Travel and Tourism: National Diploma

A National Diploma in Travel and Tourism is a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands from the travel industry. As well as learning about the employment area you have chosen, you develop the skills you need to start or progress a career.

It is equivalent to three A Levels, which means that when you have finished the course you can choose whether to go into employment or on to higher education first. A period of work experience forms an important part of the learning programme and residential and day trips are regularly used to link learning with practical experience of travel and tourism.

Course structure

The course is made up of eighteen units - four core units and fourteen specialist units. The specialist units enable you to study particular areas in depth. Students normally study the course over four days and take nine units in each year of the two year programme.

Core units include:

• The Travel and Tourism Industry
  
• The Business of Travel and Tourism
  
• The UK as a Destination
  
• Customer Service in Travel and Tourism

Specialist units include:

• Marketing Travel and Tourism Products and Services
  
• Preparing for Employment in Travel and Tourism
  
• The European Travel Market
  
• Long-haul Travel Destinations
  
• The Cruise Sector
  
• Special Interest Tourism
  
• Holiday Representatives
  
• Conferences, Exhibitions and Events
  
• Sustainable Tourism
  
• Visitor Attractions
  
• Entertainment for Holiday-makers
  
• Work-based Experience within the Travel and Tourism Industry
  
• Travel and Tourism Residential Study Visit
  
• Handling Air Passengers

All units are internally assessed and are graded by teachers. An overall grade for the qualification is awarded to all learners who successfully complete all units. The grade profile will consist of Pass, Merit or Distinction grades.

What can I do at the end of the course?

National Diplomas are valued by employers and higher education (universities and colleges). Career options include being tour operators, holiday representatives, airline staff and many more.