A Real Hospitality Experience
SHMS is located in the former 5-star "Caux-Palace", the hotel where Switzeralnd's reputation for hospitality was born. to live and study in this unique atmosphere is truly a benefit you will only find at SHMS.