Hospitality Business Management

This online Hospitality Business Management University Diploma course has been designed for hospitality professionals currently working in operational or supervisory positions who aspire towards more senior management roles within the industry. The course is an important step towards an undergraduate degree if you have prior academic qualifications and are already working within the hospitality industry, and it can be completed within 12 months. During the course you’ll develop your analytical, digital literacy and communication skills which can be directly applied in the workplace.

This course will help you to build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of the hospitality sector and prepare you to progress to a higher level of study. It can also count towards your continued professional development (CPD).

After completing this course you may wish to continue onto our BA (Hons) International Hospitality Business Management (Top-Up) degree and achieve a recognised undergraduate degree.

Learn more about our online hospitality courses

With a choice of dates to start your online Hospitality Business Management University Diploma course (September, January or May) and interactive online learning materials, you've got the flexibility to study whenever and wherever is most convenient for you. The course modules still operate within a fixed trimester but you can choose to study during the day, evenings or at the weekend instead of having to attend fixed lectures.

How much time should I allow for studying?

You will study three 20 credit modules over a 12 month period, each of which will be the equivalent of around 200 learning hours. Each module runs over 10 weeks and as a guide we recommend you allocate 20 hours per week, per module.  

You’re in control

Studying online gives you the flexibility to study at the most convenient time and place for you. Course modules still operate within a fixed trimester but you can choose to study during the day, in the evenings or at the weekend rather than having to attend fixed lectures. This can be invaluable when you’re working in a busy hospitality role, because we know it’s not easy to get time off work. Throughout the course we’ll ask you to test out what you’re learning in your day-to-day role, and use your own experiences in assignments. Ultimately this should mean you find the course a useful step in your personal and professional career development.

A talk from our academic

Our academic for Hospitality, Yukari Iguchi, talks about our online Hospitality courses.

You can view the study plan for this online course.

You will need to complete the following three modules. The order in which you complete them will be dependent on when you choose to start (ie September, January or May).

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Pace of study

We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.

There will be 1/2 virtual classrooms over the 10 week trimester and if you are unable to attend you will be able to download the session to view in your own time.

Assessment method

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.

Student support and guidance

Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:

• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students
• Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills

All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.

You will need one of the following:

• Level 4 qualification (eg HE Certificate) in hospitality or relevant subject eg tourism, business or management, plus a minimum of 1 year (full time equivalent) of relevant industry experience
• Level 5 qualification in a non-relevant subject area and experience in the hospitality industry for 2 or more years (full-time equivalent)
• Applicants who possess a relevant level 3 qualification will be considered if a proof of professional experience in the hospitality industry for more than two years (full-time equivalent) is included in application

If you do not meet the entry criteria above, we may be able to consider relevant professional experience within the hospitality sector but this would be assessed by our admissions team on an individual basis.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0
• TOEFL 550 (paper based) 213 (computer based) or 80 (internet based)
• Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass
• London Tests of English: we accept level 4 for undergraduate courses
• International GCE O-level English Language: Grade C
• International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C

Find out more about our English language requirements

^‡2024/25 for new entrants

Starting between September 2024 and August 2025.

2025/26 for new entrants

Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.

About your fees

This figure would be the total cost of this course based on the fee in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.

If you are required to undertake any associate study or additional study as a condition of your offer for the programme, please be aware that the cost for this may be in addition to the programme cost stated above.

Flexible payment plans available

Choose from two payment plan options:

• Pay monthly and only for the modules you are studying

• Pay your full course fees upfront and avoid annual increases

Apply directly to the University.

Apply now

For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.

Documents to support your application

In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:

• Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
• Current CV
• Written reference supplied on headed paper from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher
• Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*

*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:

• Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• The date of the translation
• The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
• The translator’s contact details

A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.

Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.

Application deadlines

All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.

The hospitality industry is very competitive and continually expanding, so there are many career opportunities to work either in the UK or overseas. Our online hospitality courses attract students from all over the world, enabling you to build your own global network of professional contacts.

Continue your education and develop your skills and knowledge

After completing this course you may wish to continue onto our BA (Hons) International Hospitality Business Management (Top-Up) and achieve a recognised undergraduate degree. If you have sufficient industry experience, it may even be possible to progress to postgraduate level studies with our PG Cert/MSc International Hospitality Management. Both courses are accredited by the Institute of Hospitality.

Utilise our Careers and Employment Service​

Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for 3 years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.

Contact us

Contact the University of Derby Online Learning:

Other courses you might like

• International Hospitality Business Management (Top-Up) BA (Hons)
• International Hospitality Business Management University Advanced Diploma
• Online short courses