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TRAVEL AND TOURISM

NCFE Level 2 Diploma

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Course Level

Level 2

Duration

1 year full-time

Placement

1 week in a travel and tourism organisation

Entry

September

Fees

View fees
Department of Hospitality and Tourism
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Saturday 13 June 2026

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In the UK, the tourism industry supports almost 3 million jobs, making it one of the country's top employers

Global reputation within the industry for tourism-related courses

Do you dream of a career that allows you to see the world? This course provides an understanding of the principles of travel and tourism, enhancing cultural awareness alongside customer service, communication and problem-solving skills - all highly valued in the hospitality, aviation and tour operations industries.

You will gain knowledge of global destinations, sustainability and industry trends, helping you make more informed career choices in the field of travel and tourism. This understanding will also enrich your personal travel by improving your planning, budgeting and cultural sensitivity. 

Overall, this college course in travel and tourism will prepare you for a dynamic, people-focused career, while enabling more meaningful and enjoyable travel experiences through greater confidence, awareness and appreciation of different cultures and environments. You will also be able to tap into lots of personalised support, from academic to health and wellbeing.

Why choose this college course?

  • EDUCATIONAL VISITS – Enjoy the chance to gain experience and understanding with a range of trips and visits from guest speakers
  • WORK PLACEMENT – Gain practical experience of the workplace on a placement in the tourism industry
  • INDUSTRY APPROVED – University College Birmingham is a recognised Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Centre of Excellence
  • EXPERIENCED STAFF – All our staff have significant industry experience, helping you to develop the skills you'll need in your future career

Our facilities

Students on our travel and tourism courses at University College Birmingham have the chance to put training into practice learning in our cutting-edge Aviation and Tourism Suite.

Aviation Suite - Cabins UCB

Our Aviation and Tourism Suite features a state-of-the-art mock plane cabin

It also features check-in areas for training students

Aviation and Tourism Suite

Take a look around our Aviation and Tourism Suite that features exciting simulation facilities for students on our aviation, travel and tourism courses.

Find out more

Course breakdown

Year 1

The course consists of two mandatory topics:

  • Customer Service
  • UK Travel and Tourism Industry

A choice of six additional units allowing you to build the course as you choose. These may include:

  • Travel and Tourism Destinations
  • UK Purpose-built Attractions
  • Hospitality in Travel and Tourism
  • Airports and Airlines
  • Understanding Package Holidays
  • Work Experience

Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change

You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.

On successful completion of this course, you will earn a NCFE Level 2 in Travel and Tourism.

Maths

To help you secure your dream career, you will also continue developing your Maths skills alongside your full-time course. If you haven’t achieved GCSE grade 4/C in Maths at age 16, you will continue to study these through resits or taking Functional Skills at an appropriate level.

How maths will support your career

  • Measurement of weight is important for weighing luggage at the airport.
  • The ability to calculate costs and distances is of obvious importance throughout the industry.
  • Fractions are used to calculate discounts when booking hotels or arranging travel.
  • The ability to make conversions is key in changing money into other currencies.

Entry requirements

Our tourism lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about the tourism and hospitality industry, together with a keen determination to succeed in the industry, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.

If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.

Academic requirements

  • 3 GCSEs at grade 3 (grade D)
  • English Language at grade 4
  • A full Level 2 qualification at diploma level

Maths

If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in Maths and you are under 19, you will be required to study this alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate Maths support.

Applicants over 19 are not required to complete this.

Supporting documents required

  • School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
  • If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

A range of teaching and assessment techniques will be incorporated, such as directed study and reflective account, lectures, computer sessions, Assessments will include, written reports, leaflets, poster designs, presentations, work placement.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Need some more advice?

Our Schools Liaison team deliver drop-in sessions for you to ask any questions you have about college. Find out more here.

University College Birmingham is a recognised Institute of Travel and Tourism Centre of Excellence.

Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships

University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.

Percentage
70%

of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them

Work placements

Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our HIRED employability team can help find the ideal placement for you.

Placements for the Level 2 Diploma course are compulsory, where learners will be placed into travel and tourism organisations. Previous placements have included hotel events departments, travel agencies, visitor attractions, museums and art galleries.

 

Work alongside experts in your sector

A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:

  • Diamond Travel
  • Jury's Hotels
  • Wolverhampton Museum and Art Gallery

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Tourist information centre assistant

Average Salary: £24,500

Travel agent

Average Salary: £28,053

Cabin crew

Average Salary: £24,420

Airline customer service agent

Average Salary: £22,000

Aspiring to a higher level career? Complete this course and you could progress onto our Travel and Tourism Level 3 and from there, go on to study on our International Hospitality and Tourism Management, Aviation and Airport Management or Events Management degree.

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

 

Find out more

Jamie’s Story

Jamie went from leaving school and working as a holiday rep to completing a degree and master’s – all thanks to his college course.

Read Story

Meet your tutors

Anne McCarron

Senior Curriculum Leader

Meet Anne
Hayley Wilkins

Lecturer

Meet Hayley

Take the next step...

  

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