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
62110  Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management 
ORIGINATOR
MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 
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  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management enables learners with relevant work experience to develop their functional and reflective competencies in project management.

The programme aims to develop an integrated conceptual understanding, synthesis and critical application of specific qualitative and quantitative issues in project management.

The qualification is directed towards learners having some relevant work experience and occupying middle and senior management positions. It also provides for the accomplishment of quantitative skills in project finance and management science.

The qualification will enhance the capability of managers to improve production and/or service delivery thereby contributing to organizational effectiveness.

Rationale:

The Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management:
  • Contributes to regional and national goals by facilitating capacity building and human resource development.
  • Empowers learners with project management skills and competencies necessary to function and progress in business environments.
  • Attempts to satisfy the demand for project management skills in the public and private sectors.
  • Recognises and caters for the career and economic needs of learners who are in employment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learning assumed to be in place:

    This qualification assumes that:
  • The learner is competent in the language of instruction of the programme.
  • The learner is able to work independently.
  • The learner is able to conduct basic research.
  • The learner has obtained the general theoretical, practical, professional and academic knowledge and understanding at NQF Level 6.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the recognition of prior learning.

    In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification:
  • It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of an examination of their curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Such 'non-standard' candidates will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from their organisations/companies.
  • Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating 'non-standard' applicants include:
    > The applicants' motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies.
    > Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references.
    > The nature and level of life/ work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
    > Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, standard achieved.
    > The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
    > The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the programme.

    Where prior learning is recognized for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The amount of 'specific' credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning and award towards which the intended programme leads.

    Credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award.

    Access to the qualification:

    The minimum level of attainment required for entry into this programme is a Degree or Diploma or equivalent qualification provided that the applicant is:
  • 23 years of age or older.
  • Has at least two years of working experience.

    The following will also be considered:
  • Work experience.
  • A detailed motivational letter and CV.
  • Prior learning. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Total Credits: 120.

    Components:
  • Core learning: 120 credits (20 credits each):
    > Principles of Project Management.
    > Organisational Behaviour.
    > Management Science.
    > Applied Project.
    > Project Financial Management.
    > Project Quality Management.

    An award of the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA) will be conferred when the following conditions are satisfied:
  • The candidate was an enrolled and registered student of or at the College at the time of his or her assessment for an award and was not in debt to the College.
  • Details of the candidate's full name, date of birth, sex, programme and award have been registered by the College.
  • It has been confirmed that the candidate has completed a programme of study approved by the Examinations Board as leading to the award being recommended.
  • The award has been recommended by a Board of Examiners convened, constituted and acting under regulations approved by the Academic Board and including members approved as external examiners for the programme.
  • The recommendation of the award has been signed by the Chair of the Board of Examiners and by the Examinations Officer, confirming that the assessments have been carried out in accordance with the College's requirements. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    A learner attaining the Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management will be able to:
  • Apply project management principles in a work-based context.
  • Apply quantitative methodologies in making work-based decisions.
  • Utilise technology to solve work-based problems.
  • Communicate knowledge acquired in a work-based project.
  • Display basic research skills in solving work related problems.
  • Manage people in a project.
  • Display project leadership skills.
  • Apply financial management principles.
  • Display knowledge of quality principles.

    Specific Outcomes (for each Module):

    Module Title: Principles of Project Management.
    Credit Points: 20.

    At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
  • Define a project.
  • Outline the responsibilities of a project manager.
  • Describe the four phases of a project.
  • Develop project plans.
  • Use project management tools and techniques to effectively plan, track and control projects.
  • Improve team performance.
  • Improve interpersonal effectiveness.
  • Analyze project information and report status.
  • Identify complex trade-offs in project decisions.

    Module Title: Organisational Behaviour.
    Credit Points: 20.

    At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
  • Define the roles, functions and tasks of managers.
  • Explain the importance of planning.
  • Explain the techniques for group decision-making.
  • Describe the factors that influence the organising process.
  • Identify the various sources of power in organisations.
  • Explain delegation as a management task.
  • Evaluate motivation theories and leadership models.
  • Identify barriers in the communication process.
  • Describe the steps in the control process..
  • Explain the management process, including what managers do.
  • Describe the changing role for managers.
  • Describe why the "people side" of management is important.
  • Discuss the main trends in how modern organizations are changing and managed.
  • Outline current forces creating turbulence and change for organizations and managers.

    Module Title: Management Science.
    Credit Points: 20.

    At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
  • Use a framework and be able to choose an appropriate management method for different problem contexts.
  • Apply methods and approaches to aid project planning.
  • Be able to choose an appropriate forecasting method.
  • Apply optimisation techniques to solve management problems.

    Module Title: Project Financial Management.
    Credit Points: 20.

    At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
  • Explain concepts in financial management.
  • Apply budgeting principles in the financial management of a project.
  • Forecast the financial requirements for a project.
  • Distinguish between the different forms of financing available to projects.
  • Analyse the feasibility of projects.

    Module Title: Project Quality Management.
    Credit Points: 20.

    At the end of this module the learner will be able to:
  • Define quality and quality management.
  • Distinguish between Quality Assurance, Quality Monitoring and Quality Control.
  • Explain quality principles.
  • Integrate quality management principles into a project.
  • Describe the main quality theories.
  • Apply the principles of continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Explain the benefits of quality management.

    Module Title: Project.
    Credit Points: 20.

    At end of this module the learner will be able to:
  • Perform a sustained exercise in research in project management.
  • Show competences in the methodology of research.
  • Communicate the results of research findings accurately.
  • Draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations arising out of their research. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Project Management theory and principles are applied in a work-based context.
  • Quantitative methodologies are used to solve work-based problems.
  • Research is conducted.
  • Appropriate technology is utilised in various communication modes.

    Assessment is based on:
  • The use of work based assignments to test the application of project management principles in an organisation.
  • The use of quantitative techniques to solve work based problems and interpretation of their implications on the decision making process.
  • The use of information technology, networks and web browsers to obtain work related information and communicate with peers.
  • The use of research to solve work based problems.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment centres around:
  • The extent to which the learner has grasped the basic concepts which form the base of management education.
  • The application of Project Management theory to a practical context.
  • The methods of research used.
  • A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
  • The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.

    Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through course modules.

    These assessment methods include:
  • Case studies.
  • Report writing.
  • Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
  • Work based assignments.
  • Self assessment activities in the course material. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    MANCOSA was established in the post 1994 period with the view of addressing the critical shortage of access to management education in South Africa. Between 1995 and 2000 MANC0SA was engaged in providing Private Higher Education to South Africans in association with its former partner the Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College a College of the University of Brunel, in the United Kingdom.

    The Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College is listed as an accredited state recognised institution in the United Kingdom. During this 5-year period MANCOSA successfully delivered tuition and academic and administrative support to over 860 students enrolled on the Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College programmes.

    The Outcomes and Assessment Criteria, the degree of complexity and the notional learning time of this qualification have been benchmarked against MANCOSA'S former international partner, the Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College and best national and international practice. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • This qualification builds on Degree and Diploma programmes from related and other sectors of the economy, relevant experience and prior learning.
  • The Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management Programme will also provide articulation with Postgraduate Programmes at other Higher education institutions.
  • The expertise acquired doing this qualification in full or in part can be measured against requirements of other qualifications at MANCOSA or other institutions to obtain credits for specific modules. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • External examiners and moderators are appointed to validate the students' examination and final assessments. The Examinations Board is the final decision making body that is responsible for the awarding of the qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    To qualify as an assessor an individual must:
  • Generally have a Higher Education qualification at least one level higher than the course being assessed.
  • Be appropriately qualified and experienced as assessors.
  • Generally be the tutor responsible for that particular module.
  • Be in the possession of qualifications that are relevant to the programme.

    The following criteria is used for appointing external examiners and moderators:
  • Their experience of examining this programme or its equivalent.
  • Their independence from MANCOSA and from the programmes team.
  • Their expertise in the subject area.
  • Their scholastic contribution to the field.

    External examiners and moderators are required to have a qualification at least 1 level higher than the programme being assessed. They are also required to have at least 2 years experience lecturing in this programme or its equivalent. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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. MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 


    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.