Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts launches Bachelor's degree program in Hospitality Management

Switzerland enjoys an excellent reputation in the field of hospitality management education: skills for the management of hotel and catering businesses are taught at a high level. The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) and the SHL Swiss Hotel Management School Lucerne want to continue to contribute to this. The Concordat Council of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts therefore approved the introduction of the Bachelor in Hospitality Management course at its meeting on September 27. It is aimed in particular at SHL students. From the 2025/2026 academic year, they will be able to complete the new Bachelor's degree program after completing their studies at SHL - with a flat-rate crediting of the coursework they have already completed.

Strengthening the permeability of the education system

"We are very pleased to be able to further develop the existing good cooperation with SHL," says Christine Böckelmann, Director of the Department of Business at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Because: "The new Bachelor's degree course is an excellent opportunity for students to build on the specialist expertise they have acquired at SHL to obtain a Bachelor's degree."

Christa Augsburger, Director of SHL, is also convinced by the new Bachelor's degree course: "It is very attractive for our graduates. Within one year, students can obtain a Bachelor's degree that is recognized and valued both nationally and internationally."

Admission to the new course is open to people with a HF degree in hospitality or tourism or people with at least 90 ECTS credits from a university degree course in hospitality management. "As a continuation of the degree from a university of applied sciences, our "Top-off" Bachelor's degree thus contributes to the permeability between universities of applied sciences and universities of applied sciences, which is important for the Swiss education system," says Christine Böckelmann. "Top-off" means that the HSLU does not offer the entire degree program, but only as a supplement to a degree from a university of applied sciences. The aim is to further strengthen Lucerne as a tourism destination.

Enabling diverse careers

HSLU and SHL are convinced that the new cooperation will meet with great interest. "A Swiss Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management is highly sought-after, as it increases the chances of finding an attractive position in the hospitality industry - especially internationally," says Christa Augsburger.

For graduates of the universities of applied sciences, the Bachelor's degree offers the opportunity to continue their professional development or even to complete a Master's degree. In addition, a growing interest from students outside Switzerland can be expected. The global growth in the tourism industry and Switzerland's good reputation as a training location in the hotel industry also make the English-language course attractive to international students. "The global student market, which is already being targeted with our Bachelor International Sustainable Tourism, is likely to have potential, as tourism is a kind of pioneering industry for the development of the economies of many emerging countries," says Christine Böckelmann.

Strengthening Lucerne as a tourism location

The Bachelor in Hospitality Management also helps to further strengthen Lucerne as a tourism stronghold with global appeal. According to a study conducted by BAK Economics on behalf of Lucerne Tourism (LTAG) and the canton and city of Lucerne, the overall economic impact of the tourism sector is worth CHF 1,324 million and is responsible for around 12,500 jobs in the Lucerne region.

The launch of the course underlines the commitment of the HSLU and SHL to innovation in education and their role as a driving force for the regional economy, as Christine Böckelmann says. Interested parties can apply now (further information: bachelor.wirtschaft@hslu.ch). The next start of studies at the SHL Swiss Hotel Management School Lucerne is in fall 2025. The "Top-off" Bachelor will be offered from spring 2026.

Source: www.hslu.ch