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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
115909	Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma	Field 11 - Services		Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2020-01-08	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The institution seeks to offer a relevant future-oriented study of tourism from reflection and development of a systematic survey of current thinking and practice. In so doing, qualified learners will undertake a complex level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence to acquire in-depth conceptual understanding, synthesis and critical application of strategic perspectives on the management of tourism.

The qualification thus enhances the managerial competence of learners and strengthens and deepens their knowledge of tourism management. Upon completion of the qualification, learners should be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence-based techniques, and appropriate skills to interrogate and analyse business-related problems and develop appropriate solutions. The qualification also promotes the progression of learning by developing the learner's ability to undertake scientific research. Moreover, the qualification will contribute to the personal development and growth of learners and enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in a dynamic, challenging and increasingly complex organisational and business environment.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualified learners should possess the requisite knowledge and skills to perform managerial functions and responsibilities at a strategic level in a wide variety of sectors within the tourism industry; among other things, accommodation establishments, airlines, events and conferencing, tour guiding, travel and tours, recreation and leisure, casinos and gaming, theme parks, entertainment and sports, cruise liner companies, coaches and car rental services, and game reserves, theme parks and national parks.

Rationale:
"Education has the potential to bring significant benefits to individuals and society, which go well beyond its contribution to individuals' employability or income." In support of the above statement, the National Development Plan (NDP) asserts education the critical enabler for economic development and growth in South Africa. Also, education defines the learners' identity, enables them to take control of their own lives, and raise healthy families. In the above regard, the qualification enhances the learners' specialist knowledge and career progression in the tourism sector.

Following the development of a Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management at the institution, the need arose for the development of a qualification. Moreover, following the requirements of the revised Higher Education Qualification Sub-ramework (HEQSF), the minimum admission requirements for a Masters qualification at National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 9 is an appropriate NQF Level 8 qualification.

The qualification targets those in full-time employment or in self-employment who want to familiarise themselves with contemporary theories, thinking and practices in the strategic management of tourism establishments. Also, a 'Research Methods and Design' module (12 Credits), as well as an 'Applied Business Project' module (16 Credits), are included in the qualification to facilitate the progression of learning (to a Masters qualification, and ultimately, to a Doctor.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (completed qualifications, short courses and work experience). The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) receives the RPL applications. The learners are required to complete an RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting extensive work-based learning.

Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the relevant academic department for evaluation receives the portfolio. The department's RPL committee assesses the learner's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes. Some modules in the qualification attain credits/exemption, and admission into the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Arts, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualification Framework Level 8 totalling, 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:

Research Methods and Design, 12 Credits.

Advanced Strategic Marketing for Tourism Management, 12 Credits.

Crisis and Disaster Management in Tourism, 16 Credits.

Facilities Management for Tourism, 16 Credits.

Applied Business Project, 16 Credits.

Managerial Information Systems, 16 Credits.

Contemporary Issues in Tourism, 16 Credits.

Applied Tourism Development, 16 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit Level Outcomes:
1. Apply a wide range of management principles to effectively, creatively and responsibly manage specific operations in the tourism sector.
2. Evaluate and critique relevant theories, principles and contemporary issues about strategic management and market development in the tourism sector.
3. Communicate academic, professional and management information effectively, both orally and in writing, using technology, language, structure, style and graphical support that are appropriate for the tourism sector.
4. Identify a real-world problem in the tourism sector, and prepare a research proposal and execute a research report, using acceptable scientific methodologies, protocols and conventions.
5. Manage the learning and assessment tasks attached to all the modules in the qualification autonomously, professionally and ethically.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify operational and management problems and challenges.

Analyse and interpret tourism management information extracted from data.

Identify business problems and challenges and propose solutions using critical thinking and creative skills.

Apply management tools, processes and procedures to tourism management solutions.

Defend the design of tourism management solutions through informed judgement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Evaluate and critique relevant theories and principles about tourism and its management.

Challenge assumptions to embrace new thinking.

Examine and critique contemporary issues about tourism.

Apply advanced knowledge and understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of market development in tourism appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Deliver written and oral communication to meet the requirements of the target audience.

Communicate academic and professional information effectively using appropriate technology, language, structure, style and graphical support, communicated.

Present convincing and persuasive arguments that are grounded in a critical theoretical and practical context.

Develop a business research report using appropriate language, structure, style and graphical support.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Develop a research proposal.

Undertake a literature review.

Outline an appropriate research methodology and design.

Present, analyse and discuss the results of the study.

Propose recommendations arising out of the findings from the study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Execute learning tasks are independently or collaboratively.

Observe Professional and ethical conduct in completing assessments in the qualification.

Observe Issues about plagiarism and acknowledgement of sources of information.

Integrated Assessment:
Aligned to the institution's Assessment Policy, regarding integrated assessments for the institution:

The assessments are in line with the stated learning outcomes for the qualification;

Appropriate assessment tools will establish if learners have achieved the stated learning outcomes;

Assessment will be systematic, regular and formative, and feedback to the learners about their progress toward exit level competence will be timeous and constructive, and

The assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable, and ensure that no student is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.

The 'Applied Business Project' module will serve as an integrated assessment, as learners will be required to investigate a tourism-related problem and write up a 30-40 page research report. Also, the 'Managerial Information Systems' and 'Advanced Strategic Marketing for Tourism Management' modules will include integrated assessments. These integrated assessments will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools to assess combinations of practical, applied and reflective competencies, and may include written assignments/projects; written tests; case studies, and examinations.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The comparison of the qualification was with the following similar qualifications, and a brief synopsis of each of these qualifications is as follows:
The University of Brighton offers an International Tourism Management Bachelor of Arts Honours, in the United Kingdom. The qualification covers the environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts of tourism in both developed and developing destinations, together with contemporary issues in the highly globalised tourism industry. It also focuses on ideas of mobility, planning models and globalisation, which offer practical and transferable skills in attraction management, communication and business research in the sector. There is also equivalence in the admission prerequisite to the qualification.

Also, the University of Brighton, in the United Kingdom, offers a Tourism and International Development Master of Science, Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma. The qualification focuses on the development of high-level business management knowledge and skills. Moreover, the qualification content and learning outcomes also deepen opportunities for scholarship skills, professional development, and reflective learning. The curriculum is informed by recent developments in research, especially the module "Issues and Trends in Tourism", which resonates with the module "Contemporary Issues in Tourism" and these aspects are in this qualification.

Leeds Beckett University, in the United Kingdom, offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Responsible Tourism Management. The curriculum focuses on the management of responsible tourism strategies within the spheres of marketing, operations and product development. The content and outcomes of the qualification align with the modules "Advanced Strategic Marketing for Tourism Management", "Contemporary Issues in Tourism", "Applied Tourism Development" and "Crisis and Disaster Management in Tourism" in the new qualification.

The University College Birmingham in the United Kingdom offers a Postgraduate Diploma in International Tourism Management. Like this qualification, it offers an in-depth understanding of contemporary issues to facilitate effective tourism management practice. These themes are also in this qualification within the modules "Contemporary Issues in Tourism" and "Applied Tourism Development". Additionally, the module "Crisis and Disaster Management in Tourism" in this qualification is similar to the "Risk and Crisis Management" module included in the qualification offered by the University College Birmingham. The application of critical thinking, the emphasis on problem-solving, and research and analytical skills, are also among the shared features in both Postgraduate diplomas.

Murdoch University in Australia offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism, the qualification provides qualified learners with a wide understanding of tourism and targets those in government and industry who need to work with the tourism industry. The qualification focuses on tourism policy and planning, sustainable tourism, destination management, research and tourism issues.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Ecotourism, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Arts Honours, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Commerce in Tourism Management, NQF Level 9.

Masters in Management Sciences, NQF Level 9.

Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	Durban University of Technology