• Access Duration: 1 Year
• Awarded by: NCFE 
• Qualification Level:  Level 3
• Qualification Number: 603/4141/5/AVI
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 360
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 480

• Explain the range of travel and tourism organisations, sectors, products, services and trade associations in the UK.
• Evaluate the customer service provided by travel and tourism organisations and make evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
• Explain the types and functions of UK airports, how they generate income, the roles of organisations that regulate or influence them, airport risk-management practices, current challenges and airport-related employment opportunities.
• Describe the ownership, objectives, sources of funding, and connections of public, private, and nonprofit travel and tourism organisations in the United Kingdom.
• Research the impact of political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors on UK travel and tourism and the economy.
• Explain how travel and tourism companies use rules, processes, and service standards to fulfil client expectations.
• Provide customer service in a range of travel and tourism situations and assess your own and others’ performance.
• Analyse job openings and industry patterns Write professional application documents Interview Create an improvement plan

The NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Travel and Tourism: Aviation pathway is suitable for learners who want to develop knowledge and skills relevant to aviation and support their progression to further study or applications for entry-level airline, airport and ground-support roles.

This course is ideal for:

• School leavers
• College leavers
• Level 2 Travel and Tourism learners
• Aspiring airport passenger service agents
• Aspiring travel consultants
• Aspiring airline customer service staff
• Aspiring aviation professionals
• Career changers

• You must be aged 16 or over.
• You should have already achieved a Level 2 Travel and Tourism qualification, or equivalent, or have some experience/understanding of the subject area.

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (4 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (2 months) – perfect for those who can dedicate intensive study time.
• Most learners complete within their chosen timeframe, though some may finish earlier depending on personal circumstances and available study time. We accommodate your pace with unlimited support for 12 months. This Level 3 Certificate requires approximately 360 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

Internal Assessment: South London College marks assessments internally and NCFE quality assures externally.

Portfolio of Evidence: You will be asked to compile a portfolio of evidence demonstrating that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each unit. Evidence may include assignments, reports, worksheets, presentations, witness testimonies, observation records, role-plays, simulations, professional discussions, reflective evaluations.

Grading: Units are graded Not Yet Achieved, Pass, Merit or Distinction. The final qualification grade is Not Yet Achieved, Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. To receive an overall Distinction*, a learner must achieve a Distinction in every unit.

The NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Travel and Tourism: Aviation pathway is a good introduction for those who want to progress to higher-level study in aviation, travel, tourism or hospitality management.

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway

• Step 1: NCFE Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism: Aviation
• Step 2: Bachelor’s Degree in International Tourism & Airline Management
• Step 3: Global Business Administration (International Tourism and Hospitality Management) MBA

Alternative Pathways

• Level 3 qualifications in Hospitality or Catering Management.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Air Transport and Operations
• Leadership and management qualifications for airport and airline operations.

The NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Travel and Tourism: Aviation pathway provides you with specialist knowledge that will make you more marketable for jobs in airport, airline and ground handling.

Below are career opportunities with approximate UK salaries sourced from the latest records on Glassdoor UK:

• Airline Pilot (after further training) – £55,000
• Air Traffic Controller (after further training) – £50,000
• Cabin Crew – £28,000
• Airport Operations Manager – £27,000
• Passenger Service Agent – £24,000
• Aircraft Dispatcher – £23,000
• Airport Security Officer – £22,000
• Ground Handling Agent – £21,000
• Travel Agent (Aviation Specialist) – £20,000

This qualification is regulated by Ofqual, the UK government’s Office for Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. Ofqual regulation ensures that the qualification meets national standards for quality, consistency, and fairness. It means the course content, assessment methods, and learning outcomes are carefully monitored, giving learners confidence that the qualification is credible, well recognised, and supports progression to further study or employment in the UK.

RQF

In England and Northern Ireland, regulated qualifications are classified by level and size using the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It helps learners, employers, and education providers understand and compare qualifications. Entry Level is divided into Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3. The framework consists of nine levels from Entry Level to Level 8. Size indicates the amount of learning required to achieve the qualification, and level indicates the complexity and demand of the learning. To be regulated, a qualification must meet the relevant regulatory requirements and be awarded by a recognised awarding organisation.