BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Travel & Tourism

Travel and tourism is the fastest growing global industry with an estimated workforce of around 10% of the world's population. The travel and tourism sector offers the opportunity to work for international organisations that allow career paths to combine both work and travel. Studying the Diploma will enhance your geographical and business knowledge through the completion of the core and option units. The course also develops enterprise and entrepreneurship skills for employment as well as preparing students for university.

Key information

Business & Law / Full Time / Level 3 Extended Diploma

Why choose this course?

The course will provide an insight into the world of tour operations and package holidays, including being a holiday representative, working as a travel agent or on a cruise line; the hospitality sector, including hotels ranging from budget to luxury, as well as restaurants, coffee shops and bars; tourist attractions, from purpose-built theme parks to historic houses; and the transport sector, including working at airports, and for airlines as cabin crew. Students will develop an understanding of key business concepts including marketing, finance, human resources, research and customer service.

A range of study visits will broaden experience of the industry and provide you with invaluable exposure to successful entrepreneurs and the scope of the UK tourism industry. This is an opportunity to take a vocational course as an initial or further qualification and gain an understanding of the many sectors of the travel and tourism industry. It will develop understanding, knowledge and skills to a high level of competence for employment within the travel and tourism industry or for progressing to university.

Successful students progress to Higher Education; studying International Tourism Management, Events Management, Business Studies, Geography and Tourism, Marketing or other related subjects at university. Others readily find employment in a wide range of businesses in Cornwall, the wider UK, and overseas. As an industry it is home to more small and medium-sized enterprises than any other sector, so starting a business is another career option and core units like Travel and Tourism Enterprise will enable the development of these skills.

What will I learn?

The course aims to provide a varied learning experience and will be a combination of a student- centred approach to learning, involving research for assignments, guest speakers, lectures, group work and discussions and a range of industry related study visits. An experienced team of lecturers many of whom have relevant industry experience will support student learning. Students will need to be prepared to work independently, carry out in-depth research and use a variety of sources of information.

The two-year programme will involve the completion of eight core units (two of which are external assessments) and five specialist units. The specialist units have been carefully selected to support progression to higher education and are selected to enable students to develop as wide a range of employability skills as possible.

Year 1: Foundation Diploma in Travel & Tourism
The first year is comprised of four core units which will form the foundation to studies in the travel and tourism industry. Students will begin to develop the knowledge and skills which are necessary to successfully complete a wide range of units. The focus is on building an understanding of the industry and the range of businesses that operate within it. Units will include the global travel and tourism industry looking at the impact of tourism on popular destinations, managing the customer experience and the enterprise unit. Students will begin to develop customer service and business skills. Successful completion of year one will enable progression on to year two.

Year 2: Extended Diploma in Travel & Tourism
Year two will further extend student knowledge of the travel and tourism industry. Research and investigations will expand to look at a range of trends and issues in the travel and tourism sector and how they affect the industry. Wider impacts of tourism here in the UK and discussions will focus on the potential for growth and continued development within the industry. Application of the skills and knowledge that have been developed will be used to complete an independent research project on a current travel and tourism issue. This will help students to develop essential report writing, analytical and evaluative skills.

Assessment Arrangements

Achievement in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, punctuality and effort. Learning will take place in a friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods. Assessment is 19 % external assessment (1 written exam and 1 set task) the other 81% is comprised of 11 units that are coursework based. Assessment activity follows each element of course delivery, so progression is regularly monitored. Most assessments are in written format (word-processed not handwritten) there are units where role play and practical activities are core, these will be video recorded. Assignments are externally moderated by BTEC and overall grades of Pass, Merit, or Distinction will be awarded upon completion of the course.

Students need to be proficient using computers for research, and for coursework production. The aim should be to complete 10 – 15 hours of self-directed study a week, in addition to your timetabled class contact time.

Information & Support

We encourage all students to read widely and conduct their own research into the topics they are studying. There are a wide range of materials available across the campus to support this ranging from newspapers, textbooks and Sharepoint. Each student will have a Personal Development Tutor who will support you in pastoral as well as academic matters. In addition, students will be able to access practical support from Student Services, Academic Services, and the college's Destinations Space.

There will be regular 1:1 meetings with your tutor to review your progress and, where appropriate students will be given the opportunity to attend drop-in sessions for tailored 1:1 support as well as a variety of opportunities to stretch and challenge the most able students. We encourage students to proactively engage with the support available in order to maximise potential.

Where will it take me?

A qualification in Travel and Tourism is highly valued by many universities and employers alike. Students going on to higher education often move into specific areas of the industry, such as Cruise Management, Marketing or Events Management, as well as Travel and Tourism Management. For those going straight into work, job opportunities arise in many related areas, such as airports and airlines, hotels and tour operations.

What will I need?

You will need four GCSEs at grade 4 including a 4 in English (Lang or Lit.) and or Maths.

Whilst it is possible to re-take GCSE English and Maths at Callywith College, students can only study one of these subjects alongside our Level 3 courses and therefore all students must have at least one grade 4 in English or Maths at the point of enrolment (other course specific entry requirements apply).  

Additional Information

Awarding Body:
Edexcel / Pearson

To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01208 224000 or enquiry@callywith.ac.uk

From the course

Joe

Joe

Progression: Airline and Airport Management - The University of West London

Courses studied: Level 3 Travel and Tourism

Previous School: Launceston College

How are you finding your course/experience at university?

My experience at uni has been tough yet enjoyable at the same time, as there is a lot of content in the course modules. I have made many new friends and learned new skills that I didn’t know I had before.

How did your time at Callywith influence and support your choice of/ transition to university?

My time at Callywith College majorly influenced my decision to continue education, as the college and the course gave me a breath of fresh air to continue learning about things which I am passionate about, and subsequently opened the doors to studying a unique course at a great university.

What do you enjoy in particular about studying Airline and Airport Management?

I personally enjoy knowing and learning about locations and countries, and why they are attractive to tourists. It has led me to want to visit different places and learn about cultures and lifestyles of other people and studying airline and airport management in such a diverse city, is another step forward to achieving this goal.

How have your A Level studies helped you in your degree?

My qualifications have helped me in my degree as I was offered my course with a placement year, which is what I hoped to be offered from the outset. The Level 3 qualification also prevented me spending a whole year doing a foundation year before the first year at university had already begun.

What are you hoping to do in the future?

In the future, I am hoping to use my degree to get a position at the airport, whether that be in the air, controlling ATC or managing an airline.

How to apply to Callywith College

Find out HOW TO APPLY