Project Management - #KeepLearning - Postgraduate Diploma - USB Stellenbosch
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Project Management
Postgraduate Diploma
Learn how to confidently manage projects
in a competitive business environment
#KeepLearning
1Contents
03 04 05 06 09 11
Acquire skills to Message from the Message from the 10 reasons to study Overview of the What will you
future-proof your Director of USB Programme Head at USB programme gain from this
career in an uncertain qualification?
world
12 13 13 14 19 19
Learning outcomes Who should enrol? Format: learn on Overview of modules Admission How to apply
campus and online requirements
21 21 22 23 24 25
Timetable Application deadlines Programme fees Recognition of Prior International Facilities, resources
Learning students and services
25 26
USB Alumni Contact us
Association
2Acquire skills to future-proof your career in an
uncertain world
The world, and the way in which we USB’s areas of expertise include business
live and work, can change in an instant. management, development finance,
It can turn the familiar into something futures studies, management coaching,
frightening; it can also create enormous leadership development, project
opportunities. management and financial planning. All of
USB’s programmes benefit from these areas
What are the skills we need to navigate our of expertise in one way or another. It also
way through the uncertainty, trust deficits creates ample opportunities for continued
and rapid change? How do we rebuild growth.
economies and rethink our businesses?
If you want your learning to be
According to the World Economic Forum, transformative and your leadership
adaptability is one of the key competencies journey to bring both personal and
we need right now. When we are professional growth, USB’s PGDip in Project
adaptable, we can use new learning to Management will serve you well.
challenge our thinking and change our
behaviour; we can reinvent ourselves and Now is not the time to stop learning.
our environments.
Source
USB’s internationally accredited World Economic Forum. (2020). 4 ways COVID-19 could change
Postgraduate Diploma in Project how we educate future generations. https://www.weforum.
Management is particularly suited to org/agenda/2020/03/4-ways-covid-19-education-future-
generations/
help you future-proof your career in a
rapidly changing world. The programme
incorporates advanced management skills
and strategic project management skills,
allowing you to fill senior-level positions in
any organisation.
Project management is universally
accepted as a scarce skill. Proficient
project managers are in high demand. It
is therefore completely understandable
that Fortune Magazine identified Project
Management as the number one career
choice.
3Message from the
Director of USB
Thank you for your interest in the University of • We will widen your strategic vision while
Stellenbosch Business School. You have come to the right also equipping you with operational skills in
place to discover and develop your leadership potential. fields like responsible leadership, finance,
strategy and marketing.
We are one of the few “Triple Crown” business schools in
the world. These are schools with all three of the major • We will carefully assist you to select one of our
international accreditations, namely AACSB (from the programmes, and then engage with you to
USA-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools leave us as a changed person.
of Business), EQUIS (from the Brussels-based European
Foundation for Management Development) and AMBA USB is a values-driven school. We embed our values
(from the UK-based Association of MBAs). You therefore – which are excellence, value creation, equity,
know in advance that the standards of our academic accountability, respect and compassion – in everything
programmes, infrastructure, and learner support are we do.
benchmarked against the best.
We are part of Stellenbosch University – the top research
We would also like to share the following about USB: university in Africa – and steer our research agenda to
inform business and the content of our curricula. Via
• We are deeply committed to Africa. At the same our Small Business Academy and annual Lion’s Den we
time, we educate you to function in a global create value for budding entrepreneurs to improve their
business world. businesses and create jobs in their communities.
• We will introduce you to the latest theories in a Ultimately, USB wants to be recognised as a source of
particular field while also providing you with value for a better world.
opportunities for practical application in your
business. Prof Piet Naudé
USB Director
• We will walk the road to sharpen your critical
thinking abilities while also igniting your passion
for better business skills.
“From a business school
perspective, social
development in South Africa
happens through empowering
students to understand their
role as responsible leaders
when they go back into
society.”
4“Learn how to confidently manage
projects in a competitive business
environment.”
Message from
the Programme Head
Managers are facing increasingly complex challenges, USB’s internationally accredited Postgraduate Diploma in
having to contend with rapid changes stemming Project Management goes beyond project management
from the constant obsolescence of their products and know-how. It incorporates advanced management
with the need to quickly respond to their markets and skills and strategic project management skills, enabling
opportunities. Project management is concerned with graduates of this programme to fill senior-level positions
delivering a specified, discontinuous deliverable by a in organisations that require such expertise to perform
specific team representing the various specialist skills optimally and compete globally.
required, against planned performance, time and cost
targets, and is therefore eminently suited to contend with Competent project managers who understand business
the above reality. The reality is that project management are needed in all industry sectors, all over the world. This
is a scarce competency. Hence, it is listed as a scarce skill programme will help to get you there. It can also give you
in South Africa. Our programme focuses on capacitating access to an MBA.
project managers with solutions that make business
MC Botha
sense.
Programme Manager
510 reasons to
study at USB
1
KEEP ON LEARNING
The World Economic Forum says adaptability is one of the
key competencies we need in an uncertain and rapidly
changing world. When we are adaptable, we can use
new learning to challenge our thinking and change our
behaviour. USB’s programmes are particularly suited to help
you unlock the skills you need to navigate this new world,
reinvent your business and rebuild the economy.
2
STUDY AT A SCHOOL WITH 3
INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS
3
GROW AS A RESPONSIBLE LEADER
USB’s mission is to develop responsible leaders who can
USB was the first school from an African university to lead on different levels (me, we, work, world) to bring about
receive all three international accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS positive change. This is ingrained into USB’s programmes –
and AMBA. The school is well ranked in South Africa and in particular the MBA.
Africa, and also globally.
4
LEARN FROM WORLD-CLASS
LECTURERS
5
BENEFIT FROM USB’S BUSINESS
CONNECTIONS
The quality of the lecturers on USB’s core courses has Our close cooperation with industry ensures an academic
been rated as excellent by 89% of USB’s alumni in a 2019 offering aligned with the needs of the world of work.
Financial Mail survey. Collaboration also leads to commissioned research, access
to employers’ recruitment platforms, and increased societal
impact through initiatives such as USB’s Small Business
Academy, Lion’s Den and Consulting Club. We have local
and global business leaders on our Advisory Board.
66
GAIN A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
USB is part of Stellenbosch University, an international
7
TAP INTO OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE
USB has become known for its African-focused, but
institution of distinction and the top research university in globally relevant, expertise in areas such as sustainable
Africa. USB has partnerships with business schools on all the development, futures research, development finance,
continents and has a presence in various African regions. ethics and corporate governance, responsible leadership
Joint research, faculty members serving on international development, management coaching and emerging-
boards, international memberships, jointly presented country economics.
conferences and the exchange of faculty members and
students contribute to USB’s global perspective of business
knowledge.
8
USE COLLABORATIVE LEARNING TO
YOUR ADVANTAGE
9
REMAIN RELEVANT THROUGH THE
BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE WE SHARE
Our students come from different industry backgrounds, USB creates business knowledge through its research
cultures and geographies. This diversity enables them centres, academic conferences, research fellowships, the
to learn from one another and to work with different research undertaken by its faculty members and students,
perspectives. Our alumni regularly cite collaborative and various academic and industry partnerships. We share
learning as a highlight of their learning journey. our research on various platforms – like our journals,
USB Management Review and speaker events.
10
JOIN A SCHOOL WITH STRONG
SOCIAL IMPACT
At USB social impact is about creating hope for people and
advancing change for a flourishing world. This emanates
from our teaching, learning and research as we strive to
be responsible leaders who work with others to enhance
quality of life, create a spirit of generosity, and work for a fair
and just society.
7Postgraduate Diploma
in Project Management
I believe the following quote by the USA-based Project Management Institute summarises USB’s learning approach in the PGDip PM:
“We are looking for project managers with skills beyond project management. The more context that project managers have, the more
value they have to that company. If project management applicants can expand the description [of their project management work]
into a business context that will serve them extremely well.”
MC Botha, Programme Manager: Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
Manage projects
Acquire a scarce skill
with confidence
Study while you work: Acquire an
2 on-campus blocks internationally
+ blended learning accredited
classes in between qualification
2 years Gain access to an MBA
8Overview of the programme
Managers are facing increasingly complex challenges, having to contend with rapid changes stemming from constant obsolescence of
their products, and the need to respond quickly to changing markets and new opportunities. This situation will be exacerbated in the
post-Covid-19 period with most of these challenges being of a discontinuous nature and increasingly requiring functional inputs across
the organisation, across various organisations or even across various countries. Strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring business reliance
or business process re-engineering will require a comprehension of the implementation benefits that can be derived from structured
project management methodologies.
How does one acquire such project management skills? USB’s internationally accredited Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
focuses on the business management of projects. This will allow you to confidently manage and contextualise projects in a competitive
business. It is the only qualification of its kind delivered by a business school in South Africa.
The programme content is covered from a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspective that will assist students to understand
and manage the complex, multidimensional challenges faced by top-level project managers. A natural progression after completing
the PGDip PM will be to consider our MBA with the Project Management focal area. This qualification capacitates managers to deal with
project strategy on portfolio and sponsorship level.
The programme requires high-level engagement with theoretical frameworks and international literature, and reflection on national
and international project management practices. Students are required to research and analyse the areas covered in the programme,
and to formulate recommendations that indicate critical intellectual engagement and independent thinking.
This PGDip reflects on both the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide, 6th edition) as well as Prince 2®
Methodology.
USB is associated with Project Management South Africa (PMSA), which recognises this qualification towards the designation of either
Professional Project Manager or Senior Project Manager. The comprehensive last assignment on the PGDip is regarded by PMSA as part
of the portfolio of evidence that is required for consideration of a designation.
The programme will widen access to advanced learning in business, commerce, management and project management for students
who do not have formal qualifications above Bachelor’s degrees. Passed at a certain level, it can provide access to an MBA. It will also
enable graduates to gain Continuing Professional Development points to satisfy the requirements of the Engineering Council of South
Africa (ECSA).
9Overview of the programme
8 NQF level Assessment:
A mix of interactive lectures, course material and
120 credits case studies. Handbooks, guidelines, articles,
journal articles and a matrix or checklists will serve
Learn-while-you-earn format: as reference material for future project design and
Blended learning programme (6 blocks of 1 week delivery.
each over 2 years) where the first and last modules
are attended on campus. The modules in between are Language of tuition:
delivered online via any internet-linked device. The on- English
campus blocks are presented at the USB campus in the
Tyger Valley business district in northern Cape Town. Information sessions:
This allows students to study while they work, with USB hosts information sessions – usually in
minimum time away from work. Cape Town, Johannesburg and Windhoek. This is
where you can obtain first-hand information on USB’s
International accreditation: programmes and meet faculty members, alumni
EQUIS and support staff. See www.usb.ac.za/events for
dates, venues and booking details. Or send e-mail to
Delivery format: projectmanagement@usb.ac.za or call
Class contact and blended learning sessions (modules), +27 (0)21 918 4246.
syndicate groups, independent self-study of standard
texts and references (study guides, books, journal Faculty:
articles), independent self-study of specially prepared Besides its full-time and part-time academic staff,
materials (case studies, multi-media, etc.). many of whom have distinguished themselves as
organisational leaders, USB welcomes international
academics and experts to lecture on its postgraduate
programmes. This gives you exposure to academic
learning and real-world experience from across the
globe.
See USB’s faculty at www.usb.ac.za/usb-people/.
10What will you gain
from this qualification?
Manage projects with confidence in a competitive Take on managerial positions in any industry
business environment
This qualification equips executive managers with specialist
This programme equips project managers with strategic project management competencies to use in various contexts
project management competence, enabling them to position anywhere in the world – from SMMEs and NGOs to large
their organisations to compete successfully in a complex organisations and multinational global players. The content
and competitive business environment. It creates upper of this programme is internationally benchmarked. Yet, it is
management skills to understand the integration of functional particularly relevant to African managers and leaders as it
competencies in a project domain and to integrate projects with takes into account the diversity, traditions and multicultural
the strategic management of organisations. The programme environments of South Africa and the greater African continent.
therefore incorporates advanced management competencies
and strategic project management skills, allowing graduates to Contribute to the empowerment of the workforce
fill senior-level positions in any organisation.
The qualification enhances the achievement of the country’s
Stay in demand with a scarce skills set black economic empowerment and employment equity
objectives by building the executive management competence
Project management has been listed as a scarce skill on the of managers from previously disadvantaged communities.
South African National Scarce Skills List. Also, the need for skilled
project managers at middle and higher levels has become a Gain access to an MBA
national skills and development priority identified by both the
The programme is presented on NQF level 8, which corresponds
business and public sectors.
with the entry-level requirements for an MBA in South Africa.
Project management
has become a scarce competency
in South Africa
and in the greater Africa.
11Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this programme, you should have the managerial ability to:
• Generate and manage the dimensions of project management in an integrated manner in order to build a continuous
and sustainable organisational capacity
• Distinguish and interpret the relationship between organisation strategy and project management, and differentiate
between various categories of projects
• Appraise the importance of stakeholder engagement and formalised communication planning prior to and during
the execution of the project
• Identify and properly record project risks and develop mechanisms to analyse and prioritise project risks
• Apply complex scheduling methodologies based on the strategic nature of the project
• Develop contracting models reflecting the output from procurement planning being a highly-detailed or broadly-
framed procurement plan based on a make-or-buy analysis
• Apply dimensions of financial and cost management in the strategic assessment of a project portfolio
• Integrate project management ethics and the importance of sustainability in organisational interpretation of project
requirements
• Develop a project portfolio based on the comprehension and application of value realisation.
12Who should enrol?
• Project managers from the whole spectrum of middle, senior and executive management levels in all economic sectors
and in all types of private and public enterprises
• Managers who have the potential to be promoted to higher management positions
• Those who need an NQF level 8 qualification to apply for an MBA
Format:
learn on campus and online
This is a modular programme. Students attend the first and last of 6 study blocks of classes of 1 week each on the USB campus over 2
years. Four modular weeks are presented in a blended learning format. Learning is combined with structured self-study and electronic
support to allow you to study while you work. It also enables students from elsewhere in South Africa or in other countries to attend.
The blended learning format allows you to join the class via any internet-linked smart phone, laptop or device. USB’s high-tech class
rooms allow the lecturers to see, in real time, the faces of all the online students portrayed onto a screen. This virtual environment
enables you to actively participate in discussions – whether you are logging in from an airport in Europe, a boardroom in Africa or your
office at home. Blended learning means minimum time away from work. It also lowers the opportunity cost to do this programme at
USB as it reduces travel costs to the campus. Also see usb.ac.za/blended-learning/.
This programme combines
project management skills with
upper management skills.
13Overview of modules
The eight core modules are compulsory:
Module 1: Project Leadership and EQ (20 credits)
Module 2: Managing Projects (20 credits)
Module 3: Project Communication Management (8 credits)
Module 4: Project Risk Management (12 credits)
Module 5: Project Procurement Management (8 credits)
Module 6: Project Scheduling (12 credits)
Module 7: Project Cost Management (20 credits)
Module 8: Fundamentals of Management (20 credits)
“I believe that the demand for
project management training and qualifications
will increase substantially post-Covid-19.
Imperatives of capital investment and other projects
in order to stimulate growth and economic recovery
will require a national focus on project management
proficiency, the latter in which USB is a primary role
player. Given the approval of USB’s MBA stream
in Project Management, our project management
academic offerings are unique in the southern
African market.”
MC Botha
Programme Manager: PGDip in Project Management
14Overview of modules
Project Leadership and EQ
This module covers the leadership perspective of project management with the behavioural aspects that influence project execution
and success. After completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Develop a personal understanding of one’s authentic leadership profile and the impact thereof on others;
• Apply appropriate leadership styles, attributes and competencies to enable oneself to identify and develop one’s own optimal
authentic leadership approach;
• Apply insights into team dynamics to build strong teams and stimulate team work;
• Provide effective change leadership to ensure project success;
• Proficiently work with emotional regulation and emotional intelligence as critical project leadership competencies;
• Manage and resolve conflicts effectively;
• Effectively build, influence and manage working relationships with others, especially within the project setting
Managing Projects
This module covers basic project management planning, implementation and monitoring processes. After completion of the module,
students will be able to:
• Position a project’s goal and objectives relative to the organisation’s strategy;
• Identify, list and categorise project stakeholders and define appropriate management actions;
• Apply a comprehensive project scoping technique to determine and document the project statement of work and work
breakdown structure;
• Develop a project baseline based on appropriate scheduling and the application of activity based costing principles;
• Compare a project’s performance against the stated baseline and propose remedial managerial interventions if required.
Project Communication Management
This module focuses on communication planning and management within a project context. After completion of the module, students
will be able to:
• Identify and implement communication methodologies appropriate to project complexity;
• Identify and manage stakeholders within the project domain;
• Implement and maintain information distribution and performance reporting;
• Develop and maintain communication planning on a project.
15Overview of modules
Project Risk Management
This module deals with risk in a project environment. After completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Describe the steps in managing quality on a project;
• Describe why quality requirements are an important source of project risk;
• Describe and apply the steps of a general project risk management process;
• Identify relevant sources of project risk;
• Identify and properly record project risks and develop mechanisms to analyse and prioritise project risk;
• Develop appropriate responses to project risks;
• Explain and manage how risks should be controlled.
Project Scheduling
Project schedule planning and management assist students to utilise and apply specific project software in order to schedule projects
with repetitive tasks and outputs according to the balance line technique. After completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Schedule a project with repetitive tasks and outputs in terms of the balance line technique;
• Resolve the resource dependency of precedence scheduling through application of the Theory of Constraints;
• Optimise the duration of a project through balancing fixed and variable costs;
• Utilise and apply MS Project software on a basic level.
This PGDip can give you
access to an MBA.
16Overview of modules
Project Procurement Management
This module introduces students to different types of contracts based on the division of the risks between the owner and a contractor.
This will enable students to understand and compile a quality assurance plan for a project. After completion of the module, students
will be able to:
• Develop a contracting model reflecting the output from procurement planning being a highly-detailed or broadly-framed
procurement plan based on a make-or-buy analysis;
• Identify the different types of contracts based on the division of the risks between the owner and a contractor and select an
appropriate contract type with an accompanying procurement method;
• Identify the fundamental risk issues within a contract as it relates to the transfer and management of such risks;
• Understand the factors and issues influencing the selection of contract type with specific emphasis on the rules driving
contract selection;
• Understand and be able to develop a contract quality assurance plan for a project with specific emphasis on the planning,
solicitation and selection of proposed bidders;
• Implement contract management or administration and closeout processes.
Project Cost Management
This module deals with project costing, budgets and reporting. After completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Understand the fundamental function of financial statements and the relationships between financial and cost management;
• Identify, distinguish between and plan for the variable and fixed costs on a project;
• Allocate the costs for the various inputs to the relevant functional inputting department, contributors or contractors;
• Understand and apply the fundamental thinking process or mechanism(s) involved in the formulation of an economic or
business model for the project and how the model supports the strategy of the organisation from a cost perspective;
• Establish a project budget as appropriate for the various gates or decision-making of the gated risk management process;
• Interpret cost implications of Front End Loading and cash flow;
• Develop the project budget and apply hedging of cost to optimise cash flow;
• Analyse the present status of a project, make a diagnoses, determine the appropriate steps to rectify and make a prognosis of
the eventual outcome of the project;
• Determine project contingency and apply risk modelling when Monte Carlo simulation of cost risk is utilised, conversion of
the approved or sanctioned project budget into a project control base based on the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS);
• Interpret and manage early warning signals influencing deviations for the control base resulting from Variations from Plan,
Scope Changes, Schedule Delays and Cost Trends.
17Overview of modules
Fundamentals of Management
This module exposes students to the multiple perspectives and dimensions of a system with an idealised redesign approach to
formulate ideal futures for the organisation. After completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Defend the role project management plays within the organisation;
• Assess the value of project management;
• Motivate the importance of the business case;
• Motivate the importance of benefit management within the organisation;
• Relate benefits to the sustainability of the organisation;
• Criticise the importance and role of sustainability;
• Determine the role of project management within the domain of sustainability;
• Assess the relationship between project success and sustainability;
• Critique the principles of sustainability;
• Integrate industry accepted ethical standards into project management and general management.
This PGDip incorporates advanced
management skills and strategic
project management skills,
enabling you to confidently fill
senior-level positions.
18Admission requirements
• At least a relevant Bachelor’s or Honours degree
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in a project management position in an organisation
• Mathematical skills equal to NQF Level 4 are highly recommended
Also see Recognition of Prior Learning elsewhere in this brochure. In line with the requirements of the Council on Higher Education,
USB may admit up to 10% of its student body under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Candidates who wish to be admitted under
the RPL policy will firstly have to submit all the documentation and tests as required for all prospective students. In addition, they need
to have at least an NQF 4 qualification and ten years of working experience, of which at least five should have been in a managerial or
related professional position.
How to apply
Before you start
• You will be able to complete the form in steps without losing information.
• The online application form consists of various sections. In order to progress to the next section, all the information in the
current section must be completed and accepted by the information management system.
• The application process is the same for South African and international students.
• International qualifications require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate to evaluate your
degree according to South African standards. Please contact SAQA at saqainfo@saqa.org.za in this regard.
• It is best to use Google Chrome as web browser when completing your application.
19How to apply
The application process
Go to www.USB.ac.za/apply and complete the online Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management application form by completing
each of the following sections:
Section 1: Personal details
Section 2: Address details
Section 3: Work and studies
Section 4: Documentation. Here you need to upload the following supporting documentation:
• Completed and signed application form
• Certified copies of all academic records and degree/diploma certificates
• Proof of application fee payment
• Detailed CV
• A copy of your ID (or passport for non-South African students)
• A marriage certificate (where the applicant’s new surname does not match that on the degree certificates)
Section 5: Application fee payment
• Which bank details to use: Bank: Standard Bank; Type of account: cheque account; Account name: US Business School;
Account number: 073003069; Branch name: Stellenbosch; Branch code: 050610; Beneficiary name: Stellenbosch University;
SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ.
• Where to send proof of payment: Proof of payment of your application fee should be e-mailed to the cashier at
payments@usb.ac.za.
Section 6: Status
What happens next?
Your application can only be assessed by the selection panel if it is accompanied by your completed online application form, all the
supporting documents and proof of your application fee payment. The outcome of the selection process will be made known within
30 days or as soon as possible thereafter.
20Timetable
The timetable for this programme is published on USB’s website once the dates become available.
See www.usb.ac.za/projectmanagement for details. Please note that USB reserves the right to change dates of the lecture schedule or
subjects per term table. Students will be informed of any changes in good time.
Application deadlines
• South African applicants: 15 December
• RPL applicants: 31 October
• Applicants from (visa-exempt) SADC countries: 31 October
• Applicants from the rest of the world: 31 October
Important
• Study permits for foreign students at USB: 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 USB – hence the early application deadline for foreign
students.
• Multiple-entry visas: Students from non-SADC African countries and other countries with visa requirements who need to
apply for study visas can obtain a letter from USB confirming the duration of registration at USB. This will help students to
obtain multiple-entry study visas in case of modular studies.
Keep on learning
The World Economic Forum says
adaptability is one of the key competencies
we need in a rapidly changing world. When
we are adaptable, we can use new learning
to challenge our thinking and change our
behaviour. USB’s programmes will help you
unlock the skills you need to reinvent your
business and rebuild the economy.
21Programme fees
The programme fees for 2021 are published on USB’s website once this information becomes available.
See www.usb.ac.za/projectmanagement for details.
Important
• Payment of full programme fees: South African students 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. 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.
• Fees for 2022: The fees for the second year of enrolment will be adjusted to make provision for annual price increases.
• Study materials: Study fees include books and study materials.
• Travel and accommodation: Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs.
• Fee changes: USB reserves the right to change the fees at any time.
This PGDip is the
only qualification of its kind
delivered by a business school
in South Africa.
22Recognition of prior learning
What if you do not have the necessary admission requirements?
USB provides wider access to its programmes through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. In line with the requirements of
the Council for Higher Education (CHE), USB may admit up to 10% of its student body under RPL. Candidates who wish to be admitted
under the RPL policy will firstly have to submit all the documentation and tests as required for all prospective students. In addition,
prospective students under the RPL policy have to adhere to the following:
• Have at least an NQF 4 qualification (all school and academic certificates are required).
• Have at least TEN 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 USB with at least two references (typically current or former line heads) who can testify about the candidate’s
managerial or related professional abilities. These references will be required to give a detailed personal reference about the
candidate on forms provided by USB.
The RPL selection process entails the following:
• The programme head and another academic will conduct an in-depth interview with the candidate and make a
recommendation about admission.
• USB’s Admissions Committee will consider the full application including the interview recommendation and the inputs
received from the references for admission.
• A notice of admission is sent via USB’s Academic Planning Committee to the Board of the Faculty of Economic and
Management Sciences for notification.
• Important: RPL candidates need to apply by 31 October each year to allow sufficient time for the assessment process.
23Additional information
for international students
Study visa requirements for international students
All residential students who are non-South African citizens and are studying at USB require a study visa. Prospective students should
contact their nearest South African Mission (South African Embassy, Consulate or High Commission), normally in their country of
origin, to enquire about the requirements for study visas for South Africa. Applicants are required to present themselves in person so
that biometric data may be captured. Students from West Africa can also contact USB’s representative for this region in Nigeria while
students from East Africa can contact USB’s representative for this region in Kenya. (See contact details at the back of the brochure.)
All international students can contact the USB International Office at international@usb.ac.za for assistance. All international students
must hold a valid visa for their intended activity prior to entering South Africa.
Notes on obtaining a study visa
• Obtaining a study visa from the South African authorities takes approximately 12 to 16 weeks from the date of application.
However, some missions may process applications sooner. Sufficient time should be allowed for study visa applications to be
processed.
• Your study visa application should include a copy of the letter offering a place on USB’s study programme. This letter will be
provided by USB’s Academic Administration once the application has been approved. A place on the programme must be
confirmed before a study visa application can be considered by the South African Department of Home Affairs. Students
should not proceed to Stellenbosch University or USB without a valid study visa.
• Although applicants are expected to determine exactly what they require to apply for a study visa, they can expect to have to
provide the following, among others: a police clearance certificate, proof of medical insurance recognised in South Africa, a
radiological report, proof of sufficient funds, and an admission letter from USB. Your nearest South African Mission will be able
to advise in this regard. The onus falls on the student to make sure that he/she submits a complete application pack.
• All documents should be certified and translated into English before submission (in order not to delay the outcome of the
application).
24Facilities, resources and services
• ICT facilities: Interactive lecture rooms; free Wi-Fi access campus-wide; video communication, collaboration and e-learning
platforms; break-away rooms and access to academic software packages and databases.
• Library: The Stellenbosch University Bellville Park Campus Library (USBL) provides access to printed and online local and
international publications, books, journals and databases (including African Journal Archive, Scopus, Ebscohost, Gartner,
Web of Science and Emerald). Our services include information requests for master’s research assignments and PhD theses,
academic literature requests and inter-library loan services. See http://library.sun.ac.za.
• Career Leadership Office: This office will help you with career development, networking opportunities and job search
support.
• Support services: Support to students is offered via touch points such as the Admissions Office, Academic Administration,
International Affairs Office, Alumni Relations Office and USBL (library).
• Accommodation and restaurants: The Bellvista Lodge (www.usb.ac.za/bellvista) on the campus provides accommodation
and a restaurant. Two other cafeterias offer meals and refreshments.
USB Alumni Association
USB’s Alumni Association has strong roots and a wide reach. We are extremely proud of our more than 30 000 alumni who have
excelled in managerial and leadership roles all over the world – many of them at the highest level. Various channels are used to create
ongoing conversations between USB and its alumni, opportunities for continued learning and ways to give back to USB. Together, USB
and its alumni create a powerful network that contribute to the common good of society. See www.usb.ac.za/alumni.
Learn how to manage
projects in a way that builds
sustainable organisational
capacity
25Contact us
Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management enquiries
Telephone: +27 (0)21 918 4246 | projectmanagement@usb.ac.za | www.usb.ac.za/projectmanagement
Carl Cronjé Drive, Bellville 7530, Cape Town, South Africa
Information sessions
Telephone: +27 (0)21 918 4246 | projectmanagement@usb.ac.za | www.usb.ac.za/events
USB Careers Office
Telephone: +27 (0)21 918 4187 | usb.Careers@usb.ac.za
International Affairs Office
Telephone: +27 (0)21 918 4196 | international@usb.ac.za
Campus accommodation
Telephone: +27 (0)21 918 4444 | www.usb.ac.za/bellvista
USB Alumni Office
Telephone: +27 (0)21 918 4212 | usbalumni@usb.ac.za
Office for West Africa, East Africa and Mauritius
Prospective students from can contact USB’s representative for assistance with applications, transcripts and visas:
Contact person: Marietjie van der Merwe
Telephone: +230 52 91 85 84
E-mail: marie@globalnatives.com
2627
.
#KeepLearning
University of Stellenbosch
Business School
Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
+27 (0)21 918 4264
projectmanagement@usb.ac.za | www.usb.ac.za/projectmanagement
www.usb.ac.za
Carl Cronjé Drive, Bellville, 7530, Cape Town, South Africa
Office for West Africa, East Africa and Mauritius
Prospective students can contact USB's representative for assistance
with applications, transcripts and visas:
Contact person: Marietjie van der Merwe
Telephone: +230 52 91 85 84
E-mail: marie@globalnatives.com
28You can also read
