Entry requirements
Students applying must have at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, or a Merit or Distinction at Level 2 and be working towards English and/or maths.Â
Course Overview
For students looking to study travel and tourism in Southampton and the New Forest, our Travel and Tourism Level 3 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 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 advance your knowledge and skills from the Level 2 course, giving you a broader understanding of the travel and tourism sector. We’ve designed this course to prepare you for higher levels of study or to pursue entry-level employment via an apprenticeship. Â
You will learn to become more confident in presenting ideas, planning itineraries, project management and customer service, while also having 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 you 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). These experiences will help you to discover what it’s like to work in the sector and learn from those working in the business. Â
In addition, you will also 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.
Modules
Modules for the Travel and Tourism Level 3 course include:Â Â
- The UK travel and tourism industry (mandatory)Â
- Customer service in travel and tourism (mandatory)Â Â
- Preparing for a career in travel and tourism (mandatory)Â
- Travel and tourism destinationsÂ
- Work experience in travel and tourismÂ
- Investigating airline cabin crewÂ
- UK airportsÂ
- UK heritage tourism attractionsÂ
- Tour guidingÂ
Assessment
At Totton College, we use a variety of assessment methods to ensure you achieve the Travel and Tourism Level 3 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 assignment-based throughout the year. Assignments consist of practical work 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
Career and Progression
After successfully passing this course, you will have core knowledge to progress to a higher-level qualification and to move forward towards your chosen career.
On successful completion of this course, you will achieve the Level 3 OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Travel and Tourism. Â
You will be able to discuss career options with the college careers advisor prior to completion of the course to explore apprenticeships, Higher Education 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.