Travel AND Tourism
(Tourism with Business)
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INTRODUCTION:
Cork is well placed sitting between the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East and if you have an interest in promoting Cork and Ireland by becoming involved in the Tourism sector, then this is the course for you. You will learn about practical tour guide training, the IT skills needed to work in travel administration and receive training in Amadeus (GDS) used by travel agents and airlines worldwide. This course can also be used as a strong pre university option with great links to higher education institutes. Students participate in site visits to cultural and heritage sites all over Munster.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- Leaving Certificate, LCA or QQI Level 4.
- Mature students are exempt from Leaving Cert requirements.
- CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English.
- All applicants will undergo a processing stage during which further information will be gathered in relation to their application. An offer of a place on this course is contingent on the applicant meeting the entry requirements set out here and satisfactory completion of the processing stage.
DURATION:
September to May.
FEES:
€500 including QQI examination fees. (Medical card holders exempt from €50). See fees & payment for details.
CERTIFICATION
- QQI Level 5 Certificate in Tourism with Business (5M5011).
- QQI Component Maths (5N1833) – available as option in evening for learners requiring Maths for progression.
- Amadeus Certificate and a package holiday booking system qualification awarded by the International Academy of Travel.
COURSE CONTENT
Tourism Principles and Practice - 5N2078
National and International Tourism. Understand the tourist product of Ireland as a unique destination and how to promote and sell it. Identify a range of international and national tourist attractions. Learn about tourist profiles and how they impact on tourist markets. Extensive field trips and site visits are an integral part of this component.
Tourism Information and Administration - 5N0636
Work independently in a tourist information office or in the front office of a range of tourism enterprises. Emphasis on providing advice to visitors on coaches, walking tours, places of interest etc.
Travel Agency Service Skills - 5N4970
Products and services offered by travel agencies. Market research for travel agency. Customer needs and customer focus. Develop a holiday package tailored for specific customer requirements.
Global Distribution Systems - 6N4973
Make and amend airline reservations using the Amadeus system which is used by travel agencies and airlines throughout Ireland and the world.
Work Experience - 5N1356
Plan, prepare and reflect on work placement. Job finding strategies, CV and personal statement preparation, interview skills. Practise employability skills with a view to future planning.
Communications - 5N0690
Acquire the writing skills needed for the workplace, learn to speak fluently and coherently in a professional setting, develop interpersonal skills and have an understanding of the impact of ICT on society.
Spanish - 5N1630
A communicative approach to business Spanish, with a focus on the tourism industry, which incorporates the 4 skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, underpinned by an introduction to Spanish culture.
Irish Cultural & Heritage Resources - 5N1293
This component provides students with an understanding of Irelands heritage and cultural offering and the stakeholders involved in this sector. Student visit heritage sites, critically evaluate them and complete a portfolio of site evaluations. Students must also research heritage and cultural events.
Word Processing - 5N1358
Create and edit documents to a professional standard. Utilise Memos and Mailmerge for streamlining customer communication.
Environmental Sustainability Awareness - 4N21810
Everyone is affected by changes to the environment, and it is important for us to meet the Global Sustainable Development Goals in all sectors. The good news is that everyone can make a positive contribution to make their homes, communities and businesses a more sustainable place, which can help the environment. This includes but not limited to Climate change, biodiversity and other environmental pressures, energy management, renewable energy and water conservation, sustainable food, food waste and waste prevention as well as sustainable consumption, including a circular economy, greening communities, greening your lifestyle, and generating a personal action plan. This programme has been developed by SOLAS, The Education & Training Boards, SEAI, EPA, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Regional Skills Fora and Irish Water to help us meet the Global Sustainable Development Goals.”
ADDITIONAL TRAINING / WORKSHOPS
- Telephone etiquette (online) – This workshop gives the learner the knowledge and skills when answering the telephone professionally in the workplace. Additionally, handling telephone complaints and ending calls is also covered. A Certificate of Completion is issued on completion.
- Microsoft Outlook (online) – This Microsoft Outlook workshop will give information on accessing your college email, Outlook layout, how to send and receive emails, attaching/downloading a file and reply options. It also covers organising your emails – folders etc, Outlook settings, signature, out-of-office reply, using the calendar, setting up meetings, setting up reminders and to do lists. A Certificate of Completion from Morrison’s Island Campus is issued on successful completion.
- Introduction to GDPR – This course gives learners an overview of GDPR. The workshop examines what GDPR stands for and gives an understanding of the current data protection rules and obligations. The learners also receive information on the types of data, the terminology associated with GDPR, the penalties with breaches, storage of data and general do’s and don’ts regarding data. A Certificate of Completion is issued on completion.
- Professional Styling & Image (online) – Develop an awareness of how to present yourself in a professional manner for the workplace. A Certificate of Completion is issued on completion.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Students participate in a number of trips to heritage sites in Cork City and throughout Ireland. Previously, students have visited The Burren, Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Swiss Cottage, The Cliffs of Moher, Nano Nagle Place, Elizabeth Fort, St. Finbarr’s Cathedral and Cork City Gaol.
- Students are encouraged to participate in adventure tourism at Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre.
FAQ’s
What hours are involved?
The course is full time and runs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9-5pm and Fridays from 9 – 2 pm. So you may have a late morning or an early evening in the week and time off during the day for study/working on assignments. Work Experience is generally completed for 2 weeks after Christmas.
How is the course assessed?
The course is assessed through a combination of coursework (projects, assignments, learner records and portfolios) which is done throughout the year with exams held at Christmas and at the end April/start May. (summer exams include: Word Processing, Tourism Principles and Practice, Irish Cultural & Heritage Resources, Travel Agency Service Skills, QQI GDS (theory) and IAOT GDS (industry).
How much does the course cost?
The course fees are €500 (this includes €200 IAOT Amadeus fee). €450 if you are a medical card holder.
Will I get a place in a 3rd level course if I do this course?
Many of our students each year progress to 3rd level courses:
- MTU Cork: Tourism Management Level 7 (MT552), Tourism Management Level 8 (MT947).
- UCC: Arts Level 8 (CK101) in UCC World Languages CK110 (Language requirement).
Other students go directly into employment at travel agencies, heritage sites, cruise ships and the airport either as passenger service agents or as cabin crew.
WORK PLACEMENT / EXPERIENCE
Students undertake a block work placement of 2 weeks in a tourist environment e.g. travel agencies, tour operators, ferry companies, airlines, heritage attractions and the hospitality industry.
EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES
Excellent progressions opportunities including:
-
MTU Cork: Tourism Management Level 7 (MT552), Tourism Management Level 8 (MT947).
-
UCC: Arts Level 8 (CK101).
- Morrison’s Island Campus: Progress to 1 of Morrison’s Island Campus: Advanced Business Specialisms, subject to entry requirements being met.
Excellent progression opportunities to UCC and other Higher Education colleges. Special arrangements in place with MTU Cork (CCPS), MTU Kerry and SETU(Waterford & Carlow) for preferential entry for students of Morrisons Island locations. Go to our progressions database for exact requirements on progressions for this course.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Previous students have gained employment as tour operators, tourist office staff, tour guides, receptionists in hotels, conference/event organisers, customer service agents, cruise liner personnel and airport staff.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Email: tourism@morrisonsislandcampus.ie
Tel: (021) 4223 810