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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: |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 119493 | Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| - | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Postgraduate Diploma | Field 11 - Services | Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 120 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 08 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Reregistered | EXCO 0333/25 | 2025-07-10 | 2028-07-10 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2029-07-10 | 2032-07-10 | |||
| 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management aims to provide qualifying learners with an opportunity to undertake advanced reflection and development at a higher theoretical level than in preceding qualifications (NQF level 7), providing them with more scope for upward career mobility/research/education through vocational articulation pathways. The purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifying learners with a deeper and systemic understanding of the current thinking, practice, theory, and methodology within the field of Business Management Sciences in the specialised disciplines of hospitality, tourism and event management both in a South African and international context. Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: The qualification is structured to provide learners with a set of core competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific and quantitative reasoning, ethical decision-making, communication skills, creativity, innovation, teamwork, and technological awareness. The purpose of the qualification is to build the necessary Business Management knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning through an intensive, focused and applied specialisation in the hospitality, tourism, and event disciplines. Rationale: The qualification will allow greater application of contemporary business management principles and practice in hospitality, tourism, and events in accordance with national policy framework building. The offering of a new qualification in a growing discipline addresses national imperatives such as the transformation of Higher Education in South Africa, widening of access to previously disadvantaged learners, racial and gender inequalities, and the promotion of employability of learners to contribute to the socio-economic needs of the country [(HE Act (101 of 1997)]. Nationally, education strategies are geared towards developing skills and competencies that enable learners to capitalise on career opportunities and, in so doing, stimulate economic growth and this is also the focus of this qualification. The qualification aims to influence and develop policies that will facilitate sustainable futures and will empower and promote the well-being of individuals as business fraternity members, communities, and society by utilising transformative and life-changing practices in the Hospitality, Tourism and Events sectors. The qualification considered the context of the world of work in that South Africa is well-poised to strategically grow to a leader in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management in Africa and derive the maximum benefit from this commercial and economically viable industry. With the global rise in tourism, there is a need for postgraduate learners that are increasingly being called upon to occupy both advanced skills, senior business management, and technical and research positions in the tourism and hospitality fields. During the situation analysis, industry role players agreed that suitably qualified learners with business management competencies are required to alleviate the technical skills shortage in this sector of South Africa and the Western Cape. The National Skills development plan of South Africa aims to promote the development of skilled careers and plans to formulate, update, and monitor related policies and procedures in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The Hospitality, Tourism and Event sectors in Cape Town is an imperative source of foreign investment and foreign exchange as the city is considered a major role player as the top tourism destination in South Africa (Wesgro, 2019). Currently, there is a scarcity of high-level skills in Hospitality (including Food and Beverage / Professional Cookery) and Tourism, Event, fields that include middle and top management positions as the industry requires competent qualifying learners to conduct research and assist in the continuous formulation of policies for the industry and green tourism practices (DHET National Skills Development Strategy III). Occupations listed related to the qualification specialisation areas include Hotel Manager, Professional Cookery Management and Food and Beverage Management, Tourist Information Officer, Travel Consultant, and Event Manager (DHET list of qualifications in high demand, 2018). The departments extensively engaged and liaised with alumni, current learners, industry Work Integrated Learning partners, industry stakeholder's Hospitality, Tourism and Event role-players. Curriculum forums with stakeholders indicated that a need exists in the industries for a qualification that focuses on the solving of problems and critical thinking that occur in the broader field of Business Management Sciences within the Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management disciplines. In the development of this qualification, the institution consulted with the following non-statutory bodies for participation, involvement, contribution, and feedback regarding the curriculum design: FEDHASA: Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa; CATHSETA: Cultural Arts Tourism Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority; SACE: South African Chef Association; Cape Town Tourism; SAACI: Southern African Association for the Conference Industry; SATSA: South Africa Tourism Services Association; Wesgro (Cape Town and Western Cape Tourism and Trade Investment); and Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau. These bodies promote the Hospitality, Tourism and Event industries as an integrated management discipline and profession and pro-actively work towards the development of the business and management sphere of Hospitality, Tourism and Events in South Africa. The occupations or areas of activity in which the qualifying learners in the qualification operate are aimed for a) middle to top management positions, b) research-related occupations and c) educational occupations in both the private and public sectors of the Hospitality, Tourism and Event industry. The qualifications support employment for middle and top management positions, there is an increasing demand from employers for quality graduates with an in-depth understanding of the Hospitality and Tourism arena and related aspects with proven research skills. The content of the qualification is aimed to produce qualifying learners to enable them to be strategic and operate at a senior managerial level in this cross-disciplinary Hospitality and Tourism related environment and consequently add value to the business and the public. In light of the pedagogic context, the anticipated profile considers the transformation imperative of the institution and is also designed for learners with work experience at the mid-managerial level, in any discipline or industry, who wish to advance their careers in the global hospitality, tourism or event sectors, or advancement for active research or for educational purposes to teach. For this reason, the qualification is only offered in the evenings (Full-time over one year and part-time over two years). |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advance standing within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification. RPL for access: RPL for exemption of modules: RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or Or Or Or Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 80 Credits Elective Modules, Level 8, 40 Credits (Select two modules) Hospitality Management: Or Tourism Management: Or Event Management: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate the ability to synthesise and integrate the various approaches used to access and communicate information effectively, using information technology, and oral and written persuasion to ethically promote and manage information related to the Hospitality, Tourism and Event disciplines in a changing business environment.
2. Demonstrate the ability to execute and apply a range of strategic business management and leadership knowledge and skills to effectively manage sustainable hospitality, tourism, and event enterprises within the context of strategic changes and complexities impacting the business environment. 3. Engage and take full responsibility in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its role in the hospitality industry and the importance of CSR in the hospitality environment as it takes the initiative to improve society by implementing socially responsible practices into its business model. 4. Address information and processes for the purpose of customer value, customer care and service excellence in the hospitality industry as it is vital due to the first point of contact and the delivery to the customer expectation that includes creating a positive work environment for your team as well as meeting and exceeding profit objectives. 5. Formulate and implement a range of financial management principles to contribute to effective decision-making and sustainability of the hospitality, tourism, or event enterprise and to execute decisions that will affect the internal control and profitability of hospitality and tourism enterprises with a sound understanding of the economic environment in which the business operates. 6. Manage an integrated, enquiry-based research project, in the field of Business Management in hospitality, tourism or events specialisation, under supervision and according to stipulated timelines, culminating in a research report or portfolio of evidence. 7. Develop a strategic marketing plan with extensive digital marketing elements for a tourism enterprise and demonstrate an understanding of the impacts of trends on the marketing of local, national, and international tourism destinations. 8. Identify and solve complex problems related to the digitalisation of the tourism industry in a critical and creative way by applying appropriate technological systems and utilising relevant software platforms in tourism marketing and management contexts. 9. Apply appropriate project management tools to manage the interrelated administration, marketing, design, risk, and operating systems of event projects in a sustainable and ethical manner. 10. Develop implementable strategic marketing plans for events/event businesses by applying sound digital marketing knowledge and critically analysing the event/event business environment to develop innovative and competitive marketing campaigns. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT Integrated assessment forms part of continuous assessment at the institution and takes the form of an appropriate mix of both formative and summative assessment methods. Assessment policy and practices at the institution promote constructive alignment of the curriculum, learner-centred learning and assessment, and the importance of feedback to enhance learner engagement. Assessment practices should be fair, reliable, and valid. It should also be in keeping with academic disciplinary and professional field norms and standards. Formative assessment is aimed at enhancing learning and provides learners with an opportunity to reflect critically on their own learning and to improve their own levels of personal accountability and time management. Formative assessment consists of the following variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study: Summative assessment will take place at the end of a section of work/quarter or semester and is aimed at assessing students' attainment against the learning outcomes of the programme and subject(s). Summative assessments are internally and externally moderated based on institutional policy and requirements. Summative assessments consist of a variety of formal assessment tasks relevant to the field of study, including written tests, reports, and examinations. This qualification will consist of written assessments in the form of written class tests and examinations conducted during and at the end of the academic semester/year. Integrated assessment cuts across several modules and is aimed at the holistic development of learners and contributes to learners' personal and professional development in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive competence. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The comparison of the qualification was with the following similar qualifications, and a brief synopsis of each of these qualifications is as follows:
Country: Australia Institution(s): Edith Cowan University (ECU); Le Cordon Bleu (LCB); International College of Management, Sydney - ICMS and Royal Brisbane Institute of Technology, Southern Institute of Technology Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Tourism and Events, Graduate Diploma in Hotel Management NQF Level: AQF Level 7 Duration: One Year Full Time Entry Requirements: Purpose: Graduate Diploma in hospitality management is designed for learners with an undergraduate degree (or relevant experience) who are wanting to transition into the hotel industry, or current hospitality professionals looking to progress into higher management positions by gaining formal qualifications in the hospitality industry. Graduate Diploma programmes are designed for learners with an undergraduate degree (or relevant experience) who are wanting to transition into the hotel industry, or current hospitality professionals looking to progress into higher management positions by gaining formal qualifications in the hospitality industry. This qualification will develop your skills and knowledge in strategic hotel management, tourism and hospitality management, entrepreneurship, and event management. Learners will be able to apply and communicate principles and concepts relevant to hotel management to function as a professional practitioner at a senior level in the industry or progress to further study. Similarities: The qualification also offers Research at this level comparing well with the core subject Research Methodology for Hospitality and Tourism (30 credits) which is a key focus in the South African qualification with specialisations in Hospitality/Tourism/Event Management. Other subject areas equating well across the two qualifications are Accounting for Management (related to themes covered in the core subject Business Finance and Economics for Hospitality and Tourism (25 credits), Marketing Management where innovative approaches in the tourism and hospitality sector compare well with electives in the tourism and event stream: Strategic Tourism and Destination Marketing (20 credits) / Strategic Event Marketing and Technology (20 credits), Risk and Contingency Management (which is a component of the subject Strategic Project Management for Events (20 credits). The comparison indicated that some of the subjects offered have similar subject content, such as Service Quality Management which links with the Hospitality elective subject Hospitality Service and Customer Management (20 credits). Similar to the core subject Business Management and Leadership for Hospitality and Tourism (25 credits), the Australian qualification includes content on Global Business Environment, People, Leadership and Performance, Business Decision-Making and Managing Hospitality in the International Context. Differences: The Australian qualification is registered at AQF Level 7 whereas the South African qualification is registered at NQF Level 8. Country: New Zealand Institution: Auckland University of Technology Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in International Hospitality Management NQF Level: NZQF Level 8 Credits: 120 Duration: One year full-time Entry Requirements: Must have completed one of the following with a minimum of B grade average or equivalent: Purpose: The Postgraduate Diploma in International Hospitality Management also suits those already in the industry who want to enhance their skills and knowledge base at a more advanced level. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules. Compulsory Modules, 90 Credit points: Elective Modules, 30 Credit points (Select a total of 30 credits from the following modules): AND OR Similarities: Differences: The AUT qualification is limited to international hospitality while the SA qualification has a wider scope since it includes event and tourism management. Country: United States of America Institution: Johnson and Wales University (JWU; University of Tennessee; University of California; Kent State University George Washington University and the University of Alabama. Qualification Title; Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Similar subject content includes Globalisation and Competitive Methods of Multinational Hospitality Companies, Strategic Management for Hospitality and Tourism, and Contemporary Global Issues in Hospitality and Tourism with parallels to the subject Business Management and Leadership for Hospitality and Tourism (25 credits). Also included is Financial Management of the Hospitality Industry with a similar focus on the financial aspects in the core subject Business Finance and Economics for Hospitality and Tourism (25 credits) and Research and Statistical Methods likened to Research Methodology for Hospitality and Tourism (30 credits) which also focuses on the application of the latest statistical tools available to the hospitality/tourism/event disciplines. Subjects with Technological and Marketing components considered internationally included: University of South Australia (PGDip Tourism, Events and Hospitality Management) where Technologies in Tourism, Events and Hospitality Management related to operational planning and management via software packages; Fanshawe, Canada (PGDip in Tourism and Hospitality Management). International University College, Birmingham (PGDip International Tourism Management) also offers subjects Leadership in Decision-Making. Learners s are introduced to the concept of effective decision-making. Learners in Leadership and decision-making where students are exposed to sources of business data to encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. Country: Switzerland Institution: Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in International Hotel and Tourism Management Duration: 20 Weeks and Work Placement / Internship: 20-24 Weeks Entry Requirements: Bachelor's degree or a Postgraduate Diploma in any discipline, or have minimum of two years suitable experience in the hospitality and tourism industry and suitable academic qualifications Exit Level Outcomes: At the conclusion of the qualification, learners will be able to: Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules. Mode of delivery: Face-to-face, blended learning platforms, online, research, student centred learning, tutorials, lecture, presentations, assessments, project-based assignments, and applied learning. Final assessment: Written exams and final projects. Articulation: Postgraduate Diploma graduates can continue to the Masters (MSc) in Hospitality and Tourism Management (Edinburg Napier University) includes MBA in Hospitality Management and MBA Postgraduate Diploma. Similarities: Differences: |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
| 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. |