tourism management at nwu

School of Biological Sciences

Unique to the qualifications offered by the School of Biological Sciences, is the addition of the subject group Tourism to certain curriculums (BSc Tourism).  This is a combination between B Art Tourism and BSc Natural Sciences.  We currently offer three programmes under Tourism and each programme consits of Tourism combined with any two of the following three subject groups: Geography, Botany or Zoology.

The purpose of these curricula are to equip students with profound knowledge and skills in environment based biology and tourism management in order for all the aspects of ecotourism to be planned, developed and managed and as well as to alleviate the shortage of trained managers in the field of nature conservation and sustainable development.

Tourism consists of the following subjects:

• Introduction to Tourism Management
• Applied Tourism Management
• Tourism Marketing
• Sustainable ecotourism Management
• Introduction to Event Management (choice module)
• Game Farm Management
• Applied Event Management (choice module)
• As well as the additional subjects relevant to the curriculum e.g. Zoology/Botany/Geography

Social Sciences

Bachelor of arts programmes.

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a broad interdisciplinary undergraduate degree programme encompassing general education, electives and a major area of study. BA programmes generally give students more flexibility in choosing modules (subjects) and are less specialised than Bachelor of Science (BSc) programmes. The possibility to select modules from both the arts and the humanities allows students to deepen their cultural understanding and awareness and, in addition, to develop analytical, critical thinking, written and communication skills.

There are various BA programmes to choose from on each campus. Some have specified major subjects, whereas others allow you to select one or more majors. You can select one of the following programmes:

Majoring options

• Heritage and Cultural Tourism Management (PC)

The significant growth in the tourism industry over the past few years opens up various opportunities for employment. Tourism managers and marketers are not only ambassadors of South Africa, but also facilitate growth through product development, management and marketing. This course will prepare you for a dynamic industry in which you can apply your ideas, skills and abilities.

• Sociology and Geography (PC)

A study of Sociology provides insights into the structure, dynamics, norms, values, power relationships and institutions in societies and communities. Sociology also explores society’s relationship with the social and physical environments and the impact that society’s actions have on the environment and vice versa. Geography allows students to explore biophysical processes – from volcanic eruptions to flooding and landslides – and to study the human processes that give shape to cities, states and communities – all against the backdrop of a changing climate. This combination of majors provides you with the opportunity to better comprehend the physical environment with which humans engage and to form an understanding of the influence of society on this environment.

• Sociology and Labour Relations Management (PC)

The study of work has long been a central topic in Sociology. However, since the 1970s, major changes have taken place in the world of work and employment due to, among other things, globalisation, the growth of the service sector, the weakening of the bureaucratic model and technological advances. This degree focuses on understanding the implications of trends in technological advancements, globalisation, labour markets, conditions and dimensions of work, managerial practices and employment relationships.

• Sociology and Psychology (PC)

Psychology and Sociology go hand in hand – they both involve the scientific study of people. Psychology involves the study of an individual’s mind and functions linked with behaviour, whereas Sociology involves the study of the functioning of a group and their collective behaviour. This joint degree offers students the opportunity to predominantly study Sociology while broadening their understanding of social life through the study of Psychology.

Degree options

• BA with Heritage and Cultural Tourism Management (PC)
• BA with Sociology and Labour Relations Management (PC)
• BA with Sociology and Geography (PC)
• BA with Sociology and Psychology (PC)

All degrees are three-year programmes and are presented full-time at our Potchefstroom Campus (PC) only.

Admission requirements

• Please click here to go to the APS calculator.

Core subjects

A combination of:

• Tourism Management
• Political Studies
• Industrial Psychology or Statistics
• Labour Relations Management
• Industrial Psychology
• Business Management

Career opportunities

• Museum expert (curator, manager)
• Teacher (NB: when combined with postgraduate teaching certificate/diploma)
• Employee in the tourism industry
• Heritage resource manager
• Environmental sociologist
• Environmental assessment practitioner
• Environmental consultant
• Pollution analyst
• Social and behavioural data analyst
• Researcher/influencer
• Statistical analyst
• Industrial sociologist
• Labour relations practitioner
• Human resources practitioner
• Behavioural data analyst

NWU Business School Executive Education

Tourism and recreation.

Postgraduate Studies

• Higher degrees in Economic and Management Sciences
• Postgraduate studies at the NWU

Masters & Doctoral degree information

Please note that the below admission requirements are subject to change pending selection and possible faculty-specific requirements.

Study information is subject to change and is a summary of the general fields of study. This information was compiled for introduction and orientation purposes and the North-West University accepts no liability for inaccuracies that may occur in this guide. The official yearbook of the University must in all cases be consulted during the process of compiling a programme for a specific field of study. The appropriate yearbook is available on request at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Tel: 0860 1696985

Please note: owing to specific capacity constraints, the University reserves the right to select candidates for admission to certain fields of study. This means that prospective students who comply with the minimum requirements will not automatically be admitted to the courses in question. Because of the capacity limitations and the high demand from students for admission to particular fields of study, students will be selected on the basis of their Grade 12 results for admission to these fields.

Economic & Management Sciences 

Psychosocial Health

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the study of human behaviour, cognition and emotion.

The curricula taught at NWU consist of a fixed composition of modules that focuses on Psychology as major subject. In compiling the curricula, career opportunities and the manpower needs of our country were considered.

These curricula also prepare the students for postgraduate studies in Psychology.

Career Opportunities in Psychology

There are currently six registration categories recognised by the HPCSA.

• Clinical Psychology 
• Counselling Psychology
• Research Psychology
• Industrial Psychology
• Educational Psychology 
• Neuropsychology

The NWU Department of Psychology offers professional training in Clinical, Counselling and Research Psychology.

Master of Health Sciences in Clinical- and Counselling Psychology

• Selection for 2025 : Information letter and link to application form (Mahikeng Campus)
• Selection for 2025 : Information letter and link to application form (Potchefstroom Campus)

Admission requirements

University admission for undergraduate studies requires the following:

Please refer to admission requirements on the infographics available.

Manner and presentation of qualifications

General: 3 year undergraduate degree Qualifications available: There are only 5 housed within Health Sciences.

• Bachelor of Health Sciences with Physiology and Psychology (PC)
• Bachelor of Arts in Behavioural Sciences with Psychology and Labour Relations Management (PC/VC)
• Bachelor of Arts with Psychology and Geography and Environmental Studies (PC)
• Bachelor of Arts with Psychology and Tourism Management (PC)
• Bachelor of Social Sciences with Psychology (MC)

Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Psychology

Applications open 1 April 2024 and close 31 August 2024. Please note:

• Even though applications have opened, we strongly recommend that you only apply once your third year, first semester psychology marks are available and displayed on your academic record. Your application will be incomplete without these marks.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Please read the information letter carefully before starting your application process.
• Please ensure that you complete step 1 and step 2 of the application process, as explained in the information letter .

Master of Health Sciences in Research Psychology 

• Research Psychology Programme Information
• Selection for 2024 : Information letter and link to application form
• Research Focus Areas

Tourism Management: Articles/Journals

• Articles/Journals
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• Research Support
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• Last Updated: Mar 20, 2024 7:29 AM
• URL: https://libguides.nwu.ac.za/tourism-management

From cultivation to cup: South Africa must brew up rooibos tea tourism

Rooibos tea, which is indigenous to South Africa, is a significant part of the country’s cultural tapestry and holds many tourism opportunities.

By concentrating on rooibos – from its cultivation to its deep cultural and historical roots – the authenticity of the tourist experience can be enhanced.

Rooibos tea is an exceptional South African product that has captivated the global market, reaching over 30 countries. It is growing in popularity due to its health and wellness properties.

It does not take the Mad Hatter sharing a cup with Alice down in Wonderland to know that few things soothe the soul as much as a steaming serving of tea. But, as Prof Martinette Kruger from the North-West University (NWU) explains, South Africa’s indigenous tea is all that, and more: “Rooibos tea is more than just a beverage; it is a cultural treasure.”

Kruger, who forms part of the research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES), is currently conducting research in collaboration with Curtin University (Perth, Australia) that looks to uncover and develop the numerous tourism possibilities that rooibos tea holds. The study is designed to explore both the supply and demand sides of the rooibos tourism sector, and also to identify the industry’s challenges and opportunities.

“Rooibos tea is a significant part of South Africa's cultural tapestry, being indigenous to our nation and thriving mainly in the Cederberg Range, a part of the globally recognised Cape Floristic Region. This area, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, is home to the unique rooibos tea. In a landmark recognition, the European Union awarded rooibos tea the prestigious Protected Designation of Origin status in 2021, making it the first African product to receive such recognition. This designation not only secures the South African origin of rooibos, but also celebrates our rich agricultural heritage, making rooibos tea a compelling attraction for international tourists,” says Kruger, adding that: “Rooibos is more than just a tea; it is a gateway to experiencing South Africa's unique flora and fauna, shaped by its fire-dependent ecology and fascinating geological history. The region itself, known for its breathtaking landscapes, archaeological richness and distinctive biological diversity, offers vast potential for eco and adventure tourism.”

Two significant milestones that serve as a foundation for the expansion of rooibos tea as a lure for tourists were the establishment of the Rooibos Route in 2017 (although this endeavour has stagnated in recent years), and the 2019 Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS) agreement, which ensured that the indigenous Khoi-Khoi and San communities receive fair benefits from the commercial use of rooibos. Then there is the popularity of the region that rooibos calls home.

"The Cederberg region, a popular destination attracting over 70 000 visitors annually, showcases a significant opportunity for sustainable development through tea tourism, particularly focusing on our native rooibos. Most of the region’s 57 000 residents live in rural settings, and tourism is a critical part of their livelihood, contributing more than half of their net income. By integrating tea tourism, we are looking at creating unique, culturally rich tourism experiences that leverage existing agricultural practices and the region’s natural beauty,” Kruger explains.

Then there is the product’s reach: “Rooibos tea is an exceptional South African product that has captivated the global market, reaching over 30 countries. It is celebrated for its unique flavour, numerous health benefits and caffeine-free properties. Rooibos has successfully been integrated into various products, from cosmetics to culinary flavourings. This versatility speaks to its appeal as a wellness product. Moreover, the rooibos industry is vital to our economy, supporting over 5 000 livelihoods. Integrating rooibos into South Africa's tourism offerings is an exciting opportunity to combine cultural heritage and economic development. By leveraging rooibos as a unique element of our national identity, we can create multifaceted tourism experiences that resonate on a global scale.”

Kruger further states that – given its growing popularity and the increasing global interest in health and wellness – rooibos is perfectly positioned to be a cornerstone of South Africa’s wellness tourism. Through establishing rooibos-related routes, as well as incorporating tea cafes and educational tours into the tourism package, the tourism sector can showcase the entire journey of rooibos tea.

“We want to show the process from leaf to cup. Moreover, we plan to use Geographical Indication (GI) and Designation of Origin (DO) branding to market rooibos more effectively. These labels connect the quality and reputation of rooibos directly to its South African roots. Such strategies have been successful in other contexts, such as wine tourism. Rooibos tea is a beloved beverage and a symbol of South African heritage and biodiversity. Our research is dedicated to exploring the full potential of rooibos tea, aiming to enhance and differentiate our region's tourism offerings. By focusing on rooibos, we are not just promoting a product, but celebrating a rich cultural legacy. This effort is about creating experiences that resonate deeply with locals and visitors, showcasing the cultural and economic importance of rooibos tea to our nation.”

With that, it is teatime.

Tourism Management

Bsc with tourism.

BSc qualifications are focused on the understanding and management of nature as one of the most important resources for the tourism industry.

Admission requirements

• Mathematics Level 4 (50-59%)
• Physical Science Level 4 (50-59%)

Career options

• Game farm managers, botanists, zoologists, environmental experts and park managers

Sites of delivery

• Potchefstroom

Degree options

• BSc Tourism Management, Botany and Zoology
• BSc Tourism Management, Geography and Botany
• BSc Tourism Management, Zoology and Geography