• Access Duration:  2 Years
• Awarded by: NCFE 
• Qualification Level:  Level 3
• Qualification Number: 601/7936/3/AVI
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 1080
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 1440

• Explain the ownership and interrelationships of public, private and voluntary travel and tourism organisations in the UK.
• Evaluate customer service provided by travel and tourism organisations and make evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
• Analyse employment opportunities and current trends across the travel, tourism and aviation sectors.
• Explain the passenger journey through an airport terminal, including check-in, security, boarding, baggage reclaim, service levels and arrangements for passengers requiring special assistance
• Explain the roles of relevant aviation and airport regulatory bodies and how their requirements influence airline and airport operations.
• Explain aeronautical and non-aeronautical airport revenue streams and how airports seek to increase commercial income.
• Use aviation communication terminology correctly, including radiotelephony phraseology, airport and airline codes, and the ICAO phonetic alphabet.
• Create and evaluate contingency or emergency plans for simulated aviation scenarios, in accordance with relevant legislation, guidance and organisational procedures.

This NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism: Aviation track is perfect if you are a school leaver, career changer or anyone wanting to build a strong foundation in travel and tourism with a specialism in aviation.

This course is intended for:

• School leavers who wish to enrol in a full-time, classroom-based Level 3 program that is comparable to three A levels
• Students who intend to pursue university degrees in tourism management, aviation, or air transportation
• Future airline pilots, cabin crew, ground service personnel, and airport operations personnel
• Individuals changing careers who require a recognised, regulated qualification to work in the aviation industry
• Adult students going back to school with the specific intention of working in aviation, travel, or tourism

• You should be aged 16 or over.
• You should have a Level 2 qualification in travel and tourism, or equivalent experience or knowledge in the field.
• You need to be able to provide evidence for assessment in English and need to have a minimum level of literacy and numeracy.

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (9-12 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (5 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 24 months. This Level 3 Certificate requires approximately 1080 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

Internal Assessment: South London College grades all the assessments internally.

Portfolio of Evidence: You will need to assemble a portfolio to show that you have achieved the learning objectives. Evidence can be in the form of witness statements, worksheets, assignments, professional discussion records, peer reviews, and more.

Grading: Units are graded as ‘Not Yet Achieved’, ‘Pass’, ‘Merit’ or ‘Distinction’. The final qualification grade is one of: Not Yet Achieved, Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Distinction*.

The NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism (Aviation route) offers a route to professional training and further education progression.

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway

• Step 1: Foundation Degree in Science in Tourism, Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Step 2: Bachelor’s Degree in International Tourism & Hospitality Management (Top-up)
• Step 3: Master’s Degree in Tourism and Aviation

Alternative Pathways 

• Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (for those moving into aviation training or assessment).
• Higher Apprenticeship in Aviation Operations Management.
• Specialist professional qualifications in airside safety, airline revenue management or aviation security offered by industry bodies such as IATA.

The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism: Aviation pathway gives you the opportunity to pursue a wide range of careers in aviation and travel.

Below are potential roles and approximate UK salaries sourced from Glassdoor UK:

• Airport Operations Manager – £46,000
• Flight Dispatcher – £30,000
• Cabin Crew (Senior/Member) – £23,000
• Passenger Service Agent – £20,000
• Airport Ground Handling Agent – £24,000

This qualification is regulated by Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. Ofqual is the qualifications regulator for England and ensures that regulated qualifications meet national standards for quality, consistency and fairness. Ofqual regulation means that the course content, assessment methods and learning outcomes are monitored, giving learners confidence that the qualification is credible, recognised and supports progression to further study or employment.

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.