Free BTEC Level 3 Travel and Tourism Course in Crawley. Classes run at Ifield Community College, full-time during the day. This level 3 BTEC travel and tourism qualification covers the travel and tourism sector in depth, including retail travel, visitor attractions, accommodation, transport, and tour operations. The course runs over two years. To join, you'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language or Literature, plus a Level 2 pass in a BTEC First in Travel and Tourism or equivalent.
Who this course is for
These qualifications have been designed to provide an all-round introduction to the travel and tourism sector for those who wish to further their careers in one of its many connected industries, including retail travel, visitor attractions, and accommodation, transport and tour operations.
Entry requirements
Five Passes at Grade 4 or above at GCSE including Grade 4 English Language or Literature and Level 2 pass in BTEC First award in Travel & Tourism (or equivalent if studied)
What you will learn
You'll explore how the travel and tourism sector is structured and how its industries connect.
You'll study retail travel, including how travel agents operate and serve customers.
You'll examine visitor attractions and how they manage visitors and operations.
You'll learn about accommodation, transport, and tour operations across the industry.
You'll develop customer service skills relevant to tourism and hospitality roles.
You'll analyse travel and tourism destinations and the factors that affect them.
You'll build knowledge of how to plan and market travel products and services.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Ifield Community College. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Certificate is assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed examinations. Assignments are based on real industry scenarios and are marked by your tutors. External assessments are set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. There is no single end-of-course exam; your grade builds across both types of assessment over the two years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Ifield Community College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Travel agent: advising customers and booking holidays and flights
Tour operator assistant: helping plan and package travel products
Visitor attraction assistant: working in museums, theme parks, or heritage sites
Airport customer service agent: supporting passengers at check-in or gates
Hotel receptionist: front-of-house role in accommodation settings
Holiday rep: supporting tourists at resorts abroad or in the UK
Tourism marketing assistant: promoting destinations and travel products
What you could study next
HNC or HND in Travel and Tourism (Level 4/5) - a natural next step if you want to go deeper into the industry or move into management roles.
Degree in Tourism Management or Hospitality - universities recognise the BTEC National for entry, and this route opens graduate-level careers.
Apprenticeship in Travel or Hospitality - combine work and study while earning in a specific sector role.
