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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Management in Sport Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94577  Postgraduate Diploma in Management in Sport Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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 primary purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Management in Sport Management is to raise the profile and quality of effective Sport Management and practices and in all related fields, particularly in South Africa.

The qualification is aimed at strengthening management and leadership competencies, combining general and sport management knowledge and skills to develop a holistic and in-depth knowledge of opportunities and challenges in the sport management industry.

The qualification combines lectures, seminars and practical engagements with sporting projects to hone the graduate's strategic, administration and business competencies. The graduate will be able to engage effectively with local and international challenges in the sports environment.

Rationale:
Globally, Sport Management career opportunities are developing rapidly, along with the growth in the profile of and activity in sport. The hosting of major sporting events has become a massively competitive industry, with countries and cities spending an inordinate amount of time and money developing a bid and engaging in the subsequent planning and organising. This is not surprising when one considers the potential benefits of hosting global events.

The nomenclature of the qualification is an important consideration for several reasons. It is known from experience that one of the great strengths of the previous qualification is the balance between the general management curriculum and the specific focus on sport management.

The qualification requires learners to complete modules in the fundamental areas of management at NQF Level 8 ensures their knowledge of the latest thinking and research in the key areas with which they will be grappling within a particular industry. Being an effective manager of a team in any sporting code, for instance, requires the manager to have a deep understanding of the dynamics of effective team leadership roles and people dynamics and be able to apply tested theories of physiology to any team's annual performance programme.

A graduate who completed their degree several years before will not necessary be aware of the current developments in leveraging social media and sponsorship to its optimum because of the rapid changes in technology and communication. Management is a science, and graduates from this qualification are required to get to grips with the science that can then be applied to the specific profession. Having this more general knowledge adds greatly to the depth of education, and is one of the reasons why the institution's Diplomas are in such demand and so highly regarded.

The role of sport as a transformation tool and earner is also widely recognised by both government and business, and increasingly the different sporting codes are being made more available to mass participants, or are being professionalised. This shift requires sound and careful management, and there is a dearth of well qualified specialists with the strategic insights and knowledge in order to drive the industry in the appropriate direction. The provision of the conceptual, theoretical and practical knowledge of the key areas of Sport Management has become an essential requirement if South Africa is to remain competitive. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Applicants who do not have a Bachelors' Degree or Advanced Diploma but have at least 5 years working experience in a related organisational setting may be assessed through a combination of case studies and entrance examinations to determine whether they have the equivalent educational ability and motivation as someone with the NQF Level 7 Exit Level Outcomes.

Entry Requirements:
Admission to the Postgraduate Diploma will require a Bachelors' Degree or an Advanced Diploma in any field. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This is a 180 Credits qualification consisting of 8 compulsory modules and 6 elective modules at NQF Level 8 and one elective module at NQF Level 7.

Compulsory modules: (Eight modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 144 Credits):
  • Business Research and Communication, 18 Credits.
  • Organisation and Management, 18 Credits.
  • Effective People Practices, 18 Credits.
  • Introduction to Sport Management, 18 Credits.
  • The Science of Sport, 18 Credits.
  • Sport Administration and Business, 18 Credits.
  • Sport Management in Practice, 18 Credits.
  • Events Management, 18 Credits.

    Elective Modules: (Select two modules totalling 36 credits):
  • International Marketing and Brand Management, 18 Credits.
  • Project and Operations Management, NQF Level 7, 18 Credits.
  • Strategic Management Project, 18 Credits.
  • Social Entrepreneurship, 18 Credits.
  • Electronic Marketing, 18 Credits.
  • Managerial Information Systems, 18 Credits.
  • Retail Management and Services Marketing, 18 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically engage with different theoretical constructs and frameworks as they apply to management and organisations.
    2. Recognise the role, value and relationships between the different functional areas within organisations by responding to the specific socio-economic challenges of the local and national environments within an international context of doing business.
    3. Conduct affairs with integrity mindful of the impacts that decisions taken will have in both the long- and short-term by approaching situations and solutions with an ethical and legal framework.
    4. Produce and communicate solutions to business problems as these arise in the course of professional activity.
    5. Engage with innovation and think creatively about problem solving by making decisions based on sound knowledge and judgement.
    6. Research business issues and contribute to the developing of a knowledge base in the industry, with an understanding of methodological complexities and uncertainties in order to identify, analyse and address complex problems.
    7. Understand the need for sustainability in all aspects of business, including people, profit and planet. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Current models and thinking behind sport management, particularly in a developmental context such as South Africa is analysed and evaluated.
  • The structure and functioning of sport both locally and internationally is critically assessed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Sport in global context, paying attention to the structures that make up global sport, their functions, claims, successes and failures in a context of rapid globalisation is understood and evaluated.
  • The South African sporting landscape as it responds to both global and local social transition is understood and evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A strategy for an organisation to develop common values and a code of conduct based on these values is devised.
  • The importance of ethics in business is understood.
  • Practices, policies and processes that may mediate the relationship between business organisations and the environment are recognised.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The importance of effective communication is recognised.
  • Social, digital and traditional media in the development of Marketing Plan are leveraged.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The relationship between learning styles and decision making is understood.
  • The role of creativity and innovative thinking in business is understood and appreciated.
  • Understandings and techniques that foster individual creativity and creative problem-solving in groups are applied.
  • Decision making is audited and biases identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • A project is planned and implemented.
  • Basic methods of project management in order to effectively control key aspects of the project are deployed.
  • Various operational and strategic challenges inherent in organising and delivering major events such as the Olympic Games, Football World Cup, Cape Argus Cycle Tour, and Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon are analysed.
  • Research in various fields related to Sport Management is conducted and analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Notions of leadership are critiqued and own style of self-leadership is developed.
  • The contribution that can be made by business in the promotion of sustainability is identified.
  • Organisational outcomes in the light of the competing demands are effectively managed.
  • Elite athletes are identified and developed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Each module will have formative assignments and summative exams. During the year the results of the assignments held during the year will constitute the year mark, this will range between 40 and 45% of the final mark. Learners are required to submit both group and individual assignments; they will conduct peer reviews as part of their group work, and will be engaged in a wide variety of assessments. Most modules require learners to do both written and oral assessments. A final examination will be written in each course, this will form between 55 and 60% of the final mark. These final examinations are written in examination venues on campus and are controlled and invigilated according to UCT Examinations Policy. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Much of the content of the Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management is comparable to the curricula of related Postgraduate qualifications such as those offered by University of Massachusetts (USA), La Trobe University (Australia), Deakin University (Australia), The Loughborough University MBA (UK), and FIFA Executive Masters in conjunction with De Montfort, University of Neuchatel and Bocconi School of Management (EU). These courses are ranked in the top 10 of various global ranking systems.

    The various programmes offer the following content:

    University of Massachusetts Isenberg School of Management (MBA or MS over 2 years):
    Strategic information management; financial and managerial accounting; corporate finance; leadership and organisational management; professional development in sport management; business law; economics in sport; sport communications; sport events management applied sport marketing research and sports management practicum.

    La Trobe University Australia Graduate Diploma in Sport Management (1 year):
    Risk management and law in sport; leadership and working with Boards in sport; managing innovation for sports growth; managing the sports brand; managing athlete and coach welfare; management practice and theory; marketing management; and organisational behaviour.

    Deakin University Australia Master of Business (Sport Management 1.5 years):
    Sport and the law; introduction to the sports industry; economics for managers; sport marketing; sport promotions and public relations; sport organisation theory; strategic management; facility and event management; athlete management; and research project.

    Loughborough University MBA International Sports Management (2 years):
    Decision support systems; marketing; accounting for managers; sport management environment; operations management; media management; project management; managing sports technology and innovation; leading strategic change; and sports management project.

    FIFA Executive Masters in Sports Management in conjunction with De Montfort, University of Neuchatel and Bocconi School of Management (1 year):
    Humanities of sport at International Centre for Sports History and Culture presented by de Montfort and cover birth of modern sports; professionalisation and internationalisation of sport; and sports ethics.
    Sports management at Bocconi School of Management consisting of finance; marketing; organisation and governance; strategy; business planning; and event management.

    Sport Law presented by University of Neuchatel and covers legal aspects of the private sector of sport; the legal status of the sports person; legal aspects of sport and health; sport business and law; and methods of dispute resolution.

    Conclusion:
    The quality of this qualification is maintained as it draws its curriculum inspiration from the established international best practices in the field of Sport Management and Science. The rigour of the curriculum content and the general structure of this qualification compares favourably with qualifications of similar nature and focus offered at the leading international universities in the US, UK and Australia. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with NQF Level 8 qualifications with Sport Science/Management as a major component in them. It articulates vertically with NQF Level 9 qualifications in the related field.

    Horizontally it articulates with:
  • Bachelor of Public Management Honours.
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Management and Communication Studies.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice.

    Vertically it articulates with:
  • Master of Social Science in Management and Communication Studies.
  • Master of Philosophy in Management Coaching.
  • Master of Sports Science. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    The provider, University of Cape Town, is accredited to offer this qualification in both Contact and Distance Learning modes. 

    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. University of Cape Town 


    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.