Diploma in Hotel & Leisure Facilities Management (N40)

Why HLFM?

  • Dual focus on digitalisation skills and green technologies prepares you to manage smart hotels and facilities for a more sustainable world
  • Innovative real-world learning experiences with leading industry partners
  • Customise your learning with choice of six- to nine-month internship in two key sectors – hotel or facilities management industries 
  • Gain internationally-recognised professional certifications that will help you stand out

About HLFM

Smart technology is transforming the hotel and leisure industry, and environmental sustainability goals are driving green innovation! With a strong dual focus on smart and green technologies, the Diploma in Hotel & Leisure Facilities Management (HLFM) will prepare you for exciting careers in not just one but two major sectors - hospitality and facilities management!

HLFM will equip you with digitalisation skills such as data analytics and data visualisation to help you use data to address real-world challenges. Get an added edge by learning smart technologies including Building Information Modelling (BIM), microbit coding and Internet of Things (IoT). You will also be trained to manage facilities in a world that has embraced digitalisation and automation.

Look forward to learning journeys, off-campus workshops and nine-month curated internships with local or overseas hotels! These experiences will deepen your industry understanding in areas such as front and back office management, digital marketing, and sustainable and business continuity practices. You will also learn about the management of shopping malls and integrated resorts, marketing and consumer behaviour, green building and energy management systems, and security management, so that you graduate with well-rounded knowledge about the industry.

Our established collaborations with reputable hotels, real estate development and management firms, and technology companies will allow you to gain industrycurrent skills that will get you career-ready.

Want to get hands-on experience working with real-life data? You don’t need to go far to apply your facilities management skills. Our on-campus smart Integrated Operations Centre will become your classroom where you learn how to solve real-world challenges through authentic experiences.

Get fully prepared for the workforce with relevant certifications such as Autodesk BIM, IFMA, Fire Safety Manager* and bizSAFE Level 2. These internationally-recognised qualifications will give you an edge when you join the industry.

*Subject to fulfilment of all requirements

Design your own learning by choosing among 3 exciting pathways for you to gain the industry experience you desire, build deeper specialised skills, or work on an industrysponsored project to strengthen your portfolio!

Highlights of Skills & Competencies


Unique Learning Experiences

Data hackathon with Johnson Controls

How can studying past data help to cut energy wastage in the future? Under the guidance of experts from Johnson Controls – a world leader in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning solutions – and their lecturers, Year 2 HLFM students took part in a data hackathon where they coded and analysed real-life data to propose ways to help buildings conserve energy. Students learnt how to use industry-standard tools, as well as developed confidence in proposing creative ideas to tackle real-world problems – all while having fun brainstorming and exploring solutions with their peers! Consultations and interactions with veterans from Johnson Controls also gave them invaluable insights into the industry. 

Further Studies

With a well-recognised diploma under your belt, you can continue your education in both local and overseas universities. HLFM graduates who apply to study in related degree courses will be given credit exemptions.
These related degree courses include:

Singapore 

  • National University of Singapore 
    • Bachelor of Science (Real Estate) 
    • Bachelor of Engineering (Infrastructure and Project Management) 
  • Singapore Institute of Technology 
    • Bachelor of Hospitality Business 
    • Bachelor of Engineering in Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Land) 
  • Singapore University of Social Sciences 
    • Bachelor of Science (Facilities and Events Management)

Australia

  • University of Melbourne
    • Bachelor of Design 
  • University of New South Wales
    • Bachelor of Construction Management and Property 

United States

  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    • Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management 

Switzerland 

  • Le Roches International School of Hotel Management
    • Bachelor Degree in Global Hospitality Management
  • Gilon Institute of Higher Education
    • Bachelor Degree in International Hospitality Business
Headshot of Vicki Pok

Vicki Pok
Hotel & Leisure Facilities Management graduate, Class of 2022

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Infrastructure and Project Management)  at NUS.

Headshot of Lincoln Chen

Lincoln Chen
Hotel & Leisure Facilities Management graduate, Class of 2018

A recipient of the BCA iBuild SG Undergraduate Scholarship, Lincoln is pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Project Management) at NUS.

Headshot of Joyce Lim

Joyce Lim
Hotel & Leisure Facilities Management graduate, Class of 2018

Graduated with a Bachelor of Project and Facilities Management from NUS. She is completing a doctoral degree in Philosophy (Built Environment) and working as a teaching assistant at NUS.

Careers

As an HLFM graduate, you have the best of both worlds! Your training in both the hospitality and facilities management industries, plus the exposure you gain from our dual focus in smart and green technologies, will give you a head start in the future workplace. You can look forward to a wide range of careers such as: 

Hospitality Management

  • Catering & Service Executive
  • Front Office Executive
  • Guest Relations Executive

Business Management

  • Business Development Executive
  • Events Operation Executive
  • Public Relations Executive 
  • Sales & Marketing Executive 

Facilities Management

  • Assistant Engineer
  • Facility Officer/Executive
  • Technical Executive

You will also be eligible to apply for the SkillsFuture Work-Study Programme (WSProg) in the hospitality and facilities management sectors. The WSProg allows you to work with a participating organisation while completing a specialist diploma to deepen your knowledge and enhance your career progression.

Photo of HLFM graduate, Jonathan Lun

Jonathan Lun
Hotel & Leisure Facilities Management graduate, Class of 2017

Jonathan completed a Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management at University of Queensland. He is currently working as a sales manager in Sofitel Hotels, Singapore.

Entry Requirements

AGGREGATE TYPE ELR2B2-C

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must have the following GCE ‘O’ Level examination (or equivalent) results.

Subject'O' Level Grade
English Language1-7
Mathematics (Elementary/Additional)1-6
Any one of the following subjects:

Biology
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Computing/Computer Studies
Design & Technology
Electronics/Fundamentals of Electronics
Physics
Science (Chemistry , Biology)
Science (Physics, Biology)
Science (Physics, Chemistry)
1-6

You must also fulfil the aggregate computation requirements for the ELR2B2-C Aggregate Type listed here (  33KB).

For students with other qualifications, please refer to the NP website for the entry requirements and admissions exercise period.

Candidates with severe vision deficiency or hearing deficiency may encounter difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations.


What You Will Learn

DE Experience
This module is a week-long intense exposure to the aspects of Design, Sustainability and Technology in the Design and Built Environment industries. Students will gain an understanding to the fundamentals of sustainability and the application of technology using Human Centric Design methodology to propose solutions to the sustainability challenges. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with other DE students from different courses and this will allow them to understand the common sustainability goals and challenges in the Design & Built Environment industries.



Electrical Facilities

This module covers the different electrical facilities found in high-rise buildings. Topics covered include the electrical supply system, lifts and escalators. Emphasis will be placed on real-life applications in the operation and maintenance of these facilities in buildings.


Hospitality Management

This module consolidates the students training in the art and science of running the operations of a hotel based on different organisational and structural frameworks. Students will be taught the integrated management of hotel operations such as food services, housekeeping, front office, engineering and. security, financial control, revenue management, sales, human resource and information technology. In order to drive hospitality into the future, focus will also be placed on the use of data analytics, technology as well as green and sustainable solutions.


Financial Accounting and Management

This module provides students with the knowledge to understand basic accounting theories, concepts and conventions. The overall objective and outcome seeks to equip students with the skills to interpret, analyse and use financial accounting information for financial management decision-making purposes. This module will also cover budgeting. The ultimate domain knowledge will also seek to play a critical role in maintaining integrity, professionalism and ethics at the workplace.


Career and Professional Preparation for Hotel and Leisure Facilities Management

This first-year module helps to introduce students to their three-year diploma course curriculum; the hotel and facility management industries and how they can prepare themselves to meet the industries requirements and needs. Through the module, students will be required to explore, grow and reflect on how they can serve in these industries. This module is also designed holistically for the contribution towards the overall well-being of the society as we prepares our students to succeed in their careers by helping the students to transcend and link their academic studies to skills and character development. The module will take a student-centric approach to introduce multiple pathways to develop students of different abilities to their fullest potential during and after obtaining their diploma. The pathways include industry partnerships and the students’ participation through SkillsFuture initiatives. Through the module, students should be able to embark on their three-year course with the end in mind after guided reflection of their personal characteristics, and producing an overall game plan for their future education and career goals. The module also aims to deepen students’ commitment to the hotel and leisure facilities management sectors.


Health & Wellness^ (1 Credit Unit)

This is a Level 1 Core module for all Year 1 students. The module will introduce students to the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health through the knowledge and monitoring of health indicators, and application through appropriate exercises. The aim of the module is to empower students with basic knowledge and skills to be independent and responsible in maintaining overall personal health.


Innovation Made Possible^ (3 Credit Units)

This module aims to help students discover and hone their innate ability to think creatively and come up with innovations to tackle problems close to their hearts. Underpinned by the Design Thinking framework, students will be sensitised to the process of user-centric problem solving. They will be introduced to concepts such as empathy, problem-definition, ideation, prototyping and testing through a practical approach featuring engaging out-of-classroom activities, just-in- time master-classes and a hands-on, “learning by doing” delivery format. Ultimately, the module will help students recognise that innovation is attainable and fun and develop creative confidence to explore new ideas in their studies and beyond.


Confident Communication: Find Your Voice (VOICE)^ (3 credit units)

The VOICE module aims to empower students to become thoughtful and confident communicators able to tailor a message to suit audience, purpose and context. Students will learn how to use storytelling structures and techniques, persuasive strategies and effective visuals to connect meaningfully with their audience. Through a personalised growth plan, the module encourages students to reflect, set goals and take ownership of their growth and development as communicators. The module employs engaging teaching strategies such as games, thinking routines, masterclasses and workshops, and a celebratory showcase festival at the end to make learning fun and exciting.


English Language Express^* (Credit Units - NA)

English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.


^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

^* For selected students only

Data Analytics and Research

This module will introduce the students to the importance of statistics, analytics and research in the facilities and hospitality management environment. Students will be taught research methods in data collation before moving on to analyse and interpret the data using different statistical methods and IT tools such as MS Excel. Students will also be introduced to a variety of computational techniques as well as graphical representations of the data to facilitate their presentation their research data and statistics. 


Customer Experience Management

This module focuses on the social aspects of customer experience. It covers the principles and concepts of customer experience management such as journey mapping, hallmark of good customer service, elements that affect the provision of good services by service staff, protecting privacy of customers and dealing with difficult customers / situations. Students will learn the appropriate tools to respond effectively to customers and stakeholders, and understand their rights and obligations as service professionals.



Environmental Health and Workplace Safety

This module covers the general aspects of managing environmental health such as indoor air pollution, types of pollutants and the corresponding health impacts as well as the study of pest and vector control. Students will learn to apply the relevant concepts and principles to ensure the well-being of occupants and users. Workplace Safety and Health includes the study of the various types of hazards found at the workplace and putting in place systematic and regulated methods of control to prevent these hazards from causing harm and losses. Students will also have an overview of solid waste management, characteristics of solid waste and the corresponding environmental and health impacts. Current methods of waste collection such as pneumatic waste conveyance system will also be introduced. Students will be able to attain bizSAFE Level 2 certification upon successful completion of the module.


Hospitality Business

This module covers the understanding of the business environment of managing a hospital business in the areas revenue management, financial control, yield management techniques, managing profitablity and perishable capacity from a broader perspective.



Mechanical Facilities

This module provides fundamental knowledge on the principles of operation of mechanical systems typically installed in modern high-rise buildings. Systems covered include water supply, sanitary plumbing and drainage, town gas supply, swimming pool water filtration, mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning. Students will also learn operational and maintenance requirements of these systems as well as to read drawings of selected systems.


Health & Wellness^ (1 Credit Unit)

This is a Level 1 Core module for all Year 1 students. The module will introduce students to the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health through the knowledge and monitoring of health indicators, and application through appropriate exercises. The aim of the module is to empower students with basic knowledge and skills to be independent and responsible in maintaining overall personal health.


Innovation Made Possible^ (3 Credit Units)

This module aims to help students discover and hone their innate ability to think creatively and come up with innovations to tackle problems close to their hearts. Underpinned by the Design Thinking framework, students will be sensitised to the process of user-centric problem solving. They will be introduced to concepts such as empathy, problem-definition, ideation, prototyping and testing through a practical approach featuring engaging out-of-classroom activities, just-in- time master-classes and a hands-on, “learning by doing” delivery format. Ultimately, the module will help students recognise that innovation is attainable and fun and develop creative confidence to explore new ideas in their studies and beyond.


Confident Communication: Find Your Voice (VOICE)^ (3 credit units)

The VOICE module aims to empower students to become thoughtful and confident communicators able to tailor a message to suit audience, purpose and context. Students will learn how to use storytelling structures and techniques, persuasive strategies and effective visuals to connect meaningfully with their audience. Through a personalised growth plan, the module encourages students to reflect, set goals and take ownership of their growth and development as communicators. The module employs engaging teaching strategies such as games, thinking routines, masterclasses and workshops, and a celebratory showcase festival at the end to make learning fun and exciting.


English Language Express^* (Credit Units - NA)

English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.


^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

^* For selected students only

Smart Facilities Management

This module covers the skills and knowledge required for entry-level jobs in Facilities Management (FM) and trains graduates to handle FM duties as facilities owners with both in-house staff and out-sourced service providers. Topics include FM functions, operation and maintenance, procurement of goods and services, cost estimation and budgeting, works management, maintenance documentation and smart building technologies. Smart building technologies include the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in FM, the application of building automation system, development of smart buildings, and the latest technology applications in FM, in particular in areas related to Smart Nation initiatives.

 

Marketing and Consumer Behaviour 

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the fundamentals and concepts of marketing mix. Marketing is the key to the survival and growth of all businesses, more so for those in the service industries like facility management and hospitality businesses. You will be exposed to the study of the psychology of consumer behavior and its’ impact on consumption behavior, which is an inseparable part of marketing. This will develop your insights relating to consumption-related decisions in the service industries. Real life case studies related to the facility and hospitality management organisations will be used to develop your critical thinking skills and abilities. You will also learn about the informed decision-making process, ethics and psychology of marketing with the strategic execution of the marketing mix and effective communication in the retailing and marketing of facility management and hospitality services.


Principles of Management

The Principles of Management is an art of planning, organising, directing and controlling of the various resources, including people, within an organisation. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts and philosophy of management, and the various motivational theories such as the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Herzberg’s theory of needs. Organisational behaviour and culture will also be introduced as a focus towards human resource management within an organisation to achieve business objectives and the effective development of management and decision making strategies.


Security Management and Business Continuity

This module consists of two main topics. The first topic serves to introduce students to understand the effects and impacts of disasters/ risks/ threats to the operations of facilities and businesses as well as the measures that can be adopted through business continuity strategies to ensure the survival and continuation of the business operations. The 2nd part of the module deals with understanding the security risks to business and its’ facilities operations as well as how these security risks can be mitigated through the effective management of security manpower, protocols and strategies.


Shopping Mall and Strata Management

This module introduces students to the basic principles and practices in the planning, designing and management of shopping malls as well as the concept, legislations and management of strata developments. Students are equipped with the necessary knowledge and problem-solving skills to face the challenges in the management of such developments with the objective of preparing them for career in the management of shopping malls and strata developments.


World Issues: A Singapore Perspective^ (2 Credit Units)

This module takes a global approach to significant current and historical events. The aim is to enhance students’ understanding of such events and issues in the context of Singapore, as well as challenge students to think critically about choices and decision-making vis-à-vis the nation state.


^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

Building Technology

The module deals with the principles and practice of construction for low and high-rise buildings. Major components of buildings include the forms and structures of the buildings. Students will be taught to identify the various forms of foundations, structural frames (column, beam and slab systems), wall and roof systems. The secondary elements such as doors, windows, staircases, partitioning walls and external envelope of the building; including the common building materials and finishes. This provides the background knowledge for the students to progress on, to appreciate the green and smart technologies that may apply to existing buildings for the enhancement of building performance. It is also the pre-requisite towards the understanding of building maintenance and asset enhancement concepts.

Events Management

This module uses the event management process as a tool to guide students to make good decisions in events design, development and execution. It covers the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of events management. Students would need to apply their knowledge of events management to understand stakeholders’ interests and needs, make effective use of event tools and resources, engage in problem solving and contingency planning. Arrangements will also be made for students to be exposed to events management within the hospitality and facilities management industry, both in face to face and online settings.

Sustainable Building Systems 

In this module, students will learn green building design and technologies and the role they play in the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint. This will include the study of the various Green Mark Listing Scheme, the passive and active designs of green buildings, the sustainable operation of services and the implementation of new green technologies when applied in new and existing buildings. Students will also learn about energy management and the effective steps to manage and reduce energy consumption in buildings.

Building Information Modelling

This module will equip the students with basic Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software skills to model a building and to perform space planning of a building. Students will acquire the application of CAD and BIM in tagging and calculation of rentable spaces, model the changes for a fitting out works, generate and interpretation of 2D and 3D drawings for building and M&E works, and the use the information for cost estimating purpose. This module complements the learning of relevant marketing, property and facilities management modules.

Project Planning and Management

This module introduces students to the functions and methods of project planning and management in the context of projects in the hotel and leisure programmes and events, as well as facilities maintenance and refurbishment works. It covers project planning and management process, budgeting and cash flow planning, logistic planning and human resource management.


Building Maintenance and Asset Enhancement

This module develops student understanding of building defects, which can impact on building performance and result in high repair and legal costs. Students will also be introduced to asset enhancement strategies to improve an existing building through upgrading. There are two main parts in this module. Part A provides the background to the need for maintenance and concomitant investigations associated with it as an on-going responsibility for personnel involved in the aftercare of buildings. This part also includes a study of building defects, including their causes, effects, remedies and prevention. Part B covers topics relating to refurbishment as an asset enhancement strategy. Students will learn the need for asset enhancement decisions. This is followed by topics that include structural alterations, energy saving improvements, sustainable construction, design for maintainability as well as associated problems encountered in an asset enhancement project.


Hospitality Technology

This module covers smart technological solutions including cloud technology, internet of things (IoT), robotics, robotic process automation (RPA), video analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning that can transform guest experiences in critical guest journey segments such as front office, food and beverage/banquet, housekeeping, engineering, physical security, sales and marketing/revenue management, procurement and finance and human resource. This module also explores smart ways to leverage data and enabling technologies to assist sustainability efforts.

Fire Safety Management

This module covers the Fire Safety Managers’ scope of work and prepares students to be fire safety managers. Topics covered include a study of the requirements contained in the Fire Safety Act, fire command centre operations, evacuation procedures, fire safety planning and fire incident management. It also covers the active and passive fire protection systems in buildings such as fire extinguishers, wet and dry rising mains, fire sprinkler systems, fire detection and alarm systems, smoke control systems and the protection of means of escape. Case studies will be used to illustrate the importance of fire protection systems.


Project ID: Connecting the Dots^


^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace.

6-month internship

This 22-week internship is a major module in the HLFM curriculum. It is organised to offer work experience for the students to develop career-related skills and explore possible career options. This module provides an opportunity for the students to put theory into practice, adapt to working life and affirm their strengths. Students will also be able to develop hard and soft skills such as working independently and as a team, problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skills. It may be taken locally or overseas, depending on the availability of internship openings.


3-month internship

This 12-week internship is a module in the HLFM curriculum that will enable a group of students opting to do Externded Internship. It is organised to offer work experience for the students to develop career-related skills and explore possible career options. This module provides an opportunity for the students to put theory into practice, adapt to working life and affirm their strengths. Students will also be able to develop hard and soft skills such as working independently and as a team, problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skills. It may be taken locally or overseas, depending on the availability of internship openings.