Travel & Tourism

Travel & Tourism NCFE Level 3 Introductory Diploma

This study programme designed by Travel & Tourism professionals, will provide you with skills and knowledge relevant to a range of different sectors within the travel & tourism industry.

My journey at Bedford College started five years ago when I studied an entry level English Language course. I’ve now progressed through three levels of Travel & Tourism and I’d like to go even further and study at Level 4 and Level 5.

I chose Travel & Tourism because I had always wanted to work as a member of cabin crew. I love the idea of working on long haul flights and having the opportunity to visit different counties across the world, meeting new people from different backgrounds. In fact, I’ve already completed my cabin crew certificate, which was part of my course last year.

I’ve found the lessons very interesting and I’ve really enjoyed the course trips. We went to Edinburgh this year to analyse how the city organises its key tourist attractions. We visited the zoo, took a city bus tour and a night walking tour. For each attraction we had to fill out a questionnaire, take photographs and critically look at the organisation and their marketing. For example, Edinburgh Zoo promotes itself as the only zoo in the UK to keep pandas, which helps attract visitors from England, Ireland and Wales, not just Scotland.

The College also arranged some work experience for me at the Park Inn by Radisson Bedford Hotel. I was there for two weeks and worked on reception, behind the bar and in the restaurant. They offered me a job at the end of the two weeks, but I’ve decided to focus on my higher education studies instead.

Dominika - Travel & Tourism Level 3

Entry requirements

To begin this study programme you will need:

Duration: 1 year (to gain the Introduction Diploma in Travel & Tourism)
• 4 GCSEs grades 9–4 or A*–C ideally including English and maths. A genuine interest in working in the industry is desirable

Duration: 2 years (to gain the Level 3 Diploma in Travel & Tourism)
• You must complete the Introductory Diploma before progressing

Course content

This study programme is designed to give you an in depth understanding of the travel & tourism industry, and will raise your awareness of other sectors that the industry is comprised of. You will also gain an insight into the range of opportunities currently available within the industry.

Subject Units:

UK travel & tourism industry
Customer service in travel & tourism
Preparing for a career in travel & tourism
The UK conference and event industry
Travel & tourism destinations
UK tour operations
Worldwide passenger airlines
Marketing for travel & tourism industry

If you carry on to the second year you will also study

Work experience in travel & tourism
UK passenger transport industry
Business travel
Cabin Crew
Airport Passenger Service Agents

English and maths

If you don't already have GCSE English and maths grade A* - C, we will work with you to help you develop your English and maths skills.

Additional vocational learning qualifications

You will also have the opportunity to take part in a residential trip to either a UK or European destination, and participate in day trips. Previous visits have included Disneyland Paris, Liverpool, Bath, Edinburgh, Brighton, Marbella, Gibraltar, Amsterdam and many others.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed via: tasks, presentations, tests, and role plays.

Qualifications

Travel and Tourism NCFE Level 3 Introductory Diploma
Second year: Travel & Tourism NCFE Level 3 Diploma
English and maths qualifications if required

Further study and career options

After completing this course, you could go on to gain employment in the Travel & Tourism industry as a travel agent, or hotel or airport staff. You could also progress onto our Travel & Tourism Level 3 Diploma then onto our Travel & Tourism Management BTEC HNC/HND.

Additional information

• There is an additional £500 fee per year to cover the costs of trips and uniform. This will include day visits and a residential overseas. This will be payable on enrolment; further details will be given at interview

• You will be required to wear a uniform for a minimum of one day a week. You will be required to provide your own pens, paper and folders

Funding information

If you are aged 19 or over you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help you pay the tuition fees for this course. Find out more at www.bedford.ac.uk/loans. You can also pay by instalments to help make the cost of this course more affordable.