Course Description

The BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Hospitality Management is designed to develop students as professional, self-reflective individuals capable of meeting the demands of employers in the hospitality sector. This programme equips students with managerial and technical skills to adapt in a constantly evolving industry and prepares them for management roles in hospitality, licensed retail, food and beverage, or leisure and tourism sectors.

The course emphasizes the understanding of culturally diverse organisations, cross-cultural issues, sustainability, digital technology, and contemporary industry challenges. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to immediately contribute to employment or to progress to a BA (Hons) Top-Up degree in International Hospitality Management awarded by the University of Derby.

What You Will Learn

  • Core management principles and operational techniques in hospitality

  • Customer experience and service management in diverse hospitality contexts

  • Leadership, professional identity, and team management

  • Food, beverage, and event operations management

  • Business and entrepreneurial skills applicable to hospitality

How You Will Learn

  • Interactive on-campus and online lectures, tutorials, and academic support sessions

  • Access to campus and electronic library resources for independent research

  • Coursework, presentations, and projects based on real workplace scenarios

  • Group and individual assignments designed to mirror professional practice

Why study this course?

  • Provides a strong foundation in hospitality management, equipping students with both practical and theoretical skills required for a successful career in the global hospitality industry.

  • Offers a combination of classroom learning and real-world, work-related assignments to develop professional, employable skills.

  • Prepares students for managerial roles across diverse sectors including hotels, food and beverage, events, tourism, and leisure.

  • Enables progression to a BA (Hons) Top-Up degree in International Hospitality Management with a recognized university award, increasing career opportunities.

  • Focuses on contemporary industry challenges, including sustainability, cross-cultural management, and digital technologies, ensuring graduates are industry-ready.

  • Delivered by experienced staff with professional expertise, providing guidance, mentorship, and industry insights throughout the programme.

Entry requirements

Academic Route

Minimum Age: 18 years

Applicants must provide evidence of their highest academic qualification, which may include:

  • Level 3 Qualifications (A Levels, NVQ Level 3, Diploma, Certificate, or Access to Higher Education Diploma)
  • International Baccalaureate
  • High School Level Qualifications
  • Level 2 Qualifications or equivalent (for example, GCSEs, NVQ Level 2, Diploma, or Certificate)

Work Route

Minimum Age: 21 years

Applicants who do not meet formal academic entry criteria may apply through the Work Route. This route recognises relevant professional experience in the field, or related industries as an alternative pathway into higher education. Some exceptions may apply for applicants with professional experience in other fields. This entry route ensures that motivated and experienced candidates can progress academically and professionally.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not the first language, applicants must complete an approved free English language test that assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Equivalent qualifications may also be accepted.

Interview

All applicants are required to attend an interview with a member of the admissions team as part of the selection process.

Assessments

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future. A number of assessment evidence types will be used, depending on the sort of learning outcomes being assessed. Some modules, for example, require students to demonstrate their skills in a practical setting, whereas others need students to conduct their own research and analysis, either independently or as part of a team. Assessment methods may include:

  • Writing a report or essay
  • Recording an interview or role play
  • Examination or in-class tests
  • Giving a presentation with assessor questioning
  • Making a PowerPoint presentation
  • Creating academic posters
  • Displays or leaflets

Modules

  • The Contemporary Hospitality Industry
  • Managing the Customer Experience
  • Professional Identity and Practice
  • The Hospitality Business Toolkit
  • Leadership and Management for Service Industries (Pearson-set)
  • Managing Food and Beverage Operations
  • Managing Conference and Events
  • Human Resource Management

  • Hospitality Consumer Behaviour and Insight
  • Hospitality Supply Chain Management
  • Tourist Resort Management
  • Managing and Running a Small Business
  • Sales Management
  • Launching a New Venture
  • Research Project (Pearson-set)

Study & Career Progression

An HND in hospitality provides a solid foundation on which students can build if they choose to continue their studies beyond the Certificate/ Diploma stage.

Students who complete the Level 5 Higher National Diploma can advance their careers in the hospitality industry by:

  • Entering employment
  • Continuing existing employment
  • Linking with the appropriate Professional Body
  • Linking with the appropriate industry certificates
  • Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  • Progressing to university

Those who enter employment in the hospitality sector may do so in job roles such as:

  • Assistant General Manager
  • Duty Manager
  • Assistant Hospitality Manager
  • Hospitality Customer Relationships Manager
  • Holiday representative
  • Air cabin crew
  • Tour manager
  • Tourism officer
  • Public house manager

At the same time, students could continue their studies, heading to university for a Top-up to further your education. See our Top-up courses.

Student Fee's & Finance

The Tuition Fee of the course may vary depending on the institution you wish to study at, as well as your status in the UK. The course is available for UK/EU & International Students and eligible for Student Loans Company (SLC) funding to help cover the cost of your tuition fees and other expenses.

If you are an UK/EU citizen or living in the UK on an Indefinite stay, apart from the tuition fees, you could also receive support from the government via Student Loans Company to cover some living costs while studying.

  • Tuition fee loans cover the full cost of your course and are paid directly to the course provider.
  • Maintenance Loan pays for day-to-day living expenses like rent, bills, food and books. Unlike the fees loan, it's paid directly to your student bank account once a term and you can spend it on anything you like.
  • Student Finance has to be paid back, however, you only make Student Loan repayments once you've left your course AND are earning enough. Repayments vary with your salary, and stop altogether if your income drops too low.
  • Students can also apply for other types of special support grants, such as childcare grants or Disabled Students' Allowance if eligible.
  • Moreover, almost all universities offer a selection of student bursaries. These are cash gifts you usually don't have to repay.

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