Higher Level Apprenticeship in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management

General Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application. You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment. Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process.

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

AND

• GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

AND

• passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above), with 1 at GCE Advanced (A) level (grades A-E), and 3 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

• A Level - CC Typical grade profile indicated above.  Grade profiles equivalent to 64 UCAS tariff points or above will be considered dependent upon subject and Awarding Body entry requirements.

OR

• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP Typical grade profile indicated above.  Grade profiles equivalent to 64 UCAS tariff points or above will be considered dependent upon subject and Awarding Body entry requirements.

OR

• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MM Typical grade profile indicated above. Grade profiles equivalent to 64 UCAS tariff points or above will be considered dependent upon subject and Awarding Body entry requirements

OR

• Access to HE Diploma Access to HE Diploma (NI): 50% overall and 40% in Level 2 Access Mathematics.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.  

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

• IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
• PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
• Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

Higher Level Apprenticeship Eligibility

To be eligible for a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), in addition to the entry requirements identified above, you need to:

• be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, allowing you to gain appropriate industrial experience, with a Northern Ireland based company (does not include public sector) who is willing to support you as an HLA candidate
• work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training)
• be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland

Students are assessed using a range of different methods. These include examinations, coursework, Project Based Learning, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and case studies. This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

Students that successfully complete this Foundation Degree traditionally progress to one of the following areas:

Related degree programmes- Articulation agreements for advanced entry to final year after Summer bridging are currently supported by Ulster University to the: BSc Hons International Hospitality Management (depending on Specialist pathway studied and subject to Ulster University minimum marks entry criteria.)

Standard progression to both BSc Hons International Travel & Tourism Management and BSc Hons International Leisure and Events Management.

Employment- Students can progress into employment in a wide variety of organisations at supervisory or duty management level in the:

• Hotel sector

• Travel and Tourism

• Food and beverage sector

• Leisure and entertainment sector

• Events and conference sector

The course provides a strong vocational content delivered through tourism, hospitality and events specific modules.

You will be presented with opportunities to acquire and enhance academic, technical and transferable skills which will help you to apply to relevant jobs within the tourism, hospitality and events industry.

You will develop a wide range of skills including, but not limited to:

Technical Skills

• Financial management

• Event coordination

• Food and Beverage service

• Sales techniques

• Staff management

Employability Skills

• Critical thinking

• Leadership

• Emotional intelligence

• Entrepreneurship

It is recommended to budget approximately £150-£200 per academic year to allow for routine field trips, uniforms, learning materials and additional part-time qualifications which may be relevant.  Any optional additional study trips that involve overnight stays would be an additional cost.

This course is offered as a collaborative provision with Ulster University, Ulster University is the validating body, regulating the course.