Back 18.08.2026 Blog

What Is a Bridging Programme and Why Might It Be the Right Start for Your Bachelor’s Degree?

Starting a bachelor’s degree is a big step. For some students, however, going directly from secondary school into a degree programme is not necessarily the best option. They may need more time to develop their academic skills, improve their English, become familiar with university-level learning, or simply gain a better understanding of the subject they want to study.

This is where a bridging programme can help.

Bridging programmes are designed to help students move from one level of education into another. Rather than immediately entering a full bachelor’s degree, students spend a period of time developing the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed at the next stage.

You may also hear these programmes described as pre-university programmes, university preparation programmes, foundation programmes, pathway programmes, preparatory programmes or BA preparation programmes. The terminology varies between countries and institutions, but the general idea is similar: they provide a bridge between a student's existing education and a higher-level degree.

At BHMS, this pathway takes the form of the Certificate in Hospitality and Business Operations, a six-month programme designed to prepare international students for progression into Year 1 of selected BHMS/RGU bachelor's degrees.

Why choose a bridging programme before a bachelor's degree?

For students who already meet the direct entry requirements for a bachelor's degree, starting the degree immediately may make sense. But not every student arrives at university with the same academic background or level of preparation.

A bridging programme can be particularly useful if you want to:

Build confidence before starting university

Moving from school into higher education can be a major adjustment. Students have to become more independent, manage their time, participate in group work and take greater responsibility for their own learning.

A preparation programme gives students the opportunity to make this transition gradually rather than having to learn everything at the same time as starting their bachelor's degree.

Strengthen your academic and communication skills

University-level study requires more than knowing the subject. Students need to research information, communicate ideas clearly, work with others and present their thinking professionally.

For international students, studying in English can add another challenge. A preparatory programme provides an opportunity to strengthen communication skills while learning about the subject area at the same time.

Get an introduction to your future field

Choosing a bachelor's degree is an important decision. A bridging programme can give students an early introduction to the industry and subjects they are considering before they commit to several years of degree-level study.

For someone considering hospitality, business or culinary arts, this can mean discovering which areas they enjoy most and developing a clearer idea of where they want their career to go.

Develop practical skills, not just academic knowledge

Many preparation programmes are designed around practical activities, projects and teamwork. This can make the transition into a bachelor's degree easier because students have already experienced some of the ways they will be expected to learn and work.

For hospitality in particular, this practical approach is important. The industry is people-focused and international, so communication, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving are just as important as academic knowledge.

What is the BHMS Certificate in Hospitality and Business Operations?

The Certificate in Hospitality and Business Operations is a one-semester, six-month BA preparation programme at BHMS in Switzerland.

It is designed for ambitious international students who need a bridge into Year 1 of the BHMS bachelor's degree programmes. The programme combines academic preparation with practical industry insights and gives students a foundation in business, hospitality and professional communication.

After completing the preparation programme, students can progress towards a BHMS/RGU bachelor's degree in:

Global Business Management
Hotel and Hospitality Management
Culinary Arts

This means the certificate is not simply a standalone introduction to hospitality. It is designed as the first step towards a bachelor's degree and an international career.

What will you study?

The programme covers several areas that help students build a broad understanding of business and hospitality.

Exploring business and hospitality

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of the industries they are preparing to enter. This provides a foundation for understanding how businesses operate and how the hospitality and service sectors work.

Creative marketing and brand promotion

Marketing is an important part of modern hospitality and business. Students explore how organisations build their brands, communicate with customers and promote their products and services.

These skills can also be useful beyond hospitality, particularly in areas such as retail, tourism, events and other customer-focused industries.

Team building in business

Hospitality is rarely a solo profession. Hotels, restaurants, events and other service businesses depend on people working effectively together.

Learning how to communicate, collaborate and contribute to a team gives students a practical foundation that they can carry into their bachelor's degree and future career.

Managing an event

Events require organisation, communication, planning and attention to detail. Students are introduced to the principles of event management while developing practical skills that are relevant to hospitality and the wider service sector.

Advanced hospitality and business communication

Professional communication is one of the most important skills students can develop. Whether communicating with guests, colleagues, managers or business partners, hospitality professionals need to be able to express themselves clearly and confidently.

Languages for global hospitality

Students can also study a language for the international hospitality environment, with options including German, French or Spanish.

This reflects the international nature of hospitality and gives students another opportunity to develop skills that can be useful when working with guests and colleagues from different countries.

Why study a preparation programme in Switzerland?

For students interested in hospitality, studying in Switzerland offers an opportunity to learn in a country with a long-standing reputation for hospitality education and tourism.

At BHMS, students study in an international environment while preparing for careers that can take them well beyond Switzerland. Hospitality is a global industry, with opportunities in hotels, tourism, events, luxury services and many other businesses where customer experience and service are important.

The Certificate in Hospitality and Business Operations is designed around this international perspective. Students develop business and hospitality knowledge while preparing to continue into a bachelor's degree that can lead to a wide range of career opportunities around the world.

Who is the programme for?

The programme may be particularly suitable for students who are interested in studying for a bachelor's degree but feel they would benefit from an additional preparation stage.

The current BHMS admission requirements include a minimum age of 17, at least five iGCSEs including Maths and English or an equivalent qualification, and English at 5.0/B2 or equivalent.

It can therefore provide a structured starting point for students who want to build their academic and professional foundation before moving into bachelor's-level study.

A first step towards a global career

A bridging or pre-university programme should not be seen as simply an extra step before university. For the right student, it can be an opportunity to start developing the skills and confidence needed to make the most of a bachelor's degree.

The six-month Certificate in Hospitality and Business Operations at BHMS gives students an introduction to business and hospitality, develops practical and communication skills, and prepares them to progress into Year 1 of selected BHMS/RGU bachelor's programmes.

For students who are ready to begin their journey towards a career in hospitality, business or culinary arts but want a stronger foundation first, a preparation programme can be a valuable place to start.