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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Futures Thinking 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118660  Postgraduate Diploma in Futures Thinking 
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 qualification is to enable learners involved in brand and business management, marketing, communication and channel strategy to conduct assessments of the connections between past, present and future scenarios and develop future-fit brand systems, cultures and strategies.

The qualification follows an interdisciplinary approach that integrates theoretical and practical components to facilitate future-focussed brand leadership and business thinking and career growth. This qualification also encompasses the use of human-centred design thinking approaches to the anticipation and navigation of the future of brands by equipping learners with the principles, practices and tools of futures thinking.

This qualification will produce graduates who are able to:
  • Manage brand portfolios in a systemic and rapidly changing world.
  • Understand strategic and operational foresight and its importance in informing brand development strategy and anticipating different types of change.
  • Mitigate and manage brand-building risks and opportunities through the analysis of economic data and trends forecasting.
  • Utilise appropriate models and methods to identify challenges and opportunities.

    Rationale:
    Throughout the world, and Africa in particular, businesses, institutions, not-for-profit organisations, professional branding practices, entrepreneurial ventures and other entities are challenged to plan for and control meaningful and purposeful futures through the development of disruptive and sustainable strategies (Global Trends to 2035, 2018). In line with this need, is the growing demand for Futures Thinkers, who can make well-informed strategic, research-based decisions regarding long-term impacts and vulnerabilities (Sohail, 2012). Future Thinkers aim to build creative and innovative problem-solving skills through the process of design thinking, a human-centred approach to innovation increasingly used by organisations to transform challenges into opportunities.
    This qualification will enable learners to apply future-focused brand thinking and decision-making within a variety of disciplines and occupations, and in line with the increase of the shared and creative economies.

    The qualification is suited for the learning and development needs of learners and working professionals with a first degree or advanced diploma who would like to develop critical, systemic and creative thinking and scenario planning for effective transformation of business and society within their fields of specialisation.

    The career opportunities available are across many domains within all sectors, including among others:
  • Futures Strategist.
  • Brand-Business Manager.
  • Foresight and Strategy Manager.
  • Development Manager.
  • Foresight Analyst.
  • Organisational Consultant. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution's Recognition of Prior Learning and Qualification Completion Policy distinguishes between RPL for access, which provides an alternative access route into a qualification of learning, and RPL for credit, which provides for the awarding of credits for, or towards a qualification or part qualification registered on the NQF.

    The candidates' prior knowledge and skills will enable them to gain credits and admissions to the qualification and/or how they will be awarded credits for such learning.

    RPL for access:
  • RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to the qualification and advanced standing can be granted.

    RPL for credit exemption:
  • Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualification study achieved.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning learner must comply with all the requirements stated in the learning modules and qualification as well as the institution RPL policy.

    RPL for credits:
  • To be awarded a qualification, a candidate must complete the requisite academic modules resulting in the completion of sufficient approved credits in the approved period.
  • Some of the credits for these modules can be granted in recognition of formal learning from another qualification or approved short learning qualification.
  • For a module or course to be recognised for academic credit there needs to be sufficient equivalence between the module or course completed and the outcomes and level of the module for which credit is sought.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8,120 Credits:
  • Principles of Brand Building, 20 Credits.
  • Principles of Futures Thinking, 20 Credits.
  • Futures Thinking for Brand Building, 20 Credits.
  • Applied Futures Thinking, 20 Credits.
  • Change Management for Brand Ecosystems, 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the tenets and methods of futures thinking to assess, enable and manage change.
    2. Develop a brand system by seeking, analysing and using foresight.
    3. Apply scenario planning as a systemic methodology to propose innovative and responsible future brand strategies.
    4. Critically examine brand leadership, management, and culture alignment for the delivery of preferred futures/ scenarios as selected.
    5. Conduct a research project incorporating brand systems and futures thinking methodologies. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Effectively utilise design processes to develop prototypes that address a variety of discontinuities and leverage future commercial and societal opportunities.
  • Appropriately apply design thinking to prototype a solution to a forecasted wicked problem in each business sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Effectively collaborate with stakeholders to develop foresight models that challenge assumptions and pre-emptively explore the increasing complexities of brand-business and society.
  • Critically evaluate projected stakeholder networks within given complex systems.
  • Critically examine sector-specific causalities and practices to identify opportunities for sustainable innovation that benefits stakeholders, society, and the economy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Critically analyse emerging baseline patterns and develop disruptive approaches to brand building strategy in projected economies.
  • Successfully conduct sensitivity and simulation analysis and horizon scanning to identify pathways for proactive futures mapping.
  • Successfully develop collaborative models to address systemic economic and societal challenges through applied backcasting and proactive planning.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Critically assess various brand leadership models and make recommendations as to which could be most effectively re-designed to achieve futures-focused solutions to economic development.
  • Appropriately apply strategic models and foresight to address uncertainties within different sectors and 'future proof' organisations or entities that may be impacted.
  • Discuss the ways in which ethical theory is applied to Futures Studies.
  • Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to Future Studies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Successfully design primary research to evaluate future drivers for stakeholder relationships in a given sector.
  • Accurately draft a research report in which quantitative and qualitative findings are integrated.
  • Critically analyse primary and secondary research findings to make recommendations as to how a selected entity could make a futures-focused and sustainable contribution to society. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Futures Thinking is a relatively new and emerging field, although there are several institutions offering courses and modules in Foresight and Innovation and similar topics, these tend to be niche offerings aligned to the areas of specialisation of the institutions or their graduates. There are limited full-time qualifications and as a result, the institution compared the new qualification to the following international qualifications:

    Country: Finland
    Institution: University of Turku
    Qualification Title: Master of Art in Futures Studies
    Duration: Two years
    Credits: 120 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)

    Comparison:
    The qualification is comparable to the new qualification in that it shares a similar purpose, rationale, and qualification structure.
    Rationale:
    This two-year postgraduate qualification is designed specifically for working professionals and provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and practical education in the field of future studies. Learners apply a range of research methods and techniques (quantitative methods, innovative and creative future design techniques) to given case studies and real-life experiences. This qualification is comparable to the new qualification as it is also aimed at working professionals and focuses on equipping learners with the required skills to enhance organisational future opportunities. The qualification also exposes learners to a range of foresight methodologies and techniques, which is also characteristic of the new qualification.

    The Master's Degree in Futures Studies is designed to educate foresight experts who help organisations to harness future opportunities and avoid unnecessary risks. The qualification trains learners to become professionals who are competent to choose from various methods when facing a particular development challenge. The learners will get a versatile toolkit to implement foresight thinking for the benefit of a given organisation.

    Qualification structure:
    The learners enrolled in the Master's Programme will take a Master of Arts degree, the size of 120 ECTS credits. The two-year programme is instructed in English. Futures Studies as a major subject includes compulsory and optional/elective modules that build the expertise of the learner in, for example, futures studies methodology, strategic foresight and scenario building. Learners are free to choose a minor subject within UTU that complements their career goals. Elective studies can include courses in Futures Studies but can also widen the knowledge of the learner in new subjects or thematic areas.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Major: Futures Studies, 75 ECTS.
  • Foundations of Futures Studies, 19 ECTS.
  • Introduction to Futures Studies, 4 ECTS.
  • Systems and Complexity Thinking, 4 ECTS.
  • Ethics of Futures Studies, 5 ECTS.
  • Theories of Futures Studies and Transformation, 6 ECTS.
  • Futures Research Methods Labs, 12-24 ECTS.
  • Obligatory courses, 12 ECTS.
  • Introduction to Futures Research Methods, 6 ECTS.
  • Futures Case Evaluation, 6 ECTS.
  • Futures Research Method Demos, 4 ECTS.
  • Participatory Scenario Planning, 4 ECTS.
  • Hybrid Futures Research Methods, 4 ECTS.
  • Strategic Perspectives in Futures Studies, 5-25 ECTS.
  • Obligatory course, 5 ECTS.
  • Strategic Corporate Foresight, 5 ECTS.
  • Technology Foresight, 5 ECTS.
  • 21st Century Wicked Challenges, 5 ECTS.
  • Cultural Sustainability, 5 ECTS.
  • Co-Created Futures Theme, 2-5.
  • Career Building in Futures Studies, 0 ECTS.
  • Practical Training in Futures Studies, 2-6 ECTS.
  • Find Your Career, 3 ECTS.
  • Master's thesis in Futures Studies, 30 ECTS.
  • Minor Studies, 25 ECTS.
  • Methodological Studies, 4 ECTS.
  • Philosophy of Science and Research Process.
  • Philosophy of Science and the Scientific Research Process.
  • Personal Study Plan, 0 ECTS.
  • Language and Communication Studies, 10 ECTS.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: Ontario College of Art and Design University
    Qualification title: Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation
    Purpose/Rationale:
    The world is experiencing great uncertainties caused by ever-growing social, economic, political, environmental, and ethical crises. Many countries, industries and public services face challenging futures where the quest for opportunities is increasingly competitive. Economic discontent has combined with existing political stresses to catch many institutions - and countries - wrong-footed.

    Meanwhile, globalisation, migration, environmental, political, and technological trends are reshaping the rules of the game. This calls for critical reflections on existing assumptions, plans and strategies for the long-term future. The foresight course explores ways in which decision-makers can address uncertainties and how to produce sound, sustainable, and forward-looking results and roadmaps that are useful for decision-makers.
    The qualification is intended for:
  • Business and industry leaders
  • Policymakers, analysts, programme sponsors and managers
  • Science and research agenda shapers
  • Professionals in research and innovation, organisations and funding agencies
  • Foresight and horizon scanning practitioners

    At the end of the qualification, qualifying learners will:
  • Understand the key rationales for foresight, the building blocks of a foresight process and the main features of a foresight methodology.
  • Have gained practical knowledge on the most used foresight and horizon scanning tools, as well as on the key factors influencing the selection and combination of foresight methods.
  • Recognise why and how foresight is increasingly being embedded into science, technology, and innovation policymaking,
  • Be able to design and conduct a foresight exercise from the scoping phase through to the mobilisation of key players to the anticipation, recommendation, and transformation of future-oriented outcomes.
  • Be able to commission, interpret and use foresight across a wide range of research and innovation areas, industries, sectors, themes, and institutional contexts.
  • Benefit from the networking and knowledge sharing opportunities with course staff and other participants.

    Comparison:
    This 16-month postgraduate qualification equips learners with the skills to develop strategic solutions and implement plans for organisational change. Learners are given the opportunity to apply these skills as part of their final research project. This qualification is comparable to the new qualification as it is aimed at developing expertise in foresight and research methodologies. The qualification contains references to critical thinking and design thinking which are core to the teaching and learning approach of this Postgraduate Diploma in Futures Thinking. The new qualification also comprises a research component that involves an applied industry-specific project of limited scope which provides learners with an opportunity to apply theory to practice.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: University of Houston
    Qualification Title: Graduate Certificate in Foresight
    Entry requirements:
  • Learners who have already received a bachelor's degree.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    This degree plan is an inter-disciplinary, high-tech program that prepares strategic foresight professionals for careers in long-term forecasting and planning. Foresight uses a wide range of theoretical and practical models to examine the sources, patterns and causes of change and stability to map probable, plausible and preferable futures.

    Professional futurists emphasize systemic and transformational change as opposed to traditional forecasters and planners who focus on incremental change based on existing conditions and trends. Since long-term predictive forecasts are rarely correct, futurists describe alternative plausible and preferable futures, in addition to the expected future.

    The University of Houston's Foresight qualification offers a four-course (12 credit) Graduate Certificate in Foresight. The courses in the certificate are the same as those offered within the Master's degree in Foresight. Courses are offered online with virtual classes, and the learner simply takes four core courses. Upon completion of the certificate, you must apply for a certificate along with a $150 application fee. At any point, learners may apply for the certificate courses to complete the Foresight Master's program.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules which are similar to the new qualification.

    Compulsory Modules: 21 semester hours
  • Advanced Strategies for Futures Planning
  • Introduction to Foresight
  • Proseminar in Foresight
  • Futures Research
  • World Futures
  • Systems Thinking
  • Social Change

    Elective Modules: Choose six (6) semester hours
  • Alternative Perspectives on the Future
  • Advisor approved elective
  • Design Futures
  • Advisor approved elective

    Research Option: Choose three (3) semester hours
  • Master's Project in Foresight
  • Internship in Foresight
  • Master's Thesis in Foresight

    Country: Portugal
    Institution: University of Lisbon: Lisbon School of Economics and Management
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Program in Foresight, Strategy, and Innovation
    Purpose/Rationale:
    This qualification seeks to respond to a growing demand from private and public organizations for skills and tools to raise the capacity to anticipate, enhance the ability of innovation and improve competitiveness as well as value creation. It is based on a holistic approach that integrates Foresight, Strategic Leadership, and Innovation with a set of organizational factors, design and project management, competitive intelligence, and knowledge management.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Sunshine Coast
    Qualification Title: Graduate Certificate in Futures Studies
    Duration: part-time over two years
    Purpose/Rationale:
    Future Studies at the University of Sunshine Coast aims at shaping the future of our world, contributing to the wellbeing of society, and generating alternatives for better opportunities. It provides you with a sound foundational knowledge of the futures field and introduces a range of futures methods, concepts, and tools. The qualification hones leadership skills, links personal and organisational values to actions and their outcomes and stimulates creative engagement that generates a range of alternatives to business as usual.

    Qualification structure.
    Learners are required to successfully complete four compulsory modules:
  • Futures Methods and Techniques.
  • Strategic Foresight Leadership.
  • Sustainable Futures.
  • Applied Futures Studies: Methods and Values and Strategy.

    Conclusion:
    International institutions offer qualifications in Futures Studies at Masters and Doctoral studies levels. Futures Studies is a relatively new field globally and locally, therefore this qualification at NQF Level 8 offers learners from different disciplines the opportunity to gain knowledge in Futures Studies before embarking on more advanced research in the field. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Strategic Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Strategic Brand Communication, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Strategic Brand Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Brand Building, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Project Leadership and Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Creative Brand Leadership, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Strategic Brand Leadership, NQF 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. The Independent Institute of Education (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.