Spa Business Education (SBE), part of spa consultancy Raison d'etre, has secured an educational partnership with the JOanneum University of Applied Sciences in Austria.

Targeting those looking for a career in spa management, the collaboration brings together SBE’s vocational Spa Management Online Programme and Joanneum’s MBA course in International Hospitality and Spa Management.

Combining the two programmes, the new course has been designed to offer spa professionals an integrated, market-oriented educational programme, specifically created for the wellness, spa and hospitality industry.

Lectures for the programme will be held in two weekly blocks – to make it accessible for those already in full-time employment – and will be supported by additional e-learning phases.

Nikos Kouremenos, education & project Manager at Raison d'Etre, said: "This collaboration brings together a leading academic institution and a professional and educational organisation.”

"Graduates from the SBE programme will now have the unique opportunity to continue their studies in an academic environment and go on to get an MBA degree in International Hospitality and Spa Management at Joanneum."

The online course has been running since 2013 and is a part-time programme consisting of 140 hours of course material and support – covering topics from leadership and marketing to HR and finance.

"By teaming up with the team at Spa Business Education, we’re looking to give those who are looking for a successful career in the spa industry several options to enhance their prospects and reach the top of their profession," says Daniel Binder, head of the MBA Hospitality and Spa Management programme at Joanneum.

"Combining essential input and insights from leading industry experts with an academic programme will be invaluable in shaping future leaders within the spa industry."

As a result of the partnership, the Spa Management Online Diploma will now be accredited and recognised by Joanneum, meaning graduates wishing to continue their studies by taking the MBA Spa Management course will be exempt from taking the Spa Management module at university.