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).
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 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.
Discovering Online Learning webinar: February 2025
Thursday, 13 February 2025 12.00 - 13.00
During this hour long webinar, we'll take you through how online learning works and what you can expect as an online student with the University of Derby.
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:
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.
Who will teach you
Prateek Adhikari
Programme Leader
Prateek Adhikari
Lecturer in Hospitality, Business, and Leisure, Prateek Adhikari has past experience of working as a consultant for high-end restaurants and hotels. He teaches across a range of Hospitality, Leisure, and Business Programmes.
Academic Lead for Hospitality and Business, Yukari Iguchi, is responsible for a range of online hospitality and business programmes. She has professional experience in the international hospitality industry and since she joined ac...
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.
Getting you career ready
Your degree is only part of your story.
We're here to help prepare you for life after university.
96% of UK graduates are in employment or further study.
Top 5 for employability. Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025.
87% of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.
Getting you career ready
Your degree is only part of your story. We're here to help prepare you for life after university. We'll tailor your talents and help you build the tools that will set you apart when you are ready to look for your first graduate role.
Our staff have valuable and varied experiences in the workplace and beyond. And we have great links to industry. This means you'll have opportunities to apply your learning. You'll find work experience that's directly relevant to your studies, including placements and real projects set by businesses.
Our promise
We promise to provide an inclusive approach; supporting, advising and guiding you on your employability journey to success. We will listen to your needs and signpost opportunities for you to engage with up to three years after graduation.
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
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.
Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.
Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.
Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.
Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.
Undergraduate and postgraduate taught deadlines
Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.
If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.
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
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.
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