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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: |
| Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transportation Management |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 93857 | Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transportation Management | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Central University of Technology, Free State | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Advanced Diploma | Field 11 - Services | Transport, Operations and Logistics | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 120 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 07 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0324/24 | 2024-07-01 | 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 purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transportation Management is to provide learners with specialised, industry-relevant knowledge and applied competencies in the logistics and transportation sector. The qualification is intended for individuals such as diploma-qualifying learners, employed practitioners, and aspiring logistics professionals who seek to advance their careers or transition into supervisory and middle-management roles within supply chain, freight, warehousing, and transport environments. Learners undertake this qualification to strengthen their technical and managerial capabilities in a sector that is critical to trade, economic development, and service delivery. The qualification benefits learners by enhancing their employability, improving career mobility, and providing a structured pathway towards further specialised study or professional advancement within logistics and transport systems. The qualification is primarily vocational and occupational in nature, with strong professional application, and also provides articulation into postgraduate studies in related fields such as logistics, supply chain management, and operations management. Upon completion, learners will demonstrate integrated knowledge of logistics and transportation systems, including the planning, coordination, and optimisation of supply chain processes, freight movement, and distribution networks. They will be able to apply problem-solving and analytical skills to operational challenges, utilise logistics information systems to support decision-making, and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory, safety, and sustainability requirements in transport and logistics environments. Learners will also take responsibility for coordinating logistics operations, supporting efficiency in transport scheduling and routing, and contributing to the effective management of goods and services flow within organisational and inter-organisational contexts. A qualified learner will be able to: Rationale: The qualification was developed in response to the growing complexity, digitalisation, and global integration of supply chain, freight, and transport systems, which require mid-level professionals with specialised applied competencies beyond the diploma level. The qualification addresses a clear need for structured, nationally standardised training that integrates operational, analytical, and managerial competencies in logistics and transportation environments. It has been developed because existing qualifications at lower NQF levels do not sufficiently equip learners for supervisory and coordination roles, while postgraduate qualifications are too advanced and theoretical for this occupational level. The qualification responds to needs identified by industry stakeholders in the logistics, transport, freight forwarding, warehousing, and supply chain sectors, as well as insights from sectoral advisory inputs and employer consultations indicating a shortage of mid-level logistics professionals with integrated technical and managerial competencies. The qualification was informed by engagement with industry practitioners, logistics managers, and academic experts in transport and supply chain management to ensure relevance to operational realities and emerging trends such as digital logistics systems, sustainability, and green supply chain practices. It addresses national priorities linked to economic competitiveness, infrastructure efficiency, and trade facilitation by improving the capability of the logistics workforce, which is critical to South Africa's role as a regional trade hub. The qualification further contributes to reducing inefficiencies in freight movement, improving service delivery in both public and private logistics systems, and supporting environmentally sustainable transport and distribution practices. Typical learners for this qualification include holders of diplomas in logistics, transport, supply chain management, or related fields, as well as working practitioners in logistics, warehousing, freight coordination, and transport operations who seek career advancement into supervisory or junior management roles. The qualification is also suitable for individuals already employed in administrative or operational roles within logistics and transport who wish to formalise and enhance their applied knowledge and competencies. Upon completion, qualifying learners are likely to operate in occupational areas such as logistics coordinator, transport planner, supply chain officer, freight controller, distribution supervisor, or warehouse operations supervisor. The qualification supports both vertical career progression into management roles and diagonal mobility into related fields such as operations management and supply chain analytics, as well as further academic progression into honours-level studies in logistics, supply chain management, or business administration. Consultation with industry stakeholders, including logistics companies, transport operators, supply chain practitioners, and academic experts in logistics and transportation management, was undertaken during the development of this qualification to ensure occupational relevance and alignment with sectoral expectations. Input was also obtained from employers and workplace supervisors regarding the competencies required for effective performance at supervisory and coordination levels within logistics environments. Although the qualification is not directly linked to statutory professional registration, it reflects alignment with industry-recognised competency expectations for logistics practitioners and supports membership pathways in relevant professional associations within the supply chain and transport sector. Feedback from these stakeholders confirmed the need for a structured qualification that bridges the gap between diploma-level studies and postgraduate specialisation, particularly in relation to applied logistics management, operational planning, and transport coordination. The qualification is positioned within a structured learning and career pathway in logistics and transportation management, typically leading to occupations such as logistics supervisor, transport coordinator, supply chain analyst, or distribution manager. It provides a key progression route from NQF Level 6 diploma qualifications into NQF Level 8 postgraduate studies in logistics, supply chain management, and business-related disciplines, thereby supporting vertical articulation within the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework. It also enables diagonal articulation into related management and operations fields where logistics competencies are transferable, as well as workplace progression into increasingly complex operational and supervisory roles. Within the work pathway, the qualification supports advancement from operational and administrative roles into mid-level management positions, strengthening career mobility and enabling learners to take on greater responsibility in planning, coordinating, and optimising logistics and transport systems within both public and private sector environments. |
| 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 which is applicable with regard to equivalent qualifications for admission into the Advanced Diploma in Studio Arts. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission into this qualification, as well as advancement within the qualification. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification. RPL for access: Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission into the Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transportation Management may be considered for admission through RPL. To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification. RPL for advanced standing: An applicant who has already achieved some of the competencies expected for admission to, or progression within the Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transportation Management may be admitted despite lacking the conventional qualification pathway. In such an instance, the applicant's prior learning, knowledge, skills, and professional experience will be assessed to determine whether they are equivalent to the learning outcomes normally required for admission. This learning may have been acquired through formal studies, workplace experience, professional development, community engagement, short courses, research, or other forms of non-formal and informal learning. RPL for module exemption: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for module exemption may be granted in accordance with the institution's approved RPL policy and the requirements of the South African Qualifications Authority. Applicants may be exempted from specific modules where prior formal, non-formal and/or informal learning has been assessed and found to be equivalent to the learning outcomes and associated level descriptors of those modules at the appropriate NQF Level. Evidence of prior learning must be submitted in the form of a structured portfolio of evidence. Assessment may include the evaluation of documentary evidence, challenge assessments, structured interviews, and other appropriate methods to ensure that the evidence is valid, reliable, authentic and sufficient. Module exemption through RPL may contribute to advanced standing within the qualification by enabling the learner to progress without completing exempted modules; however, such exemption does not automatically result in the awarding of credits unless this is explicitly granted in line with institutional policy. RPL for credit: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for credit may be granted in accordance with the institution's approved RPL policy and the requirements of the South African Qualifications Authority. Applicants may be awarded credits towards the qualification where prior formal, non-formal and/or informal learning has been assessed and verified as comparable in terms of content, depth and complexity to the relevant components of the qualification at the appropriate NQF Level. Assessment is conducted through a rigorous and transparent process, which may include the submission and evaluation of a structured portfolio of evidence, as well as challenge assessments, structured interviews, or other appropriate assessment methods. Credits awarded through RPL contribute to the accumulation of credits required for the qualification and may result in advanced standing, allowing the learner to enter the qualification at an appropriate point in accordance with institutional policy and applicable regulatory requirements. Entry Requirements: Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| The qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7, totalling 132 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 108 Credits: Elective Modules, NQF Level 7, 24 Credits: (select two (2) modules) |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Apply acquired knowledge on transportation economics, engineering, infrastructure developments; transportation logistics and management principles that include global trends and strategies.
2. Apply principles and models of management to various activities related to Logistics and Transportation and manage various functions related to Logistics and Transportation management in general. 3. Identify, analyse and critically reflect on logistics and transportation projects and prepare project proposals for transportation matters. 4. Interpret and apply the relevant legislative framework correctly and make independent, sustainable decisions or judgments based on the relevant technical, economic, social and environmental conditions and resources. 5. Work independently and efficiently as a team member and also as a team leader. 6. The ability to generate, compile and manage reliable data on transportation for research and/or project formulation purposes and effectively communicate both orally and in written form. |
| 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: Integrated assessment: Assessment is guided and governed by the institutional Student Assessment Manual. Formative and summative assessments are integrated in the form of class tests, main tests, practicals, assignments, and design projects. A final summative assessment and moderation (external moderation at exit-level) is conducted at the end of each semester by writing a traditional examination. In the assessment strategy, evidence of professional competencies must be demonstrated through a variety of assessment methods which include case studies, problem-solving assignments and strategies, portfolio of learning materials, projects and presentations, written and oral examinations, authentic practical exercises and demonstrations. Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence, ensuring applied competence. It assesses the ability of learners to analyse, design, develop and implement software solutions. The ratio of formative to summative assessment is 60:40. Formative assessment: Formative assessment in the Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transportation Management is guided by the institutional Student Assessment Manual and CUT assessment policy. It is designed to support continuous learning and progressive development of applied competence. It is integrated throughout each module through a range of structured activities, including class tests, main tests, assignments, practical exercises, case studies, and design-based projects relevant to logistics and transportation contexts. These assessment activities are intended to monitor learner progress, provide ongoing feedback, and strengthen the development of both conceptual understanding and practical application of logistics and transport management principles. The formative assessment strategy is deliberately structured to develop foundational, practical, and reflexive competence in an integrated manner. Learners are required to engage in problem-solving assignments, scenario-based case studies, and project work that simulate real-world logistics and supply chain challenges, such as distribution planning, transport scheduling, warehousing optimisation, and freight coordination. Portfolio development may also be used to compile evidence of learning, including analytical tasks, reflective activities, and applied project outputs. Through these methods, learners are supported in developing analytical reasoning, operational decision-making skills, and the ability to apply logistics and transportation concepts in contextually appropriate ways. Summative assessment: Summative assessment is conducted at the end of each semester and is designed to evaluate the learner's overall achievement of the intended learning outcomes at NQF Level 7. It includes a formal, traditional written examination that assesses theoretical understanding, applied knowledge, and the ability to integrate logistics and transportation management principles. External moderation at exit level is implemented to ensure fairness, validity, reliability, and consistency of assessment standards in accordance with institutional and quality assurance requirements. In addition to written examinations, summative assessment incorporates evidence-based evaluation of professional competencies through case studies, problem-solving tasks, project work, and presentations where applicable. These assessments require learners to demonstrate the ability to analyse complex logistics and transport scenarios, develop appropriate operational and managerial solutions, and communicate findings effectively in written and oral formats. Authentic assessment tasks may also be used to evaluate applied competence in planning, coordinating, and improving logistics systems. Collectively, these summative assessment methods ensure that learners are able to demonstrate integrated knowledge, critical thinking, and practical competence required for effective performance in logistics and transportation management environments. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The qualification was compared to similar qualifications from the United Kingdom and Australia.
Country: United Kingdom Institution name: Independent Distance Learning College and Training (IDLCT) Qualification title: Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transport Duration: Flexible, self-paced study (typically completed part-time over an extended period). Credits: Not stated. Qualification level: Advanced vocational qualification. Entry requirements: Purpose/Rationale: The Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transport is designed to develop advanced competencies in logistics and transport operations, including planning, coordination, and management of supply chain activities. The qualification supports professional development and prepares learners for supervisory and middle-management positions within logistics, transportation, warehousing, freight, and distribution environments. It emphasises workplace application, operational efficiency, problem-solving, leadership, and professional competence development. Qualification structure: Modules/Areas of Study: Similarities: Differences: Country: Australia Institution name: Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, University of Sydney Qualification title: Graduate Diploma in Transport Management Duration: One year full-time or equivalent part-time study. Credits: Not stated. AQF: Level 8. Entry requirements: Purpose/Rationale: The Graduate Diploma in Transport Management develops advanced knowledge and competencies in transport and logistics systems, strategic planning, systems analysis, and the management of complex transport environments. The qualification is research-informed and focuses on strategic analysis, transport policy, logistics management, and the application of advanced theoretical frameworks to transport challenges. Qualification structure: Modules/Areas of Study: Similarities: Differences: Conclusion: The CUT Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transportation Management demonstrates strong comparability with recognised international qualifications in logistics and transport management. The qualification is closely aligned with the UK Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transport in terms of vocational orientation, workplace relevance, operational logistics competencies, and career-focused outcomes. Compared to the University of Sydney Graduate Diploma in Transport Management, the CUT qualification shares similar disciplinary content and management competencies but is positioned at a lower academic level within its respective qualification's framework. The CUT qualification distinguishes itself through its balance of applied occupational competence, academic rigour, structured assessment, and clear articulation pathways within the South African higher education system. Overall, the qualification reflects the best international practice in logistics and transportation management education by integrating industry relevance, managerial capability, applied problem-solving skills, and opportunities for further academic progression. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides for the following articulation options:
Horizontal articulation: Vertical articulation: Diagonal articulation: |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A. |
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
| As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. |
| 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. | Central University of Technology, Free State |
| 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. |