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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: |
| Master of Tourism and Hospitality Management |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 122448 | Master of Tourism and Hospitality Management | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| University of Mpumalanga | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Master's Degree | Field 11 - Services | Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 180 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0724/24 | 2024-06-04 | 2027-06-04 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2028-06-04 | 2031-06-04 | |||
| 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 purpose of the Master of Tourism and Hospitality Management is to provide learners with an opportunity to undertake independent research under supervision and contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. Learners will gain experience in all aspects of the research process and will develop a deep and current understanding of the theories, ideas, and practices in their area of specialisation. Learners will progress to doctoral studies and undertake further independent research and contribute to the generation of new knowledge or seek employment. The qualification is suitable for learners who are interested in developing their research skills. The qualification targets mature learners who are in employment and want to progress in their careers. The qualification will attract learners who are working since it will be offered on a part-time basis. Due to the nature of tourism and hospitality, it is expected that graduates will find work in a wide range of careers including in governmental and non-governmental organizations, in the private sector, work for themselves as entrepreneurs, as researchers, or may continue to doctoral studies with possible employment in academia. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to: Rationale: The National Tourism Sector Strategy 2016 - 2026 (NTSS) sets a target to increase direct jobs from 702 824 in 2015 to 1 million in 2026. Aligned to the National Development Plan (NDP), the NTSS is being implemented to increase direct jobs supported by the hospitality and tourism sector from 702 824 in 2015 to 1 million in 2026. About 3 000 full-time jobs were created in the 2018/2019 financial year to achieve 4331 full-time jobs in this financial year. The NTSS aims to develop and promote the sustainable tourism and hospitality sector which will encourage the establishment of new jobs. The NTSS suggests that the educational system could be improved in developing basic and technical skills, especially for historically disadvantaged individuals. The report adds that more training is required for the employed and unemployed. The training should be relevant and improve the employability and career progression of participants. As a result, the NDP identified tourism and hospitality as a labour-intensive sector with the capacity to create new jobs. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC, 2021) noted that the contribution of the tourism and hospitality sector in South Africa accounted for 2.8% of real GDP in 2018, which amounts to R139 billion, and this was projected to grow to R145.3 billion in 2019. The indirect contribution of the tourism sector to the economy's GDP in 2018 stood at 8.2%, which captures the strong economic links to the supply and demand the sector has with other sectors of the South African economy (Stats SA, 2020). The tourism sector's direct employment accounted for 4.2% of total employment in the South African economy in 2018 and this increased to 709 000 jobs in 2019, while tourism's indirect contribution to total employment stood at 9.2% for 2018. Tourism and hospitality currently sustain 700 000 direct jobs and 1.5 million jobs directly and indirectly. Tourism and hospitality can also contribute positively to youth employment targets and transformation since it has been shown to absorb higher numbers of women than in other sectors (Ntshona, 2020). Research by the WTTC revealed that the female share of employment in travel and tourism in South Africa (53.7%) is higher than the proportion of total female employment in the economy (43.7%) a trend echoed in 10 other G20 countries. Tourism is a significant employer in the economy and faster growth in the sector is seen as positive for job creation (Stats SA, 2020). The Mpumalanga Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) identified hospitality as a priority sector in the province. The province is known for the natural and cultural resources upon which to develop a sustainable industry and take advantage of the expanding markets for international and domestic travel. The Mpumalanga Province is home to several natural and culturally important attractions, and the Tourism and Hospitality industry is a key contributor to the South African economy. The qualification was developed to address the demand for the tourism and hospitality industry. The need to develop and enhance intellectual competencies and research capacity, and to accommodate the fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), in the fast-growing and fast-changing tourism and hospitality industry is widely accepted and essential. Decisions about future directions for tourism and hospitality must be evidence-based and it is research that will provide the necessary evidence. The qualification will afford learners an opportunity to apply and refine their research knowledge and skills and to integrate theory and practice through the medium of an independent research project completed under supervision. The research will emphasise a problem-solving orientation to encourage thinking, collaboration, and relevance to the contemporary tourism and hospitality environment. The qualification will assist in the continuing professional development of managers and leaders in the sector. In addition, research is a powerful tool for the institution to become relevant to its surroundings and engage with its context. Research assists learners in the creation of a research culture and acts as role models for younger learners; postgraduate learners serve as demonstrators and tutors and provide very important support for undergraduate teaching and learning. Graduates will progress to the Doctoral degree. Since a doctoral degree is necessary for a career in academia, the qualification will contribute to the production of the next generation of academics. Learners will benefit through the development of specialist knowledge and research skills development resulting in the improvement of employment opportunities. Since the tourism and hospitality sector is an important driver of socio-economic development, the research will identify new opportunities which will allow learners to maximise the possible returns from the sector. The cross-cutting nature of the tourism and hospitality industry will ensure that graduates and their future work will bring economic benefits to the country. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL for access: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or Or Or Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
Compulsory modules, Level 9, 180 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Undertake independent research and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
2. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and the ability to engage critically with current research in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, especially applied to a developing and emerging market context which currently exists in South Africa. 3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value, and knowledge creation systems in Tourism and Hospitality and the ability to critically evaluate these and select an appropriate research paradigm to use in the research project. 4. Select, apply, and modify where necessary research methods including experimental design, data collection, data analysis and statistics to address a particular research question. 5. Draw appropriate conclusions based on the outcomes of the research and propose interventions at a policy or management level that address the problem being researched, and fully discuss possible negative consequences. 6. Act reflectively, ethically, professionally and with integrity and be accountable for own work, actions, decisions, and learning. 7. Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesise information from a range of sources relevant to the field of specialisation. 8. Communicate effectively and efficiently with both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse, and technology. Defend new ideas using logical argumentation that is supported by data. 9. Develop personal organization skills, work independently, and incorporate feedback into one's work, taking full responsibility for allocated resources. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT The institution's Assessment Policy and Practices promote constructive alignment of the curriculum, learner-centred learning and assessment and the importance of feedback to enhance learner engagement. Assessment practices should be fair, reliable, and valid. It should also be in keeping with academic disciplinary and professional field norms and standards. Integrated assessment forms part of continuous assessment and takes the form of both formative and summative assessment methods. Formative Assessment: Formative assessment is aimed at enhancing learning and provides learners with an opportunity to reflect critically on their own learning and to improve their own levels of personal accountability and time management. The Master's and Doctoral Degrees Policy that governs all aspects of postgraduate studies sets out minimum requirements for meetings and reporting. Formative assessment consists of the following variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study: Summative Assessment: The final summative assessment is based on the dissertation. Assessment will be done by two external examiners. The research dissertation is the most appropriate tool to assess the achievement of the exit-level outcomes and will allow learners to demonstrate their ability to integrate their knowledge and skills and complete a piece of independent research under supervision. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| Although there are Master's degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management offered around the world, the vast majority include some coursework and the thesis comprises a very small percentage of the total credits. Master's degrees are typically aimed at practising professionals and the goal is not only to prepare graduates for further research but also to prepare them to return to industry and apply their advanced knowledge and skills. The comparisons below focus on Master's degrees by research without coursework to prepare graduates to continue with doctoral studies.
Country: New Zealand Institution: University of Waikato Qualification Title: Master of Philosophy in Tourism Management by Research Duration: One year full time Entry requirements: A Bachelor's with Honours or Master's degree with at least Second Class Honours (First Division) or Distinction is required. Purpose/Rationale: Tourism is one of the world's largest industries and significantly impacts New Zealand's economy and experts are needed to steer that growth. The rapid growth of domestic and international tourism and migration has led to an increasing demand for graduates who have a thorough understanding of tourism in its wider social, cultural, economic, and political contexts. The industry encompasses hotels/resorts, cruise ships, sports and leisure operators, restaurants, cafes, bars, theme parks, entertainment, arts and cultural attractions, special events, and much more. The study of tourism involves predicting the future, working out what people want from their leisure and travel pursuits, and how those wants are delivered and managed. Learners will study the structure of different tourism organisations, aspects of hospitality and leisure, and the environmental and economic impacts of tourism operations. Employers are looking for skilful, business-savvy managers who can plan, control, make strategic decisions, and understand the legal requirements for this sector. The qualification is a research-based degree in which learners undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality. On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Career opportunities: Similarities Country: New Zealand Institution: Auckland University of Technology Qualification Title: Master of International Hospitality Management by research NQF Level: Level:9 Credits: 180 Duration: Eighteen months full-time. Entry requirements: Exit Learning Outcomes: On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Qualification structure: The module selection depends on the research pathway option taken, thesis or dissertation. Through the variety of specialised courses, learners will enhance their knowledge and perception of tourism as both a discipline and an industry. Choose one of the following. The thesis/dissertation will be based on a topic of choice and supervised by experienced academic staff. Learners can develop research expertise in a range of areas including tourism management, sustainability, and tourist information. And a 30-point research methodology module and tourism modules. Similarities: Country: United Kingdom Institution: Middlesex University London Qualification Title: Master of Philosophy in Tourism Duration: 18-24 months. Entry requirements: Similarities: Difference: The MUL qualification takes 18 months of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes 12 months of full-time study. Country: Singapore Institution: James Cook University Qualification Title: Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management NQF Level: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 9 Duration: 2 years full-time Entry Requirements AQF level 7 Bachelor's degree in any discipline; or equivalent. Purpose: With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and effective leadership, the qualification will assist in making decisions using critical thinking and analysing high-level issues. Learners will get real-world knowledge through the research project. Learners will advance their careers and become management-level professionals with expert knowledge of business operations and administration and become leaders in the hospitality and tourism sector. Graduates find employment in roles such as general managers, sales and marketing directors, human resources managers, event managers, convention services managers, front office directors, directors of catering, and managers of information technology. Learning outcomes: On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Qualification structure: The qualification consists of core modules and a range of electives. Similarities: Differences: Country: United Kingdom Institution: University of Plymouth Qualification Title: Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management Credits: 180 credits Duration: One year full time Purpose: On successful completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to: > search for, retrieve, sift, select, and order information from a variety of sources. > work independently and organise their own learning. > use existing knowledge to propose solutions to tourism and hospitality-related problems or processes to resolve them. Qualification structure: The consists of the research capstone project and 120 for four coursework modules. Conclusion: The SA qualification compares favourably with similar qualifications from the above-mentioned countries. A common element within all the qualifications is that they focus on developing a graduate with creative skills to manage and further develop the hospitality and tourism industry. The qualifications provide learners with a theoretical business background and professional knowledge that equips them for successful management careers in the hospitality/tourism industry. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. |
| 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. | University of Mpumalanga |
| 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. |