Bachelor of Tourism Studies
Services - Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed in an inter-disciplinary tourism environment. They will be equipped to conduct independent research, think critically, and apply problem-solving techniques within the tourism industry. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions in both public and private tourism sectors, able to understand current and future industry trends, and apply principles of recreation and tourism development, marketing, and management. Additionally, they will be able to lead entrepreneurial initiatives in tourism, utilize various research methodologies, and contribute to sustainable tourism development.
Rationale
Tourism is a growing field facing challenges in achieving sustainable development. There is a demand for skilled tourism development managers, as recognized by the South African government. This qualification aims to address this need by producing professionals who are well-versed in research and practical skills, positioning them strategically in the industry. The curriculum is developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure relevance. The Department of Recreation and Tourism has established partnerships with academic and professional organizations to align the qualification with practical and theoretical requirements.
The qualification uniquely combines elements of Recreation and Tourism Management to provide a comprehensive understanding of the industry. Learners will develop research skills and have placement opportunities to gain practical experience. Graduates can pursue careers in research institutions, government, tourism, hospitality industries, and civil society organizations, meeting the demand for specialized professionals with diverse backgrounds in both public and private sectors.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate evidence of independent cognitive and applied research skills in the inter-disciplinary tourism environment.
- Utilise and apply critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques within the tourism industry environment.
- 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.
- Understand and apply sustainable tourism planning principles.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of sustainable tourism management strategies.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Apply research skills within tourism environments: Demonstrating the ability to conduct research effectively in a tourism setting.
- Understand the principles of quantitative and qualitative data analysis: Explaining the underlying meaning and significance of quantitative and qualitative data analysis in research.
- Apply research methods to solve problems appropriately: Utilizing research methods to identify and solve problems in tourism environments.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Solve problems: Demonstrating problem-solving skills in the context of the tourism industry.
- Make strategic and operational decisions: Using critical and creative thinking to make decisions in the tourism field.
- Produce research reports for decision making: Creating reports based on research findings to inform decision-making processes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Apply knowledge and skills within diverse tourism sectors: Utilizing acquired knowledge and skills in various tourism sectors.
- Plan and organize tourism events and business initiatives: Demonstrating the ability to plan and execute tourism events and initiatives effectively.
- Apply appropriate research techniques: Using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods to solve research problems in tourism environments.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Analyse principles of tourism planning: Understanding the governing principles of tourism planning in different geographical settings.
- Analyse strategic importance of tourism planning: Evaluating the significance of tourism planning in achieving sustainable tourism development.
- Analyse case studies on tourism development: Critically evaluating strengths and weaknesses of specific case studies related to tourism development.
- Compare tourism planning guidelines: Contrasting guidelines for different tourism niche markets such as ecotourism, mass tourism, and adventure tourism.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Apply managerial and practical skills: Applying appropriate skills and expertise in a managerial role within the tourism industry.
- Apply marketing strategies: Utilizing effective marketing strategies and techniques in the tourism sector.
Integrated Assessment:
- Utilizes a variety of assessment methods such as written tests, projects, presentations, and fieldwork to ensure comprehensive evaluation.
- Encourages academic success through diverse assessment opportunities.
- Promotes continuity and alignment across modules to ensure transparency, reliability, and validity in assessment.
- Qualification awarded based on evidence provided by the learner demonstrating achievement of stated exit level outcomes.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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