Travel & Tourism Level 3

The Level 3 Travel and Tourism Extended Diploma is a two-year programme designed to give you detailed knowledge of the travel, tourism, aviation, hospitality and events industries. You will complete practical projects, research industry organisations and develop the professional skills needed for university, an apprenticeship or employment.

Year 1

During Term 1, you will investigate the structure and importance of the UK travel and tourism industry, including the organisations and external factors that influence it. You will explore how excellent customer service contributes to business success and begin preparing for your future career by researching job opportunities, assessing your skills and developing your employability.

In Term 2, you will investigate UK, European and worldwide destinations and consider how their features appeal to different visitors. You will explore the role of hospitality, including accommodation, food and beverage services and the customer experience. You will also plan and deliver a guided tour, developing your confidence, communication, research and presentation skills.

During Term 3, you will specialise in aviation. You will investigate the role of cabin crew, including safety, teamwork, customer service and emergency procedures. You will explore the operation of UK airports and follow the passenger journey from arrival to departure. You will also study worldwide passenger airlines, their routes, services and business models.

Year 1 topics include:

• The UK Travel and Tourism Industry
• Customer Service in Travel and Tourism
• Preparing for a Career in Travel and Tourism
• Travel and Tourism Destinations
• Hospitality in Travel and Tourism
• Tour Guiding
• Investigating Cabin Crew
• UK Airports
• Worldwide Passenger Airlines.

Year 2

During Term 1, you will explore the UK visitor-attraction and events industries. You will investigate how attractions operate and use marketing to reach their target audiences. You will apply this knowledge through an industry-linked project focused on Blackpool Pleasure Beach. You will also study the UK conference and events industry, including event types, venues, customers and career opportunities.

In Term 2, you will complete work experience, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and develop professional behaviours in an industry setting. You will examine how tour operators create and manage holidays and how travel agencies promote and sell travel products. These linked units will help you understand the complete process from producing a holiday package to selling it to the customer.

During Term 3, you will investigate the role of resort representatives and the support they provide to customers overseas. You will develop specialist aviation communication skills and explore the importance of clear communication within airline and airport operations. You will also study leadership and human resource practices through employer-linked activities, helping you understand recruitment, staff development and team management.

Year 2 topics include:

• UK Visitor Attractions
• Marketing in Travel and Tourism
• The UK Conference and Event Industry
• Work Experience in Travel and Tourism
• UK Tour Operations
• Travel Agency Operations
• Resort Representatives
• Aviation Communications
• Leadership and Human Resources.

The course is assessed by:

• Examinations
• Practical assessments
• Written work
• Interviews
• Presentations
• IT assignments
• Role play
• Reports
• Group work.

The Level 3 Extended Diploma Travel and Tourism course provides an excellent foundation for progressing to university. It develops the industry knowledge, research skills, communication skills and independent study habits required for higher education.

Depending on the qualification achieved and individual university entry requirements, you could progress to a degree in:

• International Tourism Management
• Travel and Tourism Management
• Aviation or Airport Management
• Airline Management
• Hospitality and Hotel Management
• Events Management
• Cruise Management
• Business and Management
• Marketing
• International Tourism and Events
• Sustainable Tourism
• Tourism, Heritage and Culture.

The course can also lead to higher or degree apprenticeships in areas such as aviation, hospitality, events, customer service, business administration and management.

Alternatively, you may choose to progress directly into employment. Career opportunities include cabin crew, airport ground operations, passenger services, travel consultancy, tour operations, holiday representation, hotel operations, events coordination, tour guiding, cruise operations and visitor-attraction management.

Throughout the course, you will receive support with exploring university options, attending open days, preparing your UCAS application, writing your personal statement and planning your next steps.