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The Final Thesis, positioned in the fourth block of the Master’s programme, serves as the capstone of students’ academic journey. In this phase, students critically analyse and problematise an issue within one of the thematic domains, driving meaningful transformation in the hotel sector. Working closely with a research commissioner from HTH Research Centre faculty and embedded within an industry context, students demonstrate mastery in their chosen Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs).
Through Design-Based Research (DBR), students engage in an iterative problem-solving approach to address pressing industry challenges, including digital transformation, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Collaborating closely with faculty and industry partners, they undertake high-impact projects that bridge theory with real-world application.
For example, current students are developing VR training modules for hotel staff at Andaz Prinsengracht Amsterdam (Hyatt) and Moxy Hotels (Marriott) and exploring automation technologies in housekeeping at Hilton Garden Inn Leiden. These projects exemplify the programme’s commitment to practical skill development and industry engagement, allowing students to apply their academic learning to real-world transformations.
Aligned with this hands-on approach, MA LHT thesis topics reflect key industry challenges, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, digitalization, and governance. Students are encouraged to align their research interests with emerging trends, ensuring their work contributes meaningfully to industry advancements.
Reflecting on the National Student Survey (NSE) scores, the MA.LHT programme consistently receives positive feedback for its practical orientation and skill acquisition. The table below summarises the relevant NSE scores from 2022 to 2024:
Connection to Professional Practice | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
Acquiring skills for professional practice | 4,07 | 4,13 | 4,13 |
The link to professional practice | 4,36 | 3,60 | 3,60 |
Match between content of the programme and current developments | 4,21 | 4,13 | 4,13 |
Applying facts, theories, or methods to practical problems or new situations | — | — | 4,00 |
NSE National Student Survey 2022-2024: MA Leading Hotel Transformation; 5-point scale
These scores indicate that students appreciate the programme's emphasis on aligning academic content with industry needs, ensuring they are well-prepared to apply their knowledge in professional settings. The consistent ratings in skill acquisition and the application of knowledge to practical problems highlight the programme's effectiveness in equipping students with the competencies required to navigate and lead in the evolving hospitality sector.
In addition, a recent alumni survey shows high satisfaction, with an overall recommendation score of 4.3. Alumni report that the programme’s focus on employability and leadership development significantly contributed to their success in the industry, further confirming the programme’s impact on career readiness.
A notable testimonial from Domien Laureyns, Director of Rooms at Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, exemplifies the impact of our students on the hospitality industry:
“Being a commissioner was pleasant and rewarding. We experienced the students to be naturally curious and incredibly enthusiastic. The academic approach of the students confirmed things we’re doing great but also helped us to identify tangible opportunities for improvement. Some of which were implemented shortly after the final presentations. The exposure to these students also had a major return for us as we were lucky enough to attract two of the students for full-time employment after their graduation. Both individuals are performing really well and are seen as high potentials within our organization.”
Domien Laureyns, Director of Rooms - Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam
This testimonial highlights the programme’s effectiveness in preparing students for real-world challenges, as well as the value that industry partners find in the insights and contributions from our graduates. Furthermore, it underscores the success of our industry collaborations, with graduates being recognised for their contributions and subsequently hired by top industry players.
The 2024 NSE results further highlight the programme's strengths:
NSE 2024 Master Leading Hotel Transformation | Score |
Professional Networking Activities | 3,93 |
Preparation as Future-Proof Hospitality Professionals | 4,14 |
Personal and Professional Development Opportunities | 3,86 and 3,93 |
NSE National Student Survey 2024: MA Leading Hotel Transformation; 5-point scale
These results affirm the programme’s excellence in career preparation and professional development, indicating a positive alignment with industry expectations. The high scores in professional networking activities and preparation as future-proof hospitality professionals emphasize the programme's strong industry connections, aligning with MA.LHT's emphasis on real-world collaboration.
We trust these milestones demonstrate that our MA.LHT programme successfully delivers on its intended exit-level competencies (PLOs), equipping our graduates with the expertise to drive meaningful change in the hospitality sector.
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These results affirm the programme’s excellence in career preparation and professional development, indicating a positive alignment with industry expectations. The high scores in professional networking activities and preparation as future-proof hospitality professionals emphasize the programme's strong industry connections, aligning with MA.LHT's emphasis on real-world collaboration.
We trust these milestones demonstrate that our MA.LHT programme successfully delivers on its intended exit-level competencies (PLOs), equipping our graduates with the expertise to drive meaningful change in the hospitality sector.
NSE National Student Survey 2024: MA Leading Hotel Transformation; 5-point scale
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NSE 2024 Master Leading Hotel Transformation | Score |
Professional Networking Activities | 3,93 |
Preparation as Future-Proof Hospitality Professionals | 4,14 |
Personal and Professional Development Opportunities | 3,86 and 3,93 |
The 2024 NSE results further highlight the programme's strengths:
This testimonial highlights the programme’s effectiveness in preparing students for real-world challenges, as well as the value that industry partners find in the insights and contributions from our graduates. Furthermore, it underscores the success of our industry collaborations, with graduates being recognised for their contributions and subsequently hired by top industry players.
“Being a commissioner was pleasant and rewarding. We experienced the students to be naturally curious and incredibly enthusiastic. The academic approach of the students confirmed things we’re doing great but also helped us to identify tangible opportunities for improvement. Some of which were implemented shortly after the final presentations. The exposure to these students also had a major return for us as we were lucky enough to attract two of the students for full-time employment after their graduation. Both individuals are performing really well and are seen as high potentials within our organization.”
Domien Laureyns, Director of Rooms - Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam
These scores indicate that students appreciate the programme's emphasis on aligning academic content with industry needs, ensuring they are well-prepared to apply their knowledge in professional settings. The consistent ratings in skill acquisition and the application of knowledge to practical problems highlight the programme's effectiveness in equipping students with the competencies required to navigate and lead in the evolving hospitality sector.
In addition, a recent alumni survey shows high satisfaction, with an overall recommendation score of 4.3. Alumni report that the programme’s focus on employability and leadership development significantly contributed to their success in the industry, further confirming the programme’s impact on career readiness.
A notable testimonial from Domien Laureyns, Director of Rooms at Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, exemplifies the impact of our students on the hospitality industry:
NSE National Student Survey 2022-2024: MA Leading Hotel Transformation; 5-point scale
Scroll
Connection to Professional Practice | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
Acquiring skills for professional practice | 4,07 | 4,13 | 4,13 |
The link to professional practice | 4,36 | 3,60 | 3,60 |
Match between content of the programme and current developments | 4,21 | 4,13 | 4,13 |
Applying facts, theories, or methods to practical problems or new situations | — | — | 4,00 |
For example, current students are developing VR training modules for hotel staff at Andaz Prinsengracht Amsterdam (Hyatt) and Moxy Hotels (Marriott) and exploring automation technologies in housekeeping at Hilton Garden Inn Leiden. These projects exemplify the programme’s commitment to practical skill development and industry engagement, allowing students to apply their academic learning to real-world transformations.
Aligned with this hands-on approach, MA LHT thesis topics reflect key industry challenges, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, digitalization, and governance. Students are encouraged to align their research interests with emerging trends, ensuring their work contributes meaningfully to industry advancements.
Reflecting on the National Student Survey (NSE) scores, the MA.LHT programme consistently receives positive feedback for its practical orientation and skill acquisition. The table below summarises the relevant NSE scores from 2022 to 2024:
The Final Thesis, positioned in the fourth block of the Master’s programme, serves as the capstone of students’ academic journey. In this phase, students critically analyse and problematise an issue within one of the thematic domains, driving meaningful transformation in the hotel sector. Working closely with a research commissioner from HTH Research Centre faculty and embedded within an industry context, students demonstrate mastery in their chosen Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs).
Through Design-Based Research (DBR), students engage in an iterative problem-solving approach to address pressing industry challenges, including digital transformation, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Collaborating closely with faculty and industry partners, they undertake high-impact projects that bridge theory with real-world application.
Back to top