University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tourism

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Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The main purpose of the qualification is to prepare learners for higher level academic studies in the field of tourism and cultural heritage, as well as higher management level employment in the tourism industry and the cultural heritage sector. The curriculum contributes towards these outcomes:

  1. Research Emphasis: Improving and perfecting previously acquired research skills; expanding research skills; sharpening analytical skills and gaining practical research experience to enable learners to conduct research, essential for Masters' Studies and managerial roles in tourism and cultural heritage.

  2. Conceptual and Theoretical Skills: Developing conceptual skills and theoretical frameworks to provide new perspectives for creative problem solving.

  3. Managerial Decision-Making: Demonstrating managerial decision-making in the workplace and acquiring the capacity for higher level academic study through fundamental content knowledge and current trends within the field.

Rationale:

Tourism is a critical sector for economic growth nationally and internationally. In South Africa, it is actively promoted by public and private sectors. The industry encompasses various economic activities related to travel, including cultural and heritage attractions. There is a demand for management-level individuals who can address tourism impacts, develop policies, conduct sector-specific research, and provide training.

An analysis of graduation rates indicates a shortage of graduate recruits in the tourism sector, especially at the postgraduate level. The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tourism aims to address this gap by equipping learners with specialized knowledge and advanced research and analytical skills. This will enable them to become experts in the field, capable of leadership in areas such as policy formulation, impact assessment, research, and strategic planning.

Moreover, the qualification seeks to advance African scholarship in tourism by training young scholars, particularly black Africans, to become independent researchers, contributing significantly to local and global academia in the field.

Outcomes

  1. Use acquired deep knowledge of content, specific concepts, theoretical frameworks and critical debates in the field of Cultural and Heritage Tourism.
  2. Design and carry out an independent research project in the field of tourism or cultural heritage studies, using appropriate methods and skills.
  3. Apply critical analytical, evaluative and problem-solving skills.
  4. Present research data professionally in oral or written presentation form.
  5. Use theoretical knowledge practically for problem-solving in the work place.
  6. Apply knowledge and understanding of marketing as it pertains to tourism and the relationship between economic principles and marketing.
  7. Apply acquired or intensified personal skills and values, such as responsible and ethical approaches to tourism, respect for others, communication skills, team-working and organisational skills, self-reflective evaluative approach to knowledge acquisition analysis.

Assessment Criteria

Integrated Assessment Criteria:

  1. Reports and Presentations:

    • Reports are compiled and presentations are made using word-processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software according to professional standards.

  2. Managerial Concepts and Business Planning:

    • Applicable managerial concepts are applied to prepare a business plan and establish a tourism enterprise.

  3. Entrepreneurial Issues:

    • Issues affecting entrepreneurs in a tourism business are explained.

  4. Tourism Management Practices:

    • Tourism management practices for sustainability and economic growth are explained.

  5. Global Strategies Analysis:

    • Global strategies for tourism and hospitality services are analyzed.

  6. Cultural and Heritage Tourism Knowledge:

    • Knowledge of content, concepts, and critical debates in the field of Cultural and Heritage Tourism is demonstrated.

  7. Research Competency:

    • Competency in conducting research is demonstrated.

  8. Fieldwork Ability:

    • The ability to conduct independent fieldwork requiring data gathering in various tourist-related sites is demonstrated.

  9. Professionalism in Data Analysis:

    • Quality and degree of professionalism in analyzing research data and presenting them orally or in written form are practiced.

  10. Community Involvement in Tourism Planning:

    • Processes for planning in tourism with the involvement of communities and developing viable community-based ecotourism projects are assessed.

  11. Sustainable Development Events Analysis:

    • Events and declarations related to sustainable development of tourism are described and analyzed.

  12. Marketing Techniques and Strategies:

    • The principles and techniques of marketing in different marketing contexts are explained and applied.

  13. Marketing Communications and Branding:

    • The marketing communications concept and issues of branding and promotion strategies in the tourism industry are explained.

  14. Tourism Services Features:

    • The features unique to tourism services and their implications are explained.

  15. Industry Information Interpretation:

    • Information about the tourism industry sectors and role players, demand differentiation, and the impact of tourism are interpreted.

Integrated Assessment Process:

  • Linkage to Module Components:

    • All qualification outcomes are linked to specific outcomes in the individual module components of the qualification and assessed through continuous assessment procedures and formal examinations.

  • Research Project Emphasis:

    • The research project and resulting report will be particularly used for integrated assessment, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the student's understanding and application of the course material.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
128
SAQA Source
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University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Description
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a public research university located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. UKZN is one of the top-ranked universities in South Africa and is known for its excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, and business. The university has multiple campuses spread across the province, including Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville. Each campus has its own unique character and facilities, providing students with a diverse and vibrant learning environment. UKZN is committed to producing graduates who are academically competent, socially responsible, and globally competitive. It strives to promote innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among its students. The university also actively engages with local communities through various outreach programs and initiatives. Overall, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a prestigious institution that offers high-quality education and research opportunities to students, contributing to the development and advancement of South Africa and the African continent as a whole.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.