Food and Beverage Specialization
Program Overview
The Swiss Alpine Center's Food & Beverage Specialization Online/Distance Learning program is a five-course program designed for experienced hospitality professionals seeking advancement. The program covers essential topics such as supervision, beverage operations, food safety, planning and control, and service management.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Swiss Alpine Center offers a 5-course Food & Beverage Specialization Online/Distance Learning program. This distance learning program is designed for industry professionals who have experience, need further certification for advancement, and are limited by time and distance from attending regular classes. Enrollment can begin at any time. The program's advantages include learning while earning, studying at one's own pace, selecting a suitable curriculum, and paying course by course. A framed diploma is awarded upon completion of all five courses.
Outline:
The Food & Beverage Specialization consists of five courses:
Supervision in the Hospitality Industry (#250):
This course focuses on developing effective supervision and management skills. Topics include recruitment, selection, training, increasing productivity, controlling labor costs, effective communication, conflict and change management, time management, and creating a professional development plan.
Managing Beverage Operations (#346):
This course covers managing beverage operations in hospitality, including bartenders' and beverage servers' duties, responsible alcohol service, and product knowledge of beer, spirits, and wines.
Managing Service in Food and Beverage Operations (#349):
This course focuses on planning and managing various food and beverage operations (coffee shops, dining rooms, room service, banquets, etc.). It emphasizes management know-how, planning skills, and techniques for delivering quality service.
Teaching:
The program is delivered online/via distance learning. The text mentions learning at your own pace and selecting a curriculum that suits you, implying a flexible learning structure.
Other:
The program is offered through the Swiss Alpine Center's online campus. The program is described as particularly beneficial for experienced industry professionals seeking advancement or promotion.
Alpine Center, the Swiss Business School For International Hotel & Tourism Management Education
Overview:
Alpine Center is a global educational alliance specializing in hospitality, tourism, events, and culinary arts management education. It was established in Switzerland in 1986 with a mission to take Swiss hospitality education to countries where tourism was developing. Its flagship campus was established in Greece in 1987 and offers a wide range of programs, including certificates, diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, with a focus on practical application of theory and industry placements. the school boasts a vast graduate network with alumni holding leading positions in the hospitality industry worldwide. The Online Campus in Switzerland offers a variety of hospitality management courses online.
Services Offered:
On-campus and distance learning programs:
- Students can choose to study on campus or remotely, catering to different learning preferences and schedules.
Paid industry placements:
- Integral to the curriculum, these placements provide students with practical experience in the hospitality industry, putting theory into practice.
Foundation and English courses:
- These courses prepare students for the academic demands of the programs and ensure they have the necessary language skills.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The school has two campuses: one in Greece with an operating 4-star hotel and another online campus based in Switzerland. Students can expect a diverse and international learning environment, with opportunities to meet people from all over the world. The on-campus experience in Greece includes access to the hotel facilities and the chance to gain practical experience in a real-world setting.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Pioneering leader in hospitality, tourism, and culinary education:
- The school has a long history of providing high-quality education in these fields with an extensive link to the industry, locally and globally.
Vast graduate network:
- Students benefit from the connections and opportunities provided by the school's extensive network of alumni.
Practical experience through industry placements:
- The focus on practical experience ensures students are well-prepared for the demands of the hospitality industry.
International learning environment:
- Students have the opportunity to learn from and interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. In the last 38 years, Alpine Center welcomed students from 70 different countries.
Academic Programs:
The school offers a wide range of programs, including:
Hotel Management:
- A variety of courses, including BA(Hons) International Hospitality & Tourism Management and Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management. In 2026 two new programs will be launched: MSc Luxury Hospitality & Tourism Management, and a BSc(Hons) Hospitality and Events Management.
Culinary Arts:
- Two types of programs are offered: 2-year Swiss Alpine Diploma in Culinary Arts Management and a 2-year Swiss Alpine Diploma in Culinary Arts Operations.
Distance Learning:
- A wide range of distance learning/online courses are available, including 12-course Hospitality Management Diploma Online and 5 Course of Specialization in Rooms Division, Food & Beverage Management, Accounting and Finance, Sales & Marketing, events & Conventions Management, and Spa Management.
Postgraduate Studies:
- An MSc in International Hospitality & Tourism Management, and in 2025, an MSc in Luxury Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Spa Management:
- Courses in Spa Management are offered online.
Cruise Management:
- Courses in Cruise Hotel Operations Management are offered online and on campus.
Foundation & English Courses:
- Courses to prepare students for the academic demands of the programs.
Security Management:
Courses in Hospitality Security Management Career Diploma and Advanced Certificate in Applied Security and Risk Management.
Other:
Undergraduate Programmes are open to all applicants who hold a high school diploma (or equivalent) with a minimum final grade of 60%.
Applicants must also successfully complete an interview with a member of the Senior Team for Exceptional Entry.
Throughout the span of three years, SAC not only imparted theoretical knowledge but also nurtured essential practical competencies crucial for thriving in the ever-evolving hospitality sector. The faculty’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a global outlook proved invaluable, particularly for an international student like me.
....track record of producing successful graduates in the hospitality industry. The alumni network and career support services provided by this institution are exceptional and will undoubtedly help me kick-start my career.
