Find Out What you will Learn in the Diploma in Hotel Management Offered at Malaysia’s Private Colleges or Universities
The Diploma in Hotel Management or Hospitality Management is ideal for students who do not like to study and prefer hands-on approach to learning. It is a great starting point for your career in hospitality in Malaysia. Students will combine hands-on practical training with business management theory, while gaining professional experience through internships in the hospitality industry.
In addition, the Diploma in Hotel Management programme at a top private college or university will cover all the major theoretical and practical areas of hospitality operations. This comprehensive skills-driven diploma programme enables you to acquire the mandatory operational skills and business acumen needed to successfully manage a hospitality operation profitably, while adhering to world-class standards.
You will be prepared for extensive career opportunities across industry sectors such as hotels, resorts, clubs, restaurants, cruise lines, contract catering, retail outlets, fast food restaurants and many more.
You might also be interested to read these:
- Top Private Colleges & Universities in Malaysia for Hotel Management Courses
- What will You Study in a Diploma in Hotel Management in Malaysia?
- What is the Future Job Demand for Hotel Management Graduates in Malaysia?
All You Need to Know About Studying the Diploma in Hotel Management Course at a Private College or University

Wei Kang,
Culinary Arts Graduate from KDU University College
A Diploma in Hotel Management is a 2-year or 2.5-year course that is more practical compared to other courses. It is a good choice for students who prefer non-academic courses, good with hands-on activities and like to help people.
Students will take about 25 to 30 subjects in 6 semesters including internship. The subjects will expose you to the various aspects of the hospitality industry with some business studies.
The curriculum for the Diploma in Hotel Management focuses on the key competencies related to hospitality operations, communication, human relations and cultural diversity. Through this diploma programme, students can gain knowledge on the concept of hospitality and develop operational skills that will allow them to work in different service sectors.
Choosing to study the Diploma in Hotel Management at a top college or university in Malaysia will equip you with sound hospitality knowledge and skills and connect you with the industry. The best college or university in Malaysia will focus on quality, have award winners for the particular courses, years of experience offering the particular course, highly experienced lecturers, a good study environment and good facilities.
Excellent Career Prospects for Diploma in Hotel Management Graduates

Erwin, Graduated from Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism
Hospitality was the business sector most visibly touched by the international coronavirus pandemic, from news flashes of outbreaks on cruise ships to the gradual locking-down of airports, museums, hotels, and restaurants. As the industry awakens from this unprecedented shutdown, hospitality management graduates have the opportunity to shape the future of tourism.
Travel and tourism was the second biggest growing sector in 2018, generating 10.4% of the world’s total economic activity. Gloria Guevara, president of the World Travel and Tourism Council, forecast 100 million new jobs by 2029.
Nobody knows quite how the pandemic will affect these figures. But bust precedes boom, and the world’s locked-down travelers have itchy feet to get back on the road again. The growth in tourism has hit a rut, but it is likely to emerge and resume growth – albeit in a different pattern – as Covid-19 comes under control.
Hospitality is a diverse trade. Leadership roles within the industry are many and varied, depending on the type of region and venue you prefer, and the kind of involvement you seek.
With a Diploma in Hotel Management , you might manage hotels, transform the ‘customer service’ element of outdated hospitals, or open your own restaurant. You could work for a pub, an airline, or an exhibition center.
The world really is your oyster as a hospitality management graduate. Would you like to work in your hometown, travel the world, or mix it up? Live near the beach or in a big city, or manage a countryside retreat without a tower block in sight? Choose a classic destination like Paris or New York, or develop opportunities in an emerging destination such as China?
The hospitality industry may be quiet now, but that makes it the perfect window to pick up the skills you need to succeed and help the industry imagine what it could be in five, ten, twenty years – and then ride the wave of recovery.
Who Should Study the Diploma in Hotel Management?

Yoon Shen, Hotel & Tourism Graduate
The Diploma in Hotel Management or Hospitality Management is ideal for students who do not like to study and prefer hands-on approach to learning. It is a great starting point for your career in hospitality in Malaysia.
Additionally, students will combine hands-on practical training with business management theory, while gaining professional experience through internships in the hospitality industry.
The hospitality industry is an ideal career pathway for students who:
- Are people friendly
- Are dynamic
- Are critical thinkers
- Are creative
- Are innovative
- Are risk-takers
- Relish a challenging & exciting lifestyle
- Love to help people
- Explore different cultures
- Provide solutions
- Love to organize events
- Possess an international outlook.
What is the Education Pathway for the Diploma in Hotel Management?

Daniel Wan, Hotel & Tourism Graduate
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels who are sure that they want a career in the vibrant hotel industry can choose to study the Diploma in Hotel Management at a top private college or university in Malaysia.
Students will need at least 3 credits in any subjects in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels to join diploma. SPM students must have passes in BM & Sejarah.
Upon completion of the Diploma, students can continue on to the Hospitality Management or Hotel Management Degree entering into Year 2 for another 2 years. You could also study overseas.
If your college does not offer the degree programme, you may transfer your credits to another university to enter into Year 2.
What will you Learn in a Diploma in Hotel Management at a Private College or University in Malaysia?

Jia Lin, Hospitality at UOWM KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie
In a Diploma in Hotel Management, students will be exposed to three major operational aspects of the hospitality industry:
- rooms division
- food and beverage service
- cuisine
They will develop communication and customer skills, which cultivates service-minded graduates. In addition, students will study introductory business courses such as Marketing, and Accounting.
You will study business-related subjects like marketing, accounting, and human resource management. These would be invaluable to you when you are managing a hotel. In addition, some universities may offer language subjects like French, Italian, German, etc.
The curriculum for the Diploma in Hotel Management focuses on the key competencies related to hospitality operations, communication, human relations and cultural diversity. Through this diploma programme, students can gain knowledge on the concept of hospitality and develop operational skills that will allow them to work in different service sectors.
Finally, there will be an internship at a hotel, resort or tour agency for students to put into practice what they have studied and to gain experience working in the hospitality industry.
What are some of the Subjects in a Diploma in Hotel Management Course in Malaysia?
Below are some examples of the subjects that you will take in a Diploma in Hotel Management course at a private university or college in Malaysia.
- Business of Hospitality & Tourism
- Fundamentals of Food & Beverage
- Fundamentals of Cuisine
- Cuisine Operations
- Procurement for the Hospitality Industry
- Hospitality Marketing
- Front Office Management
- Housekeeping Management
- Beverage Studies
- Hotel Facilities Management
- Basic Foreign Languages such as French/German/Chinese
- The Tourism Industry
- Tourism & Hospitality Geography
- Food Costing, Purchasing & Merchandising
- Business Language & Culture: English Higher Intermediate
- Marketing & E-Commerce for Hotel & Tourism
- Rooms Division Management
- Restaurant Management
- Hospitality Accounting
- Wine studies or Oeneology
- Business Communication
- Information Technology
- Business Operations – Beverage Service
- International Wine
- Business Operations – Rooms
- Kitchen Operations and Hygiene
- Business Operations : Function Room Service Procedure
- Marketing
- Business Operations : Restaurant Service Procedure
- Menu Control and Nutrition
- Business Law
- Planning & Project Management
- Food Safety
- People Management
- Health, Safety and Risk Management
- Quality Management
- Human Resources Management
How many Subjects are there in the Diploma in Hotel Management?
Students will take about 25 to 30 subjects in 6 or 7 semesters including internship. The subjects will expose you to the various aspects of the hospitality industry with some business studies.
How is the Diploma in Hotel Management Course Assessed?
The Diploma in Hotel Management is assessed through course work, assignments, projects, practicals, quizzes and exams. Compared to other diploma courses like business or IT, the diploma in hotel management is more focused on practical. It is ideal for students who do not like to study and prefer hands-on approach to learning.
How is the Grading like in the Diploma Course?

Daniel Wan, Hotel & Tourism graduate
You will need to get at least a C grade to pass the course. Anything below, you will have to retake the subject.
- A+ 85-100 or GPA 4.00
- A 80-84 or GPA 4.00
- A- 75-79 or GPA 3.67
- B+ 70-74 or GPA 3.33
- B 65-69 or GPA 3.00
- B- 60-64 or GPA 2.67
- C+ 55-59 or GPA 2.33
- C 50-54 or GPA 2.00
- C- 45-49 or GPA 1.67
- D+ 40-44 or GPA 1.33
- D 45-40 or GPA 1.00
Recognition & Accreditation
Students should check to see if the Diploma in Hotel Management course is recognised and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Some colleges offer diploma programmes from the UK, USA or Australia which are not accredited by MQA. Without the MQA accreditation, students will not be able to continue on to degree.
How Long is the Diploma in Hotel Management Course?
The duration for a Diploma in Hotel Management is normally 2.5 years including the 4-month internship. There are 7 semesters in total for the Diploma programme.
How to Choose the Best College or University in Malaysia to Study the Diploma in Hotel Management?

Jessie, Diploma in Hotel Management at YTL International College of Hotel Management (YTL-ICHM)
To be successful in your future career in the hospitality industry, you should not just look for the cheapest and most convenient college or university to study at. Students who have gained specialised knowledge and experience from a top college or university will be able to jump into the industry with confidence and get promoted easily.
First, students should look for colleges and universities who are experienced in providing hospitality education and are equipped with the necessary facilities.
With years of experience running the course, the university would have built up a reputation and a network of top hotels and resorts to place you for your internship as well as future job.
Visit their campuses and look for facilities such as mock hotel suites or rooms, front desk, kitchens, event rooms, wine lab, etc.
In addition, check to see if the courses recognised and approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Audit (MQA). Rankings can be a guide to the quality and standard of the course.
Some colleges offer job guarantee but do look at the list of hotels that they can place you at to make sure that they are reputable.
The size of the college also matters to some people as some prefer a small and friendly college environment where you know everyone’s names. Some may prefer a medium sized college where there are more students to interact with and more facilities to use like a bigger library, student centre, computer labs etc. In large universities you might feel lost but there will be more facilities like a football field, gym, swimming pool, basketball courts, etc
The language spoken mostly at the college by the students may also matter if you don’t know Mandarin or BM or English. If most of the students speak Mandarin at that university then it will not help you to improve your English. Having a good command of the English language helps you to get good jobs and promotions.
Remember the best university doesn’t mean it is the best university for you. The best university is one that fits your career goals, your personality and can push you to a higher level of success.
The university that you choose now can either equip you with the knowledge and skills to have a successful future or not enough skills ending up in joblessness.
What are some facilities I should look for in a university or college that’s related to the Diploma in Hotel Management?

The Diploma in Hotel Management is a practical course therefore the university or college should have the necessary facilities to enhance your learning experience in order for you to have a successful career.
- Mock Hotel Rooms or Suites
- Mock Front Office
- Wine Laboratory
- Restaurant
- Kitchen
- Bar
- Computer Lab