Online study is fast becoming the study method of choice for those wishing to enter the hospitality and those wishing to update or improve their existing skills. The rise in popularity is due to the fact that it’s convenient and easy to follow. Study on your PC wherever you are located, at whichever time suits you – there is always an online tutor available to assist you. Online study allows students to connect with other industry professionals online, and it creates a platform where students can ask questions, have discussions and put forward new ideas as part of the online learning community. If you’re wondering how it all works, we’re here to guide you:

How does IHS Online work?

• When you are enrolled for a subject you will receive an email with a user name and password together with the commencement date for the subject. A subject will typically run over a number of weeks with due dates for submission every week. Every week will include tasks e.g. assignments, multiple choice questions, short questions and forum discussions. In addition you will have access to other resources recommended by your lecturer e.g. web sites, video clips and articles. If you experience any technical difficulties open a ticket at the Support Centre (a link appears at the top of the home page). For academic queries please feel free to contact your lecturer through the site. Please remember that in addition to sending your tutor a message on the system, they are always a phone or Skype call away.
• Each course carries a final examination (paper-based) completed at an approved centre. Students receive a textbook (paper-based) for each course. All other materials including study guides, notes, quizzes, and self-assessment questions are distributed through the online learning site.

What do I need to get going?

• At minimum you require an entry level desktop, laptop or notebook computer with Windows, Microsoft Office and Internet connectivity. In addition you will require an email account e.g. Gmail or Yahoo. An anti-virus programme which is updated regularly is a necessity. Online learning requires little data usage. Most of the worksheets and tasks can be downloaded and completed off-line. As soon as you have completed your work you will have to reconnect and then submit for marking. Additional research will of course increase your data usage.
• In certain programmes you will be required to complete a period of Work-Integrated Learning. This means that you will be required to undertake full-time employment within the hospitality industry so that you are able to apply concepts to the real world of work. The onus would be on you to secure a suitable placement, and must be approved by IHS in advance. During this time you will be required to spend time in various functional departments according to the criteria of the programme. Regular online assignments, employer evaluations and other tasks are completed online.

Course duration, costs, qualifications and applications

• Each online learning course is offered over a ten week period and final examinations are completed at the end of this period.
• Single courses are R3800 per 10 week course.
• IHS online offers the Higher Certificate: Hospitality Management or Higher Certificate: Food and Beverage Management. Depending on the learning pathways chosen, students earn an American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) certificate for each course they successfully complete. By following a structured learning pathway students can achieve certificates of departmental specialisation or full diplomas from the AHLEI.
• Applying is simple – just choose the course you would like to sign up for, apply at http://dev.brokenpony.club/hotelschool/online-apply and we will send you the fees and payment details. Once this is complete, we will confirm your registration and your studies will begin. It really is that simple.

What courses are on offer?

There are so many courses available ranging from individual single certificate courses such as Conference and Events Management; Food & Beverage Management, Housekeeping, Front Office etc. to 5 course specialisations including Spa Management or Club Management and more. Many students choose to sign up for our Higher Certificates and also full Diploma’s in Hospitality or Food & Beverage Management. Why not take a look at our course offerings by clicking HERE.

If you are interested in a hospitality career or a chance t0 improve your hospitality position, why not apply for our online programmes and get ahead with IHS Online.