Sept 2027 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 financial support aims 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 www.wfsfaa.gov.hk.
Disclaimer:
PolyU reserves the right to change or withdraw financial support for TAs or conference attendance at any time. In the event of a dispute/disagreement, PolyU’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: 2026-10-20
Main Round: 2027-02-25
Early Round: 2026-10-20
Main Round: 2027-02-25
What's New
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are many different rankings published by various sources worldwide, all based on various combinations of criteria such as research excellence, expertise, student options, graduate employment and so on. 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.
#1 Globally in Hospitality and Tourism Management
ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025
In ShangaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025, the SHTM ranked in the top spot in the “Hospitality and Tourism Management” category for the 9th year in a row. This ranking by one of the most well-respected sources worldwide confirms our School's outstanding reputation and commitment to global excellence in hospitality and tourism education and research.
#1 Globally in Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services
University Ranking by Academic Performance 2024–2025
For eight consecutive years, the Field Based Ranking produced by the University Ranking by Academic Performance Research Laboratory placed PolyU in the top spot in the “Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services” category.
#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.
#2 Globally in Hospitality and Leisure Management
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
The SHTM ranks No. 2 globally among comprehensive universities in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” subject area in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
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.
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.
Other Marks of Excellence
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, a quality assurance system for tourism education, training, and research.
In 2002, the SHTM became the home of the permanent secretariat of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism (IAST), which works to advance scientific knowledge and understanding of tourism through theoretical and practical research. The next year, the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) recognised the School with an "ISTTE Institutional Achievement Award" for significant contributions to tourism education. In exactly two decades after first receiving it, the SHTM became a two-time recipient of the ISTTE Award in 2023.
In 2012, one year after the SHTM officially opened Hotel ICON, the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (I-CHRIE) bestowed the School with the McCool Breakthrough Award in recognition of the ground-breaking teaching and research hotel – the heart of the School's innovative approach to hospitality and tourism education.
A distinguished faculty is 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 honoured with the UNWTO Ulysses Prize, a top honour that is widely considered the "Nobel Prize in Tourism".
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:
- 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.
Residential Workshop and AIE Subject (1 credit)
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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)
Compulsory Subjects (15 credits)
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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)
Elective Subjects (12 credits)
Students can choose 4 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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HTM6XXX Experimental Reseach in Hospitality and Tourism (3 credits) (Subject Code to be confirmed)
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Subjects from the MSc Scheme in Hospitality and Tourism Management (Up to two MSc subjects only)
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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.
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.
52
Prof. Deniz Kucukusta
PhD
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An MSc in Hotel and Tourism Management or an equivalent qualification
PLUS -
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
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.
All applicants should also submit the following documents together with a completed online application form on PolyU eAdmission:
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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 TOEFL or IELTS results to demonstrate English proficiency;
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Personal resume (CV);
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Proof of current and past employment;
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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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At least one letter of recommendation from either the applicant’s employer or their university;
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Other professional records or attainments, if any.
Notes
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Applicants who obtained their qualifications in Chinese Mainland 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).
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).
Alternatively, please visit the SHTM website at www.polyu.edu.hk/htm/dhtm.
HK$617,400 per programme (including HTM6001 Residential Workshop)
Note: The above tuition fees include an amount of HK$10,500 for HTM6001 Residential Workshop. Furthermore, prospective students should note that an additional tour fee for HTM6005 Asian Paradigm in Hospitality Management will be charged. The exact amount of the tour fee depends on the selected destination.
Studying in Hong Kong has always appealed to me for its global connectivity and vibrant hospitality and tourism scene, as it is home to world-renowned attractions like Disneyland and iconic hotels such as the Rosewood. As one of the world’s most reputable hospitality and tourism schools, SHTM offers the ideal gateway to deepen my industry knowledge.
Having lived in both Las Vegas and Macau, most of my career has centred on the gaming industry, even though my bachelor’s and master’s degrees are in hospitality management. The D.HTM programme has broadened my strategic perspective and strengthened my research capabilities, which I apply directly to my professional work.
Learning alongside a highly diverse cohort enriches discussions with multicultural insights, and I am consistently impressed by the teaching staff’s industry experience, academic depth, and dedication. A programme highlight is the Asia Paradigm, an experience that goes beyond a field trip and serves as a meaningful platform connecting students with regional industry leaders.
To prospective students, I’d say: be curious, be open, and be innovative.
It has been an incredible privilege to pursue my doctoral journey at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). The D.HTM programme has provided me with a unique opportunity to learn from both esteemed scholars and a cohort of peers who bring immense global industry experience to our discussions. For me, this programme strikes a solid balance; it has challenged me to grow profoundly personally and professionally, while also allowing me to maintain my career in the field.
In this vibrant and ever-changing industry, the ability to bridge academic theory with practical application is critical, and SHTM provides the ideal platform for that integration. I am grateful for the guidance and resources the school has provided thus far, and I am truly honoured to be a part of this dynamic community.
A personal resume (CV) is required.
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.
At least one letter of recommendation from either your employer or university is required.
