SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115919  Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management seeks to offer the relevant future-oriented study of hospitality and catering from reflection and development of a systematic survey of current thinking and practice. In so doing, 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 hospitality and catering establishments.

The qualification thus enhances the managerial competence of learners and strengthens and deepens their knowledge of hospitality management. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will 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, learners will possess the requisite knowledge and skills to perform managerial functions and responsibilities at a senior level in a wide variety of sectors within the hospitality and catering industry; among other things, accommodation establishments, food service providers, events and conferences, transport catering, and welfare catering.

Rationale:
According to Education Indicators in Focus (2003: 4), "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 that education is the critical enabler for economic development and growth in South Africa. Education also defines 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 hospitality sector.

This qualification will enable the progression of learning and meet the minimum admission requirements for a Master's qualification at NQF Level 9.

The qualification is targeted primarily at 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 hospitality and catering establishments. Also, a 'Research Methods and Design' module (12 Credits), as well as an 'Applied Business Project' module (16 Credits), are in the qualification to facilitate the progression of learning (to a Masters qualification, and ultimately, to a D. Phil/PhD qualification).

Typical jobs that learners should be able to occupy upon completion of the qualification include:
  • Hotel manager;
  • Operations Manager;
  • Restaurant managers;
  • Food and beverage managers;
  • Front office managers;
  • Reservation managers;
  • Guest relation managers;
  • Conference managers;
  • Revenue managers;
  • Event managers;
  • Catering managers;
  • Banqueting managers;
  • Sales and marketing managers;
  • Events coordinators;
  • Room division managers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    An RPL policy is in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (completed qualifications, short courses and work experience).

    The learners need to complete an RPL application document. The RPL application must include certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting extensive work-based learning.

    The department's RPL committee assesses the learner's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes, and there will be credits/exemption for some modules in the qualification. Admission into the qualification is possible through RPL.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Catering Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Relevant Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 92 Credits:
  • Research Methods and Design, 12 Credits.
  • Hospitality Quality Management, 16 Credits.
  • Hospitality Enterprise Development 501, 16 Credits.
  • Hospitality Enterprise Development 502, 16 Credits.
  • Food Systems Management, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Business Project/Research Methods and Design, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 28 Credits (Choose/Select two):
  • Gastronomy 501, 12 Credits.
  • Gastronomy 502, 16 Credits.
  • Hospitality Property and Estates Development 501, 12 Credits.
  • Hospitality Property and Estates Development 502, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply a wide range of management principles to effectively, creatively and responsibly manage specific operations in the hospitality sector.
    2. Evaluate and critique relevant theories, principles and contemporary issues about strategic management and market development in the hospitality 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 hospitality sector.
    4. Identify a real-world problem in the hospitality 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management, autonomously, professionally and ethically. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify advanced operational and management problems and challenges.
  • Apply using critical thinking and creative skills, sound management principles to develop appropriate responses to the problems and challenges identified.
  • Evaluate the alternate responses to the operational and managerial problems identified and implement the most appropriate response.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Evaluate and critique relevant theories and principles about hospitality management.
  • Develop new thinking by critically challenging assumptions.
  • Examine and critique contemporary issues about hospitality management are examined.
  • Appropriately apply advanced knowledge and understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of market development about the hospitality sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Communicate Using appropriate technology, language, structure, style and graphical support, academic and professional information.
  • Present a convincing and persuasive argument that is grounded in a critical theoretical and practical context.
  • Develop a research proposal on a researchable topic.
  • Compile using appropriate language, structure, style and graphical support, a business research report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify a researchable business problem and develop a research proposal.
  • Undertake a literature review.
  • Outline an appropriate research methodology and design.
  • Analyse and discuss the results of the study are presented.
  • Present the recommendations arising out of the findings from the study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Execute learning tasks 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:
    In line with the institution's Assessment Policy, regarding integrated assessments for the Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management:
  • The use of appropriate assessment tools to establish that 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 learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.
  • The 'Applied Business Project' module will serve as a summative integrated assessment, as learners will be required to investigate a catering- or hospitality-related problem and write up a 30-40 page research report. The assessments are in line with the stated learning outcomes for the qualification.
  • Examinations in the other modules as summative assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable with the following similar qualifications, and a brief synopsis of each of these qualifications is below:

    Postgraduate Diploma in International Hospitality Management:
    The AUT University in New Zealand offers a Postgraduate Diploma in International Hospitality Management. It has the learning themes from the specialist modules in hospitality. The New Zealand qualification also focuses on knowledge and understanding of multidisciplinary theoretical constructs applicable to the study of hospitality management.

    Postgraduate Certificate in International Hospitality Management:
    As in the Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management, the Postgraduate Certificate in International Hospitality Management by Brighton University in the United Kingdom also equips learners to join hospitality organisations in senior positions, enter consultancy or the public sector, become sector analysts, or pursue an academic career.

    Postgraduate Diploma in Gastronomy:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Gastronomy by the AUT University in New Zealand also focuses on knowledge and understanding of multidisciplinary theoretical perspectives or constructs applicable to the study of gastronomy. The qualification is for those in the hospitality industry who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge base at a more advanced level.

    Postgraduate Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Science:
    This Postgraduate Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering Science is a one-year full-time study in the hotel and catering learning areas at Singhania University in India. In line with the qualification, the fields of hospitality and catering are a single qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management Sciences, 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 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.