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 Business Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
76924  Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Milpark 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  130  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of this postgraduate diploma is to equip a student with the skills, knowledge and attributes needed to become more marketable for employment purposes, and better equipped academically to pursue further study. Graduates with this qualification may follow a career in general management and business administration.

The curriculum and design of the programme is designed to ensure that the Postgraduate Diploma: Business Administration programme equips present and future business leaders to develop their careers and the sectors of the South African economy in which they operate. The Postgraduate Diploma: Business Administration student body will therefore also reflect the diversity of our population and address the transformational needs of the South African economy. Milpark Business School's Postgraduate Diploma: Business Administration programme aims to contribute towards fulfilling the need of upgrading the skills levels of staff in a business environment.

Rationale:

The Postgraduate Diploma: Business Administration is designed to perform two functions. The first is to cap a Bachelor of Commerce degree with the skills and knowledge required to operate at a more senior level in the business environment. The second is to provide an academic bridge to further study at Master's level. Postgraduate Diploma: Business Administration will thus provide an advanced business qualification or application in their chosen careers while enabling them to pursue further studies in the area of business administration and/or management.

Employers actively seek graduates with effective skills across a number of aspects of business administration. The Postgraduate Diploma: Business Administration addresses this need by providing more in-depth knowledge and higher level skills in the areas of importance to business administration. 

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

Recognition of Prior Learning access: mature age applicants and applicants with non South African school leaving qualifications or previous tertiary education experience, may be considered. However, recognition of prior learning assessment will be considered only on condition that it is assessed as equal to a formal 360 credit Bachelor's qualification.

Access to the Qualification:

The minimum level of learning required for a student to enter and complete the Milpark Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration is an appropriate NQF Level 6/HEQF Level 7 qualification.

Further, given that the language of instruction is English, a student entering the programme must be competent in the use of English at a level appropriate for a graduate with a first degree. Foreign applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide proof of proficiency in English to obtain admission to the qualification. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
Level, total credits required, credits and learning components assigned to the qualification:
  • The Postgraduate Diploma: Business Administration programme is on HEQF Level 8.
  • The total number of credits is 130, all at HEQF Level 8. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrated ability to read and interpret introductory, functional and advanced literature in the field of management science.

    2. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, using graphical and language skills in the modes of oral and or written presentation.

    3. Demonstrated understanding of the business world as a set of open systems in which each element is embedded in an array of interrelated elements.

    4. Demonstrated ability to collect, organise, analyse, and critically evaluate relevant information to enhance management decision-making.

    5. Demonstrated initial research skills.

    6. Demonstrated ability to identify and solve problems in the field of Business Management, using critical and creative thinking.

    7. Demonstrated awareness of the economic, social and political factors which affect public managers and business people.

    8. Demonstrated practical ability to apply the conceptual knowledge and practical skills in a specific work context, either working alone or in teams.

    Critical Cross Field Outcomes:

    Qualifying learners will be required to demonstrate competence in the following Critical Cross Field Outcomes:

    Identify, systematically examine, critically evaluates and solves problems in which responses display that responsible decisions have been made, using critical and creative thinking:
    > Solve problems by methodically exploring the issues and reflecting on given data to establish a variety of possible solutions to problems in the business management contexts.
    > Consider the current and alternative circumstances in which problems should be solved.
    > Interpret relevant data/information to apply appropriate problem solving skills (using mathematical, communication and industry specific skills) and arrive at appropriate solutions.

    Organize and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively:
    > Develop clear planning and logical organisation abilities to achieve the learning outcomes within specified timeframes.
    > A high level of attention to detail in carrying out tasks methodically.
    > Deadlines are met and solutions reached through the effective use of available and allocated resources.

    Collect, analyse, organizes and critically evaluates information:
    > Data and information is accurately evaluated for purpose, clarification and understanding and this is reflected nit he responses submitted.
    > Data and information is analysed in order to effectively identify key facts and/or elements.
    > Critical and reflective thinking is used to interpret and organize information and data appropriately.

    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
    > Behaviour and actions are sensitive to the various cultures, working environments and sectors.
    > Actions are conducted with honesty and integrity through the adherence of a code of conduct and within the framework of the legislation and ethical provisions relating to financial planning.

    Self manage skills development from the range of experiences and learning opportunities available:
    > Gain learning and understanding from others including tutors, workshops and fellow students.
    > Complete tasks, assignments and activities to maximise the benefit (completion of this qualification).

    Transfer skills and continuous learning to organizational setting:
    > Successful application of knowledge, understanding and inference of information into the workplace/practical environment, activities and processes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:
  • Articulate a coherent and critical understanding of the principles and theories of management.
  • Analyse, compare and critique management theories as it relates to the various disciplines.
  • Discern authoritative sources and authors.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:
  • Create various types of business related documents using electronic, multimedia and other appropriate equipment.
  • Obtain data from a variety of sources and use it constructively to produce relevant information.
  • Present and communicate academic/professional work effectively catering for a range of audiences by using a range of different genres appropriate to the context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:
  • Identify input, transformation and output elements of organisations as open systems.
  • Integrate all parts of the whole when conceptualising business strategies.
  • Extrapolate basic managerial economics and the impact of the economic environment on business.
  • Integrate social scientific analysis of the global, African region and South African environments of business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:
  • Illustrate integrative general management approaches to combine the various functional disciplines (human resources, finance, operations, marketing and strategy) to create value.
  • Synthesise and independently evaluate quantitative and/or qualitative data to support effective decision making.
  • Demonstrate a holistic management approach for the day to day running of a department, division or company.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:
  • Engage with current research and scholarly literature in management science field.
  • Understand generic research methods, techniques and technologies and an ability to select these appropriately for a particular research problem.
  • Produce a Strategic Report by applying the appropriate research methodology and completion of a literature study.
  • Present and communicate academic work effectively in terms of reaching conclusions and making recommendations.
  • Utilise academic writing and referencing skills.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

    Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:
  • Make sound theoretical judgments based on evidence and an ability to think epistemologically.
  • Identify, analyse and deal with complex real world problems and issues using evidence based solutions and theory driven arguments.
  • Initiate and manage the process and structural approaches to innovation.
  • Institutionalise business process re-engineering, resource planning and project planning, computer integrated manufacturing, work methods, measurements and standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

    Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:
  • Articulate the legal, political and regulatory controls that define promote and limit business practice opportunities.
  • Analyse socio-economic growth and development within an international environment.
  • Describe the fundamental interactions of law, politics, ethics and corporate social responsibility.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

    Competence is evident when the candidate is able to:
  • Apply a structured approach to managing organisations and people in terms of motivation, group dynamics, organisational communication processes, leadership, power, authority, team and organisational development, and inter and intrapersonal dynamics for achievement of corporate goals.
  • Develop strategies by applying basic tools for the strategic analysis of the external and internal environment of the organisation.
  • Understand financial literacy as generalist users of accounting and financial information for the purposes of business decision making and control.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The quality of the assessment is vital in order to provide credible certification and recognition of achievement. The institution makes every effort to ensure credibility in assessment through the application of clear and rigorous procedures and practices. These procedures and practices are controlled by the principles of fairness, validity, reliability and practicability. By implementing these principles, all parties concerned (including students, employers and learning institutions) may be assured of the credibility of the assessment process. It is in this way that accurate information about the student's performance against the assessment criteria may be provided.

    Integrated Assessment is used extensively across the qualification, particularly in the case studies. Self and formative assessment takes place through case studies, assignments, including the writing of proposals and financial plans. Summative assessments are integrated into the learning in that they take place at the end of each of the constituent modules of the programme. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    N/A 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Postgraduate Diploma is at NQF Level 8 and is similar to an Honour's degree in that it allows or access to several NQF Level 8 qualifications, including but not limited to:
  • Advanced Postgraduate Diplomas in relevant fields (UFS).
  • Master in Business Administration (offered by several public and private providers throughout the country including the Milpark Business School, UFS, MANCOSA, Wits, and UNISA). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal moderation of all assessment is carried out by the academic staff of the institution. Internal moderators are qualified at least one NQF level higher than that of the learners. External moderation of assessment is performed by suitably qualified persons across the country.

    Examiners and assessors must develop suitable assessment instruments that adhere to the basic principles of assessment, address the assessment criteria and adequately cover the exit-level outcomes in relation to the purpose of the qualification. This is a whole qualification and summative assessment takes the form of a national written examination as well as a formative assignment. Examinations are scheduled twice a year and new examination and assignment papers are set per sitting.
  • Anyone moderating the assessment of a student against this Qualification must be appropriately qualified/hold a qualification at least one NQF Level higher.
  • The institution's marking and moderation policy is as follows:

    Formative and Summative Assessment:
  • Assignments and exam papers:
    > All assignments and examination papers must be marked centrally.
    > Full-Time academic staff must moderate a sample of at least 10% of the marked scripts internally.
    > External moderators are required to assess at least an additional 10% percent of the scripts per module written.
    > Completed external moderator reports are returned for sign-off.
    > The marking and moderation of scripts must be completed within a reasonable period from the date of assessment.
    > Results must be released within a reasonable period from the date of assessment.
    > The marked assignment and a copy of the marking memorandum must be made available to the student at least one week prior to the exam sitting.

    One of the objectives of rigorous external moderation and examination procedures, and of the ongoing interaction with academic staff at other tertiary level institutions and representatives of industry, is to ensure that the content and standard of the curriculum is such that the learners will have the opportunity for both vertical and horizontal articulation, both within and outside the institution.

    The final assessments of all modules in the curriculum are moderated by external examiners who are academic staff members of public higher education institutions or appropriately qualified industry practitioners. 
    		•

    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 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. Milpark 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.