Higher Diploma in Travel Agency Operations
Course Overview
The Higher Diploma in Travel Agency Operations at LSCAHM is a UK Level 5 qualification running 15 to 18 months on-campus, online or by distance learning. The programme prepares students to run a UK travel agency operation — from GDS reservations and package construction to ABTA compliance, PTR consumer protection and post-booking service — combining commercial discipline with strong client relationship skills. Alignment references ABTA, ITT and UKinbound guidance.
By graduation, students can support end-to-end travel agency operations and articulate into a UK Bachelor's top-up in tourism management with credit transfer confirmed at enrolment.
Key Features
- Curriculum mapped to ABTA, ITT and UKinbound operator guidance
- Reservation-system labs simulating GDS and OTA workflows
- Package Travel Regulations and consumer-protection modules
- Fam-trip briefings and destination knowledge sessions
- Confirmed articulation into UK Bachelor's top-ups in tourism management
- Small cohort with named tutor supervision across every mode
What You Will Learn
- Handle reservations, changes and cancellations across GDS and OTA platforms
- Construct tour packages combining flights, hotels, transfers and activities
- Apply Package Travel Regulations and ABTA member standards
- Manage supplier relationships across airlines, hotels and ground handlers
- Handle refunds, disputes and consumer complaints
- Sell effectively through consultative client-facing conversations
- Interpret travel-agency P&L, commission structures and cash flow
- Deliver a portfolio piece on a live travel-agency scenario
Who This Course Is For
- Travel consultants progressing to team leader and manager roles
- Career changers moving into travel from retail or contact-centre backgrounds
- Family-business successors modernising a travel agency
- Diploma graduates focused on the travel-trade sector
Career Pathways
- Travel Consultant progressing to Team Leader
- Tour Operator
- Destination Marketing Manager
- Tourism Manager (agency-side)
- Sustainable Tourism Consultant
- F&B Business Development Manager (travel-linked)
- Hospitality Brand Manager (travel operators)
The LSCAHM careers service connects Higher Diploma graduates with UK travel agencies, tour operators and destination specialists through annual industry-careers days.
Entry Requirements
- A relevant Diploma (Level 4), Advanced Diploma or comparable qualification in tourism, hospitality or business.
- GCSE English at grade 4/C and Mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent.
- IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
- One academic or professional reference.
- Working professionals moving from travel consultant, reservations or contact-centre roles are welcomed.
Why Study at LSCAHM
LSCAHM is a specialist division of Harold International College of London teaching in small, tutor-visible cohorts across culinary arts, hospitality management, tourism, events and food business. Central London places ABTA, leading UK travel agencies and inbound operators within a short tube ride of every classroom.
Three parallel study modes let working travel consultants complete the Higher Diploma without leaving current roles.
Apply for Higher Diploma in Travel Agency Operations
Complete a Higher Diploma at LSCAHM and articulate into a UK Bachelor's top-up in tourism management with credit transfer confirmed at enrolment. Enrol Now.
