Free Level 2 BTEC Travel and Tourism Course in Derby. Classes run at Derby College, full-time during the day. You'll need four GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including Maths or English Language at Grade 4 or above, to join. Over 36 weeks, you'll build a solid grounding in the tourism and visitor economy sector through practical, assignment-based learning. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC First Award in Travel and Tourism is assessed through coursework rather than exams, so your work throughout the year counts toward your final qualification.
Who this course is for
The BTEC Level 2 First Award in Travel and Tourism is designed for learners who want a qualification that links their education to real‑world, vocational learning in the tourism and visitor economy sector. Students gain a foundational understanding of the subject, develop sector‑specific knowledge, and build transferable skills to support future study or employment. The qualification is intended for learners who:Are motivated by practical, applied learning and prefer assessment through assignments and real‑world scenarios rather than exams alone.Want to progress to further study at Level 3, apprenticeships, or employment in travel, tourism, hospitality, events, customer service, and related sectors.Benefit from developing key skills such as teamwork, communication, independent learning, research, planning and customer service which are all skills valued widely across industries.The course is well suited for students who are curious about how the tourism and visitor economy sector operates, enjoy exploring destinations, and want to understand the role of customer experience, global events, and industry organisations.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above and one must be Maths or GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above
What you will learn
You'll explore how the travel and tourism industry is structured and how it operates.
You'll study the visitor economy and the role tourism plays in the UK and beyond.
You'll develop knowledge of customer service in travel and tourism settings.
You'll investigate popular travel destinations and what makes them appeal to different visitors.
You'll build transferable skills in research, communication, and presenting information.
You'll complete assignments that apply your learning to real sector contexts.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Derby College. Assessment is through assignments rather than exams. Each unit is assessed by coursework, so you build your qualification progressively throughout the 36 weeks. Your tutors will set assignments linked to real travel and tourism scenarios, and you'll submit work that demonstrates your understanding of each topic.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Derby College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Travel agent: helping customers plan and book trips
Holiday rep: supporting tourists at UK or overseas destinations
Visitor attraction assistant: working at museums, theme parks, or heritage sites
Airport customer service agent: assisting passengers at check-in or information desks
Tour operator assistant: supporting the planning and delivery of package holidays
Hotel receptionist: front-of-house role in hospitality and accommodation
What you could study next
BTEC National Diploma in Travel and Tourism (Level 3): the natural next step if you want to go deeper into the sector or move toward higher education.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Hospitality: broadens your options across hotels, events, and catering.
T Level in Hospitality and Catering: a two-year technical qualification with an industry placement, for those aiming toward higher-level roles or university.
