Free BTEC Level 2 Travel and Tourism Course in Bury Saint Edmunds. Classes run full-time at West Suffolk College, one day per week over one year. You'll study vocational geography, customer service, retail travel, visitor attractions, the cruise industry, and sales and promotion. Entry requires at least three GCSEs at grade D (grade 3) or above, including maths or English at grade C (grade 4). If you don't yet have maths or English, you'll study those alongside the main course. This level 2 BTEC travel and tourism qualification is awarded by Pearson Edexcel.
Who this course is for
Does exploring and discovering new countries and cultures excite you? If it does, this course could be the beginning of a rewarding and stimulating career in the Travel and Tourism industry.This qualification will develop your knowledge and experience in a range of directions including vocational geography, customer service, retail travel, promotion and sales, visitor attractions, the cruise industry and key employability skills. It also encourages achievement and opens doors to progress to Level 3 study and then on to university, an apprenticeship or into employment - depending on the dream!The Travel and Tourism team at West Suffolk College will support you through a range of teamwork activities, finding out about local, national and international destinations and investigating what the tourism industry is all about, making sure you feel well equipped to move into the next phase of your learning.
Entry requirements
Entry is by interview. Applicants will need either a minimum of three GCSEs Grade D (3) or above, including maths or English at Grade C (4). Any student who doesn't have their maths or English qualification will be required to take these alongside their vocational subject.Applicants will need to be able to be motivated and manage their own time. Learners will need to have a mature and responsible outlook, as they will be required to work with a high degree of independence for much of the course.
What you will learn
You'll explore vocational geography and how destinations are marketed to travellers.
You'll develop customer service skills used across the travel and tourism industry.
You'll learn how retail travel agencies operate, including sales and promotion.
You'll study visitor attractions and how they are managed and marketed.
You'll gain an understanding of the cruise industry and its key features.
You'll build employability skills including time management and independent working.
How you will learn
The BTEC format is largely coursework-based. You'll complete assignments, projects, and unit assessments throughout the year rather than sitting a single end exam. Classes are delivered in the classroom at West Suffolk College during the day. Some units may include presentations or group work. Entry is by interview, and the college will assess your suitability for the course at that stage.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. West Suffolk College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Travel agent, helping customers plan and book holidays
Holiday rep, supporting travellers at UK or overseas destinations
Visitor attraction assistant, working at museums, theme parks, or heritage sites
Cruise line crew member, in customer-facing shipboard roles
Airport customer service agent, assisting passengers at check-in or gates
Tour operator assistant, supporting the planning and sale of travel packages
What you could study next
Level 3 BTEC National in Travel and Tourism. The natural next step if you want to go deeper into the industry or move toward higher education.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism. A broader qualification that opens routes into university courses in tourism, hospitality, or business.
Apprenticeship in Travel Consultant or Hospitality. Earn while you learn in a live workplace setting.
