Higher Level Apprenticeship in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management

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 minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff points including: GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile CC in any subject area [QCF] Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality with overall award profile [MM]  

OR  

Access to HE Diploma (NI): 45% overall and [45%] in Level 2 Access Mathematics.   

OR  

An equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.  

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.

Previous SERC graduates have progressed to university or employment in the relevant field. Notably, this course offers specific Ulster University enhanced progression (via a Bridging provision and subject to Ulster University minimum marks entry criteria) to the BSc Hons International Hospitality Management and standard progression to both BSc Hons International Travel & Tourism Management and BSc Hons International Leisure and Events Management. It is also possible to progress from this course to other Ulster University BSc Hons courses within Ulster Business School (for example BSc Hons Marketing).

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 (industry specific) and transferable skills (communication, organisational skills, problem solving, leadership, critical thinking.) which will help you to apply to relevant jobs within the tourism, hospitality and events industry. By the end of the entire course, students are expected to provide evidence of a total of 25 weeks industry experience, including the placement period. Students are strongly encouraged to identify and secure their own placement. SERC’s Placement Officer can offer support to students’ own efforts for identifying appropriate placements.

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.