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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125777  Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
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
Registered  EXCO 0940/26  2026-06-02  2029-06-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-06-02   2033-06-02  

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management is to strengthen and deepen learners' knowledge and skills in the dynamic tourism industry. Through completion of this qualification, graduates will develop a strategic mindset that will assist them in developing their ability to make decisions based on current research in the field of tourism management. Learners will engage with high-level theoretical concepts, principles and practices in sustainable tourism, destination marketing, e-Tourism, business travel and tourism, hospitality, tourism planning and development as well as sports and events management. Learners will further expand their managerial and research skills in order to function in the global tourism industry.

The fully online qualification will provide an opportunity for learners with relevant qualifications to pursue a career in tourism management and also allow several workers within the tourism industry without tourism qualifications to study towards a qualification in tourism management. To respond to the changing socio-political, economic and higher education environment, the qualification will be offered online, implementing an authentic continuous assessment model. The qualification will expand access to a global audience, ensuring that a vast majority of learners are accommodated and will also equip graduates with relevant knowledge, skills and values to be successful in the tourism industry.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of theories and concepts and the ability to engage in and apply such knowledge in various professional contexts within tourism management.
  • Critically analyse problems from interdisciplinary perspectives to establish innovative solutions for the industry.
  • Communicate in a proficient and professional manner that meets business needs in complex environments.
  • Apply critical thinking to promote new and innovative approaches to tourism management in various business contexts.

    Rationale:
    Tourism globally and in South Africa demands effective leaders, and the qualification welcomes learners from different disciplines to apply. The greatest need in tourism globally and in South Africa is for effective leaders who are able to understand and interpret the constantly changing tourism landscape. The tourism industry needs people who comprehend its role in the economy of South Africa and globally, who recognise the vital nature of tourism marketing in a services industry, who support effective financial management and ethical business practices and who realise that tourism can touch and integrate all people and communities through communication across cultures.

    A strong focus on research underpins the qualification and keeps its content relevant, both locally and globally. Learners who complete this qualification are able to join any tourism-related company or the public sector worldwide and make a substantial contribution to the industry through their problem-solving approach and innovative attitude. This qualification typically follows on from a bachelor's degree and was devised to assist candidates who completed relevant qualifications at the undergraduate level to access the postgraduate tourism management qualifications offered by the Division of Tourism Management.

    Tourism has become a key driver of socio-economic progress globally. Destinations have invested in tourism development, infrastructure and job creation and have supported new and existing enterprises. South Africa is a top African destination with increased annual tourist arrivals. Government recognises the tremendous potential of the tourism industry as a priority sector, and opportunities are growing exponentially.

    Tourism is about people, and the more the industry grows, the greater the need becomes for knowledgeable and skilled people to build the economy to the benefit of all. The qualification will provide a strong academic foundation in the management sciences from which potential leaders can emerge in all sectors of the tourism industry. Successful completion of the qualification offers the opportunity to articulate to the MPhil (Tourism Management) qualification, if the learner complies with all other admission requirements for this qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    As the institution has a finite capacity in most undergraduate fields (its limits have already been reached or those admitted are selected from a large number of applicants), the institution's policy on the recognition of prior learning only applies to learner cases at postgraduate level (including postgraduate diplomas).

    Furthermore, as the institution's strategic objective is to be an internationally recognised research- intensive university, admission to postgraduate study by means of the recognition of a prior learning pathway is the exception rather than the rule.

    RPL for access:
  • Will grant a graduate of another higher education institution (either in the Republic of South Africa or elsewhere) a status at the Institution that is equivalent to the status the learner had at such other higher education institution.

    RPL for exemption:
  • Learners who have passed examinations at another university or institution (either in the Republic of South Africa or elsewhere) which Senate deems equivalent to or of a higher standard than the examinations prescribed for a degree at the University, and which are set as a prerequisite for admission to a particular postgraduate qualification, or for the admission of such a person as a research learner.
  • In another manner has reached a standard of competence that the Senate considers adequate for the purposes of postgraduate study or research at the University, as a learner for a postgraduate degree, diploma or certificate.

    It is expected of the learner referred above to demonstrate the same level of applied competence (fundamental knowledge, understanding of organisation or operating environment, application of essential methods, interpretation, conversion and evaluation of text, problem solving and changing context, information gathering, presentation skills) and autonomy of learning (responsibility for own learning, decision-making, evaluation of own or others' performance, manage learning tasks and research leadership) as a learner who entered through the regular entrance pathway.

    The manner in which a person's standard of competence is assessed, the type of evidence required, and the role-players involved in the process are determined from time to time by each faculty and form the basis for the motivation of each case to the Senate. To ensure the soundness of the procedure referred to above, the Senate requires an annual report from every faculty on the progress of candidates admitted under this regulation.

    Entry requirements:
  • Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Tourism, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Hospitality Operations Management, 12 Credits.
  • Events And Sports Tourism, 12 Credits.
  • Sustainable Tourism Management, 12 Credits.
  • Tourism Planning and Development, 12 Credits.
  • Business Travel and Tourism, 12 Credits.
  • E-Tourism, 12 Credits.
  • Destination Marketing, 12 Credits.
  • Qualitative Problem-Solving Skills, 12 Credits.
  • Quantitative Problem Solving-Skills, 12 Credits.
  • Tourism Business Reporting, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of theories and concepts and the ability to engage in and apply such knowledge in various professional contexts within tourism management.
    2. Critically analyse problems from interdisciplinary perspectives to establish innovative solutions for the industry.
    3. Communicate proficiently and professionally, meeting the business needs in complex environments.
    4. Critically evaluate, justify and articulate appropriate responses to ethical issues and dilemmas in the tourism industry.
    5. Apply critical thinking to promote new and innovative approaches to tourism management in various business contexts.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to work independently and show leadership where appropriate, particularly in a diverse team environment.
    7. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles, context, systems and methods of applied research in the tourism industry. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Investigate theoretical developments in the field of Tourism Management to identify the latest theoretical trends to use in analysis and environmental scanning.
  • Investigate existing case studies as examples of new developments in the field of tourism management.
  • Interpret practical scenarios according to destination and marketing management theory presented to analyse situations and offer solutions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Evaluate complex destination management issues in the business environment and formulate solutions to resolve the issues that arise from the stakeholder collaboration required at the nexus of the tourism industry, sport, nature conservation and the public sector.
  • Debate the critical social, cultural, political, environmental and economic impacts of tourism policy, planning and development.
  • Develop a plan to guide the tourism industry in using technology to improve its sustainability.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Present a business process at a strategic level and make recommendations to implement it.
  • Report on current trend topics through presenting innovative, professional presentations that stimulate meaningful discussion of key trends across the tourism industry.
  • Compile and present a research report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Assess and critique the applicability of ethical conduct as a professional to differentiate between misconduct and unethical behaviour.
  • Examine the changing nature of different market segments (needs and preferences); diversification of the tourist profile toward inclusivity; and the suitability of destination product development to attract and retain emerging and niche markets.
  • Examine responsible tourism from a global perspective and justify the ethics of responsible tourism.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Categorise the role players and value chain involved in co-creation and critically analyse the co-creation efforts of various destinations.
  • Investigate workplace case studies and formulate strategies and solve complex managerial problems from industry practitioners.
  • Analyse complex information, problems, concepts, theories and practice of strategic and operations management in the contemporary hospitality industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Find solutions for the value conflicts between the role players in the tourism industry.
  • Collaborate with peers and take leadership on the development of a marketing strategy for various tourism destinations.
  • Appraise the importance of teamwork in the event management context and incorporate these principles into an events proposal.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Compose a research proposal and research report through the collection and analysis of research material.
  • Conduct formative and evaluative research to underpin tourism management strategies and tactics.
  • Propose creative solutions to tourism management issues, based on professional research.

    Integrated Assessment
    Continuous assessment will be implemented to allow for multiple assessment opportunities, frequent feedback and a range of assessment tasks such as:
  • Discussion forums
  • Quizzes
  • Journal entries
  • Tests
  • Assignments
  • project reports.

    Individual and group tasks which may be self-assessed, peer-assessed, facilitator-assessed or assessed through automation, will be used throughout the qualification to develop an array of 21st century skills among learners and to provide learners with different forms of feedback. Smaller participatory work will be given a lower weighting while larger assignment work and tests will be given a higher weighting.

    No individual assessment opportunity will contribute more than 30% of the final mark. The final module mark will be a culmination of a minimum of seven assessment opportunities per module (e.g. 5 formative and 2 summative).

    Both formative and summative assessments will be used as part of the continuous assessment model implemented in this online qualification.

    Formative assessment:
    Formal assessment means a range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment procedures used to focus teaching and learning activities to improve learner attainment (SAQA, 2014:5).

    Authentic assessment opportunities will be provided linking real-world scenarios and problem-based scenarios such as case studies to the assessment criteria. A variety of contexts that learners will need to function in as professionals will be integrated.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment means 'assessment conducted at the end of sections of learning or at the end of a whole learning qualification, to evaluate learning achievements related to a particular qualification, part-qualification, or professional designation (SAQA, 2014:8).'

    In order to ensure transparency of assessment practices, learners will have access to rubrics from the start of a module, which contain the assessment criteria and expectations required for assignments.

    Finally, the Qualitative Problem-solving Skills, Quantitative Problem-solving Skills and Tourism Business Reporting modules will require learners to complete an applied research project and compile the associated report requiring the application of their total knowledge base, developing applied competencies aligned to all prior modules, contributing to a well-rounded, balanced and well-informed professional graduate. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management compares well to similar diplomas offered in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution name: Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
    Qualification title: Postgraduate Diploma in International Tourism Management
    Credits: 120
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirement:
  • Bachelor of International Tourism Management.
    Or
  • Other relevant degree with a minimum of a B grade average.

    Purpose:
    The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in International Tourism Management is to provide graduates with an advanced knowledge and understanding of tourism. They will demonstrate critical thinking, in-depth analytical skills and intellectual independence. The programme will extend graduates' professional skills and prepare them for further postgraduate study. Learners need to complete 90 credits (4 modules) from a selection of 15 credit modules relating to tourism.

    Qualification structure
    Modules:
  • Hospitality management.
  • Profitable Financial Strategies for Responsible Enterprises.
  • People and Profit.
  • Hospitality and Tourism Employment.
  • Management and Entrepreneurship in Tourism.
  • Tourism in Coastal and Marine Environments.
  • Tourist Experiences and Consumer Perspectives.
  • The South Pacific and Tourism.
  • Contemporary Topics in Tourism.
  • Ethnic Minorities and Indigenous Peoples.
  • Sustainable Leadership in Hospitality, Tourism and Events.

    Similarities:
  • The South African (SA) and the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) are both offered over one year and consist of 120 credits.
  • The SA qualification aims to develop strategic thinking, research skills, and decision-making for the tourism industry.
  • Similarly, the AUT qualification aims to develop advanced knowledge, critical thinking, and prepare for further study.
  • The focus of the SA qualification is on sustainable tourism, e-tourism, marketing, hospitality, events, and research; similarly, the AUT qualification focuses on international tourism, sustainability, leadership, entrepreneurship, and regional tourism.
  • Both qualifications accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in a related field.
  • Both qualifications have a strong focus on strategic thinking, leadership, research, problem-solving, critical thinking, analytical skills, and intellectual independence.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is more structured with a strong emphasis on qualitative & quantitative research skills, whereas the AUT qualification emphasises analytical thinking, with less explicit and structured research modules.

    Country: The United Kingdom
    Institution name: University College Birmingham (UCB)
    Institution name: Postgraduate Diploma in International Tourism Management
    Duration: 18 Months

    Entry requirement:
  • A grade classification of third-class is required
    Or
  • International equivalent

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The International Tourism Management aims to boost learners' management potential by focusing on the role of communication and creativity and developing your critical thinking, problem-solving, research and analytical skills, together with an in-depth understanding of contemporary industry issues.
    Learners will also be able to specialise their knowledge through a range of optional modules, while you will be supported throughout by a professional mentor to offer further guidance and advice on advancing your career.

    A standout feature of this qualification is the opportunity to travel overseas and apply the training to an international live tourism project, while our master's course also gives learners the option to boost their real-world experience on a six-month placement.

    Qualification structure

    Modules:
  • Strategic Tourism Market Analysis
  • International Live Project Management
  • Leading Across Cultures
  • Strategic Financial Analysis
  • Sustainability Leadership
  • Postgraduate Research Project (MSc only)
  • Event Strategy
  • Strategic Digital Marketing
  • Innovative Enterprise
  • Strategic Human Resource and People Development
  • Risk, Disruption and Future-proof Management

    Similarities:
  • The South African (SA) and the University College Birmingham (UCB) share similarities in purpose and structure. The SA qualification aims at developing strategic thinking, research, and decision-making skills, whereas the UCB qualification aims to develop management potential, creativity, and critical thinking.
  • The focus area for both qualifications is similar, with the SA one aiming at broadening tourism management (e-tourism, planning, sustainability, marketing), and the UCB one towards strategic management, innovation, digital marketing and global tourism.
  • The SA qualification has a global and South African context, and the UCB one has a strong international and cross-cultural focus.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification has a strong emphasis (qualitative & quantitative research modules), whereas the UCB one has research included but not as a major project.

    Conclusion:
    Comparatively, while the postgraduate diploma offered by the Auckland University of Technology includes a variety of tourism-related modules, as well as a research methodology module, it does not include a research report module and offers many modules only applicable to the New Zealand tourism industry.

    In terms of the postgraduate diploma offered by University College Birmingham, it offers modules similar to both the proposed research methodology and research report modules but does not offer any modules like destination marketing, e-tourism, events and attractions, and hospitality operations management. Finally, the diploma offered by the University of Cumbria includes no modules comparable to the proposed diploma's research methodology and research report modules. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides the following articulation options:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Tourism Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Possible horizontal articulation options between Sub-Frameworks for this qualification reached the registration end date in December 2025.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Tourism and Hospitality Leadership, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Tourism and Hospitality Management, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Hospitality Laundry Assistant, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    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 Pretoria 


    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.