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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 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 | |
| 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 |
| The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management qualification is to develop skilled project management professionals capable of addressing complex project requirements and enhancing organisational effectiveness across diverse industries in South Africa and internationally. Designed to equip learners with advanced skills in project management practices, this qualification prepares graduates to lead projects from conception to completion effectively. Targeted at professionals with prior tertiary qualifications who seek to enter or advance in project management roles, the qualification appeals to learners aiming to elevate their careers by mastering both strategic and operational aspects of project management.
Through the qualification, learners will acquire in-depth competencies in project planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, financial oversight, and project execution, aligned with international standards such as the Project Management Institute's PMBOK guidelines. These skills are essential for managing projects in today's dynamic business environments and are highly valued by employers across sectors including construction, IT, healthcare, and finance. Upon achieving this qualification, graduates will be proficient in designing and implementing project management plans that consider the full project lifecycle, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and optimal resource allocation. Learners will be able to apply advanced project management tools and methodologies, including financial and risk management, to drive project success, while effectively communicating and collaborating with stakeholders across all levels to maintain alignment and transparency. Additionally, learners will be equipped to lead project teams, demonstrating critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for adapting to diverse and complex environments. 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: The qualification graduate attributes identified below demonstrate the competencies the student will possess upon completion of the modules and assessments within the Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management qualification. With the current skills need and the scarcity of qualifications in project management, this qualification aims to produce graduates who are in possession of specific graduate attributes. The below qualification graduate attributes align to the institution's Graduate Attributes of communication skills, innovation and creativity, critical thinking abilities, problem-solving proficiency, leadership potential, teamwork dynamics and adaptability to change. 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: Upon completion of the qualification, learners can aspire to the following positions: This qualification thus provides a strong vocational and professional pathway, positioning graduates as valuable assets in project-focused roles and equipping graduates to make significant contributions within their organisations. Rationale: This qualification has been developed to address a critical gap in current project management education, as well as to meet the increasing demand for skilled project management professionals across sectors (Jobs, 2022). This qualification provides an advanced, standardised approach aligned with both national and global project management standards, such as the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK, 2021). It offers specialised skills essential for modern organisations that are not met by other NQF-registered qualifications, making it a distinct addition to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The qualification addresses the growing need for project management expertise to drive organisational efficiency and support strategic objectives across industries. (PMI, 2021). The qualification addresses critical sector-specific needs identified by industry leaders in construction, engineering, Information Technology (IT), healthcare, and finance, sectors where effective project management is essential. Additionally, the qualification supports South Africa's national strategy to address skills shortages, particularly in high-stakes sectors requiring complex project coordination (Jobs, 2022). The curriculum, structured around PMBOK standards, prepares graduates with competencies that are industry-recognised and critical for the South African economy. By equipping learners with advanced project management skills, the qualification supports economic growth, increases workforce productivity, and contributes to sector strategies, such as the advancement of sustainable practices and resource-efficient project planning. In addition to enhancing employability, it enables graduates to contribute meaningfully to societal needs, such as improved healthcare delivery and infrastructure development, thus benefiting both the national economy and societal well-being (The Standard for Project Management and a Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, 2021). The institution's Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management qualification, was awarded a prestigious renewable three-year accreditation by the international professional body Project Management Institute (PMI). This demonstrates that the institution qualification aligns with PMI's rigorous standards in project management education, thereby ensuring graduates are equipped with PMBOK aligned skills required for the project management industry. This qualification is particularly suited to mid-career professionals in fields such as construction, IT, healthcare, finance, and public administration, as well as recent graduates with a foundational understanding of business or management principles who seek specialised project management skills. Graduates of this qualification are well-prepared for a range of roles, including: Additionally, the qualification enables learners to progress into high-responsibility roles in sectors where project oversight and strategic planning are crucial, such as Project Portfolio Manager and Strategic Project Advisor. The qualification offers pathways to advanced career roles and provides opportunities for further professional development, such as obtaining PMI certifications, for example, Project Management Professional (PMP), Programme Management Professional (PgMP) and pursuing advanced degrees, including Honours or Master's qualifications in Project Management. PMI accreditation significantly enhances the qualification's credibility, ensuring that graduates possess skills aligned with industry standards, contributing effectively to their organisations and the global project management profession. The qualification is designed for graduates with prior tertiary qualifications seeking to enter project management roles or advance within their current positions (Future of Jobs Report, 2023). Typical roles include Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Project Specialist, Operations Manager, Qualification Manager, and PMO Director, all of which require skills in project lifecycle management, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement. This qualification was developed in close consultation with the Council on Higher Education (CHE) to ensure alignment with South Africa's higher education standards and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the Project Management Institute (PMI) was engaged during the development process to secure international recognition from a globally respected body that sets and upholds project management standards. This collaboration with PMI not only enhances the qualification's credibility but also enables graduates to pursue professional designations, such as PMI's Project PMP and PgMP, furthering their career progression in both local and global contexts. The qualification provides a solid foundation for career growth in project management and related fields. Graduates are equipped to pursue roles such as Project Manager, PMO Manager, Qualification Manager, and Qualification Director, opening pathways to recognised professional designations, such as the PMP or PgMP certifications. These opportunities are further enhanced by relevant work experience, positioning graduates to advance both their professional development and their contributions to various industries. This qualification aligns with the institution's Master's qualifications in Business, allowing learners to progress vertically within the NQF framework. Through these advanced qualifications, learners can specialise in strategic project management areas, enhancing their readiness for higher-level roles. The alignment with national and international frameworks also supports horizontal and diagonal articulation with other qualifications, enabling flexibility for learners to transfer credits or partially completed qualifications to similar qualifications at other institutions. Therefore, the qualification forms part of a structured career pathway that allows graduates to grow into progressively senior roles in project management. This learning pathway, when combined with structured work experience, provides the skills and competencies necessary for higher professional designations and strategic positions within the project management field, supporting long-term career mobility and progression. The qualification significantly contributes to societal, economic, and student development by equipping professionals with essential project management skills that drive both organisational and societal advancement. Graduates are trained to manage complex projects that enhance organisational efficiency, optimise resource allocation, and promote sustainable practices, which are increasingly critical in today's economy. By reducing operational waste, managing risks effectively, and ensuring projects meet stakeholder expectations, graduates actively contribute to more productive and sustainable organisations, which, in turn, positively impact broader economic sectors such as infrastructure development, healthcare, and technology. From a societal perspective, project managers focusing on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) contribute to public-sector projects with social impact, such as community infrastructure and renewable energy. By doing so, they help improve quality of life, create jobs, and address critical community needs, thereby directly benefiting society (Silvius and Schipper, 2022). Furthermore, by prioritising sustainable practices, project managers address long-term environmental and social challenges, aligning their projects with societal values and expectations (Silvius and Schipper, 2022). For learners, the qualification offers a direct pathway to leadership roles, enabling them to take on higher levels of responsibility within their organisations. Graduates develop competencies in leadership, strategic thinking, and financial oversight, making them better equipped to lead cross-functional teams and drive innovation. The qualification not only fosters personal career growth but also aligns with broader economic benefits by ensuring that organisations can deliver projects that are on time, within budget, and aligned with national economic growth strategies. In this way, graduates contribute to a resilient economy by delivering projects that boost productivity, foster innovation, and create new job opportunities (Academy to Innovate HR, 2024). |
| 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.
RPL Process 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 which prospective RPL candidates have applied for. The decisions are communicated by the committee to the relevant stakeholders in the enrolment department. The RPL process focuses on establishing 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 application 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 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 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 Entry Requirements: Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory modules, Level 8, 120 Credits |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the core principles related to managing projects
2. Analyse problems and propose strategies to address complex project management problems drawing on the Project Management Body of Knowledge 3. Engage in high-level and successful communication with project stakeholders and the wider project network 4. Utilise Project Management software to solve work-based problems effectively 5. Demonstrate the ability to engage in self-directed learning within the field of project management. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
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 is aligned to 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 to implement 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 in 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 at the completion of a student's learning journey. Imperative to integrated assessments is the provision of feedback not only to learners but also internally, as 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 a number of advancements in education technology that better support student success. In pursuit of global relevance and enhanced student success, MANCOSA has taken the decision to participate in this global trend and will initiate the natural progression from distance to online for its qualifications and 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:¿ 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: United Kingdom
Name of Institution: University of Essex Name of Qualification: Project Management Qualification Purpose of Qualification: The Project Management Qualification at the University of Essex is designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies required to effectively manage projects across diverse industries. The qualification provides a comprehensive understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices, ensuring graduates can successfully plan, execute, and evaluate projects in complex and dynamic environments. Graduates of this qualification will be well-positioned for advanced project management roles and professional certifications, enabling them to make meaningful contributions in sectors such as construction, technology, healthcare, and finance, both within the United Kingdom and globally. Learning Outcomes: Content Similarities: Differences The United Kingdom Project Management qualification offers a fully online qualification, catering to learners who prefer flexible, location-independent learning schedules. In contrast, the South African Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management qualification provides an online learning experience supplemented with interactive webinars, allowing learners to enjoy the convenience of online study with the added engagement of live discussions. Geographically, the United Kingdom qualification has a stronger emphasis on European project management practices. While the South African Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management qualification aligns with both national and international standards, including PMBOK, which ensures its global applicability. Country: Italy Name of Institution: Westford University College Name of Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management Purpose of Qualification: The Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management at Westford University College is designed to develop professionals who can effectively manage projects in a rapidly evolving global business landscape. This qualification equips learners with advanced project management knowledge, strategic thinking, and leadership skills to successfully oversee complex projects across diverse industries. With a strong emphasis on risk management, resource optimisation, and stakeholder engagement, the qualification prepares graduates to navigate the challenges of modern project environments while ensuring efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, learners will gain expertise in agile methodologies, project governance, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, aligning their projects with global best practices and ethical standards. Learning Outcomes: Content: The qualification includes modules focused on project management and implementation, implementation and evaluation of business projects. Similarities: Differences: Accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education, it is available through online or part-time study, catering to working professionals. While the South African Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management qualification focuses on enhancing managerial capacity to improve productivity and service delivery, the United Arab Emirates Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management qualification emphasises strategic project management, fostering a deeper understanding of theories through case studies and critical thinking. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A |
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
| As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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. |