Program Overview

BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) and/or Diploma (HND) in Hospitality Management (RQF)

The BTEC Higher National Certificate and/or Diploma in Hospitality Management provides a work-related programme of management studies that covers the key knowledge, understanding, and practical skills required in the Hospitality industry. Students gain a nationally recognised vocational qualification, which will help with progression to work as a manager and leader, or towards a related university degree with just another top-up year, such as Business or Leisure and Hospitality Management.

Programme Details

• Programme Title: Hospitality Management
• Awarding Body: Pearson Edexcel
• Intermediate Award: BTEC Level 4 / Higher National Certificate in Hospitality Management
• Final Award: BTEC Level 5 / Higher National Diploma in Hospitality Management
• Review Date: 2026 September
• Mode of Study: Full Time / Blended-Learning (50% online) / Two days a week
  • Weekday Groups (Wday): Mondays (on-site / 09.00-16.00) / Tuesdays (online / 09.00-16.00)
  • Weekend Groups (Wend): Saturday (on-site / 09.00-16.00) / Sundays (online / 09.00-16.00)
• Language of Study: English
• Course Length:
  • HNC: 1st year (3 terms / 10 weeks each)
  • HND: 2nd year (3 terms / 10 weeks each)
• Course Code:
  • 610/4610/3 Level 4 (HNC)
  • 610/4611/5 Level 5 (HND)

Academic Year Term Dates

2025 – 2026 Academic Year

2026 – 2027 Academic Year

Programme Specification

Written by Pearson:

• HN Hospitality Management specification
• HN Hospitality Management unit descriptor booklet

Accrediting Body

Pearson Edexcel

Admission Criteria / Entry Requirements for the HNC Programme

For Non-English speakers and/or students who have not carried out their final two years of schooling in English, English language proficiency Level B2:

• IELTS UKVI à 5.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each of the components)
• Cambridge FCE à 160 / Grade C
• Pearson Test of English General (PTE) à Level 3
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) à 51
• Pearson Versant English Test 58-68
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE II) à 39 And one of the following:
• A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent) and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent) in subjects such as Mathematics and English.
• The equivalent in other qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate / Foundation programme.
• A relevant Level 3 qualification / an Access to Higher Education Diploma from an approved further education institution / Recognized Sixth Form or College or High School Diploma.
• At least 2-year continuous relevant work experience (Prior learning from relevant work experience can be taken into consideration if you do not have formal qualifications).

Admission Criteria / Entry Requirements for the HND Programme

• English language proficiency Level B2:
  • IELTS UKVI à 5.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each of the components)
  • Cambridge FCE à 160 / Grade C
  • Pearson Test of English General (PTE) à Level 3
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) à 51
  • Pearson Versant English Test 58-68
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE II) à 39
• And a Relevant HNC / Level 4 qualification.

Minimum / Maximum Numbers

5 / 100

Course Fee

• HNC: £6185 (1st year study)
• HND: £6185 (2nd year study)
• Total: £12,370 Student Funding is available for UK and EU nationals (depending on their visa status) for this course.

Teaching and Learning Culture

Each unit is delivered in 3 or 6-hour sessions (depending on the weight of the unit) two days a week for 10 weeks per 15 credits minimum, totalling 60 guided learning hours. Methods of learning include lectures, discussions, use of visual aids, websites and online resources, handouts of readings, exercises and worksheets, workshops, pair and group work, presentation, seminars, and one-to-one sessions with the tutor. Teaching aims to engage students as active learners. In addition, students need to carry out directed learning, including thorough research and completing their assignments in their own time during outside class hours. During the term, specific amounts of time are given in addition to class hours for individual tutorials whilst students work on their assignments. This is designed so that students can develop over the programme as independent learners. Study skills training and learning support are provided with a view to increasing both technical or occupational subject skills and personal competencies such as critical thinking and communication skills.

Assessment Methods

Students are handed assignment briefs after the second week of each term. Assessment is carried out using a wide range of methods, including evaluation of written reports, oral presentation, and observations of practical work. Students will be required to demonstrate that they have attained a good understanding of each module by meeting all the learning outcomes, as described in the unit specification, in order to gain a pass. Further advanced grades of merit or distinction may also be awarded to students who meet the descriptors for those awards detailed in the assignment briefs. Once a student's assignment has been submitted, the tutors mark and provide qualitative feedback in the form of both written and verbal evaluations against each criterion given for learning outcomes. All assessment feedback is verified by both internal and external assessors. The student has a reasonable opportunity to resubmit their work if necessary and is given the opportunity to appeal through both Docklands Academy London and Pearson appeals procedures.

Progression and Awards

Students commence by enrolling on the Higher National Certificate (HNC) programme, and upon successful completion of units worth 120 credits at the end of the first year of study, progress onto the Higher National Diploma (HND) programme. Having achieved 240 Credits, students are awarded the Higher National Diploma (HND). Students who are not able to progress or who wish to complete only one year of studies can be awarded the Higher National Certificate (HNC). Where one or more units are completed but there is no further progression, students may claim the relevant unit certificate(s).