Hotel Management Pathways in the UK

Hotel management includes overseeing the daily functions of a hotel, from room management to the upkeep of facilities. As well as this, you will be responsible for maintaining good working relationships with the many clients using your service.

An undergraduate degree in hotel management will give you a good foundation of knowledge in the area. You will study modules on front of house operations, dining service management, and housekeeping management. These modules will develop your theoretical knowledge, as well as allowing you to explore how your conduct affects the consumers.

Your degree will be delivered in a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, with an emphasis on practical sessions. You might be required to take part in a work placement module or year, which will give you experience in the hospitality industry.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. This specialisation can influence the area in which you choose to work. Common specialisations include:

• Guest Experience
• Culinary Management
• Business Development
• Events Management
• Marketing and Communication

If your degree requires you to write a dissertation in your final year, this will give you the opportunity to further research a favoured area of hotel management. You may be required to take part in a work placement as part of your degree programme.

The accreditation of a hotel management degree will depend on where you choose to study. Different countries have different accreditation systems. Typically, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of the Arts (BA), or a Bachelor of Science (BSc).

During your career, you may be presented with opportunities to gain professional certifications, which will further your education and professional development.

Generally, an undergraduate degree in hotel management will take three to four years to complete. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years when studied full-time.

Once you have successfully completed your degree, you can choose to either seek employment in your chosen area, or further your studies. Continuation of your studies could be in the form of a postgraduate degree, such as a masters or PhD, or a graduate diploma or certificate.

The most common destination for hotel management graduates is to work within the hospitality sector. You might choose to work as a food and beverage manager, a hotel manager, or front of house. If you choose to work in a role not directly related to hotel management, you could work in human resources, as a sales executive, or as a contract catering manager.

Throughout your degree, you will have gained a wide range of skills, including people management, time management, independent working, and effective communication skills.