Travel, Tourism and Aviation

Our Level 3 course in Travel and Tourism is a 2 year programme. In Year 1 you will study the Level 3 Introductory Diploma in Travel and Tourism and in Year 2 you will specialise in either the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism or the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Aviation.  

Travel, Tourism and Aviation (Year 1) 

In Year 1 of this course, you will study the NCFE Level 3 Introductory Diploma in Travel and Tourism and will complete the following units:  

• The UK travel and tourism industry
• Customer service in travel and tourism
• Preparation for a career in travel and tourism
• Travel and tourism destinations
• Hospitality in travel and tourism
• Investigating airline cabin crew
• UK visitor attractions
• UK Airports
• Storytelling in travel and tourism

To enhance the course you will take part in visits to popular travel and tourism attractions and will be offered the opportunity to attend a residential. Previous visits in Year 1 have been to the Eden Project, Thorpe Park, London or Disneyland Paris. Whilst on the course you will need to demonstrate the personal qualities required for working in the travel industry, such as high standards of personal presentation, good communication skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to complete practical assessments. During your time at the Future Skills Centre a full industry standard uniform must be worn. 

After successful completion of year 1 you will have an excellent grounding in many areas of the Travel and Tourism industry and will then specialise in an area of interest and will choose to progress on to either our Aviation or Travel and Tourism Industries pathway.  

In Year 2 you will choose your route and specialise in either of our 2 pathways:

• Travel and Tourism Industries Pathway
• Travel and Tourism Aviation Pathway

Travel and Tourism Industries Pathway (Year 2) 

Choose this route in Year 2 if you wish to gain a further in-depth understanding of a variety of career paths in a range of sectors within the travel and tourism industry.  

In Year 2 you will study additional units to ‘top up’ those you have achieved in Year 1 and this will then allow you to achieve a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism.

On this course you will study the following units:  

• Aviation Pathway
• The cruise industry 
• Travel agency operations 
• Resort representative roles and responsibilities  
• Conference and events 
• Specialist Tourism 
• Tour Guiding 
• Leadership and human resources 
• Worldwide passenger airlines 
• Work experience 

You will be taught and assessed in a variety of ways, through written assignments, presentations, as well as practical role plays. During this course you will also take part in visits to popular travel and tourism attractions and will be offered the opportunity to attend a residential visit linked to the units you are studying. Our most recent residential on this pathway was a Mini Cruise to enhance the learning of the Cruise Industry unit. You will also undertake an industry placement to enhance your career prospects in a travel and tourism sector of your choice.  

Travel and Tourism Aviation Pathway (Year 2) 

Choose this route in Year 2 if you have enjoyed the Aviation units in Year 1 and would like to pursue a career in Airports or Airlines. 

In Year 2 you will study additional units to ‘top up’ those you have achieved in Year 1 and this will then allow you to achieve a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Aviation.  

This course will allow you to gain a further in-depth understanding of the Aviation and Airline industry.  

On this course you will study the following units:  

• Worldwide passenger Airlines
• Flight operations
• Leadership and human resources
• Health, safety and security in Aviation
• Airport terminal operations
• Airport ground operations
• Aviation communications
• Work experience

You will be taught and assessed in a variety of ways, through written assignments, presentations, as well as practical role plays. During this course you will also take part in visits to popular travel and tourism attractions and organisations, including Exeter Airport, and will be offered the opportunity to attend a residential visit linked to the units you are studying. Our most recent residential on this pathway was to Barcelona.  You will also undertake an industry placement to enhance your career prospects in the aviation sector.  

Assessment: You will be taught and assessed in a variety of ways, through written assignments, group work, presentations, as well as practical role plays. 

Work Experience: In year 2 you will be given the opportunity to arrange your own preferred work placement in a suitable travel and tourism organisation.

Visits: Students will have the opportunity to go on a number of local and national visits to enhance their course, as well as an overseas residential. Previous destinations have included a Mini Cruise, Disneyland Paris and Barcelona.

Please note: This course takes place at both Victoria House and the Future Skills Centre based near Exeter Airport. The Future Skills Centre is a professional environment where full uniform will be worn to Industry standard.

Careers and Further Opportunities

This course is an excellent pathway into gaining employment in the industry or you could decide to progress to university. There is a very good success rate for students going straight into employment with companies such as tour operators (UK and overseas), travel agencies, airlines, airports and hotels.

This course is ideal if you have always wanted to work within UK or overseas tour operations, tourism management or the exciting cruise industry.

You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths and a genuine interest in working the travel and tourism industry which you will be expected to demonstrate at interview.

You also need the personal qualities required for working in the travel industry, such as high grooming standards, good communication skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to complete practical assessments.

To progress on to the second year of this course you will need:

To have completed year 1 successfully

A positive reference from your Tutor for Year 1 is required which should confirm that you have had excellent attendance and displayed the personal qualities required for working in the Travel and Tourism industry throughout the year 

You should demonstrate consistently high standards of personal presentation and wear your uniform to standard when at the Future Skills Centre 

In lessons you will demonstrate good communication skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to complete practical assessments 

This course takes place at both Victoria House and the Future Skills Centre based near Exeter Airport. The Future Skills Centre is a professional environment where full uniform will be worn to Industry standard. You will have access to Learning Resource Centres (LRCs), the Central Fitness gym, a range of on-site cafés and enrichment activities.

Students are expected to pay for a formal industry uniform to wear when studying at our Future Skills Centre at approximately £150.

A number of additional visits will be offered at additional costs.