The focus of this course is to provide you with education and training for a management career in the travel and tourism sector. It is suitable for employees of travel and tourism facilities and those wishing to enter the industry, and leads to a nationally recognised Level 5 vocationally specific qualification. You will develop skills, techniques and attributes essential for working as a manager in travel and tourism, enabling you to progress to employment or to the final year of an honours degree.

Key course features

Qualification: BTEC (EdExcel) Higher National DiplomaJACS Code: 098N, Institution Code: W65

Level: Level 5

Mode: Full-time

Start Date: September 2013

Fees: £4,800 tuition fee for 2013-14. This fee is for one year of study and may be subject to change in subsequent years. The course fee is usually covered by your student loan and you will not need to pay this back until you have completed this course and when you are earning over £21,000 a year. Home students will receive a bursary of £500 to help towards expenses (usually in February, subject to satisfactory attendance and progress on the course).

Who is this course for?

Advanced students who want a career in travel and tourism management or those working in the industry who wish to improve their employment opportunities.

Entry requirements

At least one A Level, BTEC Level 3 or equivalent qualification. We will consider other evidence for students who have been out of education for some time. If you need advice before you apply, please call 020 8326 2020 or email ciag@west-thames.ac.uk.

About the course

Study will be a mixture of theory and practical work; tasks and assignments are set to reflect the connection between knowledge and practical skills.

You will study units such as:

• The travel and tourism sector
• Finance and funding in the travel and tourism sector
• The developing manager
• Research project
• Marketing in travel and tourism
• Contemporary issues in travel and tourism
• Sustainable tourism development
• Legislation and ethics in the travel and tourism sector
• Tourist destinations
• Business health check
• Travel and tourism entrepreneurs
• Hospitality provision in the travel and tourism sector
• Special interest tourism
• Tour operations management
• Resort management
• Passenger transport operations
• Work-based experience
• Human resource management for service industries
• Heritage and cultural tourism management
• Visitor attraction management
• Incoming and domestic tourism
• Public relations and promotions in travel and tourism
• Personal and professional development
• Employability skills.

Additional opportunities

The course includes visits to travel and tourism organisations such as BAA and trade exhibitions such as the World Travel Market, held annually at ExCel in London. Visiting guest speakers will deliver talks about careers in the industry.

How will I be assessed?

All assessment is through coursework assignments (these may be in the form of written reports or presentations supported by suitable media). Staff and other students will give feedback so that you can see how you are progressing and improve your skills.

Where next?

With one more year of study, you could turn your HND into a BA (Hons) Degree in Travel and Tourism or a linked subject.

How to apply?

Please apply via www.UCAS.com. Alternatively, you can complete our online application form. We will then contact you to make sure you are suitable for the course and help you to apply.