Introduction
This course gives you the skills you need to organise and arrange events and provide great customer care when you’re serving food and drink.
You’ll gain real life work experience by serving real food to real customers in our Zest restaurant at our Dumfries Campus. You’ll get ‘hands on’ experience of waiting at tables – explaining to customers about the dishes available, taking orders and serving.
You’ll learn about food and drink products, so you can advise your customers on their choices.
You’ll also find out what you need to know to successfully work in the hospitality industry, including food hygiene and safety.
You will see why tourism is important for the hospitality industry.
You will:
- Participate in real functions such as business events or bespoke dinners.
- Go on visits to hotels, restaurants, bars, or clubs.
- Go on work placement to local Hotels and Restaurants.
- Work with leading employers, successful venue owners and industry suppliers.
- You’ll build transferable Essential Skills to help you become more effective in life, learning, and work.
Course code
SSET
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
Attendance:
Full Time Attendance 2 or 3 days per week. 1 year (36 weeks).
Entry Requirements
Learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience.
NPA in Hospitality at SCQF level 5.
Relevant SVQs at SCQF level 4.
Relevant industrial experience.
Skills for Work Hospitality at SCQF level 5
One National 5 or three National 4 qualifications, relevant Standard Grades at General Level OR
Core skills of Communication and Numeracy at Level 4 or above
Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum ESOL Intermediate level 2 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher for HNC/D courses.
Information and Interview Session Requirements
If selected, you will be asked to attend an in-person selection session where you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, experience, enthusiasm and suitability for this course.
Please be aware that there are only 2 selection sessions available. We strongly recommend that you attend the first session as offers will be made from the session and this may reduce the places available for the second session.
Session dates are:
Tuesday 24th March
Tuesday 5th May
You must attend one to be able to be considered for a place on the course.
At the session you will also be required to bring:
Evidence of your qualifications, employment experience, interest in the sector demonstrated in your personal statement.
We will ensure the entry requirements, and your aspirations and career plans are appropriate for the course and the level of course you have applied for.
Entry Test – Hospitality Level 5
As part of the Hospitality program interview process, all applicants will be required to complete an entry test.
The purpose of the entry test is to help us understand your current skills, learning needs, and readiness for the course. It is not a pass or fail test, and you are not expected to have any previous hairdressing experience.
The entry test may include: Short written questions Basic numeracy questions Simple scenarios related to Restaurant/Kitchen work and customer care
The information gathered from the test helps us to: Place you on the correct level of course Identify any additional learning support you may benefit from Ensure you are fully supported throughout your studies
The entry test will take place on the same day as your interview. Completion of the entry test is a mandatory part of the interview process.
Course Content
You will study,
- Customer Care for Hospitality and Events.
- Events Industry: An Overview.
- Food Hygiene for the Hospitality Industry.
- Service of Food and Drink.
- Events Organisation.
- Contribute to an Event.
- Tourism
(The units may be subject to change)
Assessments
Continuous assessment in practical lessons.
Written assessments on theoretical topics; including closed book assessments.
Assessment will be by observation during practical activities (some of which may relate to more than one unit)
Progression
Events SCQF level 6
HNC Managing an Event
Career Prospects
The qualification will allow the learner to develop both the theoretical knowledge and vocational skills needed to pursue employment and/or further study in the events sector.
The possibility of multiple exit routes provides learners with achievable choices and will put them in a stronger position to move to the next stage of their study or career development and should increase their chances of doing this successfully.
Additional funding information
You may be eligible for Bursary or EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) funding for this course. Please contact a member of the funding team for details.
Selling Points
Why This Course
If you’re passionate about people, food, events, or tourism, this course is the perfect first step. Stepping into Hospitality with Events and Tourism – Level 5 gives you the confidence and real experience you need to move into one of the UK’s most exciting industries.
At our Dumfries Campus, you’ll gain hands-on skills by serving real customers in our Zest restaurant, taking part in live events, and learning directly from hospitality professionals. You’ll explore everything from customer service and food hygiene to event planning and tourism, all while developing essential communication and teamwork skills employers look for.
You’ll also take part in industry visits and complete a work placement with a local employer — perfect for building your CV and discovering which part of the industry inspires you most.
With clear progression routes into Events Level 6 or the HNC in Managing an Event, and the possibility of Bursary or EMA funding, this course offers a supportive and practical pathway into a rewarding future career.