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Posted May 27, 2026

Does experience or expertise count? Why hospitality professionals study at masters level

While a relatively niche area of postgraduate study, the number of hospitality-related masters degrees is growing in the UK – which is odd considering that it is traditionally a field that values experience above all else. The pursuit of knowledge through academia however is refining the industry as we know it with many people considering masters level study as a result.

In this blog post, we ask whether experience or expertise matters more in today’s hospitality sector, and how a masters degree fits into the equation…

Experience vs expertise in hospitality

As we touched on previously, it’s experience that typically outweighs qualifications in this particular industry, especially at entry level.

As professionals progress and move up the food chain however, those looking to excel in leadership positions within hospitality want to enrich this hands-on experience with cold, hard operational knowledge, and it’s a system that works well for those working their way to the top end of the industry.

Why hospitality professionals choose masters study

Making the leap from doing a job to running a business isn’t easy. It takes knowledge and understanding, which is a foundation that can be laid with ease via a masters degree in hospitality. Excitingly, many masters courses use real-world scenarios to instil this know-how. Just take this MSc in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Plymouth as a prime example:

“Our programme has developed close relationships with the tourism and hospitality industry. You can access a range of industry engagement opportunities such consultancy projects for real businesses, guest sessions from industry practitioners, industry-led workshops and fieldwork visits to travel related exhibitions and destinations. Such opportunities help you develop critical insights into the industry.”

With a masters degree under your belt, you’ll gain the formal business and leadership skills to consolidate the experience you’ve already gained within an industry you know and love.

Stand out on the global scene with a masters in hospitality

The hospitality sector is notoriously competitive; it also offers some fantastic opportunities globally. By studying a masters in hospitality, you’ll stand out from the crowd when applying for roles in the UK or overseas. For those looking to enter hospitality from another field, a masters offers the edge as well as accelerates progression to bigger and better things.

Many masters programs also provide the chance to build valuable industry connections that will serve you well long after graduation. Placements, internships and networking opportunities foster strong links with others within the industry, including hotel chains and tourism organisations, opening doors that can’t be opened with experience alone.

Find out more about studying hospitality at masters level

Whether your aim is to bridge the gap between experience and leadership, open doors to international career opportunities or access higher-level (higher paid) jobs faster, exploring our masters courses in hospitality is a great place to begin. There are hundreds to choose from, start your search today.

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