This specialised MBA combines advanced business management with hospitality and tourism expertise, preparing graduates to lead organisations in one of the world's fastest-growing service industries. The programme focuses on strategic leadership, sustainable tourism, hospitality innovation and digital transformation within the tourism sector.

Key Benefits

• Develop advanced leadership and management skills for hospitality and tourism organisations.
• Learn to make data-driven business decisions for hospitality and tourism enterprises.
• Gain expertise in sustainable tourism development and destination management.
• Study practical industry case studies and real-world business challenges.
• Build strategic planning, innovation and leadership capabilities for the global hospitality sector.
• Graduate with two master's degrees through the APU–DMU Dual Degree Scheme (subject to eligibility).
• No final examinations – assessment is based on coursework, assignments and the final project.

Programme Structure

Pre-Requisite Modules (For Non-Business Students)

• Managing People
• Understanding Customers
• Managerial Finance
• Business Environment & Strategic Planning

Core Modules

• Organisational Behaviour
• Accounting & Finance for Managers
• Managerial Economics
• Technology Management
• Global Strategic Management
• Human Resource Management
• Statistical Decision Making
• Research Methodology
• Entrepreneurship
• Digital Marketing Tools and Trends

Hospitality & Tourism Specialisation Modules

• Events Planning and Management
• Leadership for Hospitality Business
• Sustainable Tourism

Research Component

• Project (Hospitality and Tourism Research Project)

Disciplines / Specialisations Offered

Students develop advanced expertise in:

• Hospitality Management
• Tourism Management
• Strategic Management
• Hospitality Leadership
• Events Planning and Management
• Sustainable Tourism
• Digital Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Business Analytics for Hospitality
• Financial Management
• Human Resource Management
• Technology Management
• Global Business Strategy
• Research Methods

Programme Highlights

• APU–DMU Dual Degree Scheme, allowing eligible students to graduate with master's degrees from both APU (Malaysia) and De Montfort University (UK).
• No written final examinations – 100% coursework and assignments.
• Industry-focused curriculum combining business management with hospitality and tourism expertise.
• Strong emphasis on leadership, sustainability and innovation.
• Practical learning through case studies, projects and research.
• Flexible full-time and part-time study options.
• International classroom with students from over 130 countries. 

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles including:

• Hospitality Manager
• Tourism Manager
• Hotel General Manager
• Resort Operations Manager
• Destination Manager
• Events Manager
• Tourism Development Consultant
• Hospitality Business Consultant
• Travel and Tourism Director
• Business Development Manager
• Marketing Manager (Hospitality & Tourism)
• Operations Manager
• Entrepreneur in Hospitality or Tourism
• Hospitality and Tourism Lecturer or Researcher

Latest Updates (2026)

• August 2026 and November 2026 intakes are available for full-time students, while August 2026 and October 2026 intakes are available for part-time students.
• Students may opt into the APU–DMU Dual Degree Scheme, receiving master's degrees from both APU and De Montfort University upon graduation.
• The curriculum continues to emphasise sustainable tourism, digital transformation, hospitality leadership and innovation in response to evolving global industry needs. 

Special Requirements

• Applicants from non-business backgrounds without relevant work experience must complete prerequisite modules before beginning the MBA.
• A laptop suitable for business analysis, presentations and project work is recommended.
• Successful completion of the research project is compulsory for graduation.
• The programme is assessed through coursework, assignments and the final project rather than traditional final examinations. 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students enrolling in the full-time MBA with a Specialism in Hospitality and Tourism must obtain a Malaysian Student Pass before commencing their studies.

Typical requirements include:

• Valid passport
• APU Offer Letter
• Bachelor's degree certificate and academic transcripts
• English language proficiency documents (if applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Student Pass application processed through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)
• Medical examination
• Medical insurance
• Issuance of the Student Pass and i-Kad after arrival in Malaysia