Villa College launches Master's programme in International Tourism and Hospitality Management

Villa College has launched a new postgraduate programme aimed at developing the next generation of leaders for the tourism and hospitality industry, with applications now open for the September 2026 intake.

The Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management, introduced on July 21, has been developed by the College's School of Hospitality, Tourism and Experiential Industries to equip professionals with advanced strategic, leadership and operational skills required in the rapidly evolving tourism sector.

Villa College said the programme is designed to meet the growing demand for highly qualified tourism leaders in the Maldives and the wider Asia-Pacific region while allowing working professionals to pursue higher education without interrupting their careers.

The programme adopts a blended learning model, combining online learning with face-to-face instruction, enabling students to balance academic study alongside full-time employment.

Vice Rector Dr. Ali Najeeb said the College has a responsibility to develop professionals capable of strategic thinking and leadership, adding that the programme offers industry practitioners the opportunity to earn an internationally recognised qualification while remaining in the Maldives.

The curriculum is spread across three semesters. The first semester focuses on strategic leadership, innovation, customer experience, sustainability and resilience, while the second semester covers digital transformation, hospitality data analytics, financial planning, business research methods and elective specialisations, including project management, global marketing, hospitality law and cultural tourism.

Students will complete the programme with a 30-credit capstone project, choosing between an action research paper, an executive project or a case study research paper.

Assistant Professor Dr. Mohamed Uzain said the programme combines academic theory with practical application, placing particular emphasis on digital transformation, data analytics and sustainable tourism management to prepare graduates for an increasingly dynamic business environment.

Villa College has also introduced flexible admission pathways for experienced industry professionals. In addition to applicants holding relevant bachelor's degrees or Level 8 graduate diplomas, professionals aged 25 and above with recognised qualifications and significant industry experience may qualify through a pre-Master's pathway approved by the Maldives Qualifications Authority.

Applications for the September 2026 intake are currently open through the Villa College website.