SAQA 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: 

Higher Certificate in Marketing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96455  Higher Certificate in Marketing 
ORIGINATOR
MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Marketing 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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 purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities in order to perform various marketing management functions at the foundation level in an organisation. This qualification affords learners the opportunity to develop essential competencies needed within a Marketing context.

An analysis of the feedback from current learners and an analysis of their results have indicated that a fair percentage of learners struggle with the transition from school to university. Adult learners who have worked for a number of years without studying have also indicated that they have struggled to find their feet in higher education. This has resulted in this qualification including Academic Literacy and Business Numeracy as an integral component. This will allow learners to approach their studies with greater academic competencies and insights into what is required to master demands of a higher education nature.

Upon qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge marketing management and how it links to the discipline of marketing in general.
  • Produce a strategic marketing plan, communicate the plan to all relevant role players and implement the plan.
  • Discuss effective marketing and management processes that are beneficial to the organisation.
  • Access, process and manage elementary marketing information.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of marketing in accordance with organisational policies and procedures, client requirements and legal requirements.

    Rationale:
    The Higher Certificate in Marketing will provide the learners with the framework for understanding the dynamics of marketing management which is a major operating function of an organisation to pursuit its business. Equipped with the core marketing principles and concepts, learners will have greater opportunities to compete and succeed in their future career.

    The consensus of the marketing industry is that there is a need for an entry-level marketing qualification - one that is not too narrow and limited to retail marketing or sales management. The informed opinion from the industry is that workers in the field should have a fairly broad-based knowledge of the world of business. They should be able to think across different disciplines, as companies are confronted with a continuous process of developing and maintaining a feasible fit between organisations' objectives, skills and resources and their changing marketing opportunities.

    While the 70% pass rate of matric learners in 2011 sounds impressive, the 24.3% of learners with a Degree admission pass (120550 out of 496100) still remains a concern. The need to provide access to Degree qualifications is very much part of the institution's mission. The Higher Certificate in Marketing would allow learners to be admitted to the Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Marketing Management. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the RPL.

    In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification:

    It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of an examination of their Curriculum Vitae (CV). Such learners will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from their organisations/ companies.

    Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating 'non-standard' applicants include:
  • The applicants' motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies.
  • Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references.
  • The nature and level of life/ work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
  • Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, standard achieved.
  • The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
  • The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

    Where prior learning is recognised for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The amount of 'specific' credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning and award towards which the intended qualification leads.

    Credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award.

    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants will be admitted to this qualification on the basis of one of the following minimum benchmark qualifications:
  • A National Senior Certificate granting access to higher certificate studies or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules with 20 credits each at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.
    Modules:
  • Principles of Marketing Management.
  • Global and e-Marketing.
  • Marketing Research.
  • Marketing Communication.
  • Branding and Brand Management.
  • Consumer Behaviour and Decision making. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge marketing management and how it links to the discipline of marketing in general.
    2. Produce a strategic marketing plan, communicate the plan to all relevant role players and implement the plan.
    3. Discuss effective marketing and management processes that are beneficial to the organisation.
    4. Access, process and manage elementary marketing information.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge of marketing in accordance with organisational policies and procedures, client requirements and legal requirements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The sphere of marketing management is defined.
  • Management process, with specific reference to marketing is explained.
  • The processes of effective strategic planning, goal setting and developing marketing strategies are explained.

    Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A strategic marketing plan is defined.
  • The contents of the components included in a strategic marketing plan are listed and explained.
  • The communication and implementation of a strategic marketing plan is discussed.
  • An understanding of marketing communications within organisations/businesses is demonstrated.

    Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The desired effect of the implementation of a successful strategic marketing process is discussed.
  • The financial benefit of implementing a successful strategic marketing process is described.
  • The implementation of a control system to evaluate the strategic marketing process is explained.
  • Fundamental principles of marketing are applied by developing a coherent marketing mix.

    Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • An understanding of business management and communication in organisations is demonstrated.
  • Typical elementary methods and procedures involved in marketing are explained.
  • Marketing contexts and systems within which organisations operate and link these to marketing opportunities is explained.
  • Marketing strategies and objectives are identified, implemented and managed.
  • Demonstrate the ability to undertake market research for effective decision making.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Legislation and organisational policies and procedures relevant to the core processes are correctly identified and appropriately applied to a given situation.
  • Best practices relevant to operational responsibilities are correctly identified.
  • Appropriate action to promote best practices in the organisation are planned and implemented.
  • Contributions to the monitoring of health and safety appropriate to own responsibilities in the organisation are outlined in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.
  • Strengths and areas for improvement in own learning are correctly identified and adequately evaluated.
  • Strengths and areas for improvement in organisational human resources management and practices are correctly evaluated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through course modules.
    These assessment methods include:
  • Written examination.
  • Case studies.
  • Report writing.
  • Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
  • Work based assignments.
  • Self-assessment activities in the course material.

    Formative assessment:
    The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the wok and limited number of outcomes.

    Summative assessment:
    Examinations or equivalent assessment such as a research essay or portfolio in order to determine a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner`s ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

    Integrated assessment:
    All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The London School of Business and Finance in the United Kingdom offers a Certificate in Marketing Management. This qualification fully covers the purpose, processes and methodologies of marketing management at strategic and operational levels. Product positioning, market research techniques and external environmental factors which impact markets and brands will be covered whilst introducing 'new media' technicalities. New digital marketing tools will be identified, as well as digital and new age design aspects and marketing campaigns.

    Swinburne University of Technology in Australia offers a Marketing Management qualification at certificate level. The Certificate IV in Marketing introduces concepts in sales, marketing, market research, promotion and helps to develop superior marketing skills and build a broad knowledge base across a wide variety of marketing contexts. Learners learn to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. On successful completion of the Certificate IV in Marketing, learners may progress to the Diploma of Marketing.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares with the selected ones in terms of their focus purpose and progression. Learners may continue to advance their knowledge and practice through furthering studies in a Diploma or a Bachelor Degree in the field. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers learners who complete an opportunity to further their studies within the same field in higher education.

    The qualification articulates both horizontally and vertically.

    Horizontally with:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Marketing.
  • Higher Certificate in Marketing.
  • Higher Certificate in Commerce in Marketing Management.

    Vertically with:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing.
  • Diploma in Marketing Management. 
    		•

    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. MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 


    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.