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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Commerce: Tourism Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90740  Master of Commerce: Tourism Management 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
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 11 - Services  Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
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
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 Degree is aimed at preparing graduates for managerial roles in international and national hospitality and tourism organisations, such as hotels, restaurants, resorts, theme parks and cruise lines. Graduates research and study the management, marketing and development of hospitality and tourism industry organisations at the regional, national and international level. They conduct research to resolve typical problems and provide scientifically grounded management and financial guidelines and directives for future development, leadership and decision-making in the Hospitality and Tourism industry. They also analyse current investment patterns of hotels, restaurants, cruise lines and resorts to discover potential tourism markets and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Rationale:
The Hospitality and Tourism Industry has been earmarked as one of the main drivers of the future economy of Southern Africa, which has become a world class tourism destination. The hospitality and associated industries have experienced exceptional growth. Thus there is great demand for appropriately trained managers and researchers in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry. The proposed research Master's Degree presented here has the full support of the local chamber of commerce and industry and a number of prominent hotel groups, as it is attuned to identify the needs of the hospitality industry in future. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners are expected to show:
  • Understanding of the relevant theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques and an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context.
  • Ability to critically review gathered information and apply management processes in specialised contexts in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
  • Specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and appropriate methods.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level may be considered for RPL, provided a proper assessment of the prior learning has been conducted. The process will be implemented in strict adherence to the relevant institutional RPL Policy.

    Access to the Qualification:
    A Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree: Tourism and/or Hospitality Management, or its equivalent, at NQF Level 8, with an aggregate pass of 60%. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of one compulsory module at NQF level 9, worth 180 Credits.

    Module:
  • Hospitality and Tourism Management: Dissertation. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge, insight and understanding of the principles, practices and procedures prevalent in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, especially applied to a developing and emerging market context such as that of South Africa.
    2. Apply newly acquired insights, techniques and procedures in a professionally competent manner.
    3. Conduct independent research and present the findings in a form that can be disseminated effectively to others.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are embedded in the qualification and will be assessed appropriately. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Specialist knowledge of the field of Hospitality and Tourism Management is applied.
  • The most prevalent theories, fundamental concepts and principles as well as their current applications are evaluated and critiqued.
  • Clear and coherent understanding of the processes and procedures related to Hospitality and Tourism Management are used during interactions.
  • Appreciation of the business dynamics that exist in Hospitality and Tourism as manifested in the private sector of the economy is expressed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Current processes and methods of knowledge production are evaluated.
  • Strategies for the processing and management of information for purposes of review and insight are designed and implemented.
  • Combined efforts to address common issues are applied.
  • The impact of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry on the economic development of the region is analysed.
  • Appropriate responses to external and internal forces affecting the Hospitality and Tourism Industry are implemented.
  • Principles and procedures to identify potential in a business fairly, promptly, impartially, reasonably, consistently and without discrimination, are applied.
  • Systems to ensure that proceedings and actions taken are ethical, in accordance with specific requirements, are monitored and that confidentiality is maintained as required.
  • Circumstances where professional advice should be called upon are identified/recognised and suitably reffered.
  • Relevant information and the grounds on which to proceed are compiled, based on the available information and supportive of the monitoring processe.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Research methods, techniques and technologies are selected to show evidence of a clear understanding of relevant research theory and practice.
  • Information retrieved from resources of academic and professional discourses generated in the field of Hospitality and Tourism Management are collected, produced and communicated to a range of audiences.
  • Research reports that critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations, are presented.
  • Specialised skills are applied to make interventions and to address the intended and unintended consequences of such interventions.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All internal and external assessment and moderation takes place in accordance with the institutional policy document. Candidates are required to engage in a research project and to submit an extended research report. Programme coordinators are responsible to ensure that assessment practices are explicit, valid and reliable, in line with the policy. Assessment will focus on learners' ability to identify and collect information effectively that they will analyse and present. Assessment will also look into the application of knowledge in different situations and develop strategies and approaches to addressing specific problems in the Hospitality and Tourism environment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There are qualifications from other countries that have been considered to be similar to the Master of Commerce: Tourism Management. The qualification is compared to similar Master Degrees from New Zealand, United Kingdom, Sweden and Germany in the Hospitality and Tourism sector.

    The University of Otago in New Zealand offers a Master of Commerce (MCom) in Tourism. The Degree consists only of Papers and a Thesis. This qualification is designed to develop learners' research skills; incorporating their ability to engage with and critically examine theoretical and conceptual literature, methodologies and data collection and analysis methods.

    The United International Business School (UIBS) with campuses in Barcelona, Brussels, Madrid, Valencia and Zurich offers a Masters' Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management. The qualification consists of 60 European credits and takes only one academic year of nine months of full-time studies to complete. Except for the core courses and specialisation courses, several languages, including Spanish and French are offered.

    Royal Roads University in Victoria, Sweden offers a Master of Administration in Tourism Management. The qualification is designed to give learners relevant skills in the areas of international hotel and resort management, leadership, applied research, sustainable tourism and destination development. The following are modules learners need to complete to be awarded the Degree:
  • Business and Management.
  • Leadership.
  • Tourism and Hospitality.
  • Communication.
  • Education Studies.
  • Environment and Sustainability.
  • Conflict and Disaster Management.

    The International Graduate Center in Bremen (Germany) offers a Master in International Tourism Management (MTM). This Degree is designed to equip learners with knowledge and skills required in order to pursue successful careers as managers within international tourism management in a global environment. This qualification focuses on developing the following key competencies:
  • Specific management competencies in tourism (e.g. project management, e-tourism, quality management and operations management).
  • International and global tourism management.
  • Strategic and operative marketing competence in tourism.
  • Sensitivity towards the tourism environment.

    Conclusion:
    These qualifications compare favourably with the Master of Commerce: Tourism Management. A common element about these qualifications is that they focus on developing a graduate with creative skills to manage and further develop the hospitality and tourism industry. The qualifications provide learners with theoretical business background and professional knowledge that equip them for successful management careers in the hospitality/tourism industry. Learners complete a thesis/project, or comprehensive exam as a culminating experience, allowing for demonstration of competencies for theory and application material for the discipline. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification articulates horizontally with the following:
  • Master of Technology: Tourism and Hospitality Management at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Technology: Hospitality Management at NQF Level 9.

    This qualification articulates vertically with the following:
  • Doctor of Technology: Hospitality Management at NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Technology: Tourism and Hospitality Management (PhD) at NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The supervisor and co-supervisor (where applicable) act as the internal examiners for dissertations. An expert in the field who is not attached to the institution is approached with a formal contract of appointment, or a consultancy contract as an external examiner. Examiners who are not from academic institutions may be appointed where specific expertise is required, provided that they are in possession of an appropriate academic qualification, namely a Master's Degree. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria are specified for assessors concerning the core aspects of the qualification:
  • Assessors need experience in interpersonal skills, subject matter and assessment.
  • Assessors need to be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes and in the design and development of assessment.
  • Subject matter experience must be well developed within the field. 
    		•

    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. Nelson Mandela University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or 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.