Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management
Embark on a Global Career in Hospitality with a World-Class MA Degree
If you're an Indian student passionate about the dynamic world of hospitality, the Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management is your gateway to international success. This prestigious program equips you with the strategic, managerial, and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in the global hospitality industry. Designed for ambitious professionals, it combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights, preparing you to lead in hotels, resorts, event management, and tourism sectors worldwide.
Offered at leading universities in the UK, USA, or Europe (depending on your chosen institution), this one-year full-time postgraduate degree is tailored for international students like you. With the hospitality industry booming post-pandemic—projected to grow by 30% in Asia-Pacific by 2025—Indian graduates are in high demand for their cultural adaptability and business acumen. Whether you dream of managing luxury chains like Taj or Marriott or launching your own venture, this MA will elevate your profile.
Why Choose This Program as an Indian Student?
Studying abroad in hospitality management opens doors that a domestic degree might not. For Indian students, this course offers unique advantages:
- Global Exposure: Interact with diverse peers from over 50 nationalities, building networks that span continents. This is invaluable for entering the international job market, where Indian hospitality professionals are sought after for their multilingual skills.
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Learn from cutting-edge case studies, including Indian giants like Oberoi and ITC, alongside global leaders like Hilton and Ritz-Carlton.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities: In the UK, for instance, the Graduate Route Visa allows you to stay and work for up to two years after graduation, helping you gain experience in Europe's thriving tourism sector.
- Scholarships for Indians: Many universities offer merit-based funding, such as the Chevening Scholarships or university-specific awards covering up to 50% of fees, reducing the financial burden.
- Cultural Bridge: Leverage India's rich heritage in hospitality to specialize in sustainable tourism or luxury wellness, aligning with global trends like eco-friendly resorts in Goa or Kerala-inspired spas abroad.
The program emphasizes sustainability and digital innovation—key for the industry's future—ensuring you're not just employable but future-proof.
Program Structure and Duration
This MA is typically a 12-month program, divided into taught modules, a dissertation, and optional placements. Full-time study includes 180 credits: 120 from core and elective modules, and 60 from a research project. Part-time options (2 years) are available for working professionals.
Delivery Mode: A blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and guest lectures from industry experts. Many programs include a study trip to hospitality hubs like Dubai or Singapore, enhancing your practical understanding.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum is designed to foster strategic thinking and leadership in international contexts. Core modules focus on business fundamentals, while electives allow specialization in areas like revenue management or event planning.
Core Modules
- International Hospitality Management: Explore global trends, including the impact of tourism on economies like India's, which contributes 6.8% to GDP.
- Strategic Marketing in Hospitality: Learn digital marketing tools to promote destinations, with case studies on promoting Indian tourism abroad.
- Financial Management for Hospitality: Master budgeting, pricing strategies, and investment analysis for hotels and resorts.
- Human Resource Management in Global Contexts: Address cross-cultural team leadership, crucial for managing diverse workforces in multinational chains.
- Sustainable Hospitality Practices: Focus on eco-tourism and ethical operations, aligning with India's push for green initiatives in hospitality.
Elective Modules (Choose 2-3)
| Elective | Description | Relevance for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Management and Pricing | Advanced techniques for optimizing profits in fluctuating markets. | Apply to India's seasonal tourism peaks, like Diwali festivals. |
| Event and Conference Management | Planning large-scale events, from weddings to corporate summits. | Build on India's wedding industry, valued at $50 billion annually. |
| Digital Innovation in Hospitality | AI, VR, and apps for personalized guest experiences. | Enhance platforms like MakeMyTrip for global reach. |
| Entrepreneurship in Tourism | Starting ventures in niche areas like agritourism. | Inspire startups in rural India, blending tradition with modernity. |
Dissertation/Research Project: A 12,000-15,000 word independent study on a topic of your choice, such as "The Role of Indian Diaspora in Global Hospitality Chains" or "Sustainable Practices in Luxury Resorts." Supervision from expert faculty ensures high-quality output, often leading to publications or industry presentations.
Entry Requirements for Indian Students
Universities welcome applications from Indian graduates with a strong academic background. Typical requirements include:
- Academic Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree (e.g., BBA, BHM, or equivalent) with at least 50-60% marks from a recognized Indian university like those affiliated with UGC.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 88. Exemptions for students from English-medium institutions.
- Work Experience: Preferred but not mandatory; 1-2 years in hospitality boosts your application.
- Supporting Documents: Statement of Purpose (SOP) highlighting your passion for international hospitality, two academic references, CV, and transcripts.
- GMAT/GRE: Not usually required, but some programs may ask for it.
Indian students often excel due to their exposure to diverse customer service scenarios. Apply early—deadlines are typically January for September intake.
Fees, Funding, and Living Costs
Tuition Fees: £15,000-£25,000 (approx. INR 15-25 lakhs) per year for international students, varying by university.
Scholarships and Funding:
- University scholarships: Up to £5,000 based on merit or need.
- Indian Government Schemes: JN Nehru Memorial Fund or Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation grants.
- External Options: GREAT Scholarships for Indian students in the UK, covering full fees.
Living Costs: In the UK, expect £10,000-£12,000 annually (INR 10-12 lakhs) for accommodation, food, and transport. Part-time work (up to 20 hours/week) in hospitality roles can offset this, earning £8-£12/hour.
Many programs offer paid internships, providing hands-on experience and income.
Career Prospects and Opportunities
Graduates of this MA are highly employable, with 95% securing jobs within six months. The global hospitality market, valued at $4.5 trillion, needs skilled managers—especially from emerging economies like India.
Key Career Paths:
- Hotel General Manager: Oversee operations in international chains; average salary £50,000+ (INR 50 lakhs+).
- Revenue Manager: Optimize pricing for resorts; roles in Dubai or Singapore suit Indian talent.
- Event Planner: Manage global conferences; leverage India's event expertise.
- Consultancy Roles: Advise on sustainable tourism for firms like Deloitte.
- Entrepreneurship: Start your own boutique hotel or tour agency, with alumni networks providing seed funding.
For Indian students, this degree bridges domestic and international careers. Return to India to lead at EIH Limited or expand to the Middle East, where 40% of hospitality jobs go to South Asians.
Alumni Success Stories: Rajesh Kumar (from Mumbai) now manages a 5-star property in London, crediting the program's global strategy module. Priya Sharma (Delhi) launched a sustainable homestay chain in Europe, inspired by Indian eco-tourism.
How to Apply and Next Steps
Start your application via the university's online portal or through our study abroad consultants. We guide Indian students with visa assistance, pre-departure orientations, and accommodation setup.
- Step 1: Research universities (e.g., University of Surrey or Cornell for hospitality excellence).
- Step 2: Prepare documents and take English tests.
- Step 3: Submit by deadline; interviews may follow.
- Step 4: Secure visa (Tier 4 for UK) with proof of funds.
Join thousands of Indian students transforming their careers abroad. Contact us today to personalize your journey into international hospitality management!