This internationally accredited PGDip Business Management and Administration will help you unlock the skills you need to set up and run your own business or practice, or to prepare yourself for a managerial position. That is why it covers essential management skills such as business finance, marketing management, and entrepreneurship and innovation. It also includes a module on responsible leadership, and a module on understanding the world, which will give you the bigger picture in terms of the global, African and local ecosystems in which you operate. This PGDip can give you access to an MBA.
A transformative learning pathway awaits you – in particular if you see your future self as a manager, leader, specialist, or entrepreneur.
Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate Diploma Business Management and Administration
Modular
Programme dates (On campus):
- 27 February – 3 March (Orientation on the Monday)
- 22 – 26 May
- 14 – 18 August
- 30 October – 3 November
Fees: R101 520
Duration: 1 year or 2 years
Blended
Programme dates (blended):
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16 January (Orientation) Remote. Classes commence 17 January @ 16:00 until 6 December Hyflex
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Blended groups might have the option between below days depending on the cohort size:
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Foundation modules – Tuesday , Wednesdays or Thursdays
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Specialisation modules – Wednesdays
Fees: R101 520
Duration: 1 year or 2 years
What you need to apply
- Academic qualifications: A three-year Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma at NQF level 7, or higher.
- Work experience: A minimum of two years of relevant full-time work experience (preferably at a managerial level).
- Selection test: SHL selection test (see below). This test is done online.
- Essay: You need to write an essay (see below).
- Additional documentation: A comprehensive CV indicating your work experience.
- Highly recommended: Mathematics at NNS (Grade 12) level or equivalent; proficiency in English.
Duration
1 year or 2 years
Choose between 2 formats – both allowing you to study while you work
Blended Learning (combination of online and on campus classes) and Modular (blocks of on-campus classes spread over time). Find more information about Blended Learning’s combination of technology with a strong human touch here.
How to apply
Click here to see the 8 steps of the application process.
Course Structure and Content
It’s about acquiring managerial skills.
Stellenbosch Business School recognised the need of managers and entrepreneurs to obtain a formal business management qualification, but not necessarily an MBA. At the same time, we also recognised the need of those who wanted to prepare themselves for access to an MBA in order to move to senior level positions.
This led to the design of the Postgraduate Diploma Business Management and Administration (PGDip BMA), presented for the first time in 2015, and to its redesign in 2021 to offer you even more flexibility and to make it even easier for you to study while you work.
The joint design of the PGDip BMA and MBA at the Business School allows students to experience an unrivalled learning path when doing the two qualifications in succession. However, the PGDip BMA is also an exit-level qualification that will not leave the graduate who does not want to do the MBA feeling short-changed. The PGDip BMA’s unique focus on general management skills, innovation, entrepreneurship and responsible leadership makes this a meaningful qualification on the African continent.
This PGDip will provide you with a transformative learning experience to acquire the leadership skills, thinking frameworks and capabilities you need to find your way forward – regardless of whether you see your future self in an executive, managerial, specialist or entrepreneurial position.
You need to do 4 of the following 7 foundation phase modules on offer:
The modules of the PGDip BMA are split into a foundation phase (covering skills, frameworks and tools you can apply in any field of work) and a specialisation phase (programme-specific modules).
- Term 1: Understanding the World
- Term 2: Responsible Leadership
- Term 3: Thinking Frameworks OR Business Analytics OR Managing Projects
- Term 4: Organisational Behaviour OR Managing Risk and Uncertainty
You also need to do the 4 specialisation phase modules:
- Term 1: Business Finance
- Term 2: Marketing Management
- Term 3: Business Process Management
- Term 4: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Blended Learning classes
Late-afternoon classes once every week for those doing their PGDip over 1 year, or once every fortnight for those doing their PGDip over 2 years. The blended learning classes are presented online (and also on campus depending on Covid restrictions). Classes are presented on Wednesday afternoons from 16:00 till 20:15 (with a short break from 18:00 to 18:15), and for some foundation modules on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons from 16:00 till 20:15 (with a short break from 18:00 to 18:15). The online classes are presented synchronously with the on-campus classes.
Advantages
- Flexibility: Study while you work with the flexibility of digital class attendance, which means minimum time away from work. Attending regular weekly or fortnightly classes can be likened to running a marathon.
- Less travel: The blended learning delivery option opens up access to students from elsewhere in South Africa, from other African countries and even further afield. This can also lower the opportunity cost to obtain this qualification as you can attend all classes online.
Modular classes
Four full blocks of classes spread over the year if you are doing the one-year PGDip (i.e. morning and afternoon classes from Monday to Friday), or four blocks of either morning or afternoon classes per year if you are doing the two-year PGDip (i.e. morning or afternoon classes from Monday to Friday).
Advantages
- Flexibility: Study while you work, with in-class experience and focused studies. Think of the modular blocks as sprints.
- An immersive experience: Being on campus for a week at a time allows you to focus on your studies without interruption from work. Working with your classmates in a face-to-face environment adds another dimension to collaborative (peer-to-peer) learning and network building.
1-year PGDip - 8 modules
Delivery mode for all modules (foundation and specialisation):
- Blended learning format: 1 late afternoon session per week for 40 weeks + 4 weeks of assessments
- Modular format: 4 full modular blocks spread over the year (i.e. mornings and afternoons)
2-year PGDip - 8 modules
Delivery of foundation modules in Year 1:
- Blended learning format: 1 late afternoon session every second week
- Modular format: 4 block weeks per year with classes either in the morning or the afternoon
Delivery of specialisation modules in Year 2:
- Blended learning format: 1 late afternoon session every second week
- Modular format: 4 block weeks per year with classes either in the morning or the afternoon
Notes:
- Each modular block runs from Monday to Friday, except the first modular block which runs from Monday to Saturday.
- South African students who select the 2-year option will be able to pay their fees over 2 years.
Programme Head
Sonja
Cilliers
Need more information?
Download brochure to discover more about our programmes
This internationally accredited PGDip BMA will help you unlock the skills you need to set up and run your own business or practice, or to prepare yourself for a managerial position. That is why it covers essential management skills such as business finance, marketing management, and entrepreneurship and innovation.
Programme Fees
Application fee and SHL tests for 2023
Tuition fees for 2023
Important:
- Payment of full programme fees for South African students: Students on the 1-year PGDip can pay the full programme fees upon registration, or they can pay 75% of the annual fees by the end of May and the balance of 25% by the end of September. Students on the 2-year PGDip can spread their payment over 2 years.
- Payment of full programme fees for international students: International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due two weeks before commencement of the programme.
- Deposit: All students pay a deposit on acceptance of admission. South African students must pay a set deposit on admittance. International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The deposit payable is non-refundable.
- Application fee: The application fee must accompany the application. The application fee is non-refundable.
- Additional fees for international students: International students pay an International Registration Fee (IRF) per academic year. Students from countries other than those in the Southern African Development Community also pay an International Tuition Fee (ITF) (i.e. students from SADC countries are exempt from the ITF).
- SHL selection test fees: See Admission requirements for details about this selection test.
- Study materials: Study fees include tuition, assessment and e-textbooks.
- Travel and accommodation: Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs.
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply
- Academic qualifications: A three-year Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma at NQF level 7, or higher.
- Work experience: A minimum of two years of relevant full-time work experience (preferably at a managerial level).
- Selection test: SHL selection test (see below). This test is done online.
- Essay: You need to write an essay (see below).
- Additional documentation: A comprehensive CV indicating your work experience.
- Highly recommended: Mathematics at NNS (Grade 12) level or equivalent; proficiency in English.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Business School provides wider access to its programmes through its RPL process. This means that, even if you do not have the required qualifications, you can still apply based on the management experience you have gained. You still need to submit all the documentation and tests as required for all prospective students, plus additional requirements. See Recognition of prior learning lower down in this section.
International students
International students require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate to evaluate their degrees according to South African standards. The Business School’s International Affairs Office will first handle the credential evaluations of international students free of charge. Students need to complete the online application and upload all certificates with their application. The International Affairs Office will, as part of the application process, conduct an in-house credential evaluation after you have submitted your application. However, should the International Affairs Office be uncertain about the status, recognition or accreditation of your qualification, we reserve the right to refer you to SAQA before we consider your application further.
Vetting process: All degrees undergo a formal vetting process to eliminate fraudulent applications.
Working professionals:
- Managers who wish to complete an MBA but who do not qualify for entry directly into a Master’s programme. Successful completion of the PGDip BMA at a particular standard (65% average) will allow entry into the MBA. Students who did not obtain 65% average are still welcome to apply for the MBA, but will be treated like any other applicant and will have to comply with the full set of admission requirements, including selection tests.
- Entrepreneurs and managers who want to broaden their management skills, but who do not necessarily want to enrol for an MBA and/or who do not want to do research on MBA level.
- Managers and leaders who work full-time, who cannot afford lengthy residency periods at the Business School, and/or who prefer to do most of their learning off-campus.
RPL candidates who wish to enrol for an MBA with us:
- All Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) candidates who do not have an NQF 6 qualification have to complete an appropriate Postgraduate Diploma before doing the MBA.
You need to complete the SHL abilities selection test as part of your application process. The test consists of verbal, numerical and inductive reasoning tests, which are used for selection and for the identification of your development areas.
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
- Preparation: No preparation is required. However, you are encouraged to perform a practice test to familiarise yourself with the test format. See www.shl.com/shldirect/en-us/practice-tests/
- About the test: The SHL test is done online. (Random verification might be requested.) You will be provided with a link to the SHL test once you have paid your PGDip BMA application fee and SHL selection test fee, and after you have submitted your application form and have received your provisional student number. (You need to use this provisional student number when writing the SHL.)
- Cost: For fees, please see www.usb.ac.za/pgdbma (click on Fees tab). See bank details under How to apply and use your provisional student number as reference. The application fee and SHL selection test fee can be paid online, and they are non-refundable.
- Link to the SHL selection test: You do not have to arrange with us to write the SHL test. You will receive a link to the test once the relevant payments have been received and you have submitted your application form. We will receive your results directly from SHL and will upload it to your application form on your behalf.
- Additional information: www.shl.co.za and www.shl.com/en/assessments/cognitive-ability/
- Important: The SHL selection test is valid for 18 months. If your SHL selection test results are older than this, you should ideally rewrite the test as people grow and develop and assessments need to take this into account. We do not consider SHL tests from other institutions as you may have written a different type or level of test, or you may have been compared to a different comparison group. If you have completed the SHL with us during the past 18 months, you do not have to rewrite the test.
An essay of between 400 and 500 words on the topic outlined below is to be submitted in pdf format:
Stellenbosch Business School aspires to be a source of value for a better world. How are your career goals aligned with being a source of value for a better world, and how would this postgraduate programme assist you in achieving your short-term (2 to 3 years) and long-term (10 years) career goals?
Stellenbosch Business School provides wider access to its programmes through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. In line with the requirements of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), we may admit up to 10% of our student body per programme under RPL. RPL candidates need to submit all the documentation and tests as required for all prospective students.
In addition, prospective RPL candidates applying for a Postgraduate Diploma with us have to adhere to the following:
- Have at least an NQF 4 qualification.
- Have at least 10 years of working experience after obtaining a school leaving certificate, of which at least five years should have been in a management or related professional position.
- Submit a comprehensive CV, indicating detailed areas of responsibility as well as information of activities outside the work environment.
- Provide the Business School with at least two references who can testify about the candidate’s managerial or related professional abilities (typically current or former line managers). The references will be asked to give a detailed personal reference of the candidate on forms that can be download from the application form.
The RPL selection process entails the following:
- The Business School’s Admissions Committee (programme head and another academic) will conduct an in-depth interview with the candidate.
- If the Committee is of the opinion that the candidate has the ability to cope with the demands of the Postgraduate Diploma, they may be admitted.
- A recommendation of admission is sent via the Business School’s Academic Planning Committee to the Board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences for notification.
- RPL candidates need to apply by 31 October to allow sufficient time for the assessment process.
Contact Us
If you need more information on programmes or need support with the application process, contact us here:
Programme enquiries and support with the applications process
Charmaine Garcia
Telephone : +27 (0) 21 918 4246
Email: [email protected]
Admission and registration enquiries
Joanne Sleigh
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 918 4239
Email: [email protected]
What our students and alumni say
What our students and alumni say
What our students and alumni say
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Postgraduate Diploma Business Administration provides access to our MBA. Graduates will get recognition for 32 credits (15%) on the MBA.
No. This learn-while-you-earn programme has two formats: a blended learning format which combines on-campus and online classes, and a modular format covered in five on-campus blocks over the year. Find more information about Blended Learning’s combination of technology with a strong human touch here.
All PGDip modules are assessed. Specific timeslots are allocated for assessments. A combination of assessments is used, which may include individual assignments, team assignments and individual tests.
Yes, but on a volunteer basis only. Alumni from Stellenbosch Business School offer to mentor students during their studies and to provide career or industry advice. This service is offered in association with our Alumni Relations Office and Career Leadership Office.
Academic assistance is offered via a web-based learning environment, various software and database resources, small-team study groups, informal learning groups and tutorials for certain modules.
Being fully prepared for each class session is extremely important. This starts with the compulsory reading and completion of online work prior to the contact sessions on campus. When you make time available to spend with the learning material prior to each block you will not fall into a pattern of playing catch-up at the time. This will help you to enjoy your studies, contribute in class and succeed in your studies.
Yes, students can spread the payment of their fees:
Payment of full programme fees for South African students: Students pay a set deposit on admittance. Students on the 1-year PGDip can pay the full programme fees upon registration, or they can pay 75% of the annual fees by the end of May and the balance of 25% by the end of September. Students on the 2-year PGDip can spread their payment over 2 years.
Payment of full programme fees for international students: International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due 2 weeks before commencement of the programme.
The closing dates for each programme appear on the web page for that programme. In general, the closing dates for international applicants from non-SADC African countries and rest of world close approximately three months prior to the closing date for applicants from South Africa and (visa-exempt) SADC countries. Obtaining a study permit (study visa) from the South African authorities takes up to 12 weeks from the date of being offered a place on a programme at Stellenbosch Business School – hence the early application deadline for international students. RPL candidates (all programmes) need to apply by 31 October each year.
Yes. This PGDip has been redesigned with this flexibility in mind. This gives you options such as the following:
- Duration flexibility: Study over 1 year or over 2 years.
- Format flexibility: Attend classes online (blended learning) or on campus (modular).
If you choose the 1-year PGDip in the blended learning format, you will have 1 late afternoon session once a week. If you choose the 2-year PGDip in the blended learning format, you will have 1 late afternoon session once every fortnight. This means minimum time away from work. The blended-learning classes are delivered synchronously with the on-campus classes. If you opt for the blended-learning classes, you will be able to immerse yourself in a premium learning experience using an internet-linked laptop from wherever you are in the world.
If you choose the 1-year PGDip in the modular format, you will have 4 full modular blocks spread over the year (i.e. mornings and afternoons). If you choose the 2-year PGDip in the modular format, you will have 4 block weeks per year with classes either in the morning or the afternoon. These classes are presented on campus (unless Covid restrictions prevent this, in which case the classes will be presented online). The modular classes provide you with in-class experience and focused studies without work interruptions.
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