Faculty of Management Sciences Department of Hospitality Management Master of Philosophy(MPhil) in Management Sciences: Hospitality Management
Master of Philosophy(MPhil) in Management Sciences: Hospitality Management

Career Opportunities & Professional Pathways

The Master of Philosophy in Hospitality Management is an advanced, research-based qualification at NQF Level 9. It equips candidates with the independent research capabilities and strategic insight required to drive service excellence, optimise operational frameworks, and lead complex hospitality enterprises. Holders of this qualification are well-positioned for high-impact roles across multiple sectors, as well as for further doctoral studies. Career pathways include:

  • Senior Hospitality Leadership: Hotel and Resort Directors, Regional Operations Managers, and Hospitality Executives, applying rigorous research methodologies to optimise service delivery, enhance guest satisfaction, and drive profitability in complex, labour-intensive environments.
  • Hospitality Academia & Advanced Research: University Lecturers, Academic Researchers, and PhD Candidates, contributing to the scholarly body of knowledge in hospitality management, mentoring future industry leaders, and pursuing advanced doctoral research.
  • Strategic Hospitality Consultancy: Independent Hospitality Consultants, Feasibility Analysts, and Service Quality Advisors, leveraging deep, evidence-based insights to advise hotel groups, restaurant chains, and event venues on market expansion, operational restructuring, and customer experience design.
  • Human Capital & Organisational Development: Hospitality Training Directors and Organisational Development Specialists, utilising advanced research findings to design impactful work-integrated learning programmes, improve employee motivation, and foster sustainable workplace cultures.

Research Output & Dissertations

As a research-only Master’s degree, this programme culminates in a substantial, original dissertation. Prospective students are encouraged to review past research to understand the scope, rigour, and real-world impact of the work produced within the Faculty of Management Sciences.

Why choose CUT?
Masters : Master of Philosophy(MPhil) in Management Sciences: Hospitality Management

HBMT609

Campus

Duration of Programme

SAQA Credits

NQF Level

Bloemfontein Campus

2 years (full-time), 4 years (part-time)

180

9

Programme-Specific Requirements

Minimum Prior Qualification

An appropriate qualification at NQF Level 8, specifically:

  • A cognate Postgraduate Diploma, OR
  • A cognate Honours degree, OR
  • A cognate professional degree.

Required Academic Performance

  • A minimum average of 60% in the preceding NQF Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma, Honours degree, or fourth-year level of a professional degree.
  • A minimum score of 60% in a 24-credit Research Methodology course at NQF Level 8.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): May be considered for applicants who do not meet the minimum academic qualification requirements, subject to specific conditions.
  • Review Process: Admission to this Master’s degree is strictly subject to a formal departmental review and selection process.

Programme Regulations & Provisional Admission Process

  • Degree Type & Duration: This is a research-only Master’s degree (MPhil) (180 SAQA credits, NQF Level 9) with no formal coursework. Duration is 1–4 years (full-time) or 2–4 years (part-time).
  • Provisional Admission Period: Students are provisionally admitted and given a maximum of 6 months (full-time) or 12 months (part-time) to prepare a research proposal. During this time, they will be exposed to three optional research modules (A, B, and C) in a seminar format.
  • Proposal Approval Process: The research proposal, developed in conjunction with CUT, must first be presented at the departmental level, and subsequently to the Faculty Research and Innovation Committee (FRIC). Only upon acceptance by FRIC will the student be formally registered to proceed with empirical research.
  • Termination of Admission: Failure to fulfil the proposal submission conditions within the allotted time may lead to the termination of provisional admission, unless an acceptable extenuating motivation is provided (in which case, one final extension period may be granted).
  • Graduation: After successful completion and examination of the dissertation, the Master of Philosophy in Management Sciences (Hospitality Management) will be awarded during an official graduation ceremony of CUT.

Need the Full Programme Details? Consult the Student Calendar

We know that choosing your future is a big step! While this page gives you the key highlights, the official CUT Student Calendar is your complete, authoritative guide. We highly recommend reviewing it to see full details on this programme, including admission criteria, complete module structures, assessment rules, and what to expect during your studies.

 View the Student Calendar →
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