Access to Island Tourism and Tourist Guiding SCQF Level 6

What is special about this course?

This exciting access course includes lectures, tutorials, e-learning, private study and assignments. The course is based on the NPA award and will provide the theoretical knowledge requirements to access the Tourist Guiding Industry in the Islands.

The course is based on the NPA awards and will provide the theoretical knowledge required to access the Tourist Guiding Industry in the Islands.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements, however it would be helpful if students had either a Nat 5 in English, Travel & Tourism at SCQF5 or a Social Science subject at Nat 5 (Business Management, Geography, History or Modern Studies).

The 18-week course includes area-specific subjects and will include theoretical core knowledge units on General Heritage, Human History and Culture of the Islands, the Environment, Natural History and Sustainability, Economics and Contemporary life. 

How will I study my course?

  • Part Time
  • Distance learning

The course will be available via blended learning with the option of attending in person (Orkney students) or online (Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles).

How long will my course last?

1 Academic Year

Where can I study my course?

    • UHI Orkney, Kirkwall

Start date

29th August 2024

Fees

Full time

If you are studying a full time Further Education course (NCs, NQs etc.) the College claims your fees from the Scottish Funding Council for students who are under 18 on the first day of the course. Students over the age of 18 on the first day of the course have to apply to Orkney Islands Council (OIC) for a tuition fees bursary.

Information on the tuition fees bursary is available on the OIC website.

Part time

Normally you are responsible for your course fees but if you are in receipt of certain benefits you may be eligible for a Part Time Course Fee Waiver. Not all part-time courses at Orkney College UHI are covered by the Fee Waiver Scheme and only certain benefits are acceptable as a basis for a Fee Waiver. Please contact the college to enquire.

If you are eligible, you may be entitled to an ILA of up to £200 a year towards a course.

Additional costs

£800 (course cost) no other additional costs

What can I do on completion of my course?

Possible areas of employment include:

  • Airports
  • Airlines
  • Shipping, ferry and cruise companies
  • Car rental firms, coach companies
  • Tourist boards, tourist information centres
  • Visitor attractions
  • Guiding Accommodation providers
  • Travel agencies and Tour operating firms (domestic, inbound and outbound)

The potential income generation potential for tour guides can be found here.

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for Access to Island Tourism and Tourist Guiding SCQF Level 6

I want to start in 2024/25

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at Orkney College UHI. Orkney College UHI operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.