Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tourism Management

Purpose

The purpose of a Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAHons) Degree in Tourism Management is to provide students with specialised knowledge of concepts, theories, models, laws, principles, skills, research methods and applied competence in advanced tourism management enabling them to pursue rewarding careers in the changing tourism environment within the national and international context.

Rationale

A Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAHons) Degree in Tourism Management aims to provide South Africa with graduates who are competent practitioners in the field of tourism management with the capacity to understand and function effectively in the economy and research problems associated with tourism and the management thereof.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAHons) programme is open to approved students who have been awarded a Bachelor's Degree, or a qualification A prospective student should already be in possession of an applicable designated by the Senate as equivalent, with a major in Tourism Studies. Senate may require any candidate, before being admitted to the Honours programme, to attend and complete, as may be determined by Senate, such undergraduate courses or portion of courses of a Bachelor curriculum as the senate may prescribe. The modules at the exit level must have been passed with an average of at least 60%, barring exceptions as approved by the School Director.

This qualification comprises elective and compulsory modules at Level 8.

Compulsory Modules

• Research Methodology in Tourism (TMBP611), 16 Credits.
• Tourism Research (TMBP621), 32 Credits.

Elective

• Recreation Practice Management (RKKX673), 16 Credits.
• Advanced Tourism Management and Development (TMBP671), 32 Credits.
• Advanced Eco-Tourism Management (TMBP672), 32 Credits.
• Leisure Programming (RKKX679), 16 Credits.
• Advanced Tourism Marketing (TMBP673), 32 Credits.

• Demonstrate specialised knowledge of the central areas of tourism management at the forefront of development.
• Understanding of and an ability to apply, evaluate and comment on the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of tourism management insight into the different perspectives on and world views of the tourism management problems in order to develop a personal philosophical framework for functioning in the economy.
• Understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in the field of tourism management, and their suitability to varying investigations.
• Ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve complex problems or introduce change within practice; the development and application of appropriate processes to access, process and manage information within the field of tourism management; and an ability to independently validate the sources of tourism management information.
• Evaluate, analyse and elaborate the information; the ability to formulate, present and communicate insightful and creative academic and professional ideas and arguments effectively-verbally and in writing, using appropriate media and communication technology.
• Investigate, critically analyse, understand and solve complex real-life and/or hypothetical problems in a coherent and creative manner, demonstrating advanced use of critical thinking in tourism management in a self-directed manner; personal responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and moderate accountability for the decisions and actions of others in the varied and dynamic world of tourism.

Integrated Assessment

As stipulated in the Assessment and Moderation Policy of the North West University (NWU), qualification, programme and module outcomes and assessment criteria are clearly formulated according to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Level Descriptors and correctly communicated to students as guiding principle for assessment practices at the NWU. At least one opportunity for integrated assessment, where the main purpose and key outcomes of the qualification are assessed, is included in the assessment activities for this qualification. The following formative assessment modes are used, namely class tests and integrated assignments, which form a maximum of 50% of the pass mark. Summative assessment consists of a 2 to 3 hour written examination per module with a weight of 50%. Part of the integrated assessment is the research report or mini-dissertation with a credit value of 32 which the student must submit under the guidance of a supervisor.