BTEC First Diploma in Travel and Tourism

Why choose BTEC First Diploma in Travel and Tourism?

If you are interested in working in some of the fastest growing industries in East Anglia in a hotel, visitor attraction, restaurant or travel agency and want to learn more about the travel and tourism business, then this Diploma could well be for you. Those who will gain most from this course are likely to have one or more of the following:

a) 4/5 GCSEs at grade D/E

b) work experience in the areas of travel or tourism

c) an interest in these industries

What does the course involve?

The course involves studying six units of work throughout the year. The areas of study are:

• the background to both the travel and tourism industries
• tourist destinations throughout the world and their appeal to different sections of the population
• marketing within the industry
• customer service – this is a chance to learn the theory and also be able to put it into practice
• the business side of both industries
• students will organise and run a travel and tourism event

How is the course taught?

This is a vocational course, which means that there is much more emphasis on the practical side of developing skills which can be taken into the workplace. This is balanced however by the necessary theory to support these skills. Much of the content relies on first hand experience of how what you learn in the classroom is applied in the real world. This will involve both research within school as well as visits to a variety of organisations and students are actively encouraged to explore independent learning whilst at the same time meeting deadlines.

How is the course assessed?

All six units are assessed through portfolio work (one unit’s assignment is set by the examination board) therefore diligence, hard work and good presentation skills are a must if you wish to attain a high pass mark. The portfolio can include written reports, video presentations, photographs, display materials and witness statements. Each unit is graded as a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Why is it valuable?

The BTEC First Diploma is equivalent to four A-Cs at GCSE enabling you to gain entry onto industry training schemes, access Advanced vocational qualifications and some further education courses. Whatever your career route, this course will help you develop your skills and help you cope with life beyond school, giving you an advantage when applying for jobs in these and other areas of work.