SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104707  Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Project Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management is to prepare project managers to manage complex projects and programmes within a greater organisational portfolio. On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to provide input on strategic decisions in organisations, based on their acquisition of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques in project, program and portfolio management. Learners will also be able to research and apply advanced project management techniques in the organisational context. Further, the Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management will capacitate the industry with highly knowledgeable and competent project managers with the ability to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close projects of various complexities within an area of expertise in any organisation. Graduates will be able to ascend to various roles within the project management profession. This qualification is discipline-based (project management), professional and career focused. A learner who has completed this course will be able to manage projects of varying complexities, apply appropriate methodologies to project management problems and have an understanding of the current research literature in project management. In addition, graduates will be able to manage project teams and stakeholder relations, project quality and project procurement. Graduates will further be able to manage project risk using qualitative and quantitative techniques. The Research module included in this programme provide students with an opportunity to pursue further learning in the field of project management, and this is in line with the institution's mission of conducting relevant research and promoting innovation, engagement and social enterprise.

By the end of the qualification, graduates should be able to:
  • Develop effective communications skills.
  • Develop leadership skills.
  • Develop interpersonal competencies to manage stakeholders effectively.
  • Develop effective oral, written, and formal presentation skills.
  • Conduct oneself with ethics and professionalism.
  • Prepare to negotiate and conduct negotiations.
  • Perform effective negotiation and conflict management.
  • Understand organisational politics and deal with them effectively.
  • Develop interpersonal skills and leadership.
  • Understand behavioural elements of team development.
  • Map team differences and bridge them.
  • Understand the organisational context.
  • Understand team building.
  • Complexity management.
  • Learn about emerging trends.
  • Develop health, safety, and legal awareness.
  • Understand organisational roles and context.
  • Understand the general business environment.
  • Understand business functional areas, such as finance and production.
  • Understand and manage supply chains.
  • Understand agile approaches to project management and their use in various contexts.
  • Work in large international projects.
  • Communicate across countries and cultures.
  • Lead distributed and virtual project teams.
  • Align projects with business goals and execute them strategically.

    Rationale:
    Project Management (PM) has become the fastest growing form of management the world over. Globalisation, explosion in the amount of knowledge available, competitive forces, shorter product life cycles, political and socio-economic drivers have all contributed to the rapid growth and importance of project management. The Project Management Institute (2013) Project Management Talent Gap Report estimates that 15.7 million new project management jobs will be added globally across seven project-intensive industries between 2010 and 2020. This implies that there will be a strong demand for educational qualifications providing training in project management.

    All industries need project management to build infrastructure, implement changes, deliver services and improve quality. To implement strategies, you need competent qualified project managers. The need for highly trained project managers is even more evident for developing countries than for already developed economies. Over and above the need for developing project managers who can arrest the decline in project success rates in all sectors of the economy, it is evidently clear that the scarcity of project managers with advanced qualifications in project management is affecting project management research output in South Africa.

    The National Development Plan-2030 (2011) and Skills Education Training Authorities (SETA) (2012) identified project management as a scarce skill. Project Management is rapidly evolving and is characterised by a paucity of contemporary project management skills, tools and techniques in managing complex projects. Enhanced knowledge and skills to manage complex projects in the technologically changing environment is thus indispensable and the Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management aptly fills the void. Most of the existing personnel in project management roles do not currently meet the registration requirements with project management professional bodies and fail to pass the Project Management Institute (PMI) professional examinations certifications. The introduction of this qualification will go a long way to address this skills shortage and to provide the required educational knowledge that is required as a pre-requisite to sit for professional PMI examinations. The National Planning Commission's Diagnostic Report (2011) identified the need to improve and maintain the national infrastructure as well as the improvement of the public health system. Most of the envisaged improvements are based on projects and the project management methodology. The qualification will thus help provide the necessary training for much needed skills, and for successful implementation of these projects. The successful completion of this qualification will allow graduates to register with the professional bodies and be governed by the appropriate codes of conduct.

    The graduate may exit to be a project administrator, project coordinator, or project manager. As the project management profession continues to develop, this qualification will provide the learners with graduate attributes and necessary knowledge base to successfully practice as project managers in a dynamic field. There is also growing recognition of Project Management as a professional field as evidenced by the wide application of PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) and PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) and other project management knowledge areas in many organisations.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management will equip the learners with research-based knowledge and in-depth conceptual understanding to provide an informed input in planning and decision-making. It follows a vocational stream of qualifications that builds from the Advanced Diploma in Project Management. The Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management partially fills the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate studies in this discipline which was created by the discontinuation of the Baccalaureus Technologiae in Project Management qualification in order to create a coherent pathway for learners wishing to pursue a vocational and/or academic career in this discipline.
    esenting project management in South Africa and learners undertaking this course will qualify to be registered with the body under various designations. By incorporating the PMBOK, professional requirements would be included in the qualification. The graduate may exit to be a project administrator, project coordinator, or project manager. As the project management profession continues to develop, this qualification will provide the learners with graduate attributes and necessary knowledge base to successfully practice as project managers in a dynamic field. There is also growing recognition of Project Management as a professional field as evidenced by the wide application of PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) and PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) and other project management knowledge areas in many organisations.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management will equip the learners with research-based knowledge and in-depth conceptual understanding to provide an informed input in planning and decision-making. It follows a vocational stream of qualifications that builds from the Advanced Diploma in Project Management. The Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management partially fills the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate studies in this discipline which was created by the discontinuation of the Baccalaureus Technologiae in Project Management qualification in order to create a coherent pathway for learners wishing to pursue a vocational and/or academic career in this discipline. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning, and through prior experience as a practitioner in the field of business administration. Institutions are required to develop structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis and assessment is done by means of Integrated Assessment strategies as mentioned above. Such procedures, and the assessment of individual cases, are subject to moderation by independent assessors. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance that will be provided. The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes, and presented by the learner, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence. If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification, the appropriate credits will be assigned to the learner. A maximum of 10% per cohort may be admitted to this qualification through RPL. The RPL process is outlined in the attached institution Policy on RPL, Equivalence and Status document.

    Entry requirements:
  • Advanced Diploma in Project Management.
    Or
  • An appropriate Level 7 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
  • Portfolio and Program Management Principles, 15 Credits.
  • Business and Commercial Aspects of Projects, 15 Credits.
  • Strategic Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Agile Approaches to Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Behavioural Aspects for Project Managers, 12 Credits.
  • Project Management Information Systems and Management, 12 Credits.
  • Legal Aspects in Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Research Methodology, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge on project management methodologies and adeptness in managing and balancing resource demands, allocations, stakeholder expectations across projects, programs and portfolios including customising a project management life cycle and developing comprehensive project and program management plans.
    2. Demonstrate applied and pure research competencies in the project management domain and ultimately develop a research proposal.
    3. Evaluate models, procurement contracts, common labour issues that impact projects, proficiencies in project management information systems and the ability to analyse and justify models for project, program, and portfolio analysis to determine the viability of projects, funding, profitability metrics, client and customer relationship management dynamics and sustainability in the context of the organisation.
    4. Apply critical thinking, problem-solving skills supported by relevant analytical and quantitative techniques in various project situations including multicultural, intergenerational, hierarchical and virtual project teams' environment, and have a global perspective and understand the importance of behaving ethically. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify strategic opportunities and benefits that achieve the organisation's strategic objectives through program implementation.
  • Demonstrate proficiencies in various methodologies, measuring program and portfolio performances, programme maturity, and project governance issues, strategic alignment of portfolios, programs, and projects.
  • Demonstrate proficiencies in the identification and evaluation of critical success factors for projects and programs and their use in the creation of a project portfolio that align with strategic goals of the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of how to find relevant sources of literature for in a specific topic area.
  • Demonstrate critical reading, synthesis and generation of justified conclusions and recommendations.
  • Use academic discourse in the communication of information.
  • Develop a research proposal within the project management research focus area.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the use of appropriate models, obtaining funding and finance for projects, relationship marketing, benefits realisation and benefits forecasting.
  • Use appropriate decision making tools required to address complex problems in a specific context.
  • Given a specific project context select the appropriate contracting models, project management information systems and dexterity in the evaluation of applicable labour laws.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Take justified ethical and professional decisions in all process groups during the execution of projects, programs and portfolios is demonstrated.
  • Reflect upon personal strengths and weaknesses and develop plans for continuous improvement with respect to team-management skills is demonstrated.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of behavioural aspects of the project manager including aspects of team structure and interpersonal dynamics.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment strategies are continuous and aimed at giving learners feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes as well as to integrate theoretical and practical competence. Such strategies include informal assignments, discussions, case studies, informal tests and tutoring.

    Some of the criteria may be assessed through observation of the learners during classes. Summative assessment strategies are aimed at judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such strategies include examinations, reports, projects or equivalent such as a portfolio of evidence, which is representative of a selection of the outcomes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is aligned and draws knowledge from the Project Management Institute (PMI)'s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), which is an internationally accepted Project Management standard. PMI further classifies the skills and knowledge that project management learners should acquire as Technical Project Management, Leadership and Strategic and Business Management.

    Several international qualifications were compared with the Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management:
  • Dublin Business School offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management. The qualification equips learners with current principles and keeps them up to speed with practices of project management.
  • The Centre for Business at Kangan Institute, Australia, offers a Postgraduate Diploma of Project Management. This qualification addresses a range of project management functions relevant to the level of work performed across areas such as time management, finances, quality management, human resource management, communications, procurement and risk management in the context of projects and programmes.
  • Brighton School of Business and Management United Kingdom (UK) offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management. This course is aimed at project managers who wish to enhance and develop their project management skills and knowledge, enabling them to perform their roles and responsibilities more successfully in the workplace. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor Honours Degree in Project Management at Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Project Management at Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.