Travel and Tourism
Attendance: Full Time
Location: Wellington Road Campus
Course code: X0043
Start dates:
06/09/2027
Age:
a future student (16-18)
If you’re passionate about travel, tourism and working with people, our Travel & Tourism courses can help you turn that passion into an exciting career. The travel and tourism industry is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic sectors, offering opportunities across aviation, hospitality, visitor attractions, events, travel agencies, cruise operations and tourism management.
You’ll develop industry knowledge and practical skills through real-world projects, educational visits, work experience and employer engagement. From planning holidays and understanding destinations to learning about airports, airlines, customer service and marketing, you’ll gain the experience and confidence needed for further study or employment.
Throughout your course, you’ll visit major tourism destinations and attractions, hear from industry professionals and develop the professional skills that employers value.
Qualifications available
- Pearson BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Travel and Tourism
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Travel and Tourism (leading to the Extended Diploma)
The qualification level you study will depend on your previous qualifications and career aspirations.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
- Level 2: Four or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including English and maths. A relevant Level 1 qualification is preferred but not essential.
- Level 3: Four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and maths, or a full Level 2 qualification achieved at Merit or above.
For all levels, you will also be required to:
- Demonstrate good attendance, punctuality and a positive attitude to learning
- Show an interest in travel, tourism and customer service
- Be prepared to participate in educational visits, work experience and industry-related activities
Industry visits and study trips
Travel and Tourism students benefit from a range of educational visits, which may include:
- London
- Alton Towers
- Cadbury World
- Oxford
- Blackpool
- Butlins Minehead
- Dudley Zoo
- Birmingham Airport
- Tourism events at the NEC
- Students may also have the opportunity to participate in optional residential visits, with previous destinations including Rome, Disneyland Paris and Krakow.
Work experience
Work experience forms an important part of your studies, helping you develop practical skills and gain insight into the industry.
Additional qualifications
Level 3 learners may also gain:
- Level 2 Certificate in Introduction to Cabin Crew (Year 1)
- Certificate in Resort Representatives (Year 2)
Uniform and costs
Students are required to wear a Travel & Tourism uniform, including:
- Black shoes or trainers
- Black trousers, skirt or jeans (no rips)
- College-branded top
There is also a contribution towards compulsory study visits, with optional residential visits available at an additional cost.
What will I learn?
Depending on your chosen level, you may study:
- The UK travel and tourism industry
- UK and international tourist destinations
- Travel and tourism business environments
- Development of tourism
- Marketing within travel and tourism
- Airports and airlines
- Customer service in travel and tourism
- Accommodation services
- Events, conferences and exhibitions
- The airport experience
- Sustainable tourism
- Travel trends and tourism research
- Tour operations and travel planning
- Tourism management
- Holiday and cruise destinations
What skills will I gain?
By studying a Travel & Tourism qualification you will:
- Develop an understanding of the global travel and tourism industry
- Learn about aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors
- Build strong customer service skills
- Develop communication and presentation skills
- Gain confidence working with different customer groups
- Learn how destinations and tourism organisations operate
- Develop marketing and promotional skills
- Strengthen research and planning abilities
- Improve teamwork and problem-solving skills
- Build employability skills required by the industry
How will I be assessed?
Assessment methods vary depending on the qualification and may include:
- Individual and group presentations
- Case studies
- Assignments and reports
- Research projects
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Practical activities
- Examinations (Level 2)
Assessment is designed to reflect real industry tasks and professional practice.
What can I do next?
Successful completion of a Travel & Tourism qualification can lead to:
- A higher-level Travel & Tourism qualification
- University or Higher Education study
- Apprenticeships
- Employment within the travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality industries
Potential career areas include:
- Cabin Crew
- Travel Agent
- Holiday Representative
- Tour Guide
- Airport Customer Service Agent
- Airport Operations Assistant
- Handling Agent
- Visitor Attraction Manager
- Events Coordinator
- Resort Representative
- Tourism Officer
- Cruise Consultant
- Adventure Tourism Guide
- Tourism Marketing Executive
- Travel Consultant
Future careers
Undecided on your future?
Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.
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