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Level 3 Travel and Tourism Course in Paignton – South Devon College

Cost£4,290.00
Duration10 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Travel and Tourism Course in Paignton. Classes run at South Devon College, part-time during the day. The course runs over 10 months and covers the skills and knowledge needed to work in travel, tourism, and hospitality. You'll study topics that reflect how the industry actually operates, from customer experience to destination knowledge. Entry requires a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English. This level 3 travel and tourism qualification is awarded by NCFE.

Who this course is for

If you're passionate about creating memorable experiences, meeting people from around the world, and exploring new places, the Level 3 Diploma in Tourism, Hospitality & Events is your perfect launchpad into one of the world’s most exciting industries. Tailored for 16 - 18-year-olds, this full-time course gives you the skills, knowledge and industry insight to thrive in the ever-changing world of travel, tourism, and hospitality, whether you're aiming for a career here in the South West or planning to work internationally. You’ll explore a wide range of topics that reflect current industry trends, from destination management and customer service to event planning and global tourism operations. Learning is delivered through a combination of practical workshops and classroom theory, with assessments based on written assignments, group tasks, and hands-on activities that simulate real-world working environments. This is a fast-paced and immersive course that requires self-motivation, teamwork and creativity. It’s designed to help you develop not only subject-specific knowledge but also the professional behaviours and communication skills needed in this people-focused sector. Upon successful completion of your first year, you’ll have the opportunity to progress to the second year of the extended diploma. From there, you can continue your journey at University Centre South Devon or step into employment or an apprenticeship in areas such as travel agencies, hospitality venues, tour operations, or events coordination.

Entry requirements

You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in Maths, You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in English, You will need to have achieved a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4(C) or above, including Maths and English, You should have a genuine interest in this subject

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of how the travel and tourism industry is structured and how it operates.
  • You'll study customer service principles and how to create positive experiences for travellers.
  • You'll explore key tourism destinations and what makes them commercially significant.
  • You'll learn about the hospitality sector and how it connects to travel and tourism.
  • You'll examine how events are planned and managed within a tourism context.
  • You'll build an understanding of marketing and promotion within the travel industry.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at South Devon College. Assessment is likely to include assignments, projects, and portfolio work that reflect real industry scenarios. You'll build knowledge progressively across the 10-month course, with tutors guiding you through each topic. The part-time daytime timetable means you cover the content at a manageable pace.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Devon College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Travel consultant: advising customers on holidays and travel arrangements
  • Tourism officer: promoting destinations or regions to visitors
  • Hotel receptionist: front-of-house role in hospitality and accommodation
  • Events coordinator: organising and supporting events in tourism settings
  • Cabin crew: customer-facing role with airlines and travel operators
  • Holiday rep: supporting tourists at resorts and travel destinations
  • Visitor attraction assistant: working at museums, heritage sites, or theme parks

What you could study next

A Level 3 travel and tourism qualification can lead to a range of further study options. You could progress to a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Travel and Tourism, Hospitality Management, or Events Management. Many universities also accept this Diploma for entry onto relevant degree programmes, including Tourism Management, Business, or Hospitality. A degree apprenticeship in hospitality or events management is another route worth exploring.

Apply on southdevon.ac.uk →
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