An excessive unemployment rate, in turn, results in socioeconomic challenges such as reduced tax revenues, and increased government borrowing, poverty and general social unrest. The impact of high unemployment is thus felt by all citizens, and the current situation should be cause for concern for all of us.

In the past, government and bigger corporates were almost exclusively tasked with the responsibility to create more jobs. In some sectors, such as manufacturing and agriculture, this was a fairly easy task as large swathes of the population could be absorbed into the workforce. With the introduction of automation and the simultaneous pressure to continuously reduce costs, big businesses are gradually cutting their workforces and freezing recruitment drives. In essence, we can no longer rely on the public sector and big business to help solve the complex unemployment crisis.

Mitigate Unemployment with Specialist Skills

One way to start tackling the issue of unemployment is to stimulate innovative entrepreneurial ventures. As mentioned by President Ramaphosa numerous times, sustainable economic growth will only be achieved through establishing an entrepreneurial culture and encouraging individuals to start their own small businesses. For this reason, the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management has been designed with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.

The PGDip BMA programme is thus the perfect qualification for someone who wants to start a business, or who might need the requisite business acumen to scale an existing venture. However, the generalist nature of the programme means that the content covered is equally relevant to entrapreneurs, who would like to identify and grow new opportunities, but would prefer to remain within the corporate environment or within the public sector

All modules on the programme are focused on developing responsible leaders who can address contemporary business challenges. Throughout the programme, you will be exposed to content that will assist in nurturing your ability to recognise opportunities, to think critically, to take a structured approach to problem solving, and to formulate innovative and practical responses to challenges. These skills are vital for business leaders, regardless of industry or position in the organisational hierarchy.

Promote Collaboration and Idea Sharing

In addition to the content covered, one of the key strengths of PGDip BMA is the peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities that students are exposed to. A typical PGDip BMA class comprises individuals of all ages, from diverse cultural backgrounds, who also work in diverse industries. It is this diversity that leads to robust debate during classes. Imagine a financial analyst from Windhoek, a marketing manager from Durban, and an optometrist from Mauritius discussing whether or not a retailer should invest in a new distribution center – this is the type of discussion you can look forward to in your PGDip BMA classes.

Student-centric Approach to Instruction

Further, taking on feedback from students, our PGDip BMA programme now offers additional flexibility and customisation options. Take a look at how you can benefit:

• Option flexibility: Blended or modular learning? One year or two? You choose your format and duration.
• Access flexibility: Benefit from our stackable micro-credentials on a postgraduate level in lieu of modules (start your postgraduate career with the completion of short courses).
• Foundation: The first 50% of your studies focus on responsible leadership, global ecosystems and thinking frameworks.
• Specialisation: Specialisation modules are programme-specific to the field you’ve chosen.
• Network diversity: Attend classes with a diverse group sharing work-related experiences and know-how.
• Competitive pricing: Competitive pricing for easier access into our internationally accredited offerings.

Opportunities for Further Education

Although some students choose the PGDip BMA as their exit qualification, many others prefer to continue their academic journey at the Stellenbosch Business School and will move on to their MBA. We have designed the PGDip BMA and MBA degrees in such a way that any student who maintains an average of 65% (or above) on the PGDip BMA gains automatic entry to the MBA. There are also credits for particular modules on the PGDip BMA, which means that these modules do not have to be repeated on the MBA. Here are your BMA qualification options at the postgraduate level:

1. PhD:

Stellenbosch Business School’s PhD in Business Management is aimed at those who want to undertake supervised research to become an expert in their field, which requires a contribution to new knowledge through rigorous research.

1. MBA:

Stellenbosch Business School’s triple-accredited Masters of Business Administration turns managers, professionals, specialists and entrepreneurs into exceptional decision-makers, strategic thinkers, effective communicators and stewards of society. Streams available: Generalist, Health Care Leadership, Management of International Organisations, Project Management.

1. PGDip:

Stellenbosch Business School’s PGDip BMA is ranked 2nd in Africa in the General Management category and covers essential management skills such as business finance, marketing management, and entrepreneurship and innovation.

Whatever your reasons are for studying, you can be assured that the PGDip BMA provides a solid business management foundation for your postgraduate learning journey.