Hospitality Management - Postgraduate Diploma
*Please note, this program is not accepting applications for the May 2025 (spring) term. Applications are welcome for the September 2025 (fall) term.
Overview
Business specialists such as human resource managers, marketing professionals, accountants and entrepreneurs are among Canada’s top 10 highest paid personnel.
The tourism sector may soon become the number one industry in BC—it already offers the most employment opportunities. There are currently 115,000 direct tourism jobs in BC.
Hands-On Learning
The two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the ever-changing and competitive business world in Canada, specifically the hospitality industry.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management includes a paid four-month work term from May to September. Students will be given the opportunity to interview for positions in the hospitality industry either locally, in larger cities or in resort areas. The work term is a required component of the postgraduate diploma and offers an opportunity to take your education abroad.
News
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
- Explain terms, concepts and theories relevant to the Canadian hospitality industry
- Demonstrate developing critical and creative thinking skills
- Apply emerging problem-solving skills
- Communicate effectively and efficiently in various formats to a variety of stakeholders, consistent with industry expectations
- Outline professional and ethical standards within their field
- Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner in academic and work-related environments
- Apply basic accounting principles as required
- Apply the basic principles of organizational behaviour and human resource management
- Describe and explain principles of leadership
- Competently use standard industry technology in operations, communication and record keeping/data collection
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of industry operations and their value to the economy
- Apply industry-specific government health, safety and environmental standards and regulations
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College as outlined in College Policy 8611: Admissions, applicants must meet the following Post Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Management Program requirements to be considered fully qualified:
a) Any English course at the Grade 12 level with a minimum grade of "C+." For international applicants, IELTS 6.5 overall band score (with no band less than 6.0), or equivalent on other internationally recognized English language proficiency tests. If an international student applies with an IELTS of 6.0 overall score (with no band less than 5.5), then they would need to meet the requirements of (b).
b) Applicants who lack the specific English admission requirements may still gain admission to the program with the understanding that they will complete ENGL 66 Essential English with a minimum grade of C+ in the first year of their program. This course must be completed to be able to advance beyond 30 program credits.
c) Completion of a two-year diploma or bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada or English speaking institution from another country.
Student must acknowledge that they are in good health, able to stand for long periods of time and able to lift up to 25 kg.
1. General
a) Entry to the program will be at the commencement of the Fall or Spring semester. Entry may be limited by prerequisites, space limitations, and/or completion of preadmission assessment. International entry may be limited where international student enrolment targets or limits have been met.
b) Accepted applicants will be placed in particular classes and/or sections by the School Chair or designate.
c) No class or section switches will be permitted without the express approval of the School Chair or designate and the instructor.
d) A student admitted to this program will be given preferred access to its courses.
2. Part-time Study
a) Subject to space limitations and prerequisite requirements, a student who wishes to take fewer than the maximum number of courses in any semester may do so with approval from the School Chair.
3. Work Term
a) Participation in the paid work term is mandatory for graduation from the program. See Part IV “Work Term Policy” for more details.
APPLICATION PROCESS
a) Before an applicant's file is completed, the following must be received:
*See Part I, A. 1 and I, A.2
In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 and can carry no more than one (1) failing grade in the previous term courses to be promoted to subsequent terms.
PROMOTION
1. A student must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 and can carry no more than one (1) failing grade in the previous semester courses to be promoted to subsequent semesters. Promotion from the first year to the second year also requires a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 and no more than one failing grade in first year courses. Any student with more than one (1) failure during the first year of the program must have the School Chair’s approval to progress to the next semester and may be required to withdraw.
2. A student will not be permitted to exceed a full semester course load except with the permission of the School Chair or designate.
3. A student whose progress in a course is not satisfactory may be required to withdraw from the course and take an upgrading course which may be associated with an additional cost.
4. Two (2) failures in a course are normally cause for withdrawal from the program. A third attempt at a course may be made at the discretion of the School Chair or designate.
5. Any student who has left the program because of unsatisfactory performance may be readmitted with the approval of the School Chair or designate after consultation with Faculty members and if there is space within the program.
GRADUATION
1. Credentials:
a) Post Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Management.
2. Requirements: (see Policy 8617: Graduation)
The requirements for graduation for the Post Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Management include the successful completion of the following courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum passing grade of “P” in all courses.
Courses
PGHM099 - Introduction to Community, Culture and Education in Canada
PGHM 099 Introduction to Community, Culture and Education in Canada will introduce and welcome students to Selkirk College, its surrounding community, culture, and educational expectations. This course will highlight learning, community and other helpful resources to assist international students on their post-secondary journey in Canada.
PGHM155 - Computer Applications
PGHM 155 Computer Applications will provide the student with a general introduction to computers and Microsoft application software. Setting up and using email and Moodle is emphasized, as assignments will be submitted to the instructor via this venue. The student will also explore and utilize the web and/or online libraries, searching for information for class assignments.
The student will assimilate the basics of Microsoft Word with regards to correct formats for posters / announcements, résumés, research papers, envelopes, letters, tables and newsletters including all page and print enhancements. Form letters, mailing labels and directories are also covered using the Mail Merge function. The student will also cover the basics of Microsoft Excel, using a number of commands to enhance a worksheet, chart sheets, templates and graphs. Page and print enhancements will also be utilized. The final section covers the integration of Word and Excel.
PGHM159 - Business Communications
PGHM 159 Business Communications focuses primarily on written and oral communication skills as they relate to the business world. Topics include writing memos, letters, emails, formal reports and other business correspondence, delivering effective verbal presentations, resume preparation and research techniques. Understanding the theory of business communication and being able to employ this theory effectively in written and verbal communication is critical for tourism, recreation, and hospitality managers who wish to succeed. This course places emphasis on the conceptual, practical, and technical aspects of effective workplace communication.
PGHM161 - Accommodation Management
PGHM 161 Accommodation Management introduces students to the workings of a rooms division operation in a large hotel, including the responsibilities of key departments and positions within the division, as well as the check-in/checkout process, guest experience, security and emergency response, and the night audit. Revenue management and supply & demand are covered along with rooms divisions strategies and tactics to maximize revenues and profits.
PGHM162A - Supervisory Food and Beverage Service
PGHM 162A Supervisory Food and Beverage Service introduces you to the fundamentals of food and beverage service and the impact it has on the success of the restaurant. The course will deal with the elements of service through theoretical discussion and hands on practical service through Scholars Dining Room. The theoretical portion of the course will deal with the components of customer service, restaurant sanitation, types of menus, menu terminology, types of food service, service of wine, suggestive selling, establishing and evaluating service standards, communications and handling the service with a computer system.
PGHM164 - Food and Beverage Cost Controls
PGHM 164 Food and Beverage Cost Controls introduces the student to the concepts involved in a food and beverage cost control program that would benefit any food and beverage operation. The students will learn and be able to explain income statements including revenues, expenses, and profit. Purchasing & receiving, recipe costing, yielding, menu engineering, labour cost, and beverage costings will also figure prominently during the delivery of this course.
PGHM151 - Marketing
PGHM 151 Marketing examines the roles and functions of marketing in the tourism industry. The principles of customer service excellence and service recovery are discussed in detail. You are lead through planning, research, optimization, analytics and communications processes discovering how product, price, plan and promotion (4 P's) are used in the marketing of tourism products and services. E-marketing, and social media techniques and strategies will be discussed and practiced.
PGHM152 - Supervisory Housekeeping and Maintenance
PGHM153 - Organizational Leadership
PGHM 153 Organizational Leadership is designed to help prospective supervisors understand how individuals and organizations function effectively. It provides students with a working knowledge of the formal relationships between employees and management in the work place through the study of leadership styles, motivation, group dynamics and conflict resolution. Students will gain an understanding of the skills required to lead people and to contribute to a team effort. This course also examines changes in society and how they are influencing organizations relating to employee and management roles in time management, stress management, and problem solving.
PGHM162B - Supervisory Food and Beverage Service
PGHM 162B Supervisory Food and Beverage Service introduces you to the fundamentals of food and beverage service and the impact it has on the success of the restaurant. The course will deal with the elements of service through theoretical discussion and hands on practical service through Scholars Dining Room. The theoretical portion of the course will deal with the components of customer service, restaurant sanitation, types of menus, menu terminology, types of food service, service of wine, suggestive selling, establishing and evaluating service standards, communications and handling the service with a computer system.
PGHM169 - Accounting
PGHM 169 Accounting is an introductory course in accounting, from the basic accounting equation to preparation of the Income Statement, Statement of Changes in Owner's Equity, and Balance Sheet. This course covers merchandise operations, service business accounting, depreciation, adjusting entries, as well as specialized journals.
PGHM172 - Kitchen Management/Food Preparation
PGHM 172 Kitchen Management/Food Preparation. In this course students will study and practice the fundamental skills necessary to function competently in a kitchen. Via practical hands on experience this course will provide students with a glimpse of the day in the life of a chef and the culinary world. Professionalism, teamwork, proper safety and sanitation procedures are all a part of any well run kitchen and will be emphasized in this course. This hands-on course covers aspects of food preparation and safety considerations. During the course the students prepare foods, learn how to create ''eye appeal'' in food preparation, understand timing and prepare foods for event(s).
PGHM180 - Student Field Trip
PGHM 180 Student Field Trip is a five-day credit bearing field trip to visit hotels, resorts and restaurants. Although locations change from year to year, they typically include resort areas throughout Western Canada. This trip provides an excellent opportunity for students to examine established lodging and food and beverage facilities, and meet with hospitality industry personnel from general managers to front line staff
PGHM171 - Work Term
PGHM 171 Work Term is a full-time paid work experience. It is monitored by the College and evaluation is completed by the employer and program instructors. Experiential learning is effective because it provides students with opportunities to acquire supervisory skills and competencies that are applicable to their future careers. This approach recognizes that a supervisor requires significant practice of the principles and skills learned during study and looks to the hospitality industry to provide an environment in which this practice can take place. This work term gives students an opportunity to apply and extend academic knowledge while employed with hospitality employers throughout B.C., Canada and the world.
PGHM263 - Mixology and Oenology
PGHM 263 Mixology and Oenology. The purpose of this course is to introduce the learner the fundamental beverage knowledge required to manage a resort/hotel beverage operation. The course is clearly broken into theoretical and practical segments. From a theoretical point of view, the learner will become familiar with important government regulations and the liabilities that influence a beverage operation. The ''Serving It Right'' Program, (a provincial requirement for anyone serving alcoholic beverages in BC will be covered thoroughly). The course will examine the methods of production of different spirits, beers and wine. A significant portion of the course will be spent on wine appreciation. Classroom discussion will cover grape varietals, VQA standards & certification, wine production and wine tasting arrangements. Wine and food pairing will also be covered with a general overview of classical cooking terminology. From a practical point of view, the course will provide the learner with the controlled formal practice time necessary to learn the full range of mixology methods - stirring, building, shaking, and blending.
PGHM268 - Budgeting and Entrepreneurial Training
PGHM 268 Budgeting and Entrepreneurial Training. The principles and practices of developing a successful tourism or hospitality business are undertaken. Course work includes analysis, creating a vision, goals, financial and business plans, advertising and marketing applications, and research methods and techniques.
PGHM272 - Hospitality Law
PGHM 272 Hospitality Law outlines Canadian Law applicable to the hospitality industry, identifies areas where there may be potential legal challenges, and discusses rights and liabilities relative to relationships within the hospitality industry. Topics include constitutional law, the common law of contract, definition of hotels and related establishments, safety of guests and torts, care of guests' property, sale of food and alcohol, insurance and hotel keeper's compensation.
PGHM273 - Tourism and the Canadian Economy
PGHM 273 Tourism and the Canadian Economy is an introduction to basic micro and macro economics with applications to tourism and the Canadian economy. Topics include the operation of markets, costs of production, types of markets, inflation, growth, unemployment and exchange rates.
ECON107 - Principles Of Microeconomics
ECON 107 Principles of Microeconomics usually taken following Economics 106 Principles of Macroeconomics. Topics covered include: supply and demand - price supports, the agricultural problem, value theory, theory of the firm - competition, pollution, industrial organization - monopoly, public utilities, advertising, income distribution - labour unions, productivity.
PGHM275 - Hospitality Computer Applications
PGHM 275 Hospitality Computer Applications has students explore the data base and information needs of lodging properties and food service establishments. Through hands-on experience, students are given the opportunity to learn a food and beverage point of sale system (Micros POS), a property management database system (Opera) and a convention/meeting graphic drawing system (MeetingMatrix).
PGHM282A - Dining Room And Event Management
PGHM 282A Dining Room Management is a hands-on course which takes you from a basic understanding of the principles of food production and service to the practical skills and knowledge for the effective management of food and beverage service outlets. Emphasis is on training skills and human interaction techniques, as well as quality control, financial controls and customer relations. You are actively involved in the menu planning (both food and wine) for our dining room and special event functions. This includes the staffing, management and marketing of the food and beverage operation.
PGHM254 - Human Resources Management
PGHM 254 Human Resources Management has a profound effect on the success of tourism operations. An understanding of fundamental human resources theory and practices is necessary in the service sector where the link between the tourism operation and the guest is so critical. Innovative and inclusive approaches to human resources management are necessary to recruit and retain the right people in the industry. This course focuses on the critical issues that concern managers in the tourism industry, employee relations, recruiting and retaining representation of the diverse population, challenges in managing people, trends and employment standards.
PGHM259 - Management and Cross Cultural Communications
PGHM 259 Management and Cross Cultural Communications. Learning to communicate effectively involves knowledge and practice at a number of levels. In addition to theories about intrapersonal, interpersonal, group dynamics, and cross-cultural communication, this course builds on a variety of practical business communication topics that are useful to managers in the hospitality and tourism industries. Selected topics and case studies assist students in developing the skills necessary for successful communications.
The cross-cultural communications component of the course is designed to prepare students for the challenge of living and working in an increasingly diverse society. Students study both theoretical and practical aspects of communicating with people from different cultures be they generational, societal, or ethnic. Examination and understanding of other cultures, including language, values and stereotyping, are emphasized in addition to a focus on the wide range of situations in which students may find themselves dealing with cross-cultural issues. Discussions and video components assist students in developing the skills necessary to succeed in the hospitality industry.
PGHM270 - Convention, Sales and Catering Services
PGHM 270 Convention, Sales and Catering Services covers relevant aspects of running large group meetings in hotels and resorts from start to finish. Students will develop a group resume, prepare complete banquet event orders, develop menus, and plan for lodging, transportation, and travel manifests. The course will cover current practices and the future of the meetings industry, focusing on technological advances including web-based programs that support industry programs.
PGHM282B - Dining Room And Event Management
PGHM 282B Dining Room Management is a hands-on course which takes you from a basic understanding of the principles of food production and service to the practical skills and knowledge for the effective management of food and beverage service outlets. Emphasis is on training skills and human interaction techniques, as well as quality control, financial controls and customer relations. You are actively involved in the menu planning (both food and wine) for our dining room and special event functions. This includes the staffing, management and marketing of the food and beverage operation.
PGHM315 - Leadership
PGHM 315 Leadership examines the theory and practical application of leadership. It covers the latest thinking in leadership theory and contemporary practices at work within organizations in a global economy. Topics such as motivation, strategic planning, team building and negotiation will be explored.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic
International
All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.
Policy
Effective Term:
Fall, SpringEffective Year:
20240801Advanced Standing:
ADVANCE OR TRANSFER CREDIT AND PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT
1. A student may obtain credit for a maximum of 75% of program requirements by Transfer Credit, Advanced Placement, Prior Learning Assessment or combination thereof.
a) Course equivalency will be determined in accordance with Selkirk College Policy 8614: Advanced Standing.
2. Transfer credit will not be granted for courses completed outside of Canada.
3. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) (see Selkirk College Policy 8614: Advanced Standing)
a) Only domestic experiences will be considered for PLA for this program.
b) Not more than 75% of credits required in a program will be awarded through PLA.
c) Otherwise, College Policy 8614: Advanced Standing will be followed.
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Re-Entry Instructions:
RE-ENTRY INSTRUCTION: (see Policy 8615)
1. Re-admission to the program is only permitted when space is available.
2. Students who must interrupt their program may apply for re-admission within one year of departure or with the permission of the School Chair.
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Assessment:
Grading
a) Grading will be based on the categories defined in Standard Grading Table for the School of Hospitality and Tourism. To view the grading table see Policy 8612: Grading.
b) A minimum grade of "P" will be required for satisfactory completion of each course; however, a 2.0 cumulative GPA is necessary to graduate from the program.
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Grading Table:
Standard School of Hospitality and Tourism Programs
Types of Assessments:
Supplemental Assessment(s)
a) Students are evaluated and graded in each subject or course topic as indicated in the respective course outline.
b) Exams, labs, group or individual projects, assignments, presentations, class participation and other evaluative events.
c) In addition to normal evaluation for competence in subject matter, students will be continuously evaluated on their professional conduct in classroom and field situations. A professionalism/ participation evaluation may make up to 20% of the final grade for each course in this program as specified in each course outline. Standards for the professionalism/participation evaluation will be communicated to all students.
d) Work Term Grade:
Work terms are graded on a "Pass or Fail" basis and are not considered when calculating a student's grade point average. The student will be given a "credit granted" or "no credit granted" for their work term.
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Attendance:
1. Punctual and regular attendance for scheduled classes, laboratory sessions and all of the scheduled learning activities is expected of all students.
2. Where absenteeism adversely affects a student’s progress and performance, probation and/or withdrawal from the program may result.
3. See individual course outlines for any additional attendance and /or professional conduct requirements.
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Assignments:
1. Assignments
a) Students will normally receive notice of dates and times when assignments and/or tests are to be submitted and/or written.
b) If accepted, late assignments may be subject to penalty. Assignments are due prior to 8:30 am on the due date. Late assignments will have 10% per day deducted for each calendar day they are late. Assignments will not be accepted more than five days after the due date.
c) Course challenges are not available for students who do not successfully complete a course. In such a situation the student would be required to retake the course and complete all required course work.
d) A student who does not submit an assignment or write a scheduled test will receive a zero mark. However, in some courses it may be mandatory to submit all assignments to an acceptable level and/or to write all exams in order to receive credit for the course.
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2. Exams
a) A student may be allowed to make alternative exam arrangements, with the appropriate instructor, for valid and verifiable reasons such as medical emergency, family bereavement, or jury duty.
b) Any alternate arrangements for final examinations must be approved by the School Chair or designate.
c) Supplemental examinations will only be given for exceptional reasons.
d) Tests and exams will ordinarily be retained by the instructor.
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Other Regulations:
PART IV: WORK TERM POLICY
1. In order to participate in the summer work internship, the student must have completed all required courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, completion of all courses with no more than one (1) failing grade. Any student with more than one (1) failing grade must have School Chair approval to go on their work internship.
2. During the work term, students are subject to the Selkirk College Program Policies as well as the policies of the employer.
3. To avoid late penalties, students must notify the instructor one week in advance if work term assignments cannot be handed in on time.
4. During the work term, students are expected to meet or exceed management requirements for job performance. Students are expected to maintain good working relationships with their co-workers and supervisors.
a) In order to achieve maximum benefit from the work term, students are expected to become involved in several different departments if possible.
5. Due to the limited number of local placement possibilities, students may be required to consider placements away from the local environment.
6. Termination from a work term place of employment is grounds for withdrawal from the program. Students must notify the instructor within 48 hours of any termination, temporary suspension or disciplinary action. Students must also notify the instructor within 48 hours of any unannounced lay off or work term cancellation. Failure to do so will aggravate an already serious situation and further jeopardize the student's status in the program. Students must follow the Appeals Process in order to request reentry or continuation in the work term.
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PART V: FIELD TRIP POLICY
Students are subject to Selkirk College Policy 8350: Educational Field Trips. In addition, the following policies apply:
1. Students on any field trip are visible representatives of Selkirk College and their respective program. Students are expected to conduct themselves as professionals and exercise common sense, responsibility and maturity in all field trip situations. They are expected to leave a positive impression on communities and facilities with which they come in contact. Drunkenness, inappropriate behaviour, disorderly conduct, or other indications of unprofessional attitudes of any kind on a field trip will be taken seriously and may result in dismissal from the trip, the course or the program.
2. In any situation involving machinery, maintenance shops or engine rooms, students must abide by caution signage, instructor and tour guide instructions, and use common sense.
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PROBATION
Refer to Selkirk College Policy 8619: Probation for further information.
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