Hospitality Management

BTEC is globally recognised for its applied learning approach, engaging students in practical, interpersonal, and cognitive skills for over thirty years. These qualifications are tailored for individuals starting their careers or those already employed seeking advancement opportunities. BTECs facilitate progression into the workforce, either directly or through further university study, and are designed to align with employer needs. They are highly regarded by both industry and higher education institutions as leading career-focused qualifications at Levels 4 and 5.

In developing BTEC Higher National qualifications, Pearson collaborates with a diverse group of students, employers, higher education providers, colleges, and subject matter experts to ensure the qualifications meet their needs and expectations. Pearson also engages with professional bodies to ensure alignment with recognised standards. The Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications address the growing demand for high-quality professional and technical education at undergraduate Levels 4 and 5. They offer students a clear pathway to employment and the option to pursue a degree at Level 6.

As the awarding body, Pearson has approved The City College to offer a variety of Higher National qualifications. The College’s management and lecturing team is responsible for ensuring that the quality of the provision meets Pearson’s exacting conditions and standards. Quality is monitored regularly through Pearson’s established quality assurance processes and External Examiner engagement.

In addition, once you become a student, the BTEC HN Global website provides a specially designed range of digital resources to give you the best possible experience during the BTEC Higher Nationals course. (Please find the link in the section Useful Links below).

2. Why choose a Higher National Qualification in Hospitality Management?

The BTEC Higher National qualifications in Hospitality Management are designed to develop you as a professional, self-reflecting individual capable of meeting the demands of employers and adapting to a constantly changing world. These qualifications include a Level 4 Certificate (HNC) and a Level 5 Diploma (HND), aimed at widening access to higher education and enhancing career prospects.

Objectives of the Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Hospitality

Develop Hospitality Skills: Enhance your skills, knowledge, and understanding for high performance in the international hospitality environment.

Foster Enquiring Minds: Build the abilities and confidence to work across different hospitality functions, lead, manage, respond to change, and tackle complex situations.

Core Skills for Careers: Provide essential skills for careers in hospitality, including food and beverage, culinary arts management, and front office operations.

Balance Employability and Knowledge: Combine employability skills with essential knowledge for entrepreneurial, employment, or academic ambitions.

Digital Technologies: Improve understanding of the impact of new digital technologies on the hospitality environment.

International Insights: Offer insights into hospitality operations and the opportunities and challenges of a global marketplace.

Diversity and Values: Equip students with knowledge of culturally diverse organisations, cross-cultural issues, and values.

KEY INFORMATION

Starting Dates: January / April / September

Mode of Study: Full-time

Duration: HND – Two years

Awarding Body: Pearson

Award: BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Hospitality Management

Award: BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Hospitality Management :

Price: Full-Time (On-site) £6,525/year

* STUDENT LOAN AVAILABLE

3: Aims of the Level 4 and 5 Higher Nationals in Hospitality

Aims of the Level 4 Higher National Certificate The Level 4 units provide a broad introduction to hospitality management, laying the foundations for learning. These units develop and strengthen core skills, preparing students for specialist subjects at Level 5 or for employment in roles that require some personal responsibility. By the end of Level 4, you will have a solid understanding of basic concepts and be proficient in subject-specific and general skills.

Aims of the Level 5 Higher National Diploma The Level 5 units offer the opportunity to specialise in a hospitality management-related occupational area and to progress to degree-level study. You will develop the ability to apply ideas, handle complexity, explore solutions, demonstrate critical evaluation, and integrate theory and practice in various situations. By the end of Level 5, you will have a deep understanding of your specialist area and be able to perform effectively in the business world.

Developing Employability and Academic Skills BTEC Higher Nationals support the development of key employability skills, including problem-solving, independence, interpersonal skills, commercial awareness, and business management.

4. Employment and further study opportunities

On successful completion of the Level 5 HND, students can develop their careers through:

Entering employment (e.g., food and beverage manager, events manager, or head chef).

Continuing existing employment.

Linking with the appropriate professional body (e.g., UK Hospitality).

Committing to continuing professional development (CPD).

Progressing to university.

The HND is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to undergraduate courses such as BSc (Hons) in Hospitality and Events Management, BA (Hons) in Hospitality Management, and BSc (Hons) in International Hospitality Management.

5. Programme structure

The regular timescale for achieving a Level 5 HND by full-time study is two years. Progression to Year 2 is dependent on satisfactory completion of Year 1.

Level 4 HNC: 8 units (5 mandatory + 3 optional), 120 credits. TQT: 1200 hours, GLH: 480 hours.

Level 5 HND: 15 units total (Requires 7 units in Year 2: 2 mandatory + 5 optional), 240 credits minimum. TQT: 2400 hours, GLH: 960 hours.

6. What is studied and how is it timetabled and assessed?

The academic year is divided into three terms; you will normally study 2–3 units per term. Timetables involve 2–3 days per week and change term-to-term. Assessment includes practical demonstrations, research and analysis, reports, essays, presentations, and reflective journals.

7. Calculation of overall grade

Assessment decisions are based on specific criteria provided for each unit.

Pass: Meets all pass criteria.

Merit: Meets all merit criteria (and pass criteria).

Distinction: Meets all distinction criteria (and pass and merit criteria).

Points per credit: Pass=4, Merit=6, Distinction=8.

Grade boundaries: Pass (420–599), Merit (600–839), Distinction (840+).

8. Application process

Pearson requires The City College to ensure that every student we enrol has a reasonable expectation of success in the programme.

All applicants must submit the following documents with a completed online application form:

Signed application form

passport-size photo

Current CV

Photo ID

Proof of residency/address

Qualification certificates

Next of kin details

Equal Opportunities information

Criminal convictions declaration

English Language Entry Requirements

To study with us, all applicants must demonstrate proof of English language proficiency. Please review the categories below to find the requirements that match your educational background.

No English Test Required (Exemptions)

You do not need to sit an English language test if you fall into either of the following two groups A or B:

Group A: UK Applicants

If you completed at least two years of secondary school in the UK, you can prove your proficiency by providing:

Your official GCSE or A-Level results (Grade 4/C or above).

If you do not have these results: Official school records or documentation, such as your British Passport will be sufficient evidence, as long as you have resided and attended a UK secondary school for at least two years.

Group B: Non-UK Applicants Educated in English

If you are a non-native speaker but completed your final two years of secondary schooling in English (for example, in West Africa), you do not need to take a test.

You must provide:

Your high school graduation certificate or exam slips (such as a WAEC or WASSCE certificate).

Official transcripts showing English was the medium of instruction.

Who Needs to Take a Test?

If you are a non-native speaker and your final two years of school were not taught in English, you must show proof of English proficiency at Level 2 (CEFR B2).

We accept the following official qualifications and minimum scores:

Need help taking a test?

If you do not currently hold any of these qualifications, we can assist you with details of an approved English test. Please note that there are registration costs associated with taking the test, and a small additional fee if you require a physical hard copy of your final certificate.

What Happens Next?

Once you submit your application and English proficiency documents, our admissions team will process your file:

Document Verification: We will review your educational certificates or test scores to ensure they meet Pearson requirements.
Interview Invitation: Once your documents are cleared, you will be invited to an interview with our centre staff. This interview may be held online or in person by lead centre staff.
48-Hour Decision: Successful candidates will receive their formal admission decision within 48 hours of completing all requirements of the application process.

9. Entry requirements and admissions

The City College ensures every student has a reasonable expectation of success.

Mature Students (Over 21, out of education 3+ years): Require at least a Level 1 qualification.

Under 21: Require a Level 3 qualification (BTEC Level 3, A-Levels, Access to HE Diploma, or international equivalent).

Applications are made directly to the College. All applications are treated equally.

10. Student Travel and Commuting Boundaries

The college is situated in Central London (Postcode: N1 6AH), benefiting from excellent transport links. To support academic success and student well-being, the college enforces a maximum travel limit for all on-site enrolling students.

Applications are strongly encouraged from candidates residing within the M25 corridor. The absolute maximum permissible commuting time for any student is 90 minutes from door to campus; however, the College may also use its discretion when interviewing applicants.

Credit: Travel Time Map | Drive Time Radius & Other Modes

Credit: Smappen – Online Mapping & Area Analysis Software - smappen

Applicants residing outside these shaded zones will generally not be considered unless they prove they have relocated closer to the college before the academic year begins.

11. Preparing for Higher Education

Embarking on your higher education journey involves several essential steps to ensure academic success. Develop effective study habits, plan your finances, and cultivate key skills such as time management, critical thinking, communication, and digital proficiency. Maintaining your health and well-being is vital. We hope you have a positive learning experience at The City College.

12. Additional costs

Students must have their own laptop and internet access. While tuition fees cover programme delivery, additional expenses may include books, stationery, awarding body registration fees, professional body registration fees, and travel costs.

13. Useful Links