Bachelor of Hotel Management vs. Diploma in Hotel Management: What’s Better After 12th

Students are just about to graduate from 12th grade and have numerous career opportunities, especially in hospitality. Two common routes people who want to embark on a career in hospitality can take are a Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) or a Diploma in Hotel Management.

All of us are different and have different skills and backgrounds, so are there any gains and opportunities in both? How can you feel one is for you?

This blog post compares, contrasts, and outlines the pros, cons, and potential career pathways common to both options so that you can make a more informed decision about your future in hospitality.

Understanding the Basics

What is a Bachelor of Hotel Management?

The Bachelor of Hotel Management is a three to four – year degree program that provides a complete overview of each aspect of hospitality, including hospitality management, food and beverage operation, marketing, customer service, etc.

It devotes its attention to the managerial and operational skills relevant to top management in the industry.

What is a Diploma in Hotel Management?

A diploma in Hotel Management, though, is a shorter programme of about 1-2 years. It can offer practical, hands-on training and insight into core components of hospitality operations, including front office services, housekeeping, and food service.

This choice suits students who want to get into the job market quickly.

Key Differences Between BHM and Diploma

To help you in decision-making, let us see the difference between a Bachelor of Hotel Management and a Diploma in Hotel Management.

1. Duration and Depth of Study

Bachelor of Hotel Management: This three—to four-year program explores the multidimensional hospitality management field. It provides a theoretical foundation and the practical experience required for the course.

Diploma in Hotel Management: A quicker option, typically lasting one to two years. It’s more focused on core operational skills, making it suitable for students eager to enter the workforce sooner rather than later.

2. Curriculum and Specialisation

BHM Curriculum: The curriculum usually encompasses a wide range of subjects, including:

Hotel operations
Business management
Marketing and sales
Financial management
Facility and property management
Specialisation options (e.g., culinary arts, event management) may also be offered.

Diploma in Hotel Management Curriculum: The diploma course primarily revolves around:

Front office management
Food and beverage operations
Housekeeping management
Basic customer service skills
Hands-on training in a working hotel setting

3. Career Growth and Opportunities

Your choice can significantly impact your career trajectory within the hospitality industry:

BHM Graduates: With a bachelor’s degree, graduates are qualified for a diverse array of roles, including:

Hotel manager
Food and beverage manager
Sales and marketing head
Event manager
Operations Manager

Finally, BHM graduates might be qualified for upper-position managerial positions and larger salaries.

Hotel Management Diploma Graduates: Diplomas are preferred by some students in their respective fields, but they do not result in a better job than BHM, and BHM graduates will have been offered job openings. Common roles include:

Front office associate
Kitchen staff
F&B service associate
Housekeeping Supervisor

4. Further Education Opportunities

If you plan to advance your studies:

BHM: A Master’s in Hospitality Management, specialised diplomas or even MBA programmes in hospitality, which can improve their skills and employment opportunities.

Diploma in Hotel Management: Pursuing higher education after completing a certificate may be less flexible, as candidates with a degree tend to have more options. Others can choose to upgrade a diploma to a degree afterwards.

5. Cost Considerations

Budget plays a crucial role when deciding between a BHM and a diploma.

BHM: Generally, the bachelor’s degree involves a more extended and total period of study that may require a more significant amount of teaching, thus higher degree tuition fees. However, the long-run returns from better job prospects may be more critical.

Diploma: Diplomas generally have lower tuition fees, which may appeal to students on a tight budget. The shorter duration also means less expenditure on living costs during the course.

Top Institutes Offering BHM and Diploma Courses in India

Here is the list of top BHM and Diploma in Hotel Management programme-offering institutions situated in India.

Institute Name	Courses Offered	Location
Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) – Delhi, Bangalore	BHM, Diploma	Pan-India
NIPS Hotel Management Institute	Diploma, Degree	Kolkata
Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration	BHM	Manipal, Karnataka
Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD)	Management Training (equivalent)	Delhi NCR
Christ University	BHM	Bangalore

Choosing the Right Fit for You

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you make your choice:

Long-Term Career Goals: Where do you see your career ending up long-term in hospitality? BHM would be more appropriate if you want to work in managerial or leadership roles. A diploma may help you get hired right away.
Time and Financial Investment: Do you want to study for three to four years and invest money, or would you rather enter the job market sooner with a diploma?
Interest Area: Is there one area of hospitality that excites you the most? You could base your decision on what you wish to specialise in.

Conclusion

With the constantly booming hospitality business, both Bachelor of Hotel Management and Diploma in Hotel Management lead to excellent career opportunities and cater to different tastes and career goals.

A BHM is for people who want to understand more about the sector and have the potential to climb corporate ladders, while a diploma is for someone who wants to get into the job market sooner. Evaluate, stop, and take your time before you finalise your decision.

Know your field of interest and which area you want to appear in, and let your financial condition go in your favour. Every journey can lead to an enriching career in the hospitality industry, and the possibilities are limitless. Your journey is your own, and your passion for hospitality will enable you to find a way to thrive!