Entry requirements
A keen interest in working in the travel and tourism sector is desirable. Students applying must have at least three GCSEs at grade 3, or a Merit or Distinction at BTEC Level 1. Â
Course Overview
For students looking to study travel and tourism in Southampton and the New Forest, our Travel and Tourism Futures Level 2 course covers a range of topics and skills that are actively sought after by the sector. Â
You will have the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing industries. This is a lively and busy course with the advantage of interesting trips and visits on which to base your studies and has been designed to support regional demand from our airport and cruise terminals. Â
What Will I Learn?
Our Travel and Tourism courses are based on the Nacro Education Get Set! framework, enabling you to gain critical skills and transferable skills that you need to progress onto your next step and help build your CV. Â
As part of this course, you will learn a wide range of skills to give you a strong foundation in the travel and tourism sector. We’ve designed this course to enable you to learn more about the sector, and give you’re the confidence to present ideas, plan itineraries, project management, and provide excellent customer service. Â
In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn maths and English as part of this course.Â
Work Experience
As part of the Nacro Education Get Set! framework, we encourage all students to engage in enrichment activities to support your learning. Â
You will be required to complete 35 hours of work experience during the college year. This can be undertaken throughout the year or during the two work experience weeks, one in February before the half-term break and the other the week before the Easter holiday.Â
Previously, students have been able to secure work experience roles at travel agents, restaurants, a local museum, and Southern Electric (booking hotels for employees who are travelling).Â
In addition, you will also to be able to participate in a range of enrichment activities, including trips to Heathrow, the Natural History Museum, and Travel agents. You will also be able to participate in guided tours and learn from guest speakers providing insight and guidance about the sector. Â
Modules
Modules for the Travel and Tourism Futures Level 2 course include:Â Â
- Customer service in travel and tourism (mandatory)Â
- The UK travel and tourism industry (mandatory)Â
- Travel and tourism destinationsÂ
- Introduction to guided toursÂ
- Career planning for travel and tourismÂ
- Work experience in travel and tourismÂ
- Heritage and cultural tourismÂ
Assessment
At Totton College, we use a variety of assessment methods to ensure you achieve the Travel and Tourism Futures Level 2 qualification.
Modules are assessed in the form of a portfolio of work; this could include observations on practical tasks or written assessments. You’ll be supported with all your work and your teacher will go through all this when you sign up for the course.Â
Assessments are all set throughout the year and will consist of practical and written work. These include role play for customer services, interviewing for jobs, presentations, guided tours and mystery shopping. Written work will include presentations, essays, reports, case studies and more. Â
Enrichment OpportunitesÂ
- Guest speakersÂ
- Trips to Heathrow, Natural History Museum, Travel Agents, Â
- Guided toursÂ
Career and Progression
After successfully passing this course, you will have the core knowledge to progress to a higher-level qualification and move forward towards your chosen career.
On successful completion of this course, you will achieve the Level 2 OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Travel and Tourism. After completing this course, students can progress to the Level 3 Travel and Tourism course in the next college year. Â
You may also wish to discuss career options with the college careers advisor prior to completion of the course to investigate possible apprenticeships or entry-level employment. This may include travel agencies, hotels, cruise ships, holiday camps, resorts or visitor attractions. Â
During my course, I have learned about the basics of tourism, the pros and cons of mass tourism, careers in the travel industry and the skills required to become a resort representative, as well as the role of events and conferences within the industry. The most enjoyable part of my course has been the work experience, which has helped me decide the type of employment I would like after I finish college. My proudest achievement at Totton College was walking 10km around the New Forest for The New Forest Trust, raising £390. My advice to new students is not to follow what your friends are doing; if you are unsure about your future, make sure you choose the course that’s right for you. After I finish at Totton College, I would like to join the travel and tourism industry as a resort representative or as part of a yacht crew
Funding and bursaries
Students if you’re aged over 19 you may be eligible for free tuition depending on the course you want to study, your existing qualifications and your financial circumstances. For more information email info@totton.ac.uk or call 023 8087 4874.
Advanced Learner Loans are available for students who are aged 19 or over. Repayments do not begin until the course is completed and you are earning £25,000 or over. Eligible learners will be enrolling on a level 3 or above course and are a UK or EU national. For further information, visit gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.