Level 3
Travel and Tourism, BTEC Extended Diploma
Level 3
Travel and Tourism, BTEC Extended Diploma
Discover the world of travel, tourism, and global experiences with this exciting, hands-on qualification. If you’re passionate about destinations, customer service, events, or aviation, this course gives you the perfect launchpad into one of the world’s most vibrant industries.
You’ll gain real insight into how the sector operates, develop the confidence to work with people from all backgrounds, and build the skills you need for a future focused on travel, adventure, and global opportunities.
Course Overview
This two-year BTEC Extended Diploma explores all areas of the travel and tourism industry, from visitor attractions and tour operations to events, aviation, marketing, and sustainable tourism. You’ll learn in a dynamic environment, working on real-world projects that develop your communication, teamwork, organisation, and customer service skills.
At Knightstone Campus, you’ll learn in purpose-built classrooms designed to enhance your studies, and benefit from high-quality facilities including our new boardroom and business suite. You will take part in activities designed with employers, helping you gain the experience and confidence required to thrive in this fast-growing sector. Your lecturers bring years of industry experience, giving you first-hand insight into careers across travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality.
When you study with us, you will automatically join our Business Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by leading employers who play an active role throughout your training. Through guest lectures, company visits, work experience and recruitment events, you’ll gain exceptional industry insight and access to a wide range of networking opportunities.
What will I study?
Across your programme, you will explore modules such as:
- UK and worldwide tourism destinations
- Travel agency operations
- Customer service in travel and tourism
- Event planning
- Hospitality in travel settings
- Long-haul destinations
- Principles of marketing in travel and tourism
- Working in the aviation industry
- Business operations in travel organisations
- The global travel industry and sustainability
How will I be assessed?
The course has two exams, but assessment is predominately coursework-based and includes:
- Practical assignments
- Presentations
- Group projects
- Written reports
- Employer-led briefs
This approach allows you to showcase your skills and apply your learning to real industry scenarios.
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
- Industry trips and visits to UK destinations and attractions
- Opportunities for international travel
- Guest speakers from airlines, travel companies, and events organisations
- Access to Weston College’s Career Excellence Hub
- Advice and support from experienced tutors with industry backgrounds
- No specialist uniform is required, although suitable professional clothing will be needed for some industry visits.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9–4, including English or maths
- A passion for customer service, communication, and working with people
What can I do after this course?
This qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers, including:
- Travel agent
- Cabin crew
- Hotel, resort, or cruise ship staff
- Events coordinator
- Tourism development officer
- Visitor attraction assistant
- Tour guide or holiday representative
You can also progress to higher education, including degrees in:
- Tourism Management
- Events Management
- Hospitality Management
- Business and Marketing
- International Tourism and Aviation
- Weston College and University Centre Weston offer relevant degree-level pathways that can support your progression.
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you’ll be taken through to our application portal.
What to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.