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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tourism 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93883  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tourism 
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
Honours Degree  Field 11 - Services  Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  128  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The main purpose of the qualification is to prepare learners for higher level academic studies in the field of tourism and cultural heritage, as well as higher management level employment in the tourism industry and the cultural heritage sector. The curriculum contributes towards these outcomes:
  • Through the qualification's strong emphasis on research, which involves improving and perfecting previously acquired research skills; expanding research skills; sharpening analytical skills and gaining practical research experience, qualifying learners will have the ability to conduct research which is particularly important for Masters' Studies, but will also be expected of managers in tourism and the cultural heritage sector.
  • Through the qualification's emphasis on conceptual skills and theoretical frameworks that provide new perspectives on familiar phenomena, learners will demonstrate a capacity for creative problem solving.
  • Qualifying learners will demonstrate managerial decision-making in the workplace and acquire a capacity for higher level academic study, in that the curriculum contains both important fundamental content knowledge conveyed through critical engagement with 'classic' texts in the field and continuously up-dated material to reflect current trends and cutting-edge knowledge within the field. This balance is essential for.

    Rationale:
    Tourism is one of the most important sectors of economic growth nationally and internationally. In South Africa today, tourism is strongly promoted by both public and private sector interests. The tourism industry is broad and covers all economic activity associated with travel such as the core sectors of hospitality, transport and attractions, including cultural and heritage attractions.

    There is a need for individuals at management level, experts who can access and manage the impacts of tourism, develop policy and drive research specific to the sector and provide training. Analysis of graduation rates at tertiary education institutions shows that the sector is not adequately supplied with graduate recruits, particularly at postgraduate level.

    The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tourism is designed to prepare learners and provides specialised in-depth knowledge of the industry. It also develops advanced research skills (i.e. familiarity with a wide range of research methodologies and their effective application) and analytical skills based on a thorough understanding of critical concepts and theoretical frameworks. This will enable successful candidates to become specialists and competent experts in the tourism sector, who can provide leadership in such crucial areas as policy formulation, impact assessment, research, development, strategic analysis and planning. The proposed qualification will contribute significantly to the local and global advancement of African scholarship in the field of tourism, because it is aimed at training young scholars, the majority of whom are black Africans, to become independent researchers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The university policy on RPL stipulates the following principles on which Prior Learning will be recognised:
  • Assessment must recognise learning from experience, and not simply experience.
  • Assessment of learning must be based on evidence.
  • The learning assessed must be related to the purpose for which the recognition is required.
  • Learning must be assessed against the learning outcomes (and not primarily the content) of specific qualifications and/or modules.
  • The learning must be assessed as sufficient and current.
  • Quality assurance procedures must guarantee the integrity and credibility of the assessment.

    Using these principles, candidates seeking to enter the Postgraduate qualification must demonstrate their Prior Learning experience:
  • In an interview with the qualification director/qualification team.
  • By presenting a portfolio of their work experience.
  • And/or writing a formal entrance test.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Technology in Travel and Tourism.
  • Bachelor Arts or Bachelor of Social Science with tourism major.
  • Bachelor Arts in Cultural and Heritage Tourism.
  • Candidates with a Bachelors' Degree with a minimum of 65% achieved. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consist of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 128 Credits.
  • Representation of Culture in Tourism, 32 Credits.
  • Local Knowledge and Development, 32 Credits.
  • Research Project, 32 Credits.
  • Principles of Tourism Management, 16 Credits.
  • Sustainable Tourism Development, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Use acquired deep knowledge of content, specific concepts, theoretical frameworks and critical debates in the field of Cultural and Heritage Tourism.
    2. Design and carry out an independent research project in the field of tourism or cultural heritage studies, using appropriate methods and skills.
    3. Apply critical analytical, evaluative and problem-solving skills.
    4. Present research data professionally in oral or written presentation form.
    5. Use theoretical knowledge practically for problem-solving in the work place.
    6. Apply knowledge and understanding of marketing as it pertains to tourism and the relationship between economic principles and marketing.
    7. Apply acquired or intensified personal skills and values, such as responsible and ethical approaches to tourism, respect for others, communication skills, team-working and organisational skills, self-reflective evaluative approach to knowledge acquisition analysis. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The assessment criteria may be applied across some or all of the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner:
  • Reports are compiled and presentations are made using word-processing, spreadsheet and presentation software according to professional standards.
  • Applicable managerial concepts applied to prepare a business plan and establish a tourism enterprise.
  • Issues affecting entrepreneurs in a tourism business are explained.
  • Tourism management practices for sustainability and economic growth are explained.
  • Global strategies for tourism and hospitality services are analysed.
  • Knowledge of content, concepts and critical debates in the field of Cultural and Heritage Tourism are demonstrated.
  • Competency in conducting research is demonstrated.
  • The ability to conduct independent fieldwork which requires gathering of data in archives, libraries, museums, cultural villages, heritage sites and a range of tourist related sites of engagement is demonstrated.
  • Quality and degree of professionalism in analysing research data and presenting them orally or in written form is practiced.
  • The processes for planning in tourism with the involvement of communities and developing viable community-based ecotourism projects are assessed.
  • Events and declarations related to sustainable development of tourism are described and analysed.
  • The principles and techniques of marketing in different marketing contexts are explained and applied.
  • The marketing communications concept and issues of branding and promotion strategies in the tourism industry are explained.
  • The features unique to tourism services and their implications are explained.
  • Information about the tourism industry sectors and role players, demand differentiation and the impact of tourism are interpreted.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All qualification outcomes (as specified above) are linked to specific outcomes in the individual module components of the qualification (coursework modules and research project) and assessed through continuous assessment procedures and formal examinations. The research project and the resulting report will particularly be used for integrated assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is compared to similar qualifications abroad. The University of Queensland in Australia offers a Bachelors of Arts/International Hotel and Tourism Management (BA/BIHTM). The qualification provides learners with an understanding of the business environment and its relevance to the international hotel and tourism industry.

    The European University in Barcelona offers a three year Bachelor of Arts in Leisure and Tourism Management that prepares students to work in diverse sectors of the travel and tourism industry. The qualification equips learners to be able to handle issues such as hotel management, event management, tour operations, resort management and convention management. It includes courses in management of recreation facilities, tourist destination management, geography of tourism, tourism and the environment, tourism and public policy, wildlife tourism, urban tourism and the legal aspects of recreation and tourism.

    While some of these qualifications might have different names, in general there is substantial degree of similarity and graduates of this qualification will easily be recognised in these countries. It appears that the majority of qualifications similar to this offered in Asia are developed and offered through an arrangement with institutions in the United Kingdom. In Africa Utalii College in Nairobi, in Kenya the United States International University offers a similar qualification in collaboration with the University of Nairobi (the degree is developed, taught and awarded by the University of Nairobi).

    The link can be utilised to view other qualifications internationally that offers similar qualifications in Tourism. http://www.bachelorstudies.com/Bachelor/Tourism/?page=1.

    In conclusion most countries value tourism as it plays a vital role in growing the economy of that particular country. The qualifications from most countries will focus on similar attributes that will enhance tourism. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Both horizontal and vertical articulation will be possible with this Degree.
    Horizontally this qualification may articulate with the following:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Heritage and Tourism Studies.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Recreation and Tourism.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tourism Development.
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Heritage and Tourism Studies.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage and Tourism Studies.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Recreation and Tourism.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management in Tourism and Leisure.

    Vertical articulation is also possible with the following:
  • Master of Arts in Heritage and Tourism Studies.
  • Master of Arts in Recreation and Tourism.
  • Master of Social Science in Heritage in Tourism Studies.
  • Master of Tourism and Hospitality Management. 
    		•

    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. 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.