How long is the Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies?

The Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies runs for fifteen to eighteen months. On-campus students on the Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies finish in fifteen; distance learners extend to eighteen.

How is the Higher Diploma delivered?

The Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies is delivered on-campus, online and via distance learning. Syllabus for the Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies is identical across all three routes.

Is this Higher Diploma UK-recognised?

The Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies is UK Level 5+ articulation, aligned with the Tourism Society, WTTC and CIM. The Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies articulates into Bachelor top-up and Master's routes.

What entry requirements apply?

Applicants to the Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies need an Advanced Diploma or Level 5 equivalent, or 3+ years of supervisory tourism experience with an interview. IELTS 6.0 is required for the Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies.

How much does this Higher Diploma cost?

Tuition for the Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies is banded with instalment plans and scholarships for eligible international students. LSTITM admissions publish current tuition for the Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies on request.

Higher Dip Tourism Development Studies | LSTITM | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies is a Higher Diploma programme within LSTITM's Tourism & Destination Management portfolio, focused on technician-to-manager articulation across tourism development studies. Delivered across a 15 to 18 months duration band, the programme is aligned with UK tourism-sector standards referenced by Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), and gives students structured, industry-referenced practice from the first week of study. Students explore leading tourism development workstreams through a mix of tutor-led seminars, case-based labs and applied projects drawn from real London tourism organisations.

By the end of the Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies, students should be able to lead tourism development workstreams, coordinate multi-partner projects and articulate into managerial destination roles. The syllabus mixes applied case study, tutor-led coaching and structured assessment so learners graduate ready to contribute to real tourism teams across London and internationally. Assessment blends short written pieces, applied projects and structured peer review so students build a portfolio they can share with prospective employers as evidence of ready-to-work practice.

Students on the Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies join a peer group drawn from destination operators, travel-agency chains, DMOs and international tourism boards, and are taught by tutors with prior operational and strategic tourism experience across the UK sector. Guest speakers from Institute of Hospitality-referenced organisations, London consultancies and tour operators contribute short masterclasses throughout the programme, giving students direct sight of live industry challenges and current recruitment expectations.

Key Features

UK content referenced against Tourism Society and WTTC practice
Modules on impact assessment, funding bids and master planning
Case notes from London destination boards and regional agencies
Workshops on business-case drafting and community consultation
Career sessions on senior tourism development roles
Delivered across online, on-campus and distance-learning routes

What You Will Learn

Lead tourism development workstreams for destinations
Coordinate multi-partner tourism development projects
Structure economic impact assessments for tourism proposals
Manage tourism development bids and funding submissions
Support long-term destination master planning
Apply WTTC and Tourism Society development frameworks
Coordinate community consultation for development plans
Present development business cases to boards and funders

Who This Course Is For

Advanced Diploma holders progressing to department-head tourism roles
Career changers from planning or development into tourism
International applicants targeting UK tourism development posts
Working development officers seeking Level 5+ articulation
Applicants planning progression to Bachelor top-up routes

Career Pathways

Head of Tourism Development
Tourism Development Manager
Destination Development Director (associate)
Tourism Investment Manager
Regional Tourism Director (associate)
DMO Programme Director
Tourism Corporate Development Manager

The LSTITM careers service supports every Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies student with CV, LinkedIn and interview coaching, plus warm introductions to London tourism boards, tour operators, OTAs and airline partners actively hiring across these career pathways. Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies are supported through an alumni network spanning UK destination management organisations, international tour operators and consultancy houses, giving early-career candidates a credible route into interviews and structured progression conversations with sector employers.

Entry Requirements

A completed Advanced Diploma or equivalent Level 5 tourism qualification
Alternatively, 3+ years of supervisory tourism or travel experience with a portfolio statement
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent English proficiency for international applicants
Two academic or professional references
Interview with the LSTITM admissions team

Why Study at LSTITM

LSTITM is the London School of Tourism and International Travel Management , a specialist division of Harold International College of London focused on the destination, business, systems and strategic disciplines that shape modern global tourism. Students on the Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies benefit from that specialist focus at every stage of study.

Every LSTITM programme is aligned with recognised UK tourism and marketing bodies including the Tourism Society, Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT), ABTA, the Chartered Institute of Marketing and UKHospitality, so graduates step into the sector with credible, industry-referenced study behind them. Students on every LSTITM route are supported by dedicated career services covering CV, LinkedIn, interview coaching and introductions to London tourism boards, tour operators, OTAs, airline and hospitality partners.

Our curriculum is written by former destination directors, travel-industry technologists, tourism consultants and marketing leaders, and delivered across on-campus, online and distance-learning routes to fit working professionals and international students alike. LSTITM's articulation model means every Certificate and Diploma leads cleanly into an Advanced Diploma, Higher Diploma and full honours degree , with Master's routes for those aiming at consultancy, corporate development and executive tourism leadership.

Apply for Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies

Applications for the Higher Diploma in Tourism Development Studies are open across four intakes per year with rolling admissions for online and distance-learning candidates. Speak to an LSTITM admissions adviser about tuition, scholarship options and articulation into the next stage of the LSTITM tourism pathway. Complete your operational-to-managerial articulation with LSTITM. Enrol Now.