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

• Identify different types of travel and tourism organisations in the UK, identify who owns them and explain how they work together.
• Understand how current and recent historical events have affected the UK travel and tourism industry.
• See how travel and tourism companies manage customer service and how they can do it better.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide good customer service in a variety of travel and tourism environments.
• Discover current trends and employment opportunities in the travel and tourism industry.
• Prepare a professional CV and personal profile and succeed in the job interview for the travel and tourism job you want.
• Describe and apply the principles of the marketing mix. Participate in market research for a travel and tourism product.
• Discuss ways of making tourism more responsible and sustainable.

This course is ideal for:

• School leavers seeking a specialist, A‑level equivalent route into university or employment.
• Career changers looking to enter the fast‑paced travel, tourism, and aviation industries.
• Existing professionals wishing to gain a formal, regulated qualification to boost their career prospects.
• Individuals aiming for higher level studies in areas such as Air Transport, Tour Management, or Hospitality.
• Enthusiastic travellers who want to turn their passion into a profession.

• Learners must be 16 years and older.
• You need 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 (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*.

This Level 3 Extended Diploma will provide you with a solid academic foundation to progress through a structured pathway of higher education in aviation, tourism and travel industries.

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 Management & Sustainable Tourism

Alternative Pathways 

• Specialist Level 3 qualifications in related sectors, such as Aviation, Hospitality, Catering, or Leisure Management, to broaden your specialist knowledge.
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses in areas like Sustainable Tourism, Digital Marketing for Travel, or Advanced Customer Service to enhance employability without a full degree.
• Direct apprenticeship at a higher level (Level 4 or above) in Travel and Tourism Management, Airport Operations, or Cabin Crew Leadership.

The NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism gives you specialist knowledge and practical skills to help you get ahead in the sector.

Below are career opportunities you could pursue, presented from the highest to the lowest salary, with approximate UK salaries sourced exclusively from the latest data available on Glassdoor UK.

• Airline Pilot (after further training) – £54,000
• Air Traffic Controller (after further training) – £48,000
• Travel Agency Manager – £32,000
• Tour Manager – £30,000
• Hotel Reservations Manager – £28,000
• Resort Representative – £24,000
• Travel Consultant – £22,000
• Cabin Crew – £21,000
• Airport Passenger Service Agent – £21,000

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.