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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Tourism Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91879  Master of Philosophy in 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:
This Degree is aimed at preparing graduates for managerial roles in national and international 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 regional, national and international levels. They conduct research to resolve 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 economic, social and environmental impact of tourism is vital to creating a vibrant and sustainable economy which improves the quality of life. The Hospitality and Tourism industry is 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 Master of Philosophy in Tourism Management was created parallel to the Master of Commerce in Tourism Management. The Master of Philosophy in Tourism Management is meant to cater for learners who do not have a commercial background but wish to enrol for a qualification in Hospitality and Tourism. 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 future needs of the hospitality industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners are expected to show:
  • An understanding of the relevant theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques and the ability to apply such knowledge in a particular context.
  • An 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 method.

    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:
    Learners must be in possession of a relevant Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism and/or Hospitality Management, or its equivalent, at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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 exists at present in 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 is demonstrated 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 are applied fairly, promptly, impartially, reasonably and consistently, without discrimination.
  • Systems to ensure that proceedings and actions taken are ethical, in accordance with specific requirements and that confidentiality is maintained as required, are monitored.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The research methods, techniques and technologies selected 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 is collected, produced and communicated to a range of audiences.
  • Research reports which 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 institutional policy. 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, reliable and in line with the policy. Assessment of the submitted research report will focus on learner ability to identify and collect information effectively, how it is analysed and presented. Assessment will also cover the application of knowledge in different situations and the development of strategies and approaches to address specific identified problems in the Hospitality and Tourism environment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is compared to similar Masters' Degrees in the Hospitality and Tourism sector from New Zealand, Australia, Sweden and Germany.

    The South Cross University in Australia offers a Master of International Tourism and Hotel Management. The qualification is designed for students with or without industry experience who wish to gain a higher Degree in the field of tourism and hospitality studies. The coursework schedule provides a comprehensive study of all aspects of tourism and hotel management, from both theoretical and practical 'real world' perspectives.

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

    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 and 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 Centre in Bremen, Germany offers a Master in International Tourism Management (MTM). This Degree is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required 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, operations management).
  • International and global tourism management.
  • Strategic and operative marketing competence in tourism.
  • Sensitivity towards the tourism environment.

    Conclusion:
    The Master of Philosophy in Tourism Management compares favourably with these qualifications. A common element within all the 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 a theoretical business background and professional knowledge that equips them for successful management careers in the hospitality/tourism industry. Learners complete a thesis/project, or comprehensive examination with, both types, thus allowing demonstration of competence in theory and application. 
    		•

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

    This qualification articulates vertically with the following:
  • Doctor of Technology in Hospitality Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Technology in Tourism and Hospitality Management, 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 tools.
  • 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.