Access to Higher Education: Hospitality and Tourism

Summary: This one year programme offers a qualification for career progression or to re-train in the exciting hospitiality and tourism industry








Course description: Hospitality and tourism are vibrant and exciting industries to work in. Tourism has been the UK’s fastest growing sector in employment terms since 2010 according to the official body, Visit Britain. Whilst hospitality is the fourth largest employing industry in the UK and will need a further 524,000 staff by 2020, according to People 1st, the sector skills council. These trends suggest there will be plenty of opportunities in the coming years.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism, as validated by CAVA,  The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism, as validated by CAVA,  is a qualification which prepares students aged 19 years and over, without relevant qualifications, for study at degree level.   
Your course units will likely be

Introduction to the Hospitality & Tourism Industry - types of tourism, economic contribution, hospitality business types and structures, historical developments, current trends

Customer Service in Hospitality and Tourism - principles and benefits of customer service, customer needs, customer service skills, customer service improvement, selling skills

Marketing Hospitality and Tourism Products and Services – marketing principles, factors affecting marketing decisions, primary and secondary market research, data analysis

Introduction to Management and Leadership - management principles, management and leadership styles, human motivation, teamwork skills, team development, group presentation

Travel Geography - atlas geography and destinations, tourist destinations, visitor typographies and motivations, geographic factors, tourism impacts

Food and Drink in society - factors affecting food & drink choices, historical influences, national and regional habits, socio-cultural influences, media and celebrity, role of technology, sensory evaluation

Health, Nutrition and Diet in Society – nutritional and dietary issues, nutritional requirements, UK Government guidelines, balanced menu planning, promoting healthier eating

HE Study Skills – learning styles, research techniques, note taking, revision techniques, HE/UCAS options and careers

Hospitality and Tourism Research Project – the opportunity to study one subject in depth in an independent dissertation
The course will be delivered over two days a week and is classroom based. Lecturers use a variety of teaching methods in order to prepare students for degree level study.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is widely recognised by UK universities however we advise that if you are hoping to go on to do a degree course at a specific university, it would be useful to contact them to check that the Diploma you have chosen is in an appropriate subject area and is recognised by the university.









Entry requirements: There are no formal entry qualifications but you do need a good level of numeracy and literacy at the start of the course.
Selection is by interview to discuss your suitability for the course and whether the course is right for you. As part of this process you will to complete on-line assessments and submit a short piece of writing to check you are at the right level to start the course. Advice can be given about alternative ways forward if necessary.
For acceptance on the Access programme you will need to convince us that you have the determination to succeed and will be able to cope with the work.
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading), the required minimum is:

IELTS (SELT): 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)

Or GCSE English A*-C

Or equivalent qualification. Please contact the Advice Shop for advice and guidance
International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the International Students webpage. 
 









Assessment: You will be supported throughout the course by a personal tutor who will also give you guidance in applying for Higher Education courses. All students study a core of communications, research and study skills.
You will be awarded credits on completion of each units with a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade. All credits are awarded are awarded at level 3 which broadly equates to A-level study.
Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on a number of set pieces of work such as essays, projects, presentations and tests.









Academic progression: Once you have successfully completed your Access course, you can progress onto a degree programme at City College Norwich such as

BA (Hons) Hospitality and Event Management

BA (Hons) Tourism Management
You can also progress to a Higher Education courses at other universities. You must check requirements for specific degree courses as different institutions may have different entry requirements.









Career progression: Gaining a degree in hospitality, tourism and events management will allow you to apply for a wide variety of roles including management.
For further careers information in the hospitality and tourism sector please check

Hospitality Guild 

Institute of Hospitality
 









Costs: Please contact the Advice Shop for information on fees and financial support which may be available. We recommend you also check our Finance pages for further information including student travel offers.