Master of Applied Hospitality Management – Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand

The Master of Applied Hospitality Management (MAHM) at Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand Institute is a postgraduate qualification designed for graduates and professionals who aspire to leadership and executive roles in the hospitality and tourism industries. The programme combines advanced management theory, strategic business knowledge, research and practical industry experience, helping students develop the skills required to manage hospitality businesses in an international environment.

Why Study Master of Applied Hospitality Management

• Gain advanced knowledge of hospitality management, business strategy, leadership and international hospitality operations.

• Develop practical management skills through industry-based learning and a compulsory internship.

• Learn about hospitality business development, financial management, entrepreneurship and strategic decision-making.

• Understand international hospitality trends, sustainability, innovation and New Zealand's cultural context.

• Build professional capabilities for senior management and executive positions in hotels, resorts, restaurants, tourism organisations and other hospitality businesses.

• Earn a New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) Level 9 master's degree, recognised as an advanced postgraduate qualification.

Key Benefits

• International exposure: Develop an understanding of global hospitality markets, international business practices and multicultural management.

• Practical experience: Apply academic learning to real-world hospitality challenges through a compulsory six-month internship.

• Leadership development: Strengthen people management, strategic planning, communication and organisational decision-making skills.

• Industry-focused learning: Explore current hospitality practices, customer experience, revenue management and business operations.

• Research and innovation: Develop the ability to conduct applied research and create solutions to contemporary hospitality challenges.

• Career advancement: Prepare for senior management, consultancy, business ownership and executive-level opportunities.

• Cultural understanding: Gain insights into te ao Maori and its relevance to leadership and hospitality in New Zealand.

Program Structure

The programme is delivered over 18 months and requires students to complete 180 credits at NZQF Level 9. It consists of two 16-week semesters followed by a final semester focused on industry placement. The programme is full-time, with on-campus face-to-face learning supported by self-directed study.

• Level of Study: Level 9 – Master's Degree

• Duration: 18 months (full-time)

• Total Credits: 180 credits

• Campus Location: Wellington Campus, 52 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand

• Mode of Learning: Primarily face-to-face, supported by self-directed learning and practical industry experience.

• Intakes: February and August

• 2027 Intake Dates: 9 February and 9 August

• International Tuition Fee: NZD 55,000 for the programme, based on the published 2027 fee.

• Included in Fees: Course materials, examinations and graduation.

The programme includes the following compulsory subjects:

• People, Leadership and Culture

• Managing Hospitality in the International Context

• Hospitality Managerial Finance

• Entrepreneurship in Hospitality

• Research Methods

• Strategic Pricing and Customer Management

• Risk Management

• Food and Beverage Supply Chain Management

• Applied Hospitality Management Project

Students must also complete a compulsory six-month internship, providing opportunities to apply management knowledge in a real hospitality business environment. There are no elective subjects in the programme.

Discipline / Specialisation

The Master of Applied Hospitality Management focuses on hospitality management, business leadership and strategic operations rather than separate formal specialisations. Students develop interdisciplinary expertise in areas such as:

• Hospitality and Hotel Management: Managing accommodation, hotel operations, guest services and hospitality businesses.

• Strategic Leadership and People Management: Developing leadership, organisational culture, team management and decision-making skills.

• Hospitality Finance and Revenue Management: Understanding financial planning, strategic pricing, revenue optimisation and business performance.

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Exploring hospitality business development, entrepreneurial strategies and innovative business models.

• Tourism and International Hospitality: Understanding global hospitality markets, tourism operations and international business environments.

• Supply Chain and Risk Management: Managing food and beverage supply chains, operational risks and business continuity.

• Research and Applied Projects: Conducting research and developing practical solutions to real-world hospitality management challenges.

• Sustainable Hospitality: Understanding sustainability, cultural responsibility and emerging industry practices.

Programme Highlights

• Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Combines advanced hospitality management theory with practical learning, preparing students for leadership positions.

• Compulsory Internship: Includes a six-month industry placement to gain practical experience, develop professional networks and understand real hospitality operations.

• International Learning Environment: Offers exposure to international hospitality practices and multicultural business environments.

• Applied Research: Enables students to investigate industry challenges and develop practical, evidence-based management solutions.

• Leadership and Business Skills: Emphasises strategic thinking, financial management, entrepreneurship, innovation and people leadership.

• M?ori Cultural Understanding: Incorporates aspects of te ao M?ori to help students understand cultural values and their relevance to hospitality leadership in New Zealand.

• Recognised Qualification: Successful graduates receive an NZQF Level 9 master's degree and a Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand Level 9 certification.

• Professional Development: Builds communication, problem-solving, decision-making and business management capabilities relevant to senior roles.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Applied Hospitality Management can pursue management, leadership, consultancy and entrepreneurial opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industries, both in New Zealand and internationally.

Potential career opportunities include:

• Hotel Manager or General Manager

• Hospitality Operations Manager

• Regional Operations Manager

• Food and Beverage Manager

• Revenue and Financial Manager

• Hospitality Business Consultant

• Tourism and Destination Manager

• Event Director or Event Manager

• Hospitality Marketing and Customer Experience Manager

• Human Resources and Talent Development Manager

• Hospitality Business Owner or Entrepreneur

• Hospitality Project Manager

• Sustainability and ESG Manager

• Hospitality Researcher or Academic Professional

The programme's combination of strategic management, applied research and industry experience is designed to prepare graduates for senior positions involving business planning, operational leadership, customer experience and organisational development. Actual career opportunities depend on experience, employer requirements and relevant work rights.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students planning to study the Master of Applied Hospitality Management in New Zealand must obtain an appropriate student visa before commencing their programme.

• Student Visa: As the programme is 18 months long, international students generally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa or another eligible student visa.

• Offer of Place: Applicants must obtain an official offer of place from Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand.

• Tuition Fee Payment: Students must provide evidence of tuition fee payment or an acceptable arrangement as required by Immigration New Zealand.

• Financial Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses, tuition fees and return travel, in accordance with current immigration requirements.

• Valid Passport: A valid passport and relevant travel documentation are required.

• Medical and Travel Insurance: Students must hold appropriate medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay.

• Accommodation: Students should provide accommodation details and any supporting evidence requested during the visa application process.

• English Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the programme's English language requirements, including IELTS Academic 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0, or an accepted equivalent.

• Work Rights: Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to the hours specified in their visa conditions. Students must check their individual visa conditions before undertaking employment.

• Post-Study Work Visa: Graduates may be eligible to apply for a Post Study Work Visa, subject to the qualification and immigration rules in force at the time of application.

International students should apply well in advance of their intended intake, as visa processing times vary. Immigration requirements can change, so students should verify the latest conditions directly with Immigration New Zealand. Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand provides general visa guidance but does not provide licensed immigration advice.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current Programme Status: The Master of Applied Hospitality Management is a current NZQF Level 9 master's qualification, comprising 180 credits and quality-assured by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

• 2027 Intakes: The institute's published course information lists February and August intakes, with 2027 start dates of 9 February and 9 August.

• Updated Tuition Fees: The published 2027 international tuition fee is NZD 55,000 for the programme. Students should confirm the final fee and any additional costs before enrolling.

• Academic Entry Requirements: Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree or equivalent in business, management or a related hospitality area, with at least a B- grade average at Level 7 or higher. Applicants with degrees in other disciplines may be considered if they have at least three years of relevant hospitality experience at a supervisory level or equivalent.

• English Language Requirement: International applicants must meet the minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0, or an accepted equivalent.

• Compulsory Internship: Completion of a six-month internship is mandatory for graduation. Students should plan for the practical and scheduling requirements of this placement.

• Study Completion: The programme is designed for full-time study over 18 months. Part-time study may be considered through an individual learning arrangement, subject to programme and visa requirements.

• Scholarships: The institute has advertised scholarships such as its 2025 MAHM domestic scholarship and the SixStar Hospitality Scholarship. These opportunities have eligibility restrictions for New Zealand citizens, permanent residents or other specified domestic applicants. No currently confirmed scholarship specifically for international MAHM students was identified in the published information. International applicants should contact the institute to check for any newly introduced scholarships or financial support.

• Additional Expenses: Students should budget separately for accommodation, food, transport, personal expenses and any costs not covered by tuition fees.

• Application Planning: International applicants are advised to submit their applications well in advance, preferably at least 12 weeks before the course begins, to allow time for enrolment and visa processing.

• Post-Study Opportunities: Graduates should confirm their eligibility for post-study work rights under the immigration rules applicable when they complete their qualification.