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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Maritime Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118359  Master of Maritime Management 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
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  EXCO 0821/24  2021-08-03  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 Master of Maritime Management is aimed at current maritime professionals who want to be trained to take up senior management positions in their organisations or further develop their skills and expertise in the industry.

The purpose of the qualification is to:
  • Enhance specialised skills and experience in the maritime business and management arena.
  • Lead aspiring and existing role players in the maritime sector into essential management skills required for meeting the challenges of the ever-growing global maritime business industry.
  • Prepare learners for leadership and transformational roles in the maritime sector and global logistics;
  • Develop strategic thinking, innovation and resilience skills in the maritime sector with a specific focus on shipping, port management and maritime business.
  • Develop an understanding and provide experience, of international trade and global maritime business issues including the potential contribution that the sector can make to solving these issues.
  • Develop the ability to apply previously and newly acquired knowledge on the blue economy and experience to complex business issues in a range of contexts.
  • Develop innovative skills and knowledge, at an advanced level, of organisations, their management and the environment in which they operate.
  • Develop an understanding of maritime law, responsible marine risk and insurance management and sustainable value creation based on the environmental, technological, social and governance impacts of this global industry.
  • Develop interpersonal and group working skills with the focus on effective leadership development and applied research management in the maritime and global trade context.
  • Develop an understanding of the developing and emerging business context with the focus on the African social, business and institutional environments, emerging economies business models and competitive maritime industries on a global level.

    Rationale:
    The Master of Maritime Management is designed to contribute to the enhancement of trans-disciplinary professional practice in management and advanced maritime education. The qualification pursues the application and development of theoretical frameworks, methods and techniques to solve practical maritime management issues and international maritime business operations. Furthermore, the qualification seeks to continue to provide focused themes and core skills which are regarded as essential for success in today's and tomorrow's maritime business climate.

    The demand for the qualification is estimated at an intake of 15-25 learners per annum over a five-year projection and numbers should gradually increase over the years and create a footprint across the region.

    South Africa is situated on one of the busiest international sea routes critical to international maritime transportation and its geographical location presents a huge opportunity for investing in a diversified maritime market. Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) which is one of five operating divisions of Transnet SOC Limited is responsible for the safe, effective and economically efficient functioning of the national ports system, encompassing eight commercial seaports, which it manages in a 'landlord' capacity. The various ports in South Africa have, for the calendar year 2018, accounted for 9,202 Vessel Arrivals, resulting in 700,671 tons of cargo and 488 329 TEUs moving through South Africa (UNCTAD, 2018).

    The qualification is designed to contribute to the enhancement of trans-disciplinary professional practice in management and advanced maritime education. The qualification pursues the application and development of theoretical frameworks, methods and techniques to solve practical maritime management issues and international maritime business operations. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning is an epistemological process that includes development, teaching, mentoring, assessing and, where appropriate, accrediting the acquired knowledge, competencies and capabilities of a person, gained in formal, informal or non-formal learning.

    Learners who do not meet the admission requirements, but can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level (NQF 8) may be considered for RPL. This is provided a proper structured assessment of the prior learning is conducted in terms of the Institution's RPL Policy. Such candidates may be required to broaden their knowledge base by enrolling for identified preliminary modules prior to admission or parallel modules after admission. Candidates may also apply for exemption from certain modules on the grounds of credits obtained through relevant programmes of study.

    RPL Selection criteria and process:
  • Candidates are subject to selection based on 5 years' work-related experience or 3 years' uninterrupted maritime business-related or management experience.
  • Candidates must submit all relevant qualifications and supporting evidence on work experience.
  • All applicants will be subject to a psychometric test performance, whereas the applicants' results of prior qualifications should not be less than an overall average of 60% and an interview.

    Granting of credits.
    The candidate can only receive credits for 50% of his/her modules completed, granted that the person can illustrate that he/she completed similar content at the same NQF level..

    Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on the grounds of credits obtained through relevant programmes of study and must provide an original academic record clearly showing the modules passed.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A four-year relevant Bachelor's Degree at NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant Postgraduate Diploma at NQF Exit Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant Honours Degree at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Thesis, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply foundational knowledge in each of the primary functional areas of business in the maritime sector.
    2. Enhance specialised skills through evaluating and developing a sustainable maritime business context.
    3. Apply strategic management skills at a senior level in changing business environments in the maritime sector.
    4. Propose and develop appropriate, effective maritime leadership styles in prompting sustainable maritime businesses.
    5. Develop and conduct applied business research and strategies in the maritime sector in order to enable sound judgements and communicate conclusions clearly to a range of audiences in the maritime sector.
    6. Apply business and strategic decisions effectively in a global as well as emerging and African context in the maritime sector.
    7. Analyse, synthesise and solve complex unstructured business problems in the maritime sector.
    8. Integrate their learning from a comprehensive range of managerial areas in order to analyse and solve complex situations holistically in the maritime environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Recommend improvements on ports and shipping operations, human resource management, maritime trade, innovative financing methods and using technologies.
  • Solve challenges associated with the financial, social and environmental problems within ports, shipping and maritime business.
  • Present ethical strategies and decision-making to complex maritime-related problems for both organisational and a global context.
  • Demonstrate personal and team-based, transformed leadership qualities to enhance human capacity development within the maritime sector.
  • Engage, critique and advance scholarship within the maritime sector.
  • Communicate research findings clearly to a range of audiences in the maritime sector.
  • Generate good practice examples for new case studies for dissemination within faculty and the broader maritime community.
  • Present innovative, resilient and/or technology-enabled solutions to deal with complexity and unstructured business problems.
  • Recommend integrated business models that encompass financial, technological and managerial leadership as the foundations of problem resolution. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Master of Maritime Management has been compared to the following international institution:

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: London (Middlesex University)
    Qualification Title: Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Shipping and Logistics
    Admission Requirements:
    A Bachelor's Degree or an equivalent qualification normally at second class honours or above - or equivalent international academic qualification.
  • A minimum of two years' relevant managerial or professional work experience since undergraduate graduation. Managerial experience means having responsibility for people and/or functions and/or relevant technical expertise.
  • At least two years experience working in the shipping and logistics industry or related sector.
  • Learners without an undergraduate honours degree must demonstrate at least five years' senior managerial experience and may be required to submit a GMAT test result of 550 or higher.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement for entry to the qualification.

    Purpose of the qualification:
    This is a research qualification aiming to train learners at an international level to independently undertake research, development and teaching assignments in the private and public sectors, for which a broad knowledge of research is required. The qualification mainly comprises active research training under supervision

    Qualification outcomes:
    The qualification balances management theories with practical industry and business-specific applications. The qualification is the result of ongoing extensive research and development in consultation with industry leaders, shipping executives, respected academics and the next generation of managers and leaders. The qualification will develop the subject knowledge, communication, negotiation and report writing skills, strategic principles and decision-making skills, as well as helping learners to learn about themselves and how to develop into the kind of business leader they want to be. The MBA Shipping & Logistics comprises a six study modules and culminates with the submission of the business transformation project, delivered over two years. The structure combines core general business management with specialist maritime focused modules and draws in wide geographical, commercial and personal best practice to ensure maximum learning and development.

    Country: Malmo , Sweden
    Institution: World Maritime University, Sweden
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Maritime Affairs (Port Management)
    Admission Requirements:
    The institution admits learners who are already established in a career in the maritime field. The admissions board considers only those applicants who meet the minimum general entrance requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent university qualification or the highest grade certificate of competency for unrestricted service as a master mariner or chief engineer, or equivalent maritime qualifications.
  • Substantial, directly relevant professional experience.
  • Competence in the English language, demonstrated by an internationally recognised standard test.
  • Computer competence (at least the ability to use Microsoft Office).
    In addition to meeting the requirements for the standard, 14-month program, applicants for advanced standing must demonstrate that they have already covered the content of the first term.

    Purpose of the qualification: The qualification emphasises the practical application of expertise. It offers both an overview of the complex, inter-related maritime field, as well as the opportunity to specialise.
    The qualification is designed to respond directly to the real needs of the maritime industry, and to equip graduates with the skills needed today and in the future.
    Qualification Outcomes:
    The port management specialisation has been designed for port managers and those at an executive level in port authorities, transport planning departments or private companies. It provides a thorough understanding of different aspects of port management, including both the technical and commercial aspects and the principles and practices of modern port management.
    It is academically challenging and professionally oriented, and is designed for ambitious, mid-career maritime professionals. It provides a particularly strong foundation to move into an international career.

    Country: Netherlands
    Institution: Netherlands Maritime University
    Qualification Title: Master of Science Shipping and Transport
    Admission requirements:
    The ideal profile of an applicant fulfils the following admission requirements:
  • A Bachelor degree in a relevant subject and two years job experience,
    Or
  • A Bachelor degree and two years job experience in a relevant field.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in English is required as the qualification is in English.
  • On the basis of the admission documents, a pre-selection will be made. Selected learners will be invited for an intake interview. A successful interview results in admission to the qualification.

    Purpose of the qualification:
    The Master of Science Shipping and Transport has been set up in 2007 by the Netherlands Maritime University in cooperation with the maritime and logistics business communities. The qualification provides an excellent opportunity to improve the maritime knowledge and understanding as well as to strengthen managerial skills. It is offered on a full-time and a part-time basis.

    Qualification outcomes:
    The first year primarily involves coursework and preliminary research preparation. The second-year focuses on research, affording learners the opportunity to contribute to existing fields of research, or to begin to develop new areas.

    Curriculum structure (Modules):
    The qualification consists of seven different focus areas or domains with a combined study load of 60 ECTS credits. The duration of the qualification is 12 months. After this, in the consecutive month, the thesis defence and graduation will take place.

    In addition, cases are an integral part of the curriculum of the Netherlands Maritime University. To make the content of the qualification more tangible, there are two major cases during the year; The Port Case, which focuses on port development and touches all the angles on which to think about, and the Shipping Case, in which learners are asked to start a new shipping company. Both challenging cases, contribute directly to the level of the learners.

    Assessment approach:
    Each module is assessed by a variety of assignments which include group work, essays, online exams, individual pieces of work and forum participation. The study concludes with a thesis the so-called 'Master piece' of the MSc program. During three to four months, every learner is required to conduct research and write a thesis, preferably within the context of a relevant management problem.

    Country: Singapore
    Institution: Nanyang Technological University
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Maritime Studies
    Admission requirements:
  • A Bachelor's degree in Shipping, Business or a related discipline;
    or
  • Hold a Certificate of Competence 1 (CoC 1) recognised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

    Purpose of the qualification:
    The Master of Science in Maritime Studies provides a valued education to young graduates and professionals within the maritime profession, upgrading them with knowledge and tools and elevating them from local business management to global settings.

    Qualification outcomes: The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the shipping industry have identified that the shipping practice and business in Singapore should be elevated in order to enter into the regional and global arenas.

    This is a strategic development that would uplift the local business practice and knowledge to a higher echelon in the international shipping scene, associated with business management, international shipping finance, chartering, and other related issues. This qualification is developed to fill the gap and provide post-graduate level and high-value education for professionals in maritime and related business; elevating them from local business management to one of the international and global business settings. The foremost intention is to provide young graduates and middle-management executives working in maritime related areas an avenue for higher education. The qualification will also be suitable for graduates who wish to be involved in the maritime profession. The education would provide them with necessary knowledge and tools to form the next generation of shipping executives.

    Assessment approach:
    Each module is assessed by a variety of assignments which include group work, essays, online exams, individual pieces of work and forum participation. The study concludes with a thesis the so-called 'Master piece' of the MSc program. During three to four months, every learner is required to conduct research and write a thesis, preferably within the context of a relevant management problem. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Maritime Studies, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Maritime Studies, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.