Bachelor of Tourism Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide qualified learners with information and skills within an inter-disciplinary tourism environment to be able to demonstrate evidence of independent cognitive and applied research skills. The learners will be prepared to enter both the public and private tourism sectors as entry-level non-professionals. They will be able to utilise and apply critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques within a tourism industry environment.

Learners will be able to demonstrate current and future tourism trends; apply recreation and tourism development, marketing and management principles; understand and demonstrate how to plan, organise, lead and control entrepreneurial initiatives in tourism; and differentiate and apply different research methodologies within tourism settings.

Rationale

Essentially, tourism is a growing field which faces complex problems in terms of achieving sustainable development. Tourism development managers need to have an opportunity to equip themselves for better strategic positioning in the tourism industry, and there is currently a shortage of tourism development managers. The South African government indicates that tourism is one of six growth pillars that can contribute to poverty alleviation and job creation.

Therefore, this qualification will deliver learners to satisfy the growing need of tourism developers and managers in the industry and develop professionals who are versed in research and practical grounding. The qualification is designed in consultation with relevant industry partners to ensure the qualification meets the needs of the industry. Also, the Department of Recreation and Tourism at the institution has built partnerships with academic and professional bodies to ensure that the qualification is relevant to both practice needs and theoretical development.

The qualification is uniquely positioned since it combines elements of Recreation and Tourism Management for increased understanding of tourism as a multifaceted environment and links thereof. The qualification will provide learners with research skills and placement opportunities within specific tourism industries in the final year. Learners that complete the qualification successfully can pursue a career primarily within research institutions, policy institutions, government, tourism and hospitality industries and civil society organisations. Mostly both the public and private sectors have expressed a need for highly specialised professionals with a multidisciplinary background.

The Institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value, and the institution will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant. Prospective learners may apply for RPL by following the Institutions procedures. There are no differences in the RPL processes and procedures (as per policy) between the distance education mode and the existing accredited qualifications that the institution offers.

The following principles are relevant

• Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at the institution.
• Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty.
• RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements.
• Following the policy and guidelines of the institution; is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience; is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required level.
• Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification and is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee and is finally decided upon by the Dean's Committee.
• Where a learner's academic qualification does not satisfy the formal entrance requirements, the learner may apply for admission through RPL, and an application may be granted subject to such conditions as may be considered to be appropriate.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 384 Credits.

Total Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 144 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 112 Credits

• Introduction to Tourism, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Development, 16 Credits.
• Computer Literacy 1, 16 Credits.
• Business Tourism & Entrepreneurship, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Management, 16 Credits.
• Computer Literacy 2, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Recreation, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 5, 16 Credits (Choose/Select one)

• English 1 Part A, 16 Credits.
• Sounds, Words & their Dynamics, 16 Credits.
• Practical Afrikaans 1, 16 Credits.
• Beginners German 1A, 16 Credits.

And

• English 1 Part B, 16 Credits.
• Sounds, Words & their Dynamics, 16 Credits.
• Practical Afrikaans 1, 16 Credits.
• Beginners German 1B, 16 Credits.

Total Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 112 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 80 Credits

• Tourism Marketing A, 16 Credits.
• Recreation & Tourism Events Management A, 16 Credits.
• Recreation Management, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Marketing B, 16 Credits.
• Recreation & Tourism Events Management B, 16 Credits.

Total Elective Modules, NQF Level 6, 32 Credits

Elective Modules, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits (Choose/Select one)

• English 2 Part A, 16 Credits.
• Sounds, Words & their Dynamics, 16 Credits.
• Afrikaans Morphology & Lexicography, 16 Credits.
• Intermediate German 2A, 16 Credits.

And

- Elective Modules, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits (Choose/Select one)

• English 2 Part B, 16 Credits.
• Translation, Sociolinguistics & Heritage, 16 Credits.
• Afrikaans Prose & Drama, 16 Credits.
• Intermediate German 2B, 16 Credits.

Total Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 128 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 112 Credits

• Tourism Research A, 16 Credits.
• Information Technology & Distribution Channels, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Practices & Customer Services, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Research B, 16 Credits
• Tourism Experiential Learning A, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Experiential Learning B, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Experiential Learning C, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits (Choose/Select one)

• NGO Sector, Development & Underdevelopment, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Hospitality Management, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate evidence of independent cognitive and applied research skills in the inter-disciplinary tourism environment.
2. Utilise and apply critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques within the tourism industry environment.
3. Demonstrate current and future tourism trends; apply recreation and tourism development, marketing and management principles; understand and demonstrate how to plan, organise, lead and control entrepreneurial initiatives in tourism; and differentiate and apply different research methodologies within tourism settings.
4. Understand and apply sustainable tourism planning principles.
5. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of sustainable tourism management strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply research skills are applied within tourism environments.
• Show the underlying meaning of the principles of quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Apply research methods to solve problems appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Solve problems.
• Make strategic and operational decisions by using critical and creative thinking in the field of tourism environment.
• Produce research reports that will inform decision making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply knowledge and skills within diverse tourism sectors and be able to plan and organise tourism events and business initiatives.
• Apply qualitative, or qualitative or mixed methods to tourism environments.
• Apply appropriate research techniques to solve research problems in a tourism environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Analyse the principles that govern tourism planning in various geographical settings.
• Analyse the strategic importance of tourism planning to achieve sustainable tourism development.
• Analyse specific case studies relating to tourism development and evaluate the weaknesses and strengths.
• Compare tourism planning guidelines and contrast for different tourism niche markets such as ecotourism, mass tourism, and adventure tourism.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply appropriate managerial and practical skills and expertise.
• Apply appropriate marketing strategies and fundamental techniques.

Integrated Assessment

The integrated assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods for example: written and oral tests, examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, visual diaries, journals, fieldwork and the assessment of competence through simulated and actual work-integrated learning. This variety of assessment methods help to increase assessment opportunities and encourage academic success of the learners. It also provides the opportunity for all learners to excel in one or more methods of assessment, creating a culture of success. We encourage continuity and alignment across the different modules which include the integration of principles into Tourism Studies. These practices ensure transparency, reliability and validity in assessment. The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the qualification, as detailed in the stated exit level outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training within the learning qualification.