Hotel and Tourism Management

Hotel and tourism management has never been as competitive, dynamic or as rewarding a profession as it is now. Industry leaders and educators must develop the skills needed to lead change and to identify and respond effectively to a rapidly evolving work environment.

The Doctor of Hotel and Tourism Management will develop these skills in exceptional individuals through its programme that focuses on innovation, creativity and the enhancement of research abilities. It is delivered within the unique Asian hotel and tourism context.

Subject emphasis as follows:

• Tourism and hotel management within a global context;
• The role of hotel and tourism management within the broader social, economic and political environment;
• The development of abilities to identify emerging trends; and
• The development of research skills.

This programme is suitable for:

• Academics who are teaching tourism and hotel/hospitality management;
• Senior industry executives;
• Senior staff in national, state and local tourism organisations; and 
• Senior staff in non-governmental tourism organisations and industry trade organisations.

The DHTM programme offers two streams of study and an integrated study option to better cater to the needs of students. The 'Industry' stream includes two high level management subjects, while the 'Academic/NTO' stream has a stronger emphasis on research and teaching. The integrated study option allows students to complete one subject from each of the specialism streams.  

Students need to complete 5 Compulsory Subjects, 2 Subjects from the Specialist Streams on offer, 2 Elective Subjects, a Residential Workshop and a Thesis.

Core Areas of Study

The programme consists of Compulsory Subjects, Specialist Subjects, Elective Subjects and a Thesis.

Compulsory Subjects

• Theories & Concepts in Tourism
• Environmental Analysis & Strategies in Hotel & Tourism Management#
• The Asian Paradigm in Hospitality Management
• Quantitative Research Methods for Hotel & Tourism Management
• Qualitative Research Methods for Hotel & Tourism Management

Specialist Subjects under 'Academic/NTO' Stream

• Hotel & Tourism Management Research Seminar
• Hotel & Tourism Management Education

Specialist Subjects under 'Industry' Stream

• Innovations in Hospitality Management Solutions#
• Hotel & Tourism Senior Executive Seminars

Elective Subjects

Students can select 2 subjects:

• Specialist Subjects 
• Independent Study in Hotel & Tourism Management
• Structural Equation Modeling
• Subjects from the MSc in International Hospitality Management and MSc in International Tourism and Convention Management
• A maximum of 1 Doctoral level subject from outside the SHTM with approval of the Programme Leader
• Students who have not successfully completed an MSc level Research Methods subject must take HTM582 - Research Methods as one of their elective options.

Thesis

The Thesis is divided into 2 parts, a proposal (Thesis I) and the formal thesis (Thesis II). Theses must be submitted in English.

Requirements

• An MSc in Hotel and Tourism Management or the equivalent; 
  PLUS
• A minimum one year of full-time teaching experience in tourism and/or hotel management at a recognised post-secondary institution plus at least one year of work experience at the supervisory or managerial level in the hotel, tourism or related industries;
  OR
• Substantial and relevant work experience (of normally not less than four years at the supervisory or managerial level in the hotel, tourism or related industries);
  OR
• At least five years of teaching experience in tourism and/or hotel management.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 92 for the Internet-based test, or 580 for the paper-based test, or 237 for the computer-based test OR
• Band Score of at least 6.5 overall in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• A self-recommendation letter that includes a self-introduction and covers career aspirations and reasons for pursuing study in the programme;
• Copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended;
• Two letters of recommendation; and
• A Master’s degree graduation certificate 

Scholarships

Teaching Postgraduate Studentship (TPS)

The SHTM offers Teaching Postgraduate Studentship (TPS) to selected full-time D.HTM students. The awards are competitive and granted based on academic merit, financial need, previous research and work experience. TPS recipients are expected to participate in teaching, research, administration and other School activities.

Financial Support for Conference Attendance

The SHTM provides financial support on a competitive basis for D.HTM students to attend international conferences to present their research findings. The maximum support offered for an accepted paper is HK$10,000 to cover registration, travel and accommodation expenses related to conference attendance.

Non-means-tested Loan Scheme (NLS)

The NLS offers interest-bearing loans to local full-time and part-time students to cover tuition fees. These loans are not means tested, which means that there is no assessment of family income and assets. Both government-funded and self-financed students can apply before the deadline set by the government. For details, please visit www.sfaa.gov.hk 

Continuing Education Fund (CEF)

Three courses (HTM6002, HTM6004 and HTM6010) have been included on the Continuing Education Fund (CEF) list of reimbursable courses. Eligible applicants will be reimbursed 80% of their fees, subject to a maximum sum of HK$10,000 (whichever is the less), on successful completion of a reimbursable course. For details, please visit www.sfaa.gov.hk

Disclaimer: 
PolyU reserves the right to change or withdraw the TPS/financial support for conference attendance at any time. In case of any dispute/disagreement, PolyU’s decision is final.