Free Level 3 Travel and Tourism Course in Stansted. Classes run at Stansted Airport College, full-time over two years, with 2.5 days a week in the classroom. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths or English at grade 4, to join. The course covers how the UK travel and tourism industry works, customer service, and career preparation, plus nine optional modules across the two years. Topics can include aviation communications, worldwide passenger airlines, and UK airports. In year two, you can combine this level 3 travel and tourism qualification with a Cabin Crew pathway.
Who this course is for
This qualification is designed to give learners the skills to work in the travel and tourism sector. They will gain an in-depth understanding of the principles of the travel and tourism industry and allow them to explore the various avenues of work within the industry. This can then be taken to prospective employers or can contribute to wards further progression into HE
Entry requirements
5 x GCSEs at grade 4 or better to include maths or English at grade 4
What you will learn
You'll explore how the UK travel and tourism industry is structured and how different roles connect.
You'll develop customer service skills specific to travel and tourism settings.
You'll study aviation communications and how airports operate.
You'll learn about worldwide passenger airlines and international routes.
You'll build skills in professional behaviour, time management, and workplace dress standards.
You'll practise communication and teamwork through role plays, group projects, and presentations.
You'll gain work experience in a travel and tourism environment.
How you will learn
Assessment is continuous. Each week you'll complete written assignments covering factual, comparison, and justification tasks. Practical assessments include role plays, interviews, professional discussions, and group or paired presentations. You'll also take part in guest talks from industry professionals and visits to airports and other industry sites. The Cabin Crew pathway is available in year two.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Stansted Airport College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Travel agent, advising customers on holidays and bookings
Airport customer service agent, assisting passengers at check-in or gates
Cabin crew member, working on passenger flights
Tour operator assistant, supporting holiday package coordination
Tourism information officer, helping visitors in local or regional roles
Ground handling operative, supporting aircraft turnaround at airports
Reservations agent, managing bookings for airlines or hotels
What you could study next
A degree in Travel, Tourism, or Hospitality Management, building on the industry knowledge from this Diploma.
A Level 4 or 5 Higher National Certificate or Diploma (HNC/HND) in Travel and Tourism, available at many colleges and a shorter route into higher-level roles.
Specialist cabin crew or aviation training programmes, if you take the Cabin Crew pathway in year two.
