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.
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:
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.
Try our course tasterTry our course taster
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 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 need to have both of the following:
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.
| Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
UK/EU/International |
£875 |
3 |
£2,625 |
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: