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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 Educational Management |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 36065 | Postgraduate Diploma in Educational 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 05 - Education, Training and Development | Higher Education and Training | ||
| 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 | |
| Registered | EXCO 0324/24 | 2024-07-01 | 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 Educational Management qualification is to equip educators, school principals, deputy principals and aspiring leaders in educational settings with the skills, knowledge, and strategies needed to lead effectively. The qualification focuses on developing competencies in areas such as strategic planning, resource management, curriculum development and staff development to create and sustain high-quality learning environments. This qualification is targeted towards individuals who hold or aspire to hold management roles within educational environments, as well as professionals with business backgrounds such as those in finance, marketing, and human resources seeking to transition into educational management. Learners will want to enrol on the qualification to gain pertinent skills in the leadership and management of educational institutions. The qualification is particularly valuable in empowering Learners to transform educational institutions, foster positive learning environments, and meet the diverse needs of Learners and communities. Learners benefit from the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Management qualification because it directly contributes to creating and maintaining high-quality, effective, and supportive learning environments. Specifically, this qualification helps future leaders to enhance learning outcomes, promote inclusive education and strengthen teacher support. The benefits enhance the overall educational experience, enabling Learners to thrive as leaders of educational institutions. The qualification supports both professional and academic pathways, enabling graduates to pursue leadership roles in educational institutions or to advance academically to qualifications such as a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Management. Graduates of the qualification will gain a robust understanding of applying management principles to lead and improve educational institutions. They will develop leadership skills that enable them to evaluate institutional performance critically, assessing both strengths and weaknesses to ensure effective, efficient operations. With a keen understanding of the interconnected factors influencing education, such as socio-economic and policy-related challenges, graduates will be able to navigate and address these complexities within their institutions. This comprehensive view prepares them to foster environments that support educational success, as well as to make informed decisions that positively impact learners, educators, and the institution as a whole. Graduates will also acquire specialised research skills, empowering them to conduct independent inquiries within the education sector and present their findings in a scholarly format. Their competence in blending theory with practical experience enables them to reflect critically on educational practices and managerial challenges, and to use these insights to shape responsive and relevant educational policies. By bridging theory and practice, graduates contribute to creating policies and practices that adapt to the contextual needs of South Africa's education system. This prepares them to lead with a vision grounded in research and a commitment to continuous improvement, helping to drive meaningful change in educational management and policy. The graduate attributes for this qualification have been carefully designed to ensure that Learners develop the essential skills and competencies required for success in educational management. The qualification graduate attributes below align with the institution's Graduate Attributes of communication skills, artificial intelligence and data literacy, critical thinking, ethical awareness, interpersonal skills, innovation and entrepreneurship. With this in mind, the qualification's graduate attributes identified below demonstrate the competencies the student will possess upon completion of the modules and assessments within the qualification: The purpose of the qualification is encapsulated in the qualification's exit-level outcomes, which align to the South African Qualifications Authority National Qualifications Framework competencies for an NQF Level 8 qualification. Upon completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to: Upon completion of the qualification, graduates can aspire to the following positions: In addition, attributes are integrated throughout the learning process. These competencies are fostered through practical applications, reflective practice, and interactive learning experiences, preparing graduates to lead effectively and responsibly in various educational settings. Rationale: Educational management has become increasingly important in the context of rapid global changes in education, requiring leaders who are adept at navigating complex systems and addressing the multifaceted challenges in contemporary education. As educational institutions face challenges such as limited resources, diverse learner needs, and the demand for quality assurance, there is a growing need for educational leaders who can implement evidence-based management practices (Hallinger and Walker, 2020). The qualification is designed to equip professionals with the necessary leadership, strategic planning, and management skills required to manage educational institutions effectively (Bush, 2020). The rationale for such a qualification lies in the growing recognition of education as a key driver for social and economic development. In a South African context, the need for skilled educational leaders is further underscored by the national focus on improving educational quality and addressing the historical inequalities within the education system (Diem and Welton, 2020). The qualification provides the theoretical knowledge and practical competencies needed to navigate these complex educational landscapes and foster environments conducive to learning and development. The need for educational leadership and management has been recognised by various stakeholders in education, including government bodies, academic institutions, international organisations, and professional associations. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has highlighted educational leadership as a crucial component of achieving quality education. In its guidelines, UNESCO emphasises that effective school management and leadership can significantly impact teaching quality, resource utilisation, and overall school performance, particularly in developing countries facing resource constraints (Chimbi, 2024). Organisations like the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and the South African Council for Educators (SACE) have advocated for professional development in educational leadership, as it enables teachers and administrators to fulfil their roles effectively. From affecting Learners and educators to improving learning outcomes and shaping future leaders and productive, positive cultures, the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Management qualification is critical for transforming education for human and planetary flourishing (Salman, 2022). The qualification meets several key needs in the education sector, addressing both current and emerging challenges. Some of the specific needs this qualification addresses include improvement in institutional effectiveness, strategic financial and resource management, quality assurance and accountability, leadership in change management and community and stakeholder engagement (Day, Sammons and Gorgen, 2020). By addressing these needs, this qualification supports the development of skilled leaders and managers who can navigate the complex demands of modern education systems. This ultimately contributes to better educational outcomes and institutional resilience in the face of changing landscapes. This qualification offers several benefits for society and the economy by equipping Learners with the skills that positively impact educational institutions and their surrounding communities. Some of the key benefits to society and the economy offered by the qualification include, improved educational outcomes, increased accountability and efficiency, enhanced social cohesion, development of future leaders, promotion of innovation in education and reduced teacher turnover, leading to a more stable learning environment. This qualification enhances both individual institutions and the broader community by supporting academic achievement, responsible resource use, social integration, and workforce readiness, all of which are essential for societal progress and economic stability. The qualification caters to two main streams of Learners. The first stream includes newly appointed Principals interested in personal capacity development in the General Education and Training (GET), Further Education and Training (FET) and Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) sectors, Education Sector Officials responsible for education management and administration, Subject Advisors, Educational Curriculum Designers and Developers and persons with initial teacher education qualifications looking to further their studies. The second stream targets individuals with a business qualification background, who aim to transition into educational leadership by applying their business management skills to the education sector. This dual focus allows the qualification to serve both seasoned educators and professionals seeking to cross over into education management. While seasoned educators can pursue roles such as School Principals, Deputy Principal, School Head of Department, Managers/Officials in the Education Sector, and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College Heads, professionals with a business background who complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Management qualification are suited for key non-teaching roles within educational institutions. These roles include Financial Managers, Human Resource Managers, Operations Managers, and Compliance or Policy Advisors. In these positions, they leverage their business expertise to manage finances, human resources, operations, and ensure regulatory compliance, contributing to the effective management of educational institutions. In general, upon completion of the qualification, graduates can aspire to the following positions: This qualification articulates horizontally, vertically, and diagonally with a range of educational leadership and management qualifications offered by institutions both internationally and locally across the country. Upon completion of this qualification, Learners can progress from the postgraduate diploma to a master's and ultimately to a doctorate level qualification within the cognate field. The qualification received approval from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) prior to its submission to the Council on Higher Education (CHE) for accreditation. This ensures that the qualification aligns with national educational policies and quality standards, reinforcing its credibility. The qualification not only opens career pathways but also provides structured learning progression for graduates. In terms of learning pathways, graduates can advance vertically within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by moving from this NQF Level 8 qualification to master's level (NQF Level 9) qualifications in education or related fields. Horizontal movement across different areas of educational management is also possible, offering graduates flexibility in their professional development. Furthermore, this structured learning pathway can lead to professional designations, especially when combined with relevant work experience. As for career pathways, the qualification enables graduates to advance to leadership roles in schools and colleges or to transition from business management into education leadership. This not only facilitates entry into specific occupations but also supports ongoing career progression for those already in the education sector. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| The institution recognises the important role that the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) plays in ensuring equitable access and participation in Higher Education. In this process, non-formal and/or informal learning is measured, evaluated, and checked for equivalence or parity with the formal qualification entry requirements. The RPL assessment process will focus on ways of evaluating a person's knowledge and skills acquired through lifelong learning experiences (formal, non-formal and informal) against a set of pre-determined criteria.
Learners are required to submit an RPL application, and the institution's RPL committee shall meet and provide outcomes regarding all RPL applications that are presented before the committee for decisions and recommendations regarding entry into the qualifications for which prospective RPL candidates have applied. The decisions are communicated by the committee to the relevant stakeholders in the enrolment department. The RPL process focuses on estab-lishing whether the student has acquired competence in the following areas: The RPL applicant must: Submit a detailed Portfolio of Evidence with documents required to substantiate RPL applica-tion Or NB: If the applicant's highest accredited qualification has been completed within 5 years to date of the application period, the applicant has to articulate onto the appropriate qualification RPL for access: Assesses whether a candidate's prior experience and learning meet the entry requirements for a qualification, enabling them to be accepted into the qualification. In contrast, RPL for credits and/or exemptions evaluates if this prior learning can be counted towards specific modules within the qualification, potentially shortening the duration or reducing the coursework re-quired. Essentially, RPL for admission determines eligibility for entry, while RPL for credits and exemptions grants academic credit or module exemptions based on previous learning. All RPL applications are subject to evaluation by the RPL committee. No more than 10% of a cohort will be admitted into the qualification based on RPL. 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 a portfolio of evidence. Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess applicants for selection purposes Awarding of Credits: The following standard applies: Credits are awarded for individual modules if, in the opinion of the assessors, the applicant has satisfied at least 80% similarity of the outcomes or meets all or most of the outcomes to determine the suitability of being admitted into the qualification. Credit will only be awarded if the applicant passed the module with a 50% or above pass mark with a 12-credit and above. Credits will also be given through Recognition of Prior Learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. Assessment for Credit Accumulation Transfer (CAT) is conducted using the portfolio of evidence (PoE) submitted by the applicant. The maximum amount of 'specific' credit granted is 50% and credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award. RPL for admission assesses whether a candidate's prior experience and learning meet the entry requirements for a qualification, enabling them to be accepted into the qualification. In contrast, RPL for credits and/or exemptions evaluates if this prior learning can be counted towards specific modules within the qualification, potentially shortening the duration or reducing the coursework required. Essentially, RPL for admission determines eligibility for entry, while RPL for credits and exemptions grants academic credit or module exemptions based on previous learning. All RPL applications are subject to evaluation by the Admissions and Selections Recognition of Prior Learning Committee. Entry Requirements: Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification comprises compulsory and/or elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 100 Credits Elective Modules, Level 8, 20 Credits |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1.Apply management principles in an educational context to provide leadership
2. Demonstrates professional managerial competence through formalising and encouraging critical reflection on both practical experiences and engagement with theory in order to manage contextual challenges to contribute to the development of appropriate education policies 3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the interrelatedness of factors that impinge on the phenomena of education. 4. Conduct independent inquiry in a specialised field of education, training or development, and to report their findings in academically appropriate ways. 5. Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the functioning of educational institutions. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Integrated Assessment The institution's Assessment Strategy aligns with the Council on Higher Education Accreditation Criteria (2012), the National Policy and Criteria for Designing and Implementing Assessment for NQF Qualifications and Part-Qualifications and Professional Designations in South Africa (SAQA, 2014).¿ Integrated assessment requires careful consideration in implementing formative and summative assessment methods, which offer an inclusive and holistic view of Learners' learning. Assessments are aligned with the pre-defined learning outcomes per module, culminating with the qualification exit level outcomes. Formative and summative assessments are diverse in nature, and these encompass knowledge check questions, case studies, and scenario-based questions. Formative assessments allow for regular feedback to Learners, highlighting areas of success and improvement. Summative assessments evaluate student learning after a student's learning journey. Imperative to integrated assessments is the provision of feedback to not only Learners but also internally, whereby the results of assessments play a critical role in informing the development of future assessments, assessment practices and the continuous improvement of the qualification. Assessments at different NQF Levels¿ The institution has recognised a change in its student profile, and more significantly in the learning needs of Learners, nationally and internationally. Correspondingly, there have been several advancements in education technology that better support student success. In pursuit of global relevance and enhanced student success, the institution has taken the decision to participate in this global trend and will initiate the natural progression from distance to online for its qualifications to this end, the institution has undertaken a review of its Assessment Strategy. The Assessment Strategy is outlined within MANCOSA's Assessment Policy. As such the following is provided as rationale for the assessments at NQF level 8 per module:¿ Formative Assessment: Summative Assessment: The final mark is calculated as follows: How to Pass a Module:¿ To pass a module, the following requirements must be met:¿ |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| Country: Ireland
Institution: Maynooth University Name of Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management (Future Leaders Qualification) Purpose of the Qualification: Maynooth University Department of Education offers an exciting, innovative and flexible Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management qualification. It is designed for teachers at all levels who are seeking or who are already in leadership roles, as well as for those who are seeking to develop leadership skills in their educational settings. The qualification is designed specifically to build your knowledge, competences and expertise as you undertake your education leadership journey. The Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management qualification offers a combination of practical skills and theoretical foundations to support preparation for leadership and management positions at all levels. It is designed and delivered by experienced leaders, educators and academics from a variety of professional education roles and has input from national and international academic/practitioner experts in the areas of educational leadership and management. Learning Outcomes: Content: The qualification includes the following modules: Similarities: Differences: The qualification in Ireland has a total of 6 year-long modules, whilst the qualification in South Africa has 8 semester-long modules. The qualification in South Africa is offered through distance learning with online support, whilst the qualification in Ireland is offered through a blended learning model that involves significant face-to-face engagement. Finally, the qualification in South Africa is worth 120 credits whilst the qualification in Ireland is worth 60 credits. Country: New Zealand Institution: University of Auckland Name of Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership Purpose of Qualification This qualification is designed to develop the knowledge and skills that aspiring and current educational leaders need to meet the need for high-quality, equitable learning opportunities for all children. The modules are taught by nationally and internationally respected academic staff whose research has had a considerable impact on New Zealand's educational policy and practice. Learning Outcomes: Content: Similarities: Differences: The modules within the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership qualification in New Zealand are delivered through weekly lectures and on-campus block modules, whilst the qualification in South Africa is offered through distance learning with online support. The qualification in New Zealand has 2 core modules and 12 elective modules, whilst the qualification in South Africa has 5 core modules and 3 elective modules. The qualification in New Zealand requires at least 3 years of practical experience in teaching, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role, to be admitted onto their qualification, whilst South Africa does not require teaching or leadership experience to be admitted onto their qualification. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| MANCOSA appoints external examiners and moderators 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 |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. |
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
| As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. |
| 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. | 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. |