• Code: LA
  • Certification:QQI Level 5 Award in Tourism with Business (5M5011)
    • Amadeus Training (IAOT)
  • Duration: One Year

Description

This course is aimed at learners who wish to gain a qualification in the Tourism  industry. The Institute has built extensive links with the Tourism Industry and a work  experience placement is also completed by learners. In addition to the QQI Award,  this course offers practical Industry based Qualifications in Amadeus and  software certified by The International Academy  of Travel. Learners undertake a wide range of site visits and tours during the year.  Guest speakers may visit the Institute. The Course offers a wide variety of modules  and students have a range of potential career and further study options after  successful completion of the course. Many of our recent students have progressed  to degrees in Tourism, Event Management and Hospitality Management. Students  may have the opportunity to apply for an Erasmus placement. 

Programme of Study
  • Tourism Principles and Practice  
  • Tourism Information and Administration 
  • Customer Service  
  • Event Production  
  • Word Processing  
  • Work Experience  
  • Marketing Practice  
  • Amadeus/Galileo GDS Ticketing System (IAOT) (in-house training)  
  • Global Distribution Systems  

Components subject to change

Entry Requirements

One of the following:

  • Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Extenuating circumstances may be considered
  • Leaving Certificate Applied
  • QQI Level 4 Award
  • Mature Applicants – experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications
Career Opportunities
  • Travel Agents 
  • Tour Operators 
  • Tourism Information Centres 
  • Heritage Attractions 
  • Transport Operators 
  • Hospitality Sector 
  • Event Management
  • Hotel & Catering Operations
Higher Education Progression*

Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Technological Universities and Universities. 


Examples of potential courses include:

BIFE:

  • QQI Level 6 course in Business Tourism and Event Management (6M5012) (LD)
     

TUD - Technological University Dublin (Grangegorman Campus):

  • International Hospitality Management (DT401)
  • Event Management (DT413)
  • Tourism Marketing (DT412)
  • International Hospitality & Tourism Management (TU951)
     

UCC University College Cork (NUI):

  • Arts - Archaeology (CK101) Law & Business (CK307)
     

NUI Galway:

  • Business Studies in International Hotel Management (GY261)

* Places are not guaranteed in these institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Please consult the individual college websites for more information on application. Information also on www.cao.ie

Course Co-Ordinator

Janice Walsh

Where are they now?

Meet BIFE students who have graduated from this course...

iuniadimitrenco.PNG"My name is Iunia, and I was a student in BIFE in 2023 2024. Currently I am a full-time employee in the travel industry. I am working at The Travel Boutique, in Bray, Co. Wicklow. I completed the Tourism, Reception & Event Management Course.

My one-year experience studying Tourism in college was very inspiring. It provided me with a strong foundation in the principles of the tourism industry, including hospitality management, destination marketing, and customer service. I gained insights through a mix of theoretical learning and practical activities. Those are the most valuable insights, that helps you to function in this industry and develop a deep appreciation for cultural sensitivity and the need for adaptability in this dynamic field. This year was crucial in shaping my skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm for a career in tourism.

This opportunity allowed me to apply the knowledge I gained in my studies, further develop my skills in planning and organizing trips, and deepen my understanding of the travel industry’s day-to-day operations. BIFE has opened the door of possibilities for me, being a foreign student , having English as my third language , I was struggling and succeeding in some areas that I have never felt comfortable, for example learning and using AMADEUS System, by the way a big thank you for Janice Walsh , who was such an inspiration, and she was the main reason why I fell in love with this industry. (P.S :Now I am flying while using AMADEUS) Richard who thought me everything I have to know about Customer Service, Sarah King with her knowledge in Management Event, and how is this related to the travel industry ?!, and all the other teachers who helped me in my daily journey. Thank you everyone, because of your knowledge and effort that you put in me and other students we are where we are now. Feel blessed and grateful!

On the strength of Level 5th Course, I was able to apply for work experience, were therefore I was accepted as a full time Travel Agent, and since then my journey stars…. Thank you everyone for your attention. I hope this little story of mine will make you guys who are currently studying in college to not give up. Stay determined, focus on your goals and keep learning." - Iunia Dimitrenco


"I can honestBethany Deansly say that my year completing Tourism Reception & Event Management was both the most challenging and fulfilling I have encountered. I left school many years ago and although I have studied various subjects over the years, this was my first time back in formal education. All I can say is, the help I received from my fellow students was incredible. My tutors encouraged and guided me constantly, they believed I was capable even when I didn’t. Whenever I had a problem with an assignment or in understanding something, they made time to help me. Reflecting on the college in its entirety, all the staff were incredible. They cared for the overall welfare of the students and supported them in every way. The staff at reception always had a welcome smile, they were extremely efficient and had infinite patience. The atmosphere of the college was brilliant. I loved to see such a mixture of ages from school leavers to mature students, and I think all benefitted from that. I felt I was in a unique place. I could go on about how good BIFE is but I’ll stop there. I have returned to BIFE to continue my studies, this time on gaining more skills in the area of Office Administration. " - Bethany Deans

"I want to thank the BIFE tutors who have offered me great support at all levels throughout the year and for being extremely helpful, supportive and welcoming. The knowledge I have gained from event management, business and tourism classes would serve me as a strong foundation for my career path. While studying in BIFE I have had the chance to meet nice and dedicated people, to participate in different events and to become more confident in what and where I want to be in couple years’ time. Next year I am looking forward to going to UCD or DIT, an excellent opportunity to experience new things and develop myself. I cannot recommend BIFE strongly enough and this is the best choice I could have made." - Diana Ursul

Diana completed Tourism Level 5 at BIFE in 2016, and is currently studying Level 6 at BIFE. Diana achieved Student of the year for the level 5 Tourism Award in 2016

After completing my year doing the QQI Level 5 course in Tourism, Reception & Event Management in Bray Institute of Further Education, I am so happy I decided to do this course as it has me well prepared for the years ahead in Third Level. Initially I chose to do this course as advised as I really wanted to go and study in Shannon College of Hotel Management, but I am now going on to study in Waterford I. T to do Hospitality Management.

I was surprised how easy the transition was from Secondary Level to BIFE and was made easier due to the kindness and the tutors involved in this course who were very helpful throughout the academic year. Also with the course it gives you a wide variety within the modules so there may be a few modules that may interest you more than others as well as giving you a better idea in what are you might want to get into. As well as that, this course gives you a chance to improve your presenting and communication skills through doing assessments (written and practical), which go towards your final grade at the end of the year. I also think through being punctual and attending classes on a regular basis according to the timetable will be a great help to someone looking to get good grades in this course and enjoy the year as much as I have! - Keith Merry

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