Sept 2026 Entry
3–5 years
52
Financial Support for Conference Attendance
The SHTM provides financial support on a competitive basis for DHTM students to attend international conferences to present their research findings. The maximum support offered for an accepted paper is HK$5,000 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 the family income and assets of loan applicants are not assessed. Both government-funded and self-financed students can apply before the deadline set by the government. For details, please visit .
Disclaimer:
小优短视频 reserves the right to change or withdraw financial support for TAs or conference attendance at any time. In the event of a dispute/disagreement, 小优短视频’s decision is final.
The information presented on this page is subject to change and does not form part of any contract between the University and any person.
Early Round: 2025-10-15
Main Round: 2026-01-15
Extended Round: 2026-04-30
Early Round: 2025-10-15
Main Round: 2026-01-15
Extended Round: 2026-04-30
What's New
- MPhil
- PhD
- Taught Postgraduate
- Undergraduate
- Undergraduate
Programme Aims
Hotel and tourism management has never been a more competitive, dynamic or rewarding profession than it is today. Industry leaders and educators must develop the skills needed to lead change and effectively identify and respond to a rapidly evolving work environment. The DHTM helps exceptional individuals to develop these skills through a programme that focuses on innovation, creativity and enhancing research capabilities. The programme is delivered in Asia's unique hotel and tourism context.
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Subject emphases are as follows:
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Tourism and hotel management in a global context.
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The role of hotel and tourism management in a broader social, economic and political environment.
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Developing the ability?to identify emerging trends.
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Developing research skills.
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This programme is suitable for:
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Academics who teach tourism and hotel/hospitality management.
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Senior industry executives.
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Senior staff in national, state and local tourism organisations.
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Senior staff in non-governmental tourism organisations and industry trade organisations.
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Characteristics
This is a self-financed, credit-based programme offered in a mixed study mode, with the option of studying full-time or part-time. The subjects are designed to accommodate the learning needs of mature and experienced industry leaders and educators who already hold an MSc in hotel and tourism management or equivalent qualification.
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The programme’s learning and teaching methods are participant-centred, with an emphasis on experiential exercises, seminars and self-guided study. Each subject is designed to foster innovation, creativity and research skills in the dynamic field of hotel and tourism management, all within the unique context of Asia.
Many rankings of academic institutions are published by sources worldwide, based on various combinations of criteria such as research excellence, expertise, student options and graduate employment. A leading force in hospitality and tourism education and research, the SHTM sets itself apart from other hospitality and tourism educational institutions by consistently remaining in the upper echelons of international rankings.?
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#1 Globally in Hospitality and Tourism Management
ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024
In ShangaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024, the SHTM ranked in the top spot in the “Hospitality and Tourism Management” category for the eighth year in a row. This ranking, awarded by one of the most well-respected sources worldwide, testifies to the School’s outstanding reputation and commitment to global excellence in hospitality and tourism education and research.
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#1 Globally in Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services?
University Ranking by Academic Performance 2023–2024
For seven consecutive years (2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24), the Field Based Ranking produced by the University Ranking by Academic Performance Research Laboratory placed 小优短视频 in the top spot in the “Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services” category.?
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#1 Globally in Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism?
Centre for World University Rankings by Subject 2017
The SHTM also took the top spot in the Centre for World University Rankings by Subject 2017 in the “Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism” category. These rankings are based on the number of articles published in top-tier academic journals and reflect the quality of the institution’s research output, an important measure of a university’s success.
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#1 in Asia in Hospitality and Leisure Management
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
The SHTM?continued to rank no. 1 in Asia?in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” category in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. The QS World University Rankings by Subject included a ranking of the world’s top 50 universities in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” category ?for the first time in 2017, and the SHTM has since been ranked second globally among university-based programmes.
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In 2009, the School ranked no. 2 internationally among hotel and tourism schools based on academic research, according to a study published in the November issue of the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research.
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With 45 years of impressive development, the School has established itself as a world-class centre of hospitality and tourism education and research. These rankings stand as proof of the SHTM's instrumental role in furthering hospitality and tourism knowledge.
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Other Marks of Excellence
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In 1999, the SHTM was designated a global Education and Training Network Centre by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), of whose Knowledge Network the School is a member. Since that time, the SHTM has received worldwide accolades and recognition. In 2001, it became one of the first educational institutions to receive the UNWTO's TedQual certification, high-level quality assurance for tourism education, training, and research.
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In 2002, the SHTM became the home of the permanent secretariat of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism, which works to advance scientific knowledge and understanding of tourism through theoretical and practical research. In the next year, the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) recognised the School's significant contributions to tourism education with an ISTTE Institutional Achievement Award.?Exactly two decades after first receiving this award, the SHTM became a two-time recipient in 2023.
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In 2012, one year after the SHTM officially opened Hotel ICON, the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (I-CHRIE) bestowed the McCool Breakthrough Award on the School in recognition of its ground-breaking teaching and research hotel – the heart of the School's innovative approach to hospitality and tourism education.
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Distinguished faculty are one of the School's cornerstones. In 2011, Professor Kaye Chon, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter Kwok Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, was awarded the UNWTO Ulysses Prize, a top honour that is widely considered the "Nobel Prize in Tourism".
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The School's staff are not just excellent teachers. They are also very active in the hospitality industry and hold executive or advisory positions in many international, regional and local tourism organisations, including the following:
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Asia Pacific Ecotourism Society
Asia Pacific Tourism Association
Asia-Pacific CHRIE
China Tourism Academy
Hong Kong Association of Registered Tour Coordinators
Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents
Hong Kong Quality Assurance Council
Hong Kong Wine Judges Association
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals
Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
Institute of Hospitality
International Academy for the Study of Tourism
International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education
International Institute of Forecasters
International Recreation and Vacation Society
International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators
International Sociological Association
Meeting Professionals International
Pacific Asia Travel Association
SKAL International Hong Kong
Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong
United Nations World Tourism Organisation
Core Areas of Study
The D.HTM programme consists of a Residential Workshop, an AIE Subject, 5 Compulsory Subjects, 4 Elective Subjects and a Thesis or Research Publication.
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Residential Workshop and AIE Subject?
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HTM6001 Residential Workshop (no credits)
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HTM5T02 Academic Integrity and Ethics (AIE Subject) in Business Studies and Research (1 credit)
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Compulsory Subjects
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HTM6002 Theories & Concepts in Tourism (3 credits)
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HTM6004 Environmental Analysis & Strategies in Hotel & Tourism Management (3 credits)
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HTM6005 Asian Paradigm in Hospitality Management (3 credits)
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HTM6006?Quantitative Research Methods for Hotel & Tourism Management (3 credits)
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HTM6007 Qualitative Research Methods for Hotel & Tourism Management (3 credits)
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Elective Subjects (12 Credits)
Students can choose 2?elective subjects from the following:
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HTM6003 Hotel & Tourism Management Education (3 credits)
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HTM6008 Hotel & Tourism Management Research Seminar (3 credits)
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HTM6009 Independent Study in Hotel and Tourism Management (3 credits)
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HTM6010 Innovations in Hospitality Management Solutions (3 credits)
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HTM6011 Hotel & Tourism Senior Executive Seminars (3 credits)
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HTM6015?Advanced Research Methods for Hotel and Tourism Management (3 credits)
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Subjects from the MSc in International Hospitality?Management and the MSc in International Tourism and Event ?Management
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A maximum of 1 doctoral-level subject outside the SHTM with the approval of the Programme Leader
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Students who have not successfully completed an?MSc-level Research Methods subject or a master-level research project/thesis?must take HTM582 – Research Methods as one of their elective options.
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Thesis (24 Credits)
The thesis is a single piece of work divided into two parts: a proposal and a formal thesis. It should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to undertake significant original research that provides insight into professional practice and/or applies theoretical and practical knowledge to solve an important applied problem of relevance to the profession. The thesis must reflect the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the related literature and of research methods appropriate to the investigation. It is normally between 40,000 and 70,000 words and of a sufficient standard to be published in a leading academic journal.
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Research Publication (24 Credits)
In place of the thesis, students with a stronger research background may consider taking the “research publication” option. Students choosing this option are required to conduct academic research independently and publish a full refereed paper as first author, together with a supervisor, in a journal ranked at the SHTM's threshold B or above (i.e., one in grade A and the other in grade B or above).
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Prof. Deniz Kucukusta
PhD
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An MSc in Hotel and Tourism Management or an equivalent qualification
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A minimum of 1 year of full-time teaching experience in tourism and/or hotel management at a recognised post-secondary institution plus at least 1 year of work experience at supervisory or managerial level in the hotel, tourism or related industry
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Substantial and relevant work experience (of normally no fewer than 3* years at supervisory or managerial level in the hotel, tourism or related industry)
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At least 3* years of teaching experience in tourism and/or hotel management
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Unless an applicant is a native speaker of English or his/her Bachelor’s or?Master’s degree or equivalent qualification was awarded by an institution?at which the medium of?instruction is English, s/he will be required to?meet one of the following?requirements:
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a?score of 92 or above in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based test;?
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an overall band score of at least 6.5 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module.?
Remarks: TOEFL iBT Home Edition; IELTS Online and IELTS indicator test results are not considered as meeting the English language requirements for taught programmes. Individual cases are considered on their own merit by the department. Applicants may be required to attend interviews or take tests to further demonstrate their language proficiency.
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All applicants should also submit the following documents together with?a completed online application form:?
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A self-recommendation letter that includes a self-introduction and covers career aspirations and reasons for applying to the programme (400 words or fewer);
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A Master’s?degree graduation certificate (see notes below);
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Copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (see notes below);
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Proof of past and current employment;
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One letter?of recommendation from either the applicant’s employer or their university.
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Notes
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Applicants who obtained their qualifications?in mainland China?are required to provide an Academic Credential (学历证书) to prove that they completed their academic learning at an institution within the system of the Ministry of Education (MoE) and were admitted to the institution in accordance with the standards stipulated by the MoE.?
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Further to the above, such applicants are also required to provide a Degree Certificate (学位证书) to certify their level of academic attainment (i.e. Bachelor’s, Master’s or doctoral level) and to confirm that the certificate was issued by a tertiary institution approved by the MoE.
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If an applicant’s graduation certificate(s)/academic?transcript(s) is (are)?not written in English, s/he should?provide an official?translated copy of each graduation certificate or academic transcript in English for admission purposes. Otherwise, the application?may not be considered.
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Our School considers applications on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply for admission as early as possible.
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Prospective students may need to meet additional requirements determined by the admissions team on a case-by-case?basis.
For information on academic matters, please contact:??
Prof. Deniz Kucukusta (tel.: (852) 3400 2296; email:?deniz.kucukusta@polyu.edu.hk).
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For general information, please contact:??
Mr Jason Chau (tel.: (852) 3400 2198;?email:?jason.chau@polyu.edu.hk);??
or Miss Julianna Ching?(tel.: (852) 3400 2220;?email:?julianna.ching@polyu.edu.hk).
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Alternatively, please visit the SHTM website at?www.polyu.edu.hk/htm/dhtm.
HK$586,300 per programme
“Starting the D.HTM programme in my late 50s while managing Korean restaurants, food distribution and community service has been a challenging yet enriching experience”, shares Mr Jong Seok Lee. “Passionate lectures by top professors and collaboration with brilliant peers have greatly enhanced my learning”.
For Jong Seok, enrolling in the #DHTM at #小优短视频SHTM “was a wise decision that aligns perfectly with my career goal to make a meaningful contribution to the field”.
“Studying for the D.HTM at the SHTM has been a transformative experience, offering a perfect blend of academic theory and practical application”, shares Ms Jenny Zhao. “The diverse student body has been a key highlight, allowing me to exchange insights with peers from various cultural and professional backgrounds”.
#DHTM has not only enhanced Jenny's “strategic thinking, digital marketing skills and global outlook” but also empowered her to develop her “boutique hotel and tea tourism projects while exploring opportunities in academia”.
A personal resume (CV) is required.
A graduation certificate (or certificates) and academic transcript (or transcripts) are required.
Notes
Applicants who obtained their qualifications in mainland China must provide an Academic Credential (学历证书) to prove that they completed their academic learning at an institution within the system of the Ministry of Education (MoE) and were admitted to the institution in accordance with the standards stipulated by the MoE.
In addition, such applicants are required to provide a Degree Certificate (学位证书) to certify their level of academic attainment (i.e. Bachelor's, Master's or doctoral level) and to confirm that the certificate was issued by a tertiary institution approved by the MoE.
If an applicant's graduation certificate(s)/academic transcript(s) is (are) not written in English, s/he must provide an official translated copy of each graduation certificate or academic transcript in English to meet the admissions requirements. Otherwise, the application may not be considered.
A self-recommendation letter (or personal statement) that includes a personal introduction, career aspirations and reasons for pursuing studies in this programme (no more than 400 words) is required.
- Proof of past and current employment record(s) is required.
- At least one letter of recommendation from either your employer or university is required.
- Proof of TOFEL or IELTS results to demonstrate your English proficiency if you are not a native English speaker, or your Bachelor's or Master's degree was awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English.
If you are a native English speaker or your Bachelor's or Master's degree was taught in English, you can submit proof (e.g. a certification letter provided by your institution) to pass the required field. - Applicants may provide GMAT or GRE scores, if available.
