Swiss Professional Degree
Lifelong Learning
The Swiss Professional Degree in Hotel & Gastronomy is a comprehensive program to prepare you to become a successful Hotel or Restaurant Manager. Our study-work format enables you to combine classes with a part-time job.
Next intake:
January 19, 2026
Practical approach:
Our program emphasizes hands-on training and real-life practical experience, enabling you to develop the essential skills required in the industry.
Adapted to a 50-70% job:
you can keep a permanent position during your studies: you stay financially independent and earn work experience while progressing towards your degree.
Industry-Relevant curriculum:
We have established strong collaborations with leading hotels and restaurants and our curriculum is naturally designed to align with the latest trends of the industry.
The Lab Hotel:
We have our own 65-room hotel on campus! You will have the chance to practice being a hotel manager in a real-life environment right at school.
Cool, modern learning spaces:
Our school has a unique vibe, with its colorful facilities that reflect the laid-back style of modern hotel concepts. The friendly atmosphere will enhance your learning experience.
Recognized diploma:
The Swiss Professional Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management offered by our school is recognized by the Swiss Confederation and highly regarded in the industry. Our graduates are highly sought-after.
Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Hospitality Management
(Dipl. Hoteliere-Gastronomin/Hotelier-Gastronom HF)
3,5 years
Thun, Canton Bern, Switzerland
Part-time
(3 years full-time format also available)
Classes generally take place on two consecutive weekdays. The program also begins with the Check-in semester. Students with a relevant vocational diploma (EFZ) can be exempted from one of the above-mentioned modules. The semesters are designed to be practice-oriented, preparing students optimally for leadership roles in the hospitality industry. They cover fundamentals of business administration, specialized knowledge in hospitality, leadership and social skills, management and strategy, language and intercultural competencies, as well as technology and digitalization. Practical experience is gained throughout the entire study period through employment with a company in the hospitality industry.
Introduction days
Check-in
Focus: Processes and organisation of the Kitchen, Restaurant and Rooms Division departments.
Students holding a relevant Swiss Federal VET Diploma (EFZ) may be exempted from one of the modules mentioned above.
Introduction to Individual Academic Coaching (IAC)
Focus: Customer- and Process-Oriented Business Management
Module: My Business
Principles and interrelations of business management
Economics and law
Module: Market4you
Sales & Marketing, marketing concepts
Digital marketing
Communication, PR
Module: Service to the Guest
Rooms Division Management
Food & Beverage Management
Additional Modules
Procurement and facility management
Bookkeeping
French I
Digital Applications & Technologies
Individual Academic Coaching (IAC)
Introduction to Group Dynamics and Teamwork
Transfer Module
Involvement in the implementation of real-life projects
Focus: Financial and People-Oriented Business Management
Module: Our Offer
Gastronomy and accommodation market
Concept development of hospitality offerings
Innovation, Design Thinking
Circular economy
Module: People & Leadership I
Human Resources Management
Employer Branding
Diversity Management
Financial Management
Business accounting tools
Budgeting
English I
French II
Digital Applications & Technologies II
Individual Academic Coaching (IAC)
Perception and interpretation, emotional competence and empathy
Transfer Module: Pop-up & Event
Concept development and implementation of real-life projects
Focus: Holistic Entrepreneurial Management
Key Factors in Business Management
Strategic and operational business management
Legal fundamentals
Future orientation
Module: People & Leadership II
Staff development
HR policy
Values and leadership principles
Additional Modules
Financial planning
Design, construction projects and planning
English II
Individual Academic Coaching (IAC)
Conflict emergence, types of conflict and approaches to resolution
Transfer Module
Case studies from hospitality companies
Diploma Thesis
Gisela Pogrielz-Krebs
Program Advisor
Do you have questions about the program or the school?
Get in touch with me! I will be happy to help.
Are you a company with an employee interested in our program?
The following qualifications in the hotel and catering trade are considered relevant EFZ:
Single rooms of various sizes (prices from CHF 650 to CHF 750 per month, including weekly cleaning) are available for students.
This also includes access to the lounge and the modern communal kitchen with dishwasher and lockable refrigerator compartments.
Depending on availability, parking spaces can be rented at a price of CHF 496 per semester.
Lisa Bürki
Swiss Professional Degree Student (Part-time)
"I decided to study part-time at the Hotel Management School Thun because it has a family atmosphere and I can apply the theory directly in practice. The training is designed to be readily applicable, which helps me a lot as a career changer."
Matthias Möri
Swiss Professional Degree Student (part-time)
Fabian Aebi
Swiss Professional Degree Student (part-time)
After successful completion of the HF program, students can continue their studies and earn the EHL Bachelor's degree, ranked world’s #1 in three additional full-time semesters.
2 Semesters at EHL Campus Passugg
Final Semester at EHL Campus Lausanne
Fill out the form to get your brochure for the Swiss Professional Degree in Hotel & Gastronomy - Part-Time (in German).
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