Are you passionate about travel, hospitality, tourism planning, and destination management? The UNISA Diploma in Tourism Management is one of the most popular qualifications for students who want to build a successful career in South Africa’s growing tourism industry. This diploma provides learners with practical and theoretical knowledge needed to work in tourism operations, travel agencies, tour guiding, hospitality services, and destination management.
Undergraduate & honours qualifications
Diploma in Tourism Management
| Qualification code: | 98223 |
| NQF level: | 6 |
| Total credits: | 360 |
| SAQA ID: | 86247 |
| APS/AS: | 17 |
| Rules: The College has replaced ENN103F with ENG1503, replaced FAC1601 with FAC1602, replaced DTM1502 with SUS1501, replaced DTM2602 with TRT2601, replaced DTM3702 with TRT3702, replaced MNM2601 with MNM1601, replaced MNM3701 with MNM3709 and replaced DTM3606 + DTM3607 with DTM3609. The name of module DTM3701 has changed from MICE Operations to Business Tourism. Students who have already passed ENN103F, FAC1601, DTM1502, DTM2602, MNM2601, MNM3701, DTM3606 + DTM3607, DTM3701 and/or DTM3702 in this qualification, will retain the credit(-s) and will not be required to complete the relevant replacement module(-s). However, please note that DTM3606 and DTM3607 are replaced by one module and students will need both these credits to be exempt from DTM3609. Students should note that during the course of their studies they would be required to have access to a computer, printer and the internet. | |
| Purpose statement: The purpose of the Diploma: Tourism Management is to equip learners with generic business management expertise and appropriate practical skills within the context of the tourism industry. Qualifying learners will have a broad insight into tourism and a fundamental understanding of tourism management principles and theories. Those who achieve this qualification will be competent in consistently using a variety of technical, managerial and personal skills and strategies in the everyday running of a tourism enterprise. The successful learners will have developed a sound base for progression into management and industry leadership positions, and exploiting entrepreneurial opportunities. Lastly, the qualification is designed to allow qualifying learners to enter the tourism industry in a variety of both private and public sector tourism organisations, including, among others, hospitality, transport and support services. Furthermore, those who achieve this qualification will be able to manage tourism businesses, apply specialised industry knowledge and demonstrate initiative and responsibility in a professional or academic tourism management context. | |
| This qualification will be presented using both online and distance learning modes. | |
Who can register?
- Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from Unisa that their application for admission has been accepted. Unisa reserves the right to not process and / or to cancel your registration if it is found that you were incorrectly admitted to a qualification. Admission to the alternative qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with admission requirements and if space is available.
- Re-registering students may register for the 2021 academic year once the registration period opens.
Please note: Should you wish to start a new qualification, please apply online for the alternative qualification during the prescribed application period.
How to choose your modules
Each Unisa qualification is structured in such a way that you need to pass a certain number of NQF level credits within a certain amount of time in order to graduate.
You may not register for more than the allowed maximum number of credits / modules per academic year and / or semester:
- For the 2021 academic year, you must register for your semester 1 and 2 modules by 12 March 2021. There will be no semester 2 registration period. No exceptions or registration extensions will be permitted.
- The maximum number of credits that will be allowed is 120 credits.
The maximum number of credits do not include supplementary and / or aegrotat examinations from a previous semester. Modules taken for non-degree / non-diploma purposes also count towards the maximum number of credits allowed.
You must take your available time into consideration when choosing your modules, as this will impact your academic performance. You need approximately
- 6 to 8 hours per week for semester modules.
- 4 to 6 hours per week for year modules.
Click here for more information on managing your studies.
Curriculum for this qualification
As you are deciding on the modules you will be registering for, remember to write down the module names and codes so that you have something that you can refer to when completing your registration.
First level
Second level
| Module | Pre-requisite/Co-requisite/Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Group A. Compulsory | |
| BSM2601 – Business Management IIA | Pre-requisite:BSM1501 & BSM1602 |
| DTM2601 – Hospitality Operations | Recommendation:TRT1602 or DTM1604 |
| DTM2603 – Tourism Development IIA | Pre-requisite:TRT1502 or DTM1503 |
| DTM2604 – Tourism Development IIB | Recommendation:TRT1602 or DTM1604 |
| DTM2605 – Cultural Tourism I | Pre-requisite:TRT1502 or DTM1503 |
| ETP2601 – Entrepreneurial Skills | |
| ETP2602 – Human Resource Management for Entrepreneurs | |
| TRT2601 – Transport for Tourism | Recommendation:TRT1601 or TRT1602 |
Third level
| Module | Pre-requisite/Co-requisite/Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Group A. Compulsory | |
| DTM3605 – Cultural Tourism II | Pre-requisite:DTM2605 |
| DTM3609 – Tourism in a Practical Work Context | Co-requisite:DTM2601, DTM2602, DTM2603, DTM2604, DTM2605, DTM3605 Recommendation:Students should have passed TRT1502 and TRT1602 or DTM1501 and DTM1502 before registering for this module |
| DTM3701 – Business Tourism | Pre-requisite:TRT1602 or DTM2601 |
| DTM3703 – Sustainable Tourism Development IIIA | Pre-requisite:DTM2603 |
| DTM3704 – Tourism Development IIIB | Pre-requisite:DTM2604 |
| ETP3701 – Entrepreneurship IIIA | Pre-requisite:ETP2601 |
| ETP3702 – Entrepreneurship IIIB | Pre-requisite:ETP2601 |
| MNM3709 – Strategic Marketing | Pre-requisite:MNM2601 or MNM2602 or MNM2605 or MNM2607 or MNM2608 or MNM2609 or MNM2610 or MNM2611 or MNM1601 or MNM2614 or MNM202Y or MND204T or MNX202J or MNM3036 |
| TRT3702 – Special Interest Tourism | Recommendation:MNG2601 or TRT1601 or TRT1602 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the UNISA Diploma in Tourism Management?
The UNISA Diploma in Tourism Management is a qualification that equips students with knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in tourism, travel, hospitality, and destination management.
What are the admission requirements for the Diploma in Tourism Management?
Applicants generally need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a diploma endorsement, a Senior Certificate (SC), or an equivalent qualification recognized by UNISA.
How long does it take to complete the Diploma in Tourism Management?
The qualification is typically completed in three years, although students may take longer depending on their study pace and module load.
Is the Diploma in Tourism Management offered through distance learning?
Yes. UNISA offers the programme through its distance learning model, allowing students to study from anywhere.
What NQF level is the Diploma in Tourism Management?
The Diploma in Tourism Management is registered at NQF Level 6.
Can international students apply for this qualification?
Yes. International applicants may apply provided they meet UNISA’s admission requirements and qualification equivalency standards.
Do I need Mathematics to study Tourism Management at UNISA?
Admission requirements may vary, but Mathematics is not always compulsory. Applicants should check the latest UNISA admission criteria.
What modules are included in the Diploma in Tourism Management?
Modules may include Tourism Development, Tourism Marketing, Destination Management, Hospitality Management, Tourism Planning, and Strategic Tourism Management.
How much are the tuition fees for the Diploma in Tourism Management?
Fees vary each year depending on the number of modules registered and other applicable charges. Students should consult the latest UNISA fee schedule.
How do I apply for the Diploma in Tourism Management?
Applications are submitted online through the UNISA application portal during the official application period.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?
Graduates can work as Tourism Officers, Travel Consultants, Travel Agents, Tourism Administrators, Tourism Marketing Officers, and Destination Managers.
Can I work while studying at UNISA?
Yes. UNISA’s flexible distance learning model makes it possible for many students to study while working.
Does the programme include tourism marketing?
Yes. Tourism Marketing is one of the important areas covered within the qualification.
Can I continue my studies after completing the diploma?
Yes. Graduates may progress to Advanced Diplomas, Bachelor’s Degrees, or other higher qualifications, subject to admission requirements.
Is the Diploma in Tourism Management recognized in South Africa?
Yes. The qualification is offered by UNISA, a recognized and accredited public university in South Africa.
What skills will I gain from this qualification?
Students develop skills in tourism planning, customer service, tourism marketing, communication, business management, and destination development.
Can I become a travel consultant with this diploma?
Yes. The qualification provides the knowledge and skills required for careers in travel consulting and related tourism fields.
Does the tourism industry offer good career opportunities?
Yes. Tourism is a major economic sector that offers employment opportunities in travel, hospitality, events, and destination management.
What documents are required when applying?
Applicants typically need certified copies of their identification documents, academic records, and other supporting documents requested by UNISA.
Why should I choose UNISA for Tourism Management studies?
UNISA offers flexible distance learning, affordable tuition, recognized qualifications, and the opportunity to study while balancing work and personal commitments.
Can I study part-time at UNISA?
Yes. Students can choose a study load that suits their personal and professional commitments.
What industries employ Tourism Management graduates?
Graduates may find employment in travel agencies, airlines, hotels, resorts, tourism boards, government departments, and event management companies.
Is Tourism Management a good career choice in South Africa?
Yes. Tourism continues to contribute significantly to South Africa’s economy and creates opportunities for skilled tourism professionals.
Can this diploma help me start my own tourism business?
Yes. The programme includes business and management concepts that can help graduates start and manage tourism-related businesses.
When does UNISA open applications for Tourism Management?
Application periods vary each year. Prospective students should monitor UNISA’s official announcements for application dates.
