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.
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:
All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.
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 three 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.
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.
| | Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
|---|
| UK/EU/International |
£840 |
3 |
£2,520 |
2025/26 for new entrants
Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.
| | Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
|---|
| UK/EU/International |
£905 |
3 |
£2,715 |
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:
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