HNC Hospitality Operations at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

A supervisory-level hospitality qualification with hands-on practical experience in kitchens and with industry partners. Perth students work in partnership with organisations such as The Gleneagles Hotel. Can be studied full time or part time.

Duration: Full time: 1 year; Part time: 2 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Mandatory units are Food and beverage service, Food hygiene intermediate, Hospitality financial and control systems, Hospitality graded unit 1, Hospitality industry and Hospitality supervision. Optional units include Accommodation servicing, Alcoholic beverages, Organising an event and Licensed premises operations.

Career pathways

Trainee manager in hotels, restaurants, industrial catering, pubs and residential homes. Progression to year 2 of BA (Hons) Hospitality Management.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, or 1 A level at grade D or above, or SCQF Level 5 Food and Hospitality Studies, SCQF Level 6 Supervision and Leadership, SCQF Level 6 Professional Cookery or other relevant SCQF Level 6, or Foundation Apprenticeship Business Skills. An interview may be required, and previous hospitality experience may be considered. International applicants: IELTS Academic overall 5.5 with no element below 5.0 (online study from overseas); IELTS for UKVI Academic 5.5 with no element below 5.0 or LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (60 overall, no element below 55) for on-campus Student Route Visa study.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,285 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students with a Scottish term-time address (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status); full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 9,460 a year (2026/27). Full-time per year; part-time study is not open to applicants needing Student Route visa sponsorship Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full time: 1 year; Part time: 2 years

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