of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
TOURISM, AVIATION, EVENTS AND HOSPITALITY
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism
Course Level
Level 3
Duration
2 years full-time
Placement
Included in course
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
£400k invested in our Aviation and Tourism Suite, exposing you to sector-leading facilities
Global reputation within the industry for tourism and hospitality-related courses
Do you love travel, events or hospitality? Looking for a career that isn’t your average 9-to-5? Our BTEC Level 3 Tourism, Aviation, Events and Hospitality course will introduce you to these dynamic international sectors, putting you in a great position to move into employment or higher education study related to these areas.
From tour operators and airlines to hotels and tourist attractions, there are a wide variety of businesses seeking to recruit new talent in the tourism, hospitality and events industries. Our Level 3 course covers a range of subjects, from UK and long-haul destinations to hospitality and events operations and airports, giving you the background to explore a range of work and further study options related to these fields after you finish.
This BTEC travel and tourism course isn’t just about sitting in the classroom. You will have opportunities to travel around the UK on a number of visits including residentials, as well as the chance to go on placement in a tourism or hospitality-related environment. You will also undertake practical work supported by outstanding simulation facilities in our Aviation and Tourism Suite on campus.
You will enrol on the Introductory Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A-levels) in year 1 before progressing onto the Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A-levels) in year 2. On successful completion of this course, you will earn a BTEC Level 3 in Travel and Tourism.
Why choose this college course?
- RESIDENTIAL VISITS – Enjoy exciting opportunities to take part in residential visits to destinations and attractions in the UK and overseas.
- WORK PLACEMENT – Gain practical experience of the workplace on a placement in the tourism and hospitality industry
- INDUSTRY APPROVED – University College Birmingham is a recognised Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Centre of Excellence
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to keep studying at a higher level? This diploma is designed to support your progression onto a wide range of degree courses and help kick-start your career.
There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.
Our facilities
Students on our travel and tourism courses at University College Birmingham have the chance to put training into practice learning in our cutting-edge Aviation and Tourism Suite.
Our Aviation and Tourism Suite features a state-of-the-art mock plane cabin
It also features check-in areas for training students
Aviation and Tourism Suite
Take a look around our Aviation and Tourism Suite that features exciting simulation facilities for students on our aviation, travel and tourism courses.
Course breakdown
Year 1
- The World of Travel and Tourism
- Global Destinations
- Managing the Customer Experience in Travel and Tourism
- Travel and Tourism Enterprises
- Visitor Attractions
- Events, Conferences and Exhibitions
Year 2
- Principles of Marketing in Travel and Tourism
- Researching Current Travel Trends and Key Issues in Travel and Tourism
- Managing Accommodation Services
- The UK as a Tourist Destination
- The Airport Experience
- Sustainable Tourism
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.
On successful completion of this course, you will earn a BTEC Level 3 in Travel and Tourism.
Maths and English
To help you secure your dream career, you will also continue developing your maths and English skills alongside your full-time course. If you haven’t achieved GCSE grade 4/C in English and maths at age 16, you will continue to study these through resits or taking Functional Skills at an appropriate level.
How maths will support your career
- Measurement of weight is important for weighing luggage at the airport.
- The ability to calculate costs and distances is of obvious importance throughout the industry.
- Fractions are used to calculate discounts when booking hotels or arranging travel.
- The ability to make conversions is key in changing money into other currencies.
How English will support your career
- Accurate spelling and a wide and specialist vocabulary are key in the presentation of marketing materials.
- Good quality speaking and listening skills are needed when communicating with colleagues.
- Customer service requires good English skills in speaking and written communication.
- Accurate reading is a vital skill when following instructions and researching destinations or summarising travel itineraries.
- Secure English is important when preparing a CV or a business proposal or when advertising/marketing your business.
Entry requirements
Our tourism lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about the tourism and hospitality industry, together with a keen determination to succeed in the industry, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.
If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.
Academic requirements
- 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) which must include English (Language or Literature) or Maths, or equivalent.
- A minimum of grade 3 (grade D) is required in the subject area for English (Language or Literature) or Maths where a grade 4 (grade C) has not been achieved.
English and maths
If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in English and maths and you are under 19, you will be required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate English and maths support.
Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will mainly be assessed through coursework assignments and projects as well as some end of unit exams. Some assessments may involve industry-related visits – previous visits have included London, Oxford, York and Cardiff.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Latest updates
Join the conversation and check out the latest updates from our Department of Hospitality and Tourism.
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UCB Hospitality |
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UCB Tourism |
University College Birmingham is a recognised Institute of Travel and Tourism Centre of Excellence.
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
70%
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired employability team can help find the ideal placement for you.
The second year of this Level 3 hospitality and tourism course features a work placement in a hospitality or tourism-related environment, usually within hotels or visitor attractions.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- Cadbury World
- Park Regis
- Holiday Inn
- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
- Pen Museum
- National Express
Studying at University College Birmingham fuelled my enthusiasm for the industry. My lecturers were fantastic, and they really helped to boost my confidence and always encouraged me. My participation in the Leonardo Project (Erasmus+) not only helped to widen my horizons, but also prepared me for a career in tourism.
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Tourist information centre assistant
Average Salary: £24,500
Travel agent
Average Salary: £27,000
Cabin crew
Average Salary: £21,750
Airline customer service agent
Average Salary: £26,500
Aspiring to a higher level career? Complete this course and you could progress onto our International Hospitality and Tourism Management, Aviation and Airport Management or Events Management degree courses.
Jamie’s Story
Jamie went from leaving school and working as a holiday rep to completing a degree and master’s –all thanks to his college course.
Meet your tutors
