Pursuing a Diploma in Hospitality Management in the UK

Wouldn’t it be great if you could pursue a Hospitality Management course in UK? Hospitality Management is the art of managing overall operations in hotels, resorts, and restaurants. A diploma in Hospitality Management will equip you with the right skill set and knowledge to succeed in this rewarding and exciting field. With a thriving hospitality industry, the UK is a great place to study hospitality management. Let’s see how.

Understanding Hospitality Management

Hospitality Management is a discipline that teaches how to manage all kinds of operations in the hospitality industry, such as hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other hospitality businesses. These operations include planning, organizing, and managing hospitality services to ensure a smooth and positive experience for guests.

Key Areas of Focus                                                   

Hospitality Management industry is a big spectrum and it includes several areas of the hospitality industry. Here are the key areas of focus in hospitality management:

• Tourism: tourism is a big industry that involves people travelling for entertainment. Hospitality managers in the tourism industry are responsible for planning and organizing tours for tourists, as well as arranging accommodation for them.
• Hotels: Hotels are establishments that provide lodging to tourists and guests. Hospitality managers manage the overall operation of a hotel and ensure a safe and smooth stay.
• Restaurants: Restaurants are establishments where people go for food and beverage services. Hospitality managers are responsible for managing the overall operation in all areas of restaurants, including the kitchen, dining room, and bar.

The Rise of the Hospitality Industry in the UK

The hospitality industry is a major economic drive for the UK. More than 3 million people in the UK work in this industry and contribute more than £127 billion annually to the economy. Experts are projecting that the industry will grow at a CAGR of 2.5% or more in the future years.

The country already has a massive hospitality industry, and it is expected to grow steadily along with its tourism industry. So, there is already a huge demand for skilled hospitality managers, and it is growing.

Diploma in Hospitality Management - An Overview

Diploma vs Degree in Hospitality Management

Diploma in Hospitality Management courses are shorter and more specialized than that of degree courses. A diploma course generally takes 1 to 2 years to complete, but a degree program requires a minimum of 3 to 4 years.

A diploma course in hospitality management will give you the knowledge and skillset you need to work in different sectors of this industry. On the other hand, a degree program will provide you with theoretical knowledge and understanding of the industry.

Course Duration

The course duration of diploma courses in Hospitality Management varies based on the institution, course level, and program type. Some of these courses are as short as 6 months and some can take up to 2 years. However, most Hospitality Management diploma courses in the UK take 1 to 2 years to complete.

Course Content and Subjects

The course content and subjects of your Hospitality Management diploma course can vary based on your program and the institutions. However, it should contain the following common subjects:

• Human Resource Management
• Marketing Management
• Tourism Management
• Food and Beverage Management
• Front Office Management
• Housekeeping Management

Types of Diplomas Available

You will find three main types of diploma courses in the United Kingdom. They are:

• Full-time diplomas: these are programs offered during the day time and students must attend classes on a full-time basis.
• Part-time diplomas: these programs are offered during the evening for working professionals where they attend classes on a part-time basis.
• Online diplomas: these programs are offered entirely online on digital platforms. Students have the flexibility to attend classes from anywhere they want.

Top Universities and Colleges in the UK for Hospitality Management

University of Surrey

The University of Surrey offers several Hospitality Management diploma courses. Some popular courses include a Diploma in International Hotel Management and a Diploma in Luxury Hospitality Management. According to the QS World University Rankings, Surrey University is ranked 15th in the world for Hospitality Management.

You will need a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent high school degrees to study hospitality management degree courses at Surrey. Tuition fees for these programs are typically £19,800 per year.

Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers several courses in Hospitality Management studies, including a Diploma in Hospitality Management and a Diploma in Event Management. The university is ranked 31st in the QS World University Rankings for Hospitality Management.

Bournemouth also requires at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications for admission in these courses. Plus, you will have to face an interview. The average tuition fee for these courses at Bournemouth University is £18,250 per year.

Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes University is one of the best universities in the UK for Hospitality Management and is ranked 41st in QS World University Rankings. It has courses including Diploma in Hospitality Management and Diploma in Tourism Management.

Admission requirements at Oxford Brookes depend on your chosen Hospitality management course, but typically you will need a high school diploma or equivalent qualification and some relevant work experience. The tuition fee here ranges between £15,000 and £17,000 per year.

University of Derby

You can study courses like Diploma in Hospitality Management with Event Management and Diploma in Hospitality Management. It is ranked 60th for Hospitality Management by the QS World University Ranking.

You will need at least a high school diploma or equivalent qualification and some work experience in the related field to get admission at the University of Derby. A hospitality management course fee is around £13,000 to £15,000 per year.

Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett University is another very good option to study the Hospitality Management diploma course and is ranked 80th by the QS World University Ranking. Here you will get courses like a Diploma in Hospitality Management and a Diploma in Hospitality Management with Tourism and Events.

You will need a high school diploma or equivalent qualification with relevant work experience to get admission at Leeds Beckett. It costs around £16,500 per year for international students.

Career Opportunities and Salary

Job roles and responsibilities

After completing your Hospitality Management course UK, you can take up various jobs in the hospitality industry. Your roles and responsibilities will largely depend on your position. However, here are some common roles:

• Food and Beverage Manager
• Front Office Manager
• Housekeeping Manager
• Tourism Manager
• Event Planner

 Average Salary in the UK

The average salary of a diploma holder in Hospitality Management can vary on many factors, such as job position, industry, location, experience, and skill set. A Hospitality Manager in the UK can earn up to £25,000 per annum as a starting salary.

Employment Sectors and Companies

Hospitality Management is an enormous industry in the UK and there are many sectors. The following are the major employment sectors in the hospitality industry:

• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Cruise Ships
• Travel Agencies
• Resorts
• Casinos

Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities

Working in the Hospitality industry in the UK has career growth and advancement opportunities. With advanced diploma courses, you will gain more specialized knowledge and skillset and can move into more senior positions like general manager, director of operations, and CEO.

Must Read:

• Online Business Management Courses
• Importance of Continuing Professional Development
• What Is A Professional Qualification?

Student Experience and Life in the UK

Student Visa Requirements

You need a student visa to study in the UK, which has some requirements.  They usually depend on factors like your nationality and course duration. But as a general rule, you will need a valid passport, proof of financial support, English language proficiency proof, and a letter of acceptance from your UK University.

Accommodation and Living Costs

The cost of accommodation and living expenses will depend on which part of the UK you will live in, your accommodation type, and your lifestyle. You can expect to pay around £1000 for rent in a shared apartment in London. Other costs include food, transportation, shopping, and entertainment.

Cultural Experiences and Networking Opportunities

The United Kingdom has a multicultural society with diverse people. You can experience different cultures by meeting people from all around the world. It can be done by attending cultural events, clubs, and societies.

Support and Resources for International Students

Several support services and resources are available for international students in the UK. Universities provide many support services like career counselling, mental health counselling, and cultural integration support for international students.

How to Apply for a Diploma in Hospitality Management

Application Process and Timeline

Here are the steps for applying for Hospitality courses in UK for international students:

• Research available universities or colleges and their requirements in the UK and choose one that is a good fit for you.  
• Gather all the necessary supporting documents required by your program.
• Start the application process by filling out an admission form. The form is available online on the university website.
• Finally, submit the application form with all the supporting documents and pay the admission fee.  

Generally, universities in the UK have several intakes throughout the year. However, you should visit the university website to check the specific application deadline.

Required Documents and Qualifications

You will need the following documents to apply for a diploma course in Business Management:

• A high school diploma
• English language proficiency test score
• A valid passport
• Academic transcripts
• Personal statements
• Letters of recommendation

Scholarships and Funding Opportunities

UK universities offer various scholarships and funding options. Some popular options include:

• Chevening Scholarships
• British Council Scholarship
• University Specific Scholarships

Conclusion

A diploma in Hospitality Management course can potentially give you good career opportunities in the UK and any part of the world. With the hospitality industry growing at a steady rate, you can give it a try and make your career in this exciting and dynamic sector. Contact us for any assistance or to know more about the course.