Is a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management in Canada Necessary?

Canada is one of the most sought-after countries for studying for a master degree in hospitality management in Canada.

Not only does Canada offers quality education and is globally recognized, but the Canadian tuition fee in comparison to other English-speaking countries is also considerably less expensive.

With flexible post-study work and immigration schemes, Canada is an excellent country for international students to live in. The government provides a safe, economically stable, and multicultural society that attracts many international students worldwide.

Why do people want to study for a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management in Canada?

Canada is well-known for its nature, opportunities and diversity. The country has a wide range of sceneries and beautiful cities.

The fast-growing economy and its education attract countless internationals to come to study and work.

Canadian colleges and universities are known for their outstanding reputations. Moreover, there are unlimited opportunities in Canada, which makes the country one of the highest standard living countries in the world.

With that said, there are a few reasons why a master’s degree is a popular choice for international students.

1. Opportunity to advance a career

   Many international students believe that having a master’s degree can advance their careers further than having a College Diploma. In some professions, a master’s degree is definitely one of the requirements. However, many professions in Canada do not require a candidate to have a master’s degree.

   For some, a master’s degree from Canada can be seen as a high reputation profile which can be helpful when searching for a job in their home countries.

2. To work in high-paying professions

   In some professions, getting a master’s degree is a must. It shows that the individual is dedicated and specialized, which can be a competitive advantage when it comes to getting a job that offers a high-paying rate.

3. Chance to be granted with Post-Graduate work permit (PGWP)

   Students who have graduated from the Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) are eligible to apply for an open work permit to gain Canadian Experience. For this reason, many international students who have graduated with Bachelor’s chose to study for master’s degrees in Canada.

Labour Shortages in the Hospitality and Tourism sector in Canada

The Hospitality and Tourism sector is one of the hardest hit by pandemics. Followed by rules and regulations from the government of Canada, the industry gradually opens and operates again. Consequently, this leads to high demand for skilled workers.

According to a report from Deloitte, the labour demand in the hospitality industry is increased and will continue rising throughout the year 2022. Furthermore, a report from Statistics Canada shows there are 86,400 job vacancies in hospitality, restaurants and catering, which has increased by 112.8 percent since the pandemic.

Similarly, the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) forecasts that British Columbia will have more than 100,000 tourism and hospitality-related job openings. However, the province is expected a shortfall of around 14,000 workers to fill those positions, especially during the peak seasons.

A while back, we have written a blog where on finding a job in the Hospitality and Tourism sector in Canada. Check it out. It is helpful for some of you who have a background in Hospitality and Tourism.

Is a master’s degree necessary in Canada?

The answer to this question lies within your goal. For some, having a master’s means a better career opportunity but for some, having skills and experience in the field is a more suitable choice.

To give you an overall picture of the differences between a Master’s degree and a Co-op Diploma in Hospitality Management, we gathered all requirements needed for both. Let’s take a look.

Studying for a master’s in hotel management in Canada abroad may be an expensive business; from the beginning of your research to the curriculum and institutions to the completion of the degree itself, it may take up a large part of your life. It is costly and time-consuming.

Masters in hotel management in Canada fees can reach up to 65,000CAD/a year.

Even though it can grant you suitable employment and growth opportunities, having a Diploma from a reputable college like Cornerstone College can also provide career opportunities just as much and maybe more.

Top Universities for Masters in Hospitality Management in Canada

1. Master of Science in Hospitality Management – Fairleigh Dickinson University
2. Master of Arts in Tourism Management – Royal Roads University
3. Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management – Vancouver Island University
4. M.B.A Hospitality and Tourism Management – University of Guelph

Educational Background and Experience Required for Hospitality Jobs

The educational requirements for hospitality sector jobs depend on different positions and levels. For example, for management roles, a degree or a master’s degree might be one of the requirements. In contrast, positions like a hotel receptionist, hotel administrative support, housekeeping, Food and Beverage and more may not require such a high degree as a master’s.

A candidate with a college diploma in Hospitality Management plus a work background in the industry is typically preferred by many employers in Canada. According to an article from Vancouver Sun, the intensity of skills shortage is so high that companies are looking to hire a candidate who can immediately work and apply micro-credential skills in the field rather than waiting for universities.

But what about you who have only limited experience or have never worked in the Hospitality and Tourism industries? How can you start your career in Canada?

The easiest and fastest way for you is to consider taking education in Canada, especially a program that offers theory and practical skills with an opportunity to work in the field.

Cornerstone College offers Hospitality Management Co-op Diploma program, in which our curriculum is tailored by Hospitality Management Specialists who have extensive experience in the industry. Our Co-op Diploma is an advantage for many international students starting their first job in Canada. Students will be trained with hospitality management skills needed.

Skills in Hotel and restaurant operations, International marketing for hospitality management, Food preparation and service, Front and back-office operations, Intercultural team dynamics in hospitality Hospitality industry trends and sustainability practices are one of the trendings and highly demanded from Hospitality Management in Canada.

Why Does Our Hospitality Management Co-op Diploma Benefit Hospitality Demands?

As an international student, you can utilize your experience from your home country in the Canadian job market. However, there are certain skills or knowledge required in hospitality positions that you may need to bridge the gaps and land your dream job in hospitality.

Our Hospitality Management students are regularly trained in helpful training certifications that are required when working within the specific hospitality industry role in British Columbia such as Serving It Right, Foodsafe BC and Safety training. In addition to that, computer skills such as PMS and POS training are also available.

1. Serving It Right

   Serving It Right is British Columbia’s responsible liquor sales and service mandatory program for everyone involved in the sale and service of liquor. The program is designed to help make sure that the service and sale of liquor are done according to law.

   The course provides effective techniques to prevent problems related to the service of liquor such as signs of intoxication, risk of violence, preventing the sale of alcohol to a minor and legal liability and more.

2. Foodsafe BC

   Foodsafe BC is a food-safety training program for the food industry. The programs are focused on how to process, prepare, handle and serve food safely. In many places in British Columbia, the certification of Foodsafe level 1 is mandatory for people working in the food service industry.

3. Safety training

   Safety training refers to work-site safety orientation or formal training for certification. When starting working, a company is responsible for informing you of safety risks and hazards and ensuring that you are provided with the training to do your job safely.

Conclusion

Based on the research we have done for you, studying a master’s in hospitality management in Canada is not really cost-effective.

As we are all living in a dynamic world, technologies and trends in hospitality management evolving way faster than we expect. Keeping yourself updated can only be possible with micro-credential learning other than struggling theories in master’s degree programs.

In 2022, micro-credentials that you will be having are going to become a key to getting accepted into most of the job positions in the hospitality industry.

Q&A

Is a masters’ degree in hospitality management worth it?

For students who are planning to have an academic career teaching at universities in Canada, you better go through this challenge as it will be necessary to build an academic career. However, if your plan is to gain more experience have practical learning to get what you exactly need in the hospitality industry, the money and time that you spend may not be worth it.

Do you need a master’s degree to work in Hospitality Management?

The answer is no. However, some educational background in Hospitality is needed. Positions like a hotel receptionist, hotel administrative support, Food and Beverage, Financial Services, and more may not require such as high degree as a master’s. Most of the time a candidate with a college diploma in Hospitality Management plus a working background in the industry is typically preferred by many employees.