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Accessibility & LanguageHospitality and Leadership (PgCert)
PgCert (Hospitality and Leadership)
College of Business, Public Policy & Law, Shannon College of Hotel Management- Title of Award
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Course Code
- PGC-HL
- Average Intake
- 15
- Delivery
- On Campus
- NFQ
- Level 9
- Award Type
- Minor
- Next Intake
- September 2026
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- ECTS Weighting
- 30
Why Choose This Course?
Course Information
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for individuals who already have qualifications or experience in hospitality or business and want to elevate their understanding of hospitality systems, emerging trends, and advanced business practices. It attracts those aiming to build on their existing strengths while developing specialist skills in areas such as strategy, hotel asset management, intercultural communication, and project management.
Candidates are typically professionals or graduates seeking a focused, intensive programme that combines lectures, industry engagement, experiential learning, simulations, guest speakers, and real-world projects over a single 12-week semester.
What will I study?
The programme will be offered on a full-time basis over one academic semester (January–12 weeks). To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Hospitality and Leadership, candidates must successfully complete modules to a total of 30 ECTS.
- Hotel Asset Management
- Intercultural Communication for Business
- Project Management
- Strategy and Innovation for Hospitality
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (30 Credits)
RequiredSC6108: Strategy and Innovation for Hospitality
SC6108: Strategy and Innovation for Hospitality
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
The objective of this module is to expose the student to key strategic management frameworks, models and theories that they can then adapt and apply to the world of business in order to foster innovation. A key task for the student is to understand how strategy is crafted in response to the changing business environment. Students are expected to play an active role in the learning process by engaging with academic literature to further their knowledge of strategy, so as to improve their organisational awareness. The overall aim of this module is to challenge the student to think differently.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of strategic thinking in the business environment.
- Identify key issues for an organisation to foster a culture of innovation.
- Appreciate the importance of people in formulating, implementing and evaluating strategy.
- Understand the key drivers of innovation in organisations.
- Be able to apply the principles of a strategy-focused organisation to the running of a simulated business enterprise.
Assessments
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SC6108: "Strategy and Innovation for Hospitality" and is valid from 2025 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSC6116: Intercultural Communication for Business
SC6116: Intercultural Communication for Business
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module will enable the students to recognise, understand and reflect on issues related to intercultural communication in global business settings. It comprises three core areas of study: intercultural communication and cross-cultural management, human resources management in a global context, and global leadership. The objective of this module is to enable students to recognise and understand the importance of culture and its impact on business communication and management across cultures reflecting on the need to increase their own level of intercultural sensitivity and competence, in order to succeed as managers of global teams. The manner in which cultural differences impact on communication and human resources practices and policies will be discussed and evaluated. Following this, the needs and challenges of becoming a successful global leader will be analysed; considering difference cultural settings and work scenarios, as well as the student's own culture.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and reflect on the intercultural communication theories in order to evaluate the manner in which they contribute to the understanding of global business communication.
- Critically discuss the role of culture and its impact on business communication in a global context.
- Critically analyse published research on intercultural communication in the field of business management and global leadership.
- Identify and describe the intercultural competencies of successful global managers.
- Reflect on the importance of developing intercultural communication competence and intercultural sensitivity in order to succeed in global business management.
Assessments
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SC6116: "Intercultural Communication for Business" and is valid from 2025 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSC6107: Project Management
SC6107: Project Management
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
The objective of this module is to provide an opportunity to apply the process of project management to a specific hospitality business project. Topics covered include project definition, planning, execution, basic feasibility models, management, control and implementation. This will involve the application of a formalised and structured project management process and the development of proposals demonstrating appreciation of the practical and consumer based contexts of the organisation. Specifically defined outputs in response to a client brief or organisational scenario will be expected. In arriving at outcomes, consideration will be given to the need for appropriate innovation and creativity whilst ensuring realistic application.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand project management development processes, design and associated techniques.
- Analyse the implications, challenges and opportunities of organisational dynamics with regard to project management.
- Understand how to manager project cost, quality and delivery.
- Align available resources for effective project implementation.
- Recognise and mitigate the early seeds of failure in a project life cycle.
Assessments
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SC6107: "Project Management" and is valid from 2025 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSC6105: Hotel Asset Management
SC6105: Hotel Asset Management
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Hotel Asset Management will provide the framework, knowledge and tools to manager hotel assets strategically. This module will enable students to develop analytical capabilities to enable them to evaluate opportunities and make decisions related to the management of hotel assets. Also assessed will be management contracts between owners and operators, and the complexities involved in handling multiple stakeholders in Hotel Asset Management contracts.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the latest Hotel Asset Management techniques and analyse management contracts from owners and operators.
- Understand how to administer and renegotiate management contracts.
- Evaluate capital expenditure decisions and manager their execution.
- Benchmark a property's revenue and expense performance against the market.
- Provide a set of practical tools and tactics that asset managers can use to achieve strategic performance.
Assessments
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SC6105: "Hotel Asset Management" and is valid from 2025 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
- Specialised Hospitality Skill Development
Focuses on advanced topics such as hotel asset management, strategy and innovation, intercultural communication, and project management. - Experiential and Industry-Engaged Learning
Includes industry exposure, guest speakers, simulations, and real-world projects to connect learning directly with current hospitality practice. - Intensive 12-Week Full-Time Format
Delivered over one academic semester, offering a focused and efficient pathway for professional upskilling.
Completing this PgCert can significantly enhance your career by strengthening both your industry knowledge and your leadership capabilities. The specialist modules help you develop a deeper understanding of hospitality strategy, asset management, communication, and project delivery - skills that are highly valued in managerial and supervisory roles.
The programme’s strong industry engagement and practical learning experiences also allow you to build your professional network and gain insights directly from sector leaders. Whether you’re aiming for career progression, a shift into a management position, or a pathway to further postgraduate study, this qualification provides a solid foundation for advancing within the hospitality and business sectors.
How will I learn?
Group projects and collaborative activities will enhance your teamwork and communication skills, while individual assignments and the final dissertation will help you develop independence and critical thinking.
Throughout the programme, you will have access to cutting-edge resources, including industry-standard software and real-world datasets, to support your learning and professional growth.
How Will I Be Assessed?
Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, including essays, presentations, in-class tests, portfolios and research.
At Shannon College of Hotel Management, research underpins our commitment to advancing knowledge and best practice in the global hospitality and business sectors. Our faculty and postgraduate students engage in applied and industry-relevant research that explores innovation, sustainability, leadership, and customer experience within hospitality management.
Course queries:
loraine.kavanagh@universityofgalway.ie
sarah.omahony@universityofgalway.ie
Programme Director(s):
Loraine Kavanagh
Lecturer (above the bar)
Shannon College of Hotel Management
E: loraine.kavanagh@universityofgalway.ie
T: 091 497238
Q: Where will my classes takeplace?
A: All modules at taught on the Shannon College Campus located at Shannon International Airport, Shannon. Co Clare.
Q: How can I pay my fees?
A: Please visit the fees section of the website to learn more about fee payments.
Q. Can I study online?
A: This programme programme is currently not available online but we do have some excellent Continue Professional Development Programmes that are available online- Take a look at our CPD page to learn more.
University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL).
This programme builds on students’ existing experience while gaining the advanced skills and knowledge needed to lead and innovate in today’s businesses and hospitality industry.
Candidates who have completed professional training (certified &/or in-house) while gaining extensive experience in the areas of business and hospitality are eligible for consideration.
Graduates of the Postgraduate Certificate in Hospitality & Leadership will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of core business disciplines, including strategy, finance, and leadership, within both hospitality and wider organisational contexts.
- Evaluate complex business and management challenges, and formulate effective, evidence-based solutions to drive sustainable organisational success.
- Lead and collaborate effectively in multicultural and interdisciplinary teams, demonstrating strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Plan, manage, and deliver substantial independent and team-based projects with professionalism and accountability.
- Adapt and innovate in response to emerging business trends, technological developments, and global market dynamics.
- Reflect critically on personal and professional development, exhibiting the capacity for lifelong learning, self-assessment, and career progression across a wide range of business and leadership roles.
Accreditations & Awards
Meet our Employers
Entry Requirements and Fees
Minimum Entry Requirements
Official qualifications and exam results (transcripts) to date: required for all non-University of Galway applicants and for University of Galway graduates who did not receive their undergraduate degrees from University of Galway. Applicants who have still to graduate must upload an interim transcript (of results to date) and upload final transcripts on receipt.
English Language Entry Requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no band less than 5.5) or equivalent.
More information on English language test equivalency is available here.
Supporting Documents
You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.
You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.
Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.
You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.
Closing Dates
For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.
Notes
- You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
- Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.
Fees for Academic Year 2026/27
| Course Type | Year | EU Tuition | Student Contribution | Non-EU Tuition | Levy | Total Fee | Total EU Fee | Total Non-EU Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG Cert | 1 | €4,050 | €7,150 | €70 | €4,120 | €7,220 |
For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.
Application Process
Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.
Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.
Further Information
Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.
Why University of Galway?
World renowned research led university nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway city on Ireland's scenic West Coast.
Contact the Shannon College of Hotel Management
Shannon International Airport , Shannon , Co Clare , Ireland V14 DP03
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Meet Our Alumni
Course Introduction
Bringing your career to the next level
The PgCert (Hospitality and Leadership) is designed for those with hospitality and/or business qualifications and/or experience who wish to develop their knowledge of hospitality systems, trends, and business applications to an advanced level. The programme is designed as a specialist course which assists students in blending their existing talents with advanced hospitality and developing skills in strategy, asset management, intercultural communications, and project management. Modules include: Hotel Asset Management, Project Management, Strategy and Innovation for Hospitality, and Intercultural Communication for Business.
Shannon College PG Prospectus 2025
