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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism and Hospitality 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94872  Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism and Hospitality 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 11 - Services  Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  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 aim of the qualification is to develop the applied competencies of the learners to an advanced level in research, analysis, interpretation and understanding of Tourism and Hospitality. Through a Doctoral dissertation, the learner will show evidence of independent research via quantitative or qualitative methods or a combination of both. This will enable learners to solve complex problems in society and to ensure the sustainability of the Tourism and Hospitality industries.

Rationale:
There has been a large amount of interest shown from potential learners to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism and Hospitality (PhD in Tourism and Hospitality). With the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) being a leading and flagship school in the field of Tourism and Hospitality, it would make sense to move to the next and highest level of academic offering. The institution can establish itself as the leader in the field of Tourism and Hospitality and can successfully differentiate itself from other local universities.

The qualification will deliver Postgraduate learners who will be able to satisfy the growing need in the industry and academies for professionals with research and practical grounding. This is fast becoming the established trend internationally as well. Other benefits of offering the PhD would be that the institution will be in a better position as a contributor of intellectual capital and will attract more academically orientated learners and staff for Tourism and Hospitality. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts RPL as an integral part of the academic programme and as an initiative to support transformation of the education and training system in South Africa. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to the institution's qualification so as to promote lifelong learning. This is reflected in the vision and mission of the institution.

Entry Requirements:
Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission:
  • A relevant Master of Technology or a relevant Master's Degree. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of one compulsory module, which is at NQF Level 10 - research thesis totalling 360 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Design and implement at a high level of originality and quality, an original independent research of significance to the tourism and hospitality sector a discipline or cross-disciplinary field, or a project(s) addressing an important problem or research question concerning theory and/or practice in the tourism and hospitality profession or industry in line with standards set by the national and international research community.
    2. Present, using one or more media, a substantial and intellectually coherent product or products such as a thesis, dissertation and artefacts, or exegesis and portfolio of creative work and performance, for submission to external examination against international standards.
    3. Gather, access and use resources and information for research and application within the tourism and hospitality sector.
    4. Achieve a high degree of abstraction when analysing and synthesising information and demonstrating a high level of epistemological sophistication in reflecting on information within a specialised area of research within the tourism and hospitality profession. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The comprehensiveness, reasoning and depth of the research undertaken is established.
  • Use of statistical data analysis (qualitative and or/quantitative research method) in line with the requirements is consistently applied.
  • Alignment of hypothesis, research objectives, questions, theoretical framework, analysis and recommendations made is developed.
  • Methods used to ensure validity of research are clarified.
  • International comparability of the research is established.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The ability to present the results of research that complies with criteria supported by the research community is demonstrated.
  • Technological tools in presenting information and statistical data analysis are appropriately used.
  • Clear knowledge and understanding of the researched problem and the possible solutions to the problem is demonstrated.
  • Own analysis and recommendations made are academically defended.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Information gathered using appropriate data collecting methods such as sampling, questionnaires, interviews, inclusive of the use of library, electronic and other retrieval methods is evaluated and used.
  • All relevant sources and resources used in the research undertaken are integrated and recorded.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Synthesising of information into a coherent body of knowledge is appropriately done.
  • Own analysis to existing theories is critically related.
  • The chosen field of study and the problem identified for the research are epistemologically engaged.
  • The values of enquiry, critical thinking, creativity and open-mindedness are engendered.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A research thesis will be submitted as proof of applied competence of this qualification. The feedback from the supervisor will therefore be regarded as formative assessment. The final acceptance of the thesis will be regarded as summative assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is designed to offer learners a platform to conduct independent research work with a view to providing innovative, insightful and original perspective in the field of tourism and hospitality. The comparability studies conducted aspire to stimulate scholarly and academic competition with similar international qualifications in terms of the academic rigour and originality of the research work. Qualifications from the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia were chosen for the comparability studies.

    The University of Surrey in the UK offers the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The special feature of this qualification is that alongside the research work there is a tailored training course work on research methods and methodologies aimed at helping to enrich the quality of research. Learners have an option of specialising in different streams such as: Hospitality and Tourism Economics; Hospitality and Tourism Marketing; Hospitality and Tourism Organisations; and People and Places in Tourism.

    In Australia, Flinders University offers a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Tourism. The qualification provides learners with an opportunity to pursue independent research work on important topics in the field of tourism. In the final assessment, a thesis is used as an evidence of original contribution and the production of new knowledge in the field of tourism.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification is designed to follow the example of the two international qualifications cited above. The ultimate goal, as is the case with the comparable qualifications, is to add a new body of knowledge to improve on the already existing theories and discourses and also to contribute new perspectives in the field. This qualification compares very well with similar international qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Articulation:
    While this is the highest qualification possible for many academic institutions, successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy should where possible articulate to a Post-Doctoral qualification.

    It articulates horizontally in to:
  • Doctor of Recreation and Tourism at NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Commerce in Tourism Management at NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Technology in Ecotourism Management at NQF Level 10.
    It articulates vertically with any Post Doctoral qualification in tourism and hospitality or related fields. 
    		•

    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 
    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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.