Postgraduate Diploma in Ecotourism

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Ecotourism enables learners to develop a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practise, theory and methodology in ecotourism. The qualification also aims to develop the ability of learners to identify, analyse, critically evaluate and respond appropriately to complex contextual and practice-related challenges in a rapidly changing environment.

Rationale

Tourism is very important for the South African and global economy, in terms of direct and indirect employment and contribution to GDP. Moreover, tourism has a tremendous multiplier effect over other economic sectors, and the tourism sector in South Africa is forecast to grow even larger. Tourist arrivals to South Africa continue to grow every year, and its direct and indirect contribution to SA's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is approximately R323 billion annually, which constitutes approximately 9.5% of total GDP. The tourism sector supports over 1.4 million jobs, representing some 10% of total employment in the country. If tourism is to reach its full potential in terms of contributing to socio-economic development, job creation and business opportunities, and adequately skilled workforce is imperative.

According to the International Ecotourism Society (2017), nature-based tourism/ecotourism is a growing segment of the global tourism industry, and it is making a significant positive contribution to the environmental, social, cultural and economic well-being of destinations and local communities around the world. Ecotourism provides effective economic incentives for conserving and enhancing bio-cultural diversity and helps protect the natural and cultural heritage of our planet. By increasing capacity building opportunities, ecotourism is also an effective vehicle for empowering local communities around the world to fight against poverty and to achieve sustainable development. Furthermore, ecotourism provides the impetus to assist in greening the tourism industry on many fronts.

In consideration of the above, the Postgraduate Diploma in Ecotourism enhances the supervisory, managerial and research knowledge and skills of learners in the field of ecotourism.

For the progression of learning from the Advanced Diploma in Ecotourism, which states that the minimum admission requirements for a Master's qualification (at NQF Level 9) is a cognate NQF Level 8 qualification, the need arose for the development of the Postgraduate Diploma in Ecotourism.

The National Development Plan (NDP), asserts that education defines the learners' identities; enables them to take control of their lives and raise healthy families. Also, education is a critical enabler for economic development and growth in South Africa. Thus, the Postgraduate Diploma in Ecotourism will meet the needs of the ecotourism industry for skilled employees, managers and entrepreneurs, as well as contribute to the socio-economic development and growth of the country.

The qualification provides ecotourism learners with an opportunity for vertical articulation, and, upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to articulate into cognate NQF 9 qualifications, e.g. Master of Management Sciences (with specialisation in Ecotourism). The qualification aims to contribute to the personal development and growth of learners by providing them with an opportunity to enhance their qualifications and provide them with the requisite knowledge and skills required for supervisory and managerial positions within the ecotourism/tourism sector or start their ecotourism/tourism enterprises.

The positions in which learners will find employment upon completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Ecotourism include the following:

• Sustainable Tourism Project Officers;
• Park Rangers (Interpretation);
• Sustainable Tourism Qualification Managers;
• Ecotourism Officers; Naturalist Field Teachers;
• Conservation Officers;
• Protected Areas Project Management Specialists;
• Ecotourism Marketing Consultants;
• Wildlife Conservation Coordinators;
• Wetlands Marketing Managers;
• Wildlife Tourism Strategic Plan Consultants;
• Recreation Sustainability Coordinators;
• Tour Guides;
• Heritage Site Managers;
• Nature Recreation Planners.

The qualification is targeted primarily at those in full-time employment or in self-employment who want to familiarise themselves with contemporary theories, thinking and practices in the strategic management of ecotourism establishments. Also, an 'Advanced Research Methods' module (12 Credits), as well as a 'Research Project' module (16 Credits), are included in the qualification to facilitate the progression of learning (to a Masters qualification, and ultimately, to a PhD qualification).

As the qualification is targeted primarily at those employed in a full-time capacity in the ecotourism/tourism sector, the qualification will also require learners to address their learning needs in a self-directed manner.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (completed qualifications, short courses and work experience). The Centre receives RPL applications for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). The learners must complete an RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting extensive work-based learning.

Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio goes to the relevant academic department for evaluation. The department's RPL committee assesses the learner's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes. There will be credits/exemption awarded for modules.

Learners will also gain admission into the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Ecotourism, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Environmental Management, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Relevant Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits

• Advanced Research Methods, 12 Credits.
• Management Information Systems, 16 Credits.
• Contemporary Issues in Ecotourism, 16 Credits.
• International Environmental Law and Policy, 16 Credits.
• Strategic Services Marketing, 12 Credits.
• Ecotourism Planning and Development, 16 Credits.
• Facilities Management for Tourism, 16 Credits.
• Research Project, 16 Credits.

1. Apply a wide range of policies, principles and processes to effectively manage specific events and operations in the ecotourism sector.
2. Evaluate and critique relevant theories, principles, practices and contemporary issues on ecotourism management.
3. Identify a real-world problem in the ecotourism sector, and prepare a research proposal and execute a research report, using acceptable scientific methodologies, protocols and conventions.
4. Manage one's learning and assessment tasks autonomously, professionally and ethically.
5. Communicate academic, professional and management information effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate technology, language, structure, style and graphical support that are appropriate for the ecotourism sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply appropriate policies, principles and processes to manage ecotourism-related activities and events.
• Manage Ecotourism facilities optimally and effectively.
• Develop Innovative marketing strategies to promote an ecotourism establishment/the ecotourism sector.
• Manage Ecotourism related activities and events with due consideration to the environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Evaluate and critique relevant theories, principles and practices on ecotourism management.
• Critically challenge assumptions to embrace new thinking.
• Examine contemporary issues on ecotourism.
• Examine the synergy between ecotourism and environmental management.
• Apply best practices in ecotourism development and management information systems to the field of ecotourism.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Develop a research proposal.
• Undertake a literature review.
• Outline an appropriate research methodology and design.
• Present, analyse and discuss the results of the study.
• Propose recommendations arising out of the findings from the study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Execute learning tasks independently or collaboratively.
• Display professional and ethical conduct in completing assessments.
• Observe issues of plagiarism and acknowledgement of sources of information.
• Complete and submit tasks timeously.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use appropriate technology, language, structure, style and graphical support, information to communicate effectively.
• Use management information systems to compile information to aid decision making.
• Compile a research report, using appropriate language, structure, style and graphical support.
• Use relevant tools, techniques and technologies to market the services offered by ecotourism establishments.

Integrated Assessment

In line with the University's Assessment Policy for the Postgraduate Diploma in Ecotourism, the department of Ecotourism undertakes to ensure that:

• The assessments are in line with the stated learning outcomes for the qualification;
• The use of appropriate assessment tools to establish that learners have achieved the stated learning outcomes;
• Assessments will be systematic, regular and formative, and feedback to the learners about their progress toward exit level competence will be timeous and constructive, and
• The assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable, and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.

The 'Research Project' module will serve as an integrated assessment, as learners will be required to investigate an ecotourism-related problem and write up a 30-40 page research report. Besides, the "Management Information Systems' and 'Strategic Services Marketing' modules will also include integrated assessments.

These integrated assessments will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools to assess combinations of practical, applied and reflective competencies, and may include written assignments/projects; written tests, and case studies.