Travel and tourism courses

A career in travel and tourism can turn your love for adventure into a rewarding profession. Whether you're starting fresh or looking to develop your expertise, industry-recognised qualifications can fast-track your success

Why choose a travel and tourism course?

By studying a course in the travel and tourism sector, you can expect:

• diverse career opportunities - from travel agents and tour operators to hotel managers and event planners, students can explore a range of roles.
• global exposure - the industry provides opportunities to work internationally, engage with different cultures, and develop a global perspective.
• high employability - with the continuous growth of tourism, professionals in this sector enjoy strong job prospects.
• practical learning - many courses incorporate hands-on training, internships, and field trips to provide real-world experience.

What qualifications can I study?

Further education

For those beginning their journey in the travel and tourism sector, Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications offer a solid foundation. These programmes provide essential knowledge and skills for entry-level roles or facilitate progression to higher-level studies.

The Level 2 Diploma is ideal for individuals seeking fundamental skills and knowledge of the industry. For example, the 36-week Level 2 Diploma in Travel and Tourism at the City of Westminster College includes learning about:

• destinations
• itinerary planning
• airfares
• ticketing.

To enrol, you'll need four GCSEs at grade 3 (D). Graduates often progress to Level 3 qualifications, apprenticeships, or employment in this field.

The Level 3 Certificate offers a deeper exploration of the industry, preparing students for supervisory roles or further study. For instance, the one-year Level 3 Certificate in Travel and Tourism at Loughborough College combines theory with practical skills through modules, work experience, and a Level 2 Cabin Crew qualification. The first year focuses on core industry knowledge and career preparation, while the second year expands on destinations, resort operations, and marketing. Enrolment requires four GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above.

For those aiming for direct entry into the travel and tourism industry, pursuing a Higher National Certificate (HNC) at Level 4 or a Higher National Diplomas (HND) at Level 5 offers a solid foundation of essential knowledge and skills needed for success in the sector.

These programmes provide a comprehensive learning experience, focusing on:

• career opportunities - graduates are equipped to pursue a variety of roles in travel agencies, airlines, hotels, tourism boards, and event management, opening doors to diverse career paths.
• industry-relevant knowledge - students gain expertise in key areas such as customer service, business operations, tourism marketing, and sustainable tourism practices, ensuring they are well-prepared for the industry's demands.
• pathway to higher education - an HND can serve as a stepping stone to further academic pursuits, offering direct entry into the final year of a Bachelors degree in travel and tourism or related fields.
• practical learning - programmes emphasise hands-on experience through work placements, internships, and real-world projects, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

For example, the one-year full-time HNC in International Tourism Management at Lincoln College exemplifies this hands-on approach, focusing on employability and practical learning with an optional pilot training programme. Its location near East Midlands Airport provides students with valuable opportunities for networking, seasonal employment, and work placements.

Other institutions offering HND and HNC programmes include:

• Docklands Academy London
• Edinburgh College
• Nottingham College

You can search for a provider of all the above courses at the National Careers Service.

Bachelors degrees

Although a degree isn't always a requirement, it can enhance your opportunities in travel and tourism. According to Dr Peter Robinson, board member of The Tourism Society (TS), chair of the TS consultants network and co-chair of The Association for Tourism in Higher Education, 'a degree provides in-depth expertise, a faster career trajectory, higher average earnings, and a broad understanding of the sector.'

If you're looking to move into management, this path is highly recommended. These programmes give you essential knowledge in areas like risk analysis, attraction management, cultural understanding, and sustainability, setting you up for success in managing travel experiences.

Examples of travel and tourism degrees include:

• BA International Hospitality and Tourism Management
• BA International Tourism and Events Management
• BSc Business with Tourism Management
• BSc Tourism Management.

For example, the full-time BA International Tourism Management course at Leeds Beckett takes three years to complete, or four with a placement year. You'll need between 104 and 120 UCAS points for entry. The first two years feature modules including tourism in a changing climate and destination development, followed by a one-year paid placement. The final year includes a consultancy project and several optional modules such as tourism in the global south and storytelling for brand experiences.

The University of Sunderland's BSc Tourism and Aviation Management is also available as a four-year course with a placement year, and you'll need 112 UCAS points to be accepted. The curriculum focuses on practical skills like the fundamentals of tourism, leisure and hospitality. The second year has opportunities for a tourism fieldwork module, while the final year culminates with a major project on a topic of your choice. UK students pay £9,535 per year.

See what you can do with a travel and tourism degree.

Postgraduate degrees

While not required for entry into the travel and tourism industry, a Masters degree can accelerate your career progression, making you a highly sought-after candidate for management roles.

As Dr Robinson explains, 'Postgraduate qualifications offer the chance to specialise in areas like marketing or operations, or to pursue an MBA, highly valued by organisations for the competitive edge it provides graduates.'

Some examples of courses include:

• MBA Tourism Management
• MSc Sustainable Tourism
• MSc Tourism Management
• MSc Tourism and Hospitality Management.

For example, the University of Plymouth offers the MSc in Tourism and Hospitality Management that can be taken part time or full time, lasting two years or one year respectively. This course combines tourism knowledge with expertise in hospitality operations to develop a well-rounded management skillset. You'll need a second-class degree for entry, and tuition fees are £11,350 for UK students in the 2025/26 academic year.

The University of East London's MSc Sustainable Tourism Development and Management takes one year of full-time study or two years part time. You'll need at least a 2:2 in business, tourism or hospitality, and the fee is £13,320 for UK students in 2025/26.

The course includes modules such as:

• Culture Heritage and Creativity in Tourism
• Destination Governance and Tourism Planning for Resilience and Sustainability
• Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Regenerative Tourism Economies.

Search postgraduate courses in tourism.

Professional travel and tourism qualifications

Professional qualifications provide a flexible and industry-recognised pathway to acquiring practical skills for career success. These focused programmes offer an excellent alternative or supplement to university education, enabling faster entry into the workforce or enhancing existing skills for career advancement.

These qualifications come in various levels, catering to diverse career goals. Organisations like the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH) offer programmes including:

• Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Hospitality Practice
• Level 4 Diploma in Tourism Management
• Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Hospitality Management
• Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management 
• Level 6 Professional Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Level 7 Executive Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

The International Air Transport Association also offer four diplomas, including:

• Foundation in Travel and Tourism
• Managing the Travel Business
• Travel and Tourism Consultant
• Travel Sales and Operations.

For information on fees and eligibility, see IATA - Travel and Tourism courses.

Can I do an apprenticeship in travel and tourism?

Offering a valuable alternative to traditional education, apprenticeships combine practical on-the-job training with classroom learning. 'Taking a more practical route also offers great career development prospects and many employers offer excellent in-house training and development opportunities,' says Dr Robinson.

Apprenticeship pathways in travel and tourism range from entry to degree level:

• Level 2 (intermediate) is equivalent to five GCSEs, preparing for roles like travel consultant or customer service assistant.
• Level 3 (advanced), similar to two A-levels, leads to supervisory positions in travel and hospitality.
• Level 4 and above (higher and degree apprenticeships) focus on management and leadership within the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Major companies like TUI offer apprenticeships across various business functions. Their Level 3 Travel Consultant apprenticeship provides in-depth travel industry knowledge and customer journey understanding, enabling progression to become a 'destination expert' for selling holidays, cruises, and UK breaks.

You can also launch your tourism management career with TUI's Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship. You'll earn a £28,750 starting salary while gaining a degree and four years of experience in rotations across the business.

Search for vacancies at Job Opportunities - TUI.

Other apprenticeship providers include:

• British Airways - offers three pathways in customer, business and operations.
• Hays Travel - provides training for future travel consultants with options in retail and head office.
• Jet2 - focuses on aviation-related roles, including customer service and airline operations.

You can search for an apprenticeship near you at Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK.

What skills will I gain from travel and tourism courses?

The specifics of what you'll learn will vary by course, but generally, students develop:

• business acumen - knowledge of financial management, marketing strategies, and tourism economics.
• communication and interpersonal skills - crucial for dealing with clients and stakeholders.
• cultural awareness - understanding different traditions and practices to enhance travel experiences.
• problem-solving abilities - managing travel disruptions and customer inquiries effectively.

Discover what skills employers want.

How do I choose the right travel and tourism course?

Begin by evaluating the institution's accreditation and reputation. Look for programmes with certifications recognised by industry bodies, such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) or the Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality (CTH). These often indicate a commitment to quality education and are highly valued by potential employers.

Next, explore the specifics of the modules offered. A comprehensive programme should cover core subjects like:

• destination marketing
• hospitality management
• sustainable tourism practices
• tourism economics.

Ensure the programme offers specialisations that align with your interests and career goals. For example, if you aspire to work in events, look for courses with dedicated event planning modules.

Finally, assess the institution's industry connections. These partnerships provide invaluable opportunities for internships, networking events, and mentorships, offering a crucial bridge between study and the professional world.

Explore our guidance on choosing a course or see the Tourism Society's advice for students.

What career opportunities are there in travel and tourism?

Upon completing a travel and tourism course, graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including:

• Airlines and cruise lines - cabin crew, ground staff, or operations managers.
• Entrepreneurship - starting a tour company or hospitality business.
• Hospitality industry - hotel management, guest relations, and event planning.
• Tourism boards and government agencies - working in tourism development and promotion.
• Travel agencies - as travel consultants or agents.

Explore our guide to travel and tourism jobs.

Find out more

• Learn more about the leisure and tourism sector.
• Search for graduate jobs in leisure, sport and tourism.
• Discover job opportunities through The Tourism Society.