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 Monitoring and Evaluation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122168  Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation 
ORIGINATOR
The Foundation for Professional Development 
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  Public Administration 
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  EXCO 0922/24  2024-03-07  2027-03-07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-03-07   2031-03-07  

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary qualification combining different fields of development, evaluation, project management and statistical analysis to strengthen and deepen participants' knowledge and skills in monitoring and evaluation.
The purpose of this qualification is to enable monitoring and evaluation practitioners to design and implement monitoring systems, conduct evaluations and report to stakeholders on government and civil society interventions. The qualification will prepare learners to engage in interrelated skills and competencies that anchor the design, monitoring, management, and evaluation of a wide array of both public and civil society interventions. It also allows learners to continue their professional development in this growing inter-disciplinary domain.

The qualification will engage learners in a high level of theoretical reflection and practical application regarding core aspects pertaining to monitoring and evaluation systems. Learners will be enabled to relate theoretical and practical knowledge to a range of monitoring and evaluation contexts (both government and civil society) for them to undertake professional and highly skilled work in the field of monitoring and evaluation. The Research module will further equip them to integrate knowledge and skills gained in the other modules and develop expertise in Research methodology and implementation.

The skills acquired will assist participants with the ability to design relevant frameworks and engage in practical applications of monitoring and evaluation systems, plan and conduct evaluations and communicate with stakeholders. This qualification is aimed at strengthening governmental, private sector and civil society capacity in monitoring, evaluation, and research to develop a pool of researchers and practitioners that have the knowledge and skills in monitoring, evaluation and research of qualifications and projects.

Upon completion, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Illustrate a good understanding of the history, theory and development of the monitoring and evaluation sector.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to set up monitoring and reporting mechanisms for interventions.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to conduct an evaluation of an intervention in the public or civil society sector.
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of the professional and ethical considerations when managing the Monitoring and Evaluation portfolio of an organisation (including data collection, analysis, presentation, and reporting).
  • Develop skills required for further professional development.

    Rationale:
    There's a growing demand for monitoring and evaluation capacity and skills in Africa. This growing demand is driven by both international donors, demanding accountability, and the development of government-wide monitoring and evaluation systems within African countries. In addition to this, various policymakers have expressed the need to access better evidence to make decisions.
    A study by Erasmus et al (2020) reports that despite this growing demand, there's not adequate Monitoring and Evaluation capacity building in sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of monitoring and evaluation training in sub-Saharan Africa is conducted as short courses by various institutions (Erasmus & Jordaan, 2019). There is a need for affordable, decolonised, accessible and accredited courses in sub-Saharan Africa.
    The opportunities for Monitoring and Evaluation practitioners to build requisite competencies should be developed. Institutions of Higher Education are therefore required to assist with this capacity-building requirement. Within this context, this postgraduate Diploma can fulfil this need.

    The institution is well-positioned to offer an online approach which will ensure that the qualification reaches the wider continent. An online learning approach, with synchronous starting dates, will assist delegates to participate in training, using technology. The lessons learned in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that learners are ready and eager to engage with an online learning approach. This Postgraduate Diploma will equip participants with the relevant skills and knowledge required to undertake monitoring and evaluation functions in both the government and civil society sectors. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Project Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Studies, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Administration, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 110 Credits.
  • Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation, 15 Credits.
  • Monitoring Systems, 15 Credits.
  • Evaluation Theory, 15 Credits.
  • Monitoring and evaluation Data Collection Methodology, 10 Credits.
  • Qualitative Data Analysis, 10 Credits.
  • Quantitative Data Analysis (Excel Core and Excel Expert), 10 Credits.
  • Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation Data, 10 Credits.
  • Advanced Project Management, 10 Credits.
  • Research Module: Conduct a Rapid Assessment, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 10 Credits (Select one of the following)
  • Planning and Managing Evaluations, 10 Credits.
  • Database Fundamentals, 10 Credits.
  • Analysing and Visualisation of data with Excel, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a good understanding of the history, theory and development of the monitoring and evaluation sector.
    2. Apply knowledge and skills to set up monitoring and reporting mechanisms for interventions.
    3. Illustrate the ability to use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to a field, discipline, or practice.
    4. Apply knowledge and skills to conduct an evaluation of an intervention in the public or civil society sector.
    5. Apply knowledge and understanding of the professional and ethical considerations when managing the Monitoring and Evaluation portfolio of an organisation (including data collection, analysis, presentation, and reporting).
    6. Develop skills required for further professional development in presenting and communicating, academic, professional or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of the basic terminology of monitoring and evaluation, theory of change, and logical framework to an intervention.
  • Explore the potential of implementation to achieve results-based management practice, including in your setting.
  • Compare and apply the different evaluation approaches and apply evaluation norms and standards for conducting evaluations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.
  • Develop a monitoring plan and identify and develop indicators for interventions.
  • Apply critical appraisal methods of data quality components and the ability to conduct routine data quality assessments.
  • Develop and apply tracking tools for interventions and recommend appropriate qualitative and quantitative data collection methods for evaluations.
  • Analyse a range of qualitative data sources (transcriptions, open-ended survey responses, photographs, videos, observation notes, etc) using sources such as Word, Excel and Atlas.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.
  • Integrate various monitoring and evaluation reporting methodologies and recommend various ways to disseminate data.
  • Apply various data collection tools for monitoring and evaluation and compare different approaches and methods of qualitative data analysis.
  • Perform operations with formulae and functions to create charts and objects.
  • Formulate and apply database objects and debate core database concepts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.
  • Recommend appropriate qualitative and quantitative data collection methods for evaluations.
  • Apply the appropriate data collection tools and instruments to monitor interventions or answer evaluation questions.
  • Communicate the monitoring and evaluation results to stakeholders to ensure that results are used.
  • Propose the scope of an evaluation and appropriate questions, generate terms of reference for an evaluation and recommend the members of an evaluation team and related implementation arrangements.
  • Structure the application and integration of the modules of the post-graduate diploma in the planning, execution and reporting of a rapid evaluation research project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.
  • Develop a monitoring plan, identify and develop indicators for interventions and apply critical appraisal methods of data quality components and the ability to conduct Routine Data Quality Assessments.
  • Develop and apply tracking tools for interventions and recommend appropriate qualitative and quantitative data collection methods for evaluations.
  • Apply appropriate ethical guidelines for monitoring and evaluation in comparing different approaches and methods of qualitative data analysis.
  • Formulate the evaluation methodology, design, and ethical considerations for a rapid evaluation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.
  • Apply the appropriate data collection tools and instruments to monitor interventions or to answer evaluation questions.
  • Compare different approaches and methods of qualitative data analysis and transcribe text.
  • Recommend appropriate qualitative and quantitative data collection methods for evaluations.
  • Justify the appointment of an Evaluation Steering Committee for an evaluation and propose the scope of an evaluation and appropriate questions.
  • Manage quality assurance processes for an evaluation by applying prior learning in identifying an intervention ready for a rapid evaluation.
  • Structure the application and integration of the modules of the post-graduate diploma in the planning, execution and reporting of a rapid evaluation research project. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution name: University of Melbourne
    Qualification title: Graduate Certificate of Evaluation
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
  • Three-year undergraduate qualification and at least 50 credit points
    Or
  • Three-year undergraduate qualification in a cognate area and at least two years of documented relevant work experience.

    Purpose:
    This qualification is designed to produce evaluation specialists who have a strong understanding of the theoretical and practical skills relevant to this area. By undertaking this qualification, learners will become familiar with theories underlying policy and program development, ethical practice, key concepts and approaches to evaluation and the various roles of an evaluator.
    As a graduate of this course, they'll be able to apply their creative and critical thinking skills to design and conduct evaluation and research activities.

    Course structure:
    Modules
  • Applied Research Methodology compares with Research Module: Conduct a Rapid Assessment.
  • Foundations of Evaluation
  • Developing Evaluation Capacity
  • Qualitative Methods for Evaluation compares with Qualitative Data Analysis.
  • Quantitative Methods for Evaluation compares with Quantitative Data Analysis (Excel Core and Excel Expert.
  • Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation
  • Practice evaluation

    Similarities:
  • The University of Melbourne (UM) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over one year and accept learners who have completed a relevant bachelor's degree in a related field.
  • The two qualifications share similar purpose and aims:
  • The UM qualification will enable learners to apply their creative and critical thinking skills to design and conduct evaluation and research activities.
  • The SA qualification prepares individuals to engage in interrelated skills and competencies that anchor the design, monitoring, management, and evaluation of a wide array of both public and civil society interventions.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Quantitative Methods for Evaluation comparable to Quantitative Data Analysis (Excel Core and Excel Expert, Qualitative Methods for Evaluation comparable to Qualitative Data Analysis and Applied Research Methodology comparable to Research Module: Conduct a Rapid Assessment.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programme combining different fields of development, evaluation, project management and statistical analysis.
  • The MU qualification focuses only on providing learners with extensive knowledge and skills in evaluation theory and practice that can be applied to work settings.

    Country: Kenya
    Institution name: Africa Institute for Project Management Studies
    Qualification title: Post Graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
  • Holders of a bachelor's degree from a recognized University
    Or
  • Holders of an equivalent qualification from any other recognized Institution.

    Purpose:
    The qualification is intended to equip personnel in the field of monitoring and evaluation within the public sector, and the private sector on implementing programmes with a high level of accountability. At any time, organizations have projects under implementation and therefore there is a need for people with relevant training to oversee the implementation of the programmes. This Post Graduate Diploma is important to personnel who are mandated with the responsibility of overseeing any project that is under execution. The management or donor in the project would want to see how the implementers of the program put into use the funds at their discretion. Monitoring ensures that the management is constantly supplied with information on the progress of a project and makes timely decisions to ensure that progress is maintained according to schedule. Evaluation aims to determine whether the project objectives set in terms of expected outputs, effects and impact are being or will be met.

    Course structure:
    Modules
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Concepts compares with Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation.
  • Leadership, Ethics and Governance
  • Project Management
  • Social Research Methods and Statistics compares with Research Module: Conduct a Rapid Evaluation.
  • ICT for Project Management compares with Advanced Project Management.
  • Emerging issues in Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Statistics and Computing
  • M&E and Entrepreneurship
  • Financial accounting in Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Social Audits and Assurances
  • Principles of Conflict Resolution
  • Research Project (Practicum)

    Similarities:
  • The Africa Institute for Project Management Studies (AIPMS) qualification and South African (SA) qualification are both offered over one year and accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in the relevant field.
  • The SA qualification aims to engage candidates in a high level of theoretical reflection and practical application with regard to core aspects pertaining to monitoring and evaluation systems.
  • The AIPMS qualification is intended to equip personnel in the field of monitoring and evaluation within the public sector, and the private sector on implementing programmes with a high level of accountability.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Social Research Methods and Statistics compares with Research Module: Conduct a Rapid Evaluation, ICT for Project Management compares with Advanced Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation Concepts compares with Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programme combining different fields of development, evaluation, project management and statistical analysis. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Public Administration, NQF Level, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • There are no diagonal options available. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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 Foundation for Professional Development 


    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.