Sept 2025 Entry
3-5 years
52
Teaching Assistant (TA)
The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) offers TA opportunities, accompanied by monthly financial support on a semester basis, to selected full-time Doctor of Hotel and Tourism Management (DHTM) students. The TA posts are competitive and offered based on academic merit, financial need, previous research and work experience. TAs are expected to participate in teaching, research, administration and other school activities.
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 maximum support offered for an accepted paper is HK$10,000 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.
What's New
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 the unique hotel and tourism context of Asia.
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 to study 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 a Master of Science degree 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.
The SHTM is a pioneer in hotel and tourism education in Asia. Since its establishment in 1979, more than 10,000 students have graduated from the School. Its recent achievements are listed below:
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2024: The SHTM is ranked No. 1 in Asia in the "Hospitality and Leisure Management" category in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
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2023: For the seventh consecutive year, Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects ranked the SHTM No. 1 in the world in the "Hospitality and Tourism Management" category.
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2023: For the sixth consecutive year (2017/18 to 2022/23), the Field-Based Ranking produced by the University Ranking by Academic Performance Laboratory placed PolyU in first place in the "Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services" category.
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2017: The Centre for World University Rankings ranked the School No. 1 for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism.
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2009: The School was ranked the second best hotel and tourism school in the world based on scholarship, according to a study published in the November issue of the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research.
With close to four decades of impressive development, the School has established itself as a world-class centre for hospitality and tourism education and research. These rankings stand as proof of the extent to which the SHTM is effective and instrumental in furthering hospitality and tourism knowledge.
Other Marks of Excellence
In 1999, the SHTM was designated as a global Education and Training Network Centre by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO); the School is also a member of the UNWTO Knowledge Network. Since then, the SHTM has continued to receive global accolades and recognition. In 2001, it became one of the first educational institutions to receive UNWTO TedQual Certification, a quality assurance certification 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. In 2003, the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) honoured the School with the ISTTE Institutional Achievement Award, recognising its significant contributions to tourism education.
In 2012, just one year after the official opening of Hotel ICON, the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (I-CHRIE) honoured the School with the McCool Breakthrough Award in recognition of the achievements of Hotel ICON, the ground-breaking teaching and research hotel that is at the heart of the School’s innovative approach to hospitality and tourism education.
The School’s distinguished faculty are one of its cornerstones. In 2011, Professor Kaye Chon, SHTM Dean and Chair Professor and Walter Kwok Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, received the UNWTO Ulysses Prize, a prestigious award widely recognised as the “Nobel Prize in Tourism”.
The School’s faculty members are not just excellent teachers but are also active players in the hospitality industry, holding executive or advisory positions in many international, regional and local tourism organisations, including the following:
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Asia Pacific Ecotourism Society
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Asia Pacific Tourism Association
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Asia-Pacific CHRIE
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China Tourism Academy
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Hong Kong Association of Registered Tour Coordinators
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Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents
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Hong Kong Quality Assurance Council
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Hong Kong Wine Judges Association
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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals
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Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
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Institute of Hospitality
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International Academy for the Study of Tourism
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International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education
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International Institute of Forecasters
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International Recreation and Vacation Society
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International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators
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International Sociological Association
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Meeting Professionals International
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Pacific Asia Travel Association
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SKAL International Hong Kong
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Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong
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United Nations World Tourism Organisation
The DHTM programme has successfully passed the World Tourism Organisation’s TedQual audit and received accreditation.
Programme Structure
The D.HTM programme offers two study streams and an integrated study option to cater to the needs of students. The “Industry” stream includes two high-level management subjects, while the “Academic/NTO” stream places more emphasis on research and teaching. The integrated study option allows students to complete one subject from each of the Specialist Streams.
Core Areas of Study
The D.HTM programme consists of a Residential Workshop, an AIE subject, 5 Compulsory Subjects, 2 Specialist Subjects, 2 Elective Subjects and a Thesis or Research Publication.
Residential Workshop and AIE subject
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HTM6001 Residential Workshop (no Credit)
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HTM5T02 Academic Integrity and Ethics (AIE subject) in Business Studies and Research (1 Credit)
Compulsory Subjects
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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)
Specialist Subjects under the Academic/NTO Stream
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HTM6003 Hotel & Tourism Management Education (3 Credits)
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HTM6008 Hotel & Tourism Management Research Seminar (3 Credits)
Specialist Subjects under the Industry Stream
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HTM6010 Innovations in Hospitality Management Solutions (3 Credits)
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HTM6011 Hotel & Tourism Senior Executive Seminars (3 Credits)
Elective Subjects (6 Credits)
Students can choose 2 elective subjects from the following:
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Specialist Subjects from the other stream
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HTM6009 Independent Study in Hotel and Tourism Management
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HTM6015 Advanced Research Methods for Hotel and Tourism Management
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Subjects from the MSc in International Hospitality Management and the MSc in International Tourism and Convention Management
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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 the formal thesis. It demonstrates the candidate’s ability to undertake significant original research that provides insight into professional practice and/or applies theoretical and practical knowledge to the solution of an important applied problem of relevance to the profession. The thesis reflects 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.
Research Publications (24 Credits)
In place of the thesis, students with a stronger research background may consider taking the “Research Publications” option. Students will be required to conduct academic research independently and to publish a full refereed paper in a journal ranked at SHTM threshold B or above (i.e., one in grade A and the other in grade B or above) with first authorship, together with a supervisor.
52
Dr 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 a supervisory or managerial level in the hotel, tourism or related industries
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Substantial and relevant work experience (of normally not less than 3* years at a supervisory or managerial level in the hotel, tourism or related industries)
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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 is awarded by an institution where the medium of instruction is English, s/he is 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, the IELTS Online and IELTS indicator test results will not be considered for meeting the English language Requirements for taught programmes. Individual cases will be considered on their own merit by the department. Applicants may be required to attend interviews or tests to further demonstrate their language proficiency.
All applicants should also submit the following documents together with a completed online application form:
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A self-recommendation letter that includes a self-introduction and covers career aspirations and reasons for pursuing study in the programme (400 words or less);
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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 past and current employment records;
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One letter of recommendation from either the applicant’s employer or university.
Notes
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Applicants who obtained their qualifications from the Chinese mainland are required to provide an Academic Credential (学历证书) to prove that they have completed their academic learning in an institution within the Ministry of Education (MoE) system and were admitted to the institution in accordance with the standards stipulated by the MoE.
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Further to the above, the applicants concerned 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 Doctorate level) and to confirm that the certificate was issued by the tertiary institution approved by the MoE.
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If the applicant’s graduation certificate(s)/academic transcript(s) are not written in English, s/he should provide an official translated copy of each graduation certificate or academic transcript in English for admissions. 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.
For information on academic matters, please contact:
Dr 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$74,400, which covers the tuition fees for a 3-credit subject plus the residential workshop and overseas study tour fees.
HK$568,800 per programme
“I am so proud to be one of the students in the world’s leading institution of hospitality and tourism”, shares Ms Suttichit. Benefiting from the high-quality education taught by her lecturers, #DHTM “allows me to fully enhance my academic and practical skills, thus fulfilling my desire to become an academic” in the field.
#DHTM “has broadened my work scope beyond a single aspect of the field”, says Ms Suttichit, “deepening my knowledge by providing in-depth and detailed information beyond what I have experienced and learnt”. The flexibility offered by the “block-mode class schedule is perfect for a working student like me”.
“The #DHTM programme is of great significance to my life and future career planning”, says Mr Cheng. “With professional courses and the best professors, I couldn't ask for more”.
A personal resume (CV) is required.
Graduation Certificate(s) and Academic Transcript(s) are required.
Notes
Applicants who obtained their qualifications in mainland China must provide their Academic Credential (学历证书) to prove that they have completed their academic learning at an institution under the Ministry of Education (MoE) system and were admitted to the institution in accordance with the standards stipulated by the MoE.
In addition to the above, the applicants concerned are required to provide a Degree Certificate (学位证书) to certify the 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.
If an applicant's graduation certificate(s)/academic transcript(s) is/are not written in English, s/he must provide an official translated copy of each graduation certificate or academic transcript in English to meet the admissions requirements. Otherwise, the application may not be considered.
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.
- Proof of past and current employment record(s) is required.
- At least one letter of recommendation from either your employer or university is required.
- Proof of TOFEL or IELTS results to demonstrate your English proficiency if you are not a native English speaker, or your Bachelor's or Master's degree was awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English.
If you are a native English speaker or your Bachelor's or Master's degree was taught in English, you can submit proof (e.g. a certification letter provided by your institution) to pass the required field. - Applicants may provide GMAT or GRE scores, if available.
