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 Entrepreneurship 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112247  Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship 
ORIGINATOR
Sol Plaatje University 
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  Marketing 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-09-18  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship is to occupy the space between the enabling environment and the SMME's that are participating in the economy. This qualification intends to identify the challenges and shortcomings that entrepreneurs face when trying to raise finance for their ventures, knowledgeable access expertise, business development services as well as target markets. There is a clear need in the market to understand how various enabling agencies can assist the entrepreneur. The qualification intends to occupy that space. Innovation has become key to the entrepreneur to remain competitive and relevant.

The qualification will offer learners an attempt to various methods and practices of change to better advice and serve existing entrepreneurs and propel start-ups. Through this process, learners will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake advanced reflection and development through hands-on practical based learning approaches that open up opportunities for new venture creation, business growth and intrapreneurship. The intention is that learners will be prepared (through an interdisciplinary approach) to be versatile enough to identify and implement business opportunities that will contribute positively to the province and beyond. By placing entrepreneurial thought and action within the core of the curriculum, the qualification further challenges learners to explore creative and innovative entrepreneurial solutions to business and management thereof while remaining ethical and socially responsible in their conduct and actions.

The qualification will provide a pathway for learners completing a related First Degree or Advanced Diploma at Institution.

Also, the qualification aims to:
  • Provide theories and action research in entrepreneurship and business management.
  • Be relevant to a variety of professions in the fields of business management.
  • Enable learners to demonstrate competence to entrepreneurship & business management through problem-solving.
  • To produce learners who can think laterally, critically, creatively and prepared for life-long learning.
  • To provide learners who understand the principles of, and are capable of critical citizenship and ethical practice.

    Rationale:
    Entrepreneurship at Higher Education level has become a national imperative which must be embedded in all disciplines of study at higher education level. Equally, entrepreneurship is a crucial socio-economic development, job creation and poverty alleviation throughout the world. With the province experiencing higher than average poverty levels and unemployment rates, this qualification will serve as a springboard for new venture creation and potential self-employment.

    This qualification is necessary in that it looks to put into action the institution strategic plan of developing specialised programmes at Postgraduate level. Furthermore, it will contribute in addressing issues as raised in the National Development Plan as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.

    The institution is in a unique position to embed entrepreneurship into its curricula to ensure that its graduates come out with the necessary skills and entrepreneurial mindset to become better job seekers, employees and employers. By situating creativity and innovation supported by practical application at the core of the curriculum, the qualification will facilitate new venture creation as well as corporate entrepreneurship in the Northern Cape and South Africa at large. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning is a recognition by the South African education system to acknowledge alternative forms of knowledge. Learners that may qualify for RPL-based admission are learners that have worked for a prolonged period in the enabling environment. Learners may have accrued substantial knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship support, may qualify for admission, given enough motivation and prior suitability and viability assessments. Entrepreneurs with a track record of prolonged entrepreneurial activity may also be considered based on the knowledge gained through prolonged real-life exposure. Small business managers that have sufficient track record and evidence of exposure to the SMME environment might also apply. All RPL learners must forego NQF Level 7 pre-admission assessment to determine suitability for NQF Level 8 progression.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Relevant Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Relevant Advanced Diploma, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Entrepreneurship, 20 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Finance, 20 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Marketing, 20 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Law, 20 Credits.
  • People Management, 20 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Practice, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand and engage in the entrepreneurial process, incubation and acceleration.
    2. Understand and apply the legal framework governing business establishment, contracts, intellectual property and various forms of business.
    3. Analyse the financial needs, evaluate various financing sources for the business ventures and the ability to manage business finances.
    4. An understanding of people management about labour relations, and the broader stakeholder relations for the success of the business venture.
    5. Apply various marketing tools within the fourth industrial revolution to enable the business to assess new markets.
    6. Ability to undertake a comprehensive business plan writing project and business registration process. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse the entrepreneurial process and associated elements including idea generation, incubation and acceleration.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Summarise the various legal frameworks for business establishment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic law of contract and intellectual property rights.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse the financial needs of the business.
  • Evaluate various financial sources for the growth and sustainability of the business.
  • Manage business finances using relevant tools and techniques such as budgeting, break-even analysis and working capital management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Interpret the basic conditions of employment and their implications on business operations.
  • Show an understanding of current human resources management trends.
  • Develop communication channels with both internal and external stakeholders.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Conduct market research and develop a marketing strategy.
  • Analyse and apply the marketing mix within the business environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Write a business plan to fit the general criteria acceptable.
  • Demonstrating understanding of the business registration process.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment will be executed according to the institution Policy on Assessment. The assessment will be applied in a continuous and integrated manner while addressing the following:
  • Formative assessment will include assignments, class tests, small group activities, case studies and presentations.
  • Practice assessment which intends to develop mastery of skills, concepts or analytical techniques. The practice assessment will include a capstone project.
  • Conduct a summative assessment to record and provide feedback on the overarching performance of a learner in a systematic manner through the writing of exams at the end of the year.

    For each module in the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship, learners must complete at least three assessments and write examination. All formative assessments for which feedback is provided also have a summative component and contribute to learners' final marks. In general, the guideline is for 60% of the final score to come from the CASS mark and 40% from the exam. At this level, appropriate moderators moderate all summative assessment instruments and marking.

    Formative assessment for Entrepreneurial Practice comprises a year mark gained from the completed Business Plan development under mentorship of a business professional. The mentor will assess whether or not the student has reached all the required outcomes and whether or not the report fulfils the requirements of a Business Plan acceptable at NQF Level 8. For summative assessment, the Business Plans marked by an internal academic staff and moderated externally by a panel of experts from industry. External moderators have to hold at least a Master's Degree with research outputs in the field of Entrepreneurship & Business management or related appropriate disciplines. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable with others that are spaced in the South African context to address issues relating to entrepreneurial support and development. Comparison for this qualification is against University of Cambridge in England and Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. The University of Cambridge in England is renowned for their Postgraduate Diplomas in Entrepreneurship focusing on creativity and innovation that is propelled by action-based teaching and learning that is integrative by nature. The latter university offers a Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation with coursework that speaks to Opportunity Discovery, Creativity and Design; Entrepreneurial Finance; Legal Issues and Negotiation Skills; Venture in Action; Growth Management as well as Strategic and Entrepreneurial Marketing. These are closely related to the South African institutions offering that includes Entrepreneurship; Entrepreneurial Finance; Entrepreneurial Law; Entrepreneurial Practice; People Management as well as Entrepreneurial Marketing. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Entrepreneurship, 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.