DCG Certificate in Business and the Visitor Economy

This course is specifically designed for:

• School leavers: students who have finished Year 11 and want a practical, vocational course.
• Level 1 learners: students who prefer “learning by doing” and want to build their English, maths and digital skills alongside a professional subject.

Students must have at least grade 3 in GCSE English Language or GCSE Maths, plus two other GCSEs at grade 3 or above.

• Introduction to the Visitor Economy
• Customer Service
• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in Business and the Tourism/Visitor Economy
• Recruitment, Selection and Employment
• Sustainability in the Business and Visitor Economy Sector
• Planning a Local Event
• Money and Finance in Business and Tourism

This course will be delivered face to face on-site.

Learning will be:

• through practical, hands‑on tasks
• by completing assignments, projects, case studies and presentations
• by developing real business skills such as teamwork, meeting deadlines, problem solving and communication
• through independent research and responsibility
• in a way that connects learning to real businesses and future careers in business or the visitor economy

Basic Learning Equipment

• Pen, pencils and highlighters
• Notebook or folder for class notes
• A4 paper for written tasks
• Headphones for research or digital lessons
• A calculator

Digital Access – much of the coursework involves research, assignments and presentations so you will need:

• A laptop or access to a computer
• Microsoft 365 tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams)
• Internet access for research and coursework submission

Professional Attitude and Preparedness

• Willingness to take part in group work
• Readiness to present ideas
• Ability to meet deadlines
• An organised mindset (ongoing coursework)

The course is assessed by completing coursework/assignments.

GCSE Maths and GCSE English Language: final exam 

Successful completion of this course opens several doors:

• Education: progression to the BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Business Enterprise, BTEC Level 2 Award in Travel and Tourism, or another Level 2 programme at DCG.
• Apprenticeships: entry-level apprenticeships in Customer Service, Business Administration, Marketing or Hospitality.
• Employment: junior roles such as reception assistant, tourism information volunteer, retail assistant, or event support staff.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk