Pedagogical model
Educating responsible and committed talent
At CETT, we shape committed, creative individuals who are ready to take on the challenges of the future. But above all, we shape people who understand that learning never ends — that every experience matters, that failure gives rise to new ideas, and that true vocation must be accompanied by critical thinking and academic rigour.
And all of this is made possible through an experiential learning model, with an international outlook and strong connections to the professional world.

Students at the center
The essence of our pedagogical model is the student, because at CETT we are firmly committed to their employability.
We take into account each student’s expectations, interests, and potential in order to offer a personalized learning experience tailored to their needs and abilities. The learning pathways embedded in the different academic programs ensure adaptability and flexibility.
The various pillars of our model ensure that students develop a holistic and global vision of their knowledge. They specialize in their field through deep sector-specific understanding, while also gaining key skills in versatility and adaptability across different environments, along with a strong awareness of sustainability and innovation.
The 5 key pillars of the CETT model
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Active and experiential methodologies
Learning at CETT means doing, experiencing, thinking, and taking action. We are committed to hands-on learning through methodologies that prepare students for real professional life, such as:
- Challenge-Based Learning
- Project-Based Learning
- Case Studies
- Flipped Classroom
- Participation in Competitions
- Dual Training
The CETT Campus becomes a living lab — with learning spaces where students immerse themselves in the daily reality of the profession, such as the Aula Restaurant or the Espai Fòrum, a university-owned four-star hotel, creative and innovation spaces like the Living Labs, as well as technical workshops and classrooms, among others.
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Expert and committed teaching staff
CETT’s faculty combines academic and scientific expertise with direct, hands-on experience in the tourism, hospitality, gastronomy, business management, and marketing sectors.
In addition to delivering up-to-date knowledge, they guide and support students throughout their learning journey with empathy, professional ethics, and a strong commitment to their personal and professional growth.
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Talent ecosystem
CETT’s strong connection with the market makes it possible to create a learning community that brings together students, faculty, professionals, companies, institutions, and alumni — ensuring that students are immersed in the business world from day one.
Thus, studying at CETT means taking part in:
- Conferences, congresses, competitions, and contests
- Internships and placements at leading companies
- The CETT Alumni Network
- Activities that foster entrepreneurship
- Mentoring programs with industry professionals
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Soft skills that prepare you for professional life:
We listen to the market to understand what it needs. That’s why CETT’s pedagogical model promotes the development of key skills to become successful professionals in our areas of expertise:
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Problem solving
- Change management
- Intercultural awareness
- Results orientation
- Emotional intelligence
- Sustainability
- Digital proficiency
- Entrepreneurial mindset
The industry recognizes CETT Alumni for their proactivity, initiative, passion, curiosity, and eagerness to keep learning.
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CETT DNA: values, vision, and purpose
The institution’s identity and values are present throughout the entire learning process.
Our international outlook, the passion we bring to the industry, the pursuit of excellence, and our expertise in key areas of knowledge are all experienced in the classroom thanks to our faculty, and are embedded in the various activities and processes that define CETT.
Cross-cutting pillars: research and innovation
CETT’s pedagogical model is complemented by two cross-cutting areas that provide added value.
Applied research
We provide specialized and up-to-date knowledge in tourism, hospitality, and gastronomy that helps the sector maintain and enhance its competitiveness.
CETT’s teaching and research team develops research and knowledge transfer projects that involve companies, institutions, and students.
Pedagogical innovation
We drive continuous improvement across all areas of our model. This commitment ensures that every learning process responds to the evolving needs of a constantly changing sector, and that CETT students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the skills needed to lead impactful projects that address sustainability and technological advancement.

Dual Training: a commitment to the future
At CETT, we have always been committed to a real connection between companies’ needs and education. That’s why we’ve developed a practical and experiential learning model, where students engage with their profession from day one—both on campus and in collaboration with our partner companies.
With Dual Training, we take this a step further through an innovative format that combines academic learning with practical work experience in leading companies in the sector.
This modality allows students to complete two semesters of the program within a company under a work contract. Through this experience, students become immersed in the company’s culture, processes, and dynamics, under close supervision from both a company tutor and the CETT academic team.
Dual Training is part of our higher vocational training programs in tourism, where it is implemented during the second year. We have also been pioneers within the University of Barcelona by incorporating Dual Training into social sciences degree programs. As a result, students pursuing degrees in tourism and hospitality, marketing, and events have the opportunity to choose the Dual Training option between their third and fourth year.