School leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 1 Year Level 3 Full-Time City Campus Full-time Vocational Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

If you’re passionate about exploring new destinations and shaping unforgettable experiences for others, a career in travel and tourism could be the perfect fit. Our Level 3 course equips you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in diverse roles across the industry from holiday reps to sustainable tourism and beyond.
With a focus on real-world applications, you’ll cover everything from event planning to the business of tourism. Whether you aim to work with top airlines or lead adventure tours, this course prepares you for both immediate employment and further studies in higher education.

You will need 4 GCSE's at grade 4-9 including Maths and English Language. Or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

Study level Cost Additional fees
16-18 Free There is a contribution required for trips, visits and uniform at the start of each academic year. The visits are a mandatory part of the course and the students complete activities to use in their coursework, as well as learning essential skills for the industry. The current contribution is £150. This is subject to change. Eligible students may qualify for a bursary payment contribution to help with costs.

This two year programme is assessed through online tests, time constrained assessments and coursework, which will involve practical assessments, presentations, or theory based research.

You will study various units, including worldwide travel and tourism destinations, special interest holidays, and independent travel, as well as planning and delivering guided tours.

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfils most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications.

Placement opportunities are an integral part of our curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace challenges, enhancing their academic learning with practical skills. Tailored to complement your studies, placements are offered in a range of industries, from innovative local startups to leading global corporations.
By actively participating in these structured and supportive environments, students not only observe but also contribute meaningfully to the workings of their chosen field. This hands-on approach boosts confidence and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. The insights and experience gained are often transformative, arming students with the necessary tools for a successful and dynamic career. These opportunities are crafted to ensure you emerge as a well-rounded professional, ready to make significant contributions in your future endeavours.

At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

You will study 8 units as part of this course.

6 of these are mandatory and internally assessed, and 2 of these are externally assessed exams.

The 8 units include:

- The World of Travel and Tourism
- Global Destinations
- Principles of Marketing in Travel and Tourism
- Managing the Customer Experience in Travel and Tourism
- Travel and Tourism Enterprises
- Researching Current Travel Trends and Key Issues in Travel and Tourism
- Visitor Attractions
- Working Overseas

What’s next?

After completing this course, students have a wide range of exciting options. You can progress to higher education or enter directly into the workforce. Career paths include roles such as travel agents, holiday representatives, or working for airlines, cruise ships, and event planning companies. The course also opens doors to more specialised areas, like sustainable tourism and marketing. Whichever route you choose, the skills gained will provide a strong foundation for a dynamic and fulfilling career in this ever-growing industry.

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted

NSS, 2024

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024

We have International award winning Immersive Spaces at both Bede and City Campus