Hospitality Operations

Hospitality Operations HNC

(SCQF level 7)

Full-time, Events, Hospitality and Tourism

Course Options

Overview

If you’re looking for a career in a dynamic, exciting and thriving industry, then the hospitality industry is for you. Whether you want to work in Scotland or abroad after completing this course, you can work in any sector of the industry including bars, restaurants, hotels, events, cruise ships and contract catering.

This is a highly sought-after qualification, recognised by industry professionals, and allows you to study units covering a wide range of skills such as restaurant and bar service, reception and accommodation operations, marketing, customer care and management. By learning through face-to-face, independent study, tutor classes, and group activities alongside practical classes in restaurant and bar service, you will be well placed for a career in the industry or further study.

We have strong links with industry, including major hotel companies and Glasgow restaurants and bars, which offer paid employment opportunities. We include professional courses required by the industry - Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) levels 1 and 2 awards in Wine, Scottish Certificate for Personal License Holders, REHIS Intermediate Food Hygiene and the chance to enter competitions and work experience.

Minimum entry requirements
  • One Higher at Grade C or above in a relevant subject such as English, Business, History, Modern Studies or similar AND three National 5 qualifications one of which must be English; 
  • NQ in Hospitality at level 6 or other appropriate NQ; OR
  • Extensive experience in the hospitality industry.

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

Additional selection requirements

You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.

What you study

The subjects you'll study on this course include:

  • Food and Beverage Service.
  • Hospitality Supervision.
  • Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Food Hygiene (REHIS Intermediate).
  • Front Office Procedures.
  • Hospitality Financial and Control System.
  • Hospitality Industry.
  • Accommodation Operations.
  • Other related topics.

We also offer students a variety of paid work placements in some of Glasgow’s top establishments, which you can apply for in August, once you've been accepted onto the course. We provide at least 2 industry-specific job fairs each year with employers attending these events to recruit for part-time and full-time positions. Previous employers attending include Cameron House Hotel, Dakota Hotels, IHG Hotels, Celinos Restaurant, Crerar Hotels, Rannoch Resort, Staff Finders and many more.

In session 2023-24 we introduced work experience takeover days with Premier Inn. Students take part in three days of work experience in a live working environment preparing them for work within the industry.

During the course, opportunities are offered to students to travel abroad on a variety of projects (subject to funding). These opportunities allow students to experience another culture and link with students studying similar courses abroad.

After the course

This course prepares you for a career at an operational or supervisory level in the hospitality department of a hotel, restaurant, or bar, or directly onto a graduate training scheme with larger organisations. We work with key representatives from the industry to offer graduate training positions following the successful completion of the HNC.

Continuing Study

Students who complete the HNC may progress to:

  • Year 2 of the HND Hospitality Management.

If you achieve the HND in Hospitality Management (subject to graded unit grades) you can progress onto the following courses at degree level at City of Glasgow College:

  • Year 3 BA International Hospitality, Events and Tourism Management – awarded by Queen Margaret University.
  • Year 3 BA Hospitality – awarded by Edinburgh Napier University.

Subject to meeting the entry requirements of the university, successful students can apply for:

  • Year 3 of BA Hospitality Management at Edinburgh Napier University or
  • Year 3 BA International Hospitality, Events and Tourism Management at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

How the course is taught

The course is taught through both practical and theoretical classes, which include demonstrations, group activities, case studies, and practical classes.

Dress code

You'll need to wear a restaurant uniform when working in these areas.

Guide to Applying
Funding and fees information
Qualifications explained
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