Postgraduate courses in Hotel Management

There are a number of courses available in hotel management as well as courses that will add to your degree if you are already working as a hotel manager. 

In the world of management, it can be both helpful and important to keep up to date with new management skills and styles in an ever changing world with a diverse range of employees. 

We all love a weekend break in a nice hotel, but often forget how much work goes into managing these hotels to keep them up to a high standard for us.

What does a hotel manager do?

The daily duties of a hotel manager may differ from day to day. As a hotel manager you may work unsocial and long hours including weekends, evenings and bank holidays. You may work 12 hours or more daily depending on the hotel you’re working in and what duties need to be done. Duties may include: 

• Plan maintenance work
• Make bookings for events and guest stays
• Deal with customer complaints and queries
• Recruit, train and supervise hotel staff
• Manage hotel budgets
• Ensure hotel meets health and safety standards
• Ensure hotel is up to date with licensing laws
• Keep financial and statistic records
• Oversee the general running of the business

Courses

There are many courses on offer in the area across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Universities may have certain restrictions in place due to Coivd-19 and may offer courses online. Courses available include:

International Hotel and Tourism Management

Postgraduate courses in this area offer students the opportunity to develop their ability to think strategically in core management areas and develop the necessary management skills. You will also have the opportunity to improve your networking skills within the industry which is an important factor in hotel and tourism management. Professional skills, advice on future careers and work placement are all key factors. 

Strategic Hotel Management

Strategic thinking is an important skill as a hotel manager. Postgraduate courses in this area will allow students to develop a strategic mind. These courses are often suited to those with an undergraduate degree in hotel management. Students will draw upon a range of subjects, building on your existing knowledge of the area. 

International Hotel Management

Postgraduate courses in hotel management will see students demonstrate professionalism, gain operational knowledge, leadership skills and people management skills. Those who choose a course in this area will gain a strong understanding of how the industry works as well as improve their management skills and identify the importance of providing a high standard and excellent service to guests.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements may differ from course to course or university to university. Therefore, it is important to research your specific course in detail to ensure you meet the entry requirements. As these courses are postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may accept a 2.2 degree while others will require a 2.1. A degree in a relevant area is helpful but not always necessary. 

Salary

The salary of a hotel manager may vary depending on their employment, the size of the hotel, if it is a small independent hotel or a large chain and the location of the hotel. It is believed the average salary of a hotel manager in the UK is around £32,958. Generally, you may earn anything between £20,000 – £35,000. In London, salaries can be higher. It is believed the average salary of a hotel manager there is closer to the £46,000 mark. All figures are based on estimates and are intended as a guide only. 

Employers

Employers of hotel managers include: 

• Hotels 
• Cruise liners
• Holiday resorts
• Conference centres
• Inns
• Motels

Skills and requirements 

Skills and requirements helpful in this area include: 

• Excellent communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills
• Ability to manage in a diverse environment 
• Organisation skills 
• Commercial awareness
• Motivational to colleagues and staff
• Ability to make connections and build relationships 
• Ability to work under pressure 
• Stamina 
• Critical thinker 
• Ability to resolve conflict, complaints or issues
• Ability to stay calm when there are issues
• Financial and budgeting skills
• Stock taking skills
• Knowledge of food, food hygiene and food preparation