International Hospitality Business Management

Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality and designed following extensive consultation with the hospitality industry, this course will help you to obtain the skills and understanding of the critical aspects affecting hospitality management. You will develop a critical understanding of the forces influencing the development of the international hospitality industry and be able to evaluate the role of core management functions, their application and contribution to quality and performance.

If you already hold an HND or Foundation degree and have experience working in the hospitality industry (minimum of 6 months on full-time basis or equivalent), you can complete this University Advanced Diploma in International Hospitality Business Management within 12 months. If you don't have an HND or Foundation degree but have significant industry experience, we will also consider your application.

Knowledge and skills you can apply directly to your role

This course can help you stand out in this competitive and continually expanding industry and is ideal for continuing professional development (CPD) - research has shown that qualifications really make a difference to career progression in hospitality. It's an ideal route towards gaining a full degree such as our BA (Hons) International Hospitality Business Management (Top-Up).

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 more useful for your career.

Institute of Hospitality Educational Membership Scheme

Through our partnership with the Institute of Hospitality you'll be given free access to the  (EMS) once you've enrolled onto this course. This gives you access to management guides, monthly specialist newsletters, e-journals, webinars and much more.

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 three 20 credit modules.

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.

Get a taste of the course content

Our online International Hospitality Business Management University Advanced Diploma course taster will give you an idea of how online learning works. It includes a selection of content from a course module so you can see what some of our learning material looks like.

You will need to complete a short form to access the course taster.

You need to have both of the following:

• an HND or Foundation degree in a relevant subject

• a minimum of 6 months working in the hospitality industry on a full-time basis

If you have extensive industry experience at supervisory or management levels but do not meet the academic entry criteria above, we can consider your application - speak to our advisors for further information and guidance.

When you apply, please send us a transcript of the modules you've already studied so that we can make sure your HND or Foundation degree is compatible with this course. If you would like to be considered based on your professional experience, please send us a detailed CV.

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 opportunities for managers who want to work in the UK and overseas.

This programme will equip you with essential skills and knowledge in order to advance your career internationally. Previous students have gone on to work in areas such as:

• hospitality management
• leisure
• licensed retail
• in-house catering
• outside contract catering for events
• accommodation
• functions
• events, banqueting and conferences
• human resources
• sales and marketing
• operations management

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)
• Hospitality Business Management University Diploma
• Online short courses