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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 Commerce in Aerotropolis Management |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 124999 | Master of Commerce in Aerotropolis Management | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| University of KwaZulu-Natal | ||||
| 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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies | Generic Management | ||
| 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 0836/25 | 2025-11-13 | 2028-11-13 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2029-11-13 | 2032-11-13 | |||
| 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 Commerce in Aerotropolis Management is to prepare a new generation of qualifying learners with advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to the management of large-scale urban and regional development projects such as aerotropolis. The qualification will enable working professionals to undertake advanced reflection on development-based and strategic management practices, by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice, and ideas in the specialisation of strategic and innovative management and collaboration to materialise large-scale urban and regional development projects. On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Rationale: The increasing pressures and demands on regions and localities within developing countries to improve their socio-economic conditions in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals have given rise to specific developmental plans, strategies, and instruments for such catalytic projects. One example is the idea of developing smart airport cities (or now known as aerotropolis in regions with aerotropolis at their epicentre, which has received traction on many continents and in many nations. Africa is on the verge of fully adopting such plans and strategies, and local cities such as Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town are taking the lead in employing regional transportation hubs and coupling with the idea of smart cities as centres or catalysts for regional economic development. Such developments will require highly skilled employees, which this programme will be able to offer. These developments are informed by the transformational socio- economic agenda in South Africa, and rapid pace of change, the management of such projects within the context of the quadruple helix approach, creativity and innovation, globalisation with the concomitant challenges for regional integration of such large-scale developments, systems and innovations, as well as specialised development in urban contexts, such as new regional and urban aerotropolis, events and infrastructure for the tourism industry, regional economic development zones, large- scale housing projects, and ongoing rapid transportation systems. Large-scale urban and regional development (LSURD) projects and economic growth hubs are new paradigms in producing socio-economic growth points within regions with high demands and needs for socio-economic development. In addition, these developments have the potential to create catalytic projects to benefit large sectors of the community. Within the context of developing nations, and particularly those on the African continent, many of these developments are driven within the unique political, economic, social, environmental and the historical contexts of such regions. This implies a multi-pronged and modal approach to development, and the need for integrated plans and strategies requiring the application of new modes of governance, strategic management, economic development, and the interpretation of the knowledge production' needs to engage in the process of what the quadruple or quintuple helix approach requires to building a knowledge-based economy in such contexts. There is also a growing need to provide an articulation route for a doctoral qualification in any of the Management Sciences at higher education institutions on the continent and abroad. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access: Prior learning will be considered for enabling access into the qualification in accordance with the institution's RPL policy and procedures applied when recruiting learners and the Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer and Assessment by SAQA. A maximum of 10% of the learner enrolment may be considered for entry via the RPL route in accordance with the University Policy. A portfolio of evidence (POE) will form the basis of RPL evaluation. An RPL assessment committee will be set up to examine the POEs. The RPL evaluation process is based on matching learning outcomes obtained via alternative learning pathways with the exit-level outcomes of the qualification. The RPL portfolio of evidence (POE) evaluation will use criterion-referenced rubrics to ensure consistency, fairness, and rigour of RPL assessment. Entry Requirements: Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at the National Qualifications Framework, Level 9, totalling 181 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9, 151 Credits: Elective Modules, NQF Level 9, 30 Credits (Select two modules):. |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate the ability to introduce and examine management and regional development theories and paradigms to serve the new era of regional growth hubs (LSUDs, Aerotropolis, and Smart Cities) that require quadruple and quintuple helix approaches in the planning and execution of such large-scale catalytic development projects.
2. Demonstrate the ability to introduce and comprehend logistics and supply chain systems that will work with the JIT plans and schedules of the central hub (Aerotropolis Airport) to ensure the effective shipping of valuable products and commodities to their destinations. To also analyse and apply new technologies and approaches to efficient and rapid integrated transportation systems around LSUDs, Aerotropolis, and Smart Cities. 3. Analyse, restructure, and organise the tourism support industry. The role of one-stop service agencies is to manage opportunities, and regional transportation systems and airports to facilitate tourism. 4. Demonstrate the ability to grow and develop effective and efficient small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), to serve the economic development hub and sub-hubs of a smart airport city in a meaningful manner 5. Demonstrate the ability to apply leadership in route development and management for aerotropolis, encompassing regional, national, and international connectivity. This includes strategic air service development, route planning, and fostering sustainable aviation links to enhance economic growth and global integration. 6. Demonstrate the ability to introduce and employ data science in smart and innovative projects in airport cities and the first mile within the airport (Aerotropolis). Employing smart services, smart accommodation, health services, smart information dissemination, and demonstrating the role of big data and analytics. 7. Demonstrate the ability to define, analyse, and assess the nature, prevalence, and impact of global airport cities. Explore the role of aerotropolis in advancing smart airport integration, while examining the fundamental principles, conditions, and requirements for successful development. 8. Demonstrate the ability to conduct research, including the nature of research; research process; research problem; research topic development, writing a literature review; research theories, designs, methods, data collection tools, data analysis techniques, and reporting tools; ethical issues in research; evaluating a research report; and other relevant issues in research methodology. |
| 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: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT Each module will be assessed through various assessments such as tests, group and individual assignments and a Portfolio of Evidence. Formative assessment Summative assessment An integrated approach to assessment is applied where learners are required to combine, interpret and communicate knowledge from various sources to achieve specific outcomes and, ultimately, exit-level outcomes of the qualification. At the end of the qualification, learners should be able to apply their learning in an integrated way to analyse specific problems in the real work environment. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This qualification was compared with qualifications from the following countries.
Country: United Kingdom Institution: Cranfield University (a globally recognised US aviation specialist accredited by SACSCOC0 Qualification title: MSc in Airport Planning and Management Credits: 180 UK Credits Entry requirements: Duration: 12 months, full-time, campus-based format. Purpose/Qualification Structure The qualification's curriculum emphasises airport design, operations, strategy, forecasting, and sustainability, with assessment spread across modules, a group project, and a major dissertation. This qualification is strongly oriented toward technical planning and managerial expertise in airport management and provides pathways into doctoral study and industry leadership. Country: United States of America Institution: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU Qualification title: MS in Airport and Air Mobility Management Credits: 30-33 US credit hours (roughly 180 UK credits) Entry requirements: Purpose/Qualification Structure: The qualification curriculum highlights airport administration, operations, regulation, passenger experience, and future air mobility. Assessment will include case studies, projects, and a likely capstone or thesis. Designed for working professionals worldwide, it allows progression to doctoral studies and integrates stackable credential options. Conclusion Overall, while the South African qualification focuses on the broader aerotropolis and smart city integration, Cranfield's MSc specialises in airport planning and design, and ERAU's MS is geared toward airport operations, regulatory frameworks, and emerging air mobility. Together, they reflect complementary approaches to advanced airport management education across Africa, Europe, and the USA. They are all well-structured and relevant master's qualifications that will be accepted for PhD studies at any comparable international university. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| Horizontal Articulation:
Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation This qualification does not provide for Diagonal articulation on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework as it is an NQF Level 9 qualification, and there are no NQF Level 9 offerings on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework. |
| 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 KwaZulu-Natal |
| 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. |