NCFE Level 3 Introductory Diploma in Travel and Tourism

(Introductory Diploma – one year) (Extended Diploma - two years) - A combination of 14 hours a week theoretical and practical lessons including a number of educational visits will be arranged to assist you in completing your coursework, as well as allowing you to experience real life travel and tourism companies and attractions. You will also be required to partake in 72 hours work experience and up 6 hours a week literacy and numeracy lessons as part of your study programme depending on your entry qualifications.

From a range of the following units:

• The UK Travel & Tourism Industry
• Customer Service in Travel & Tourism
• Preparing for Careers in Travel & Tourism
• Travel & Tourism Destinations
• UK Visitor Attractions
• Hospitality in Travel & Tourism
• Marketing in Travel & Tourism
• Retail Travel
• UK Tour Operators
• UK Conference & Events Industry
• Cruise Industry
• Roles & Responsibilities of a Resort Representative
• UK Airports
• Responsible Tourism
• Tour Guiding

The course also prepares students for direct entry into the local, national or international travel, tourism or airline industry with the likes of attractions, hotels or hospitality, tour operators, travel agents, customer service related organisations, overseas holiday representatives, holiday parks and leisure providers.

Students could progress on to a foundation degree or full degree at university.

Progression at all levels within this academic area require high levels of attendance, punctuality, and standards of behaviour in accordance with college student codes of conduct and policies.

Minimum end of year grade requirement of Merit is also required.

Five GCSEs at minimum grade 4 (including English and Maths) or a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Travel and Tourism with merit or distinction grades.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

The majority of the units in these qualifications are assessed through internal, portfolio-based assessment generated through a range of activities, including role play, practical performance and verbal presentations.

September 2025

1 Year, Full Time. Students will study for the Introductory Diploma. If they achieve a minimum of a pass/merit grade in all units, they may progress to the Extended Diploma in year two.
This full time study programme courses may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.