The international growth in tourism, together with the matching growth in the volume of business travel has made Travel & Tourism the fastest growing industry in the world.

The ICM programmes in Tourism & Business Studies have been designed to provide participants with an understanding of the global structure of the industry and its component parts, and the business skills which are necessary for sustainable tourism development.

In order to enhance employment prospects the programmes incorporate relevant business studies subjects in order to ensure that participants understand the structure of business and business systems.

The programmes meet the needs of those who wish to work for Travel Agents, Travel Shops, Tour Operators, Tourism Authorities, Tourist Information Centres, Car Hire Operators, Hotel Groups and other tourism related commercial operations.

The Certificate in Travel & Tourism course structure contains five units as shown below.  Further information is also provided here on related Tourism courses that can be studied on completion of the Certificate programme.

Course Structure

The Certificate in Travel & Tourism - Part 1

1. Characteristics of World Destinations
2. Fundamentals of the Hotel & Catering Industry
3. Numeracy & Statistics
4. Retail Travel Operations
5. Structure of Travel & Tourism

(The ICM Certificate in Travel & Tourism is awarded on completion of all Part 1 subjects)

The Diploma in Tourism & Business Studies - Part 2

1. Accounting
2. Business Management & Administration
3. Management of Travel & Tourism Operations
4. Tour Operations
5. Tourism Marketing & Promotion

(The ICM Diploma in Tourism & Business Studies is awarded on completion of all Part 1 & 2 subjects)

The Advanced Diploma in Tourism & Business Studies - Subjects

1. Economics for Business
2. Hospitality Management
3. Management Theory & Practice
4. Tourism & the Environment
5. Travel & Tourism Development

(The ICM Advanced Diploma in Tourism & Business Studies is awarded on completion of all Part 1, 2 & 3 subjects)

Recommended Course Duration
It is recommended that these courses are delivered over a suitable period of time to give learners the best opportunity for success. A standard delivery structure would involve six units per academic year, although 5-8 units per year are acceptable depending on the weekly timetable used. Thus, the full Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma programme would normally take two and a half years full-time to complete.

Examination Grades

Examinations
Externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake the examinations.

Examination Closing Dates
Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed examination entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least eight weeks before the date of the examinations. Examination timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting.

Examination Results
These are normally distributed twelve weeks after each examination date.

Subject Exemptions
Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis.

Entry Requirements

Certificate in Travel & Tourism
The minimum age for registration for this programme is 16.

1. Three GCSEs/GCEs at grades A, B or C (or equivalents)
2. Two ICM Single Subject passes at grades C or above

Applicants over the age of 17 who do not hold the required entrance qualification may also register for the programme providing they have had a minimum of one year’s work experience and can provide a reference from their employer.

Diploma in Tourism & Business Studies
The minimum age for registration for this programme is 17.

1. Five GCSEs/GCEs at grades A, B or C (or equivalents)
2. Four ICM Single Subject passes at grade C or above
3. The ICM Certificate in Travel & Tourism

Applicants over the age of 21 who do not meet the entry requirements may also register for the diploma level providing they have had a minimum of two years practical work experience in a tourism or hospitality related environment.

The Advanced Diploma in Tourism & Business Studies
The minimum age for registration for this programme is 18. Registration for the Advanced Diploma is restricted to those who have completed the ICM Certificate and/or Diploma programmes in Tourism.

Prospective students who hold recognised alternative qualifications in Tourism or Hospitality studies will be considered on their merits.

Certification
On successful completion of the relevant examination levels students are awarded the ICM Certificate in Travel & Tourism, the ICM Diploma in Tourism & Business Studies or the ICM Advanced Diploma in Tourism & Business Studies.

Continuing Education
The Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications are accepted as entry requirements (subject to examination grades obtained) for entry on to relevant HNC/D and degree programmes.

Study Methods
Your Teaching Centre has been provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area. Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from your Teaching Centre.

Each subject syllabus is linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their questions on the contents of the nominated text. The subject syllabuses also give details of ‘Alternative Texts’ and texts recommended for further reading. Where possible you should read one or more of the ‘Alternative Texts’ in order to broaden your knowledge of the subject area.