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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 Advancement and Resource Mobilisation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120662  Postgraduate Diploma in Advancement and Resource Mobilisation 
ORIGINATOR
Rhodes University 
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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-03-07  2029-03-07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-03-07   2033-03-07  

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 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Advancement and Resource Mobilisation is to grow and build the number and quality of working advancement professionals in Africa who can engage systematically and purposefully with their external environments to attract resources and contribute to the long-term sustainability of non-commercial entities. The qualification will seek to equip learners with core advancement skills and tools such as strategy and planning, leadership, good governance, communication and marketing, project development, cases for support, financial management, and the structuring of an advancement operation. The qualification will seek to give credence to advancement principles that can be used to inform integrated and holistic practice by promoting research and the creation and dissemination of knowledge.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Engage critically with a range of perspectives on Advancement and Resource Mobilisation practice and theory.
  • Compare, contrast, and apply diverse approaches to responsible leadership and stakeholder management in Advancement and Resource Mobilisation settings.
  • Reflexively apply context-appropriate methods for governance, benchmarking, financial management and monitoring and evaluation for effective Advancement and Resource Mobilisation.
  • Develop reflexivity through relational and critical thinking regarding long-term organisational sustainability in Advancement and Resource Mobilisation contexts.
  • Make connections between the political history of advancement and contemporary challenges in Advancement and Resource Mobilisation.
  • Reflect critically on, and apply, a variety of ethical value systems to the theory and practice of Advancement and Resource mobilisation.
  • Apply interdisciplinary social science research methods to the field of Advancement and Resource Mobilisation in an integrated manner.

    Rationale:
    South African civil society is at a crossroads as most South African institutions and non-profit organisations (NPOs) are facing serious funding challenges which have the potential to weaken South Africa's democracy. The funding shortages are the result of the global recession that began in 2008, which saw international donors reduce international giving. The reduction of international funding has not been met by effective local resource mobilisation, partly due to a lack of qualified advancement professionals in South Africa's non-profit sector. The funding gap has severely impacted South African non-profit organisations and higher education institutions, and those further afield in Africa, to the extent that many have been forced to decrease their work significantly and, in the case of some NPOs, close their doors.

    The attainment of South Africa's National Development Plan 2030 relies on key sectors of society playing their role - vital amongst these are the non-profit and higher education sectors. For South African and African NPOs and higher education institutions to be sustainable, adequate human and financial resources need to be raised and maintained, and this requires a skilled cadre of Advancement Practitioners where 'Advancement' refers to the integration, within an organisation or institution, of communication, marketing, public liaison, external relations, and fundraising to drive and serve strategic thinking. There exists a critical need to professionalise the work of advancement and resource mobilisation within the non-profit and higher education sectors, so that practitioners are equipped with the knowledge and skills to attract resources to their organisations or institutions, thereby positioning themselves for investment.

    The growth of a strong, skilled cadre of advancement professionals and the formalising of this cadre into a community of professional practice would be taken to another level by offering this qualification. This will contribute towards the national priority areas in terms of increasing the number of learners with postgraduate qualifications, particularly in developing scarce managerial skills.

    The need for a qualification of this nature was recognised through consultation with Inyathelo, The South African Institute for Advancement. Consultations with key stakeholders from the Institute helped in determining the types of skills and learning needed by advancement professionals and those wishing to enter the field. Thus, modules were created encapsulating these collaborations to equip advancement professionals with such skills and learn to grow the skilled cadre of advancement professionals in the country, and even internationally.

    The qualification seeks to drive a fundamental shift in thinking around organisational and institutional mission, objectives, and delivery - and how to attract donor resources in support of this. The qualification is intended for professionals working in the field of advancement including academics, chief executive officers, trustees, managers, and other staff involved in fundraising, marketing, donor and project management, alumni relations, community-building, and the development and implementation of strategies to secure financial support and mobilise resources for non-commercial entities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which applies to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Management Leadership, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Administrative Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Management Practice, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Management Sciences, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Public Administration and Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 08 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Introduction to Advancement, 10 Credits.
  • Research for Advancement, 15 Credits.
  • Advancement Practice, 30 Credits.
  • Advancement Leadership and Stakeholder Relations, 10 Credits.
  • Responsibility and Accountability in Advancement, 20 Credits.
  • The Capstone project accounts, 35 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to engage critically with a range of perspectives on Advancement and Resource Mobilisation practice and theory.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to compare, contrast, and apply diverse approaches to responsible leadership and stakeholder management in Advancement and Resource Mobilisation settings.
    3. Reflexively apply context-appropriate methods for governance, benchmarking, financial management and monitoring and evaluation for effective Advancement and Resource Mobilisation.
    4. Develop reflexivity through relational and critical thinking regarding long-term organisational sustainability in Advancement and Resource Mobilisation contexts.
    5. Make connections between the political history of advancement and contemporary challenges in Advancement and Resource Mobilisation.
    6. Reflect critically on, and apply, a variety of ethical value systems to the theory and practice of Advancement and Resource mobilisation.
    7. Understand and apply interdisciplinary social science research methods to the field of Advancement and Resource Mobilisation in an integrated manner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and apply the variety of concepts and theories related to Advancement and Resource Mobilisation.
  • Engage critically with debates and perspectives in the field of Advancement and Resource Mobilisation.
  • Apply such understanding to their own contexts and articulate their own position in relation thereof.
  • Articulate and reflect on their own advancement practices/ideals through reflective essays and group discussions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Evaluate and apply various responsible leadership and stakeholder management theories in relation to Advancement and Resource Mobilisation.
  • Develop a framework for external stakeholder engagement and mapping.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Reflect on and critically analyse methods for governance, benchmarking, financial management and monitoring and evaluation for effective Advancement and Resource Mobilisation.
  • Interrogate local and international case studies and identify parallels and contrasts with own Advancement and Resource Mobilisation practices.
  • Critically reflect on what is enacted in own advanced professional field through reflective journaling exercises.
  • Effectively reflect on own practitioner identity and practices in relation to governance, benchmarking, financial management and monitoring and evaluation in an advancement context through reflective essays, class presentations and group discussions.
  • Develop an Advancement Plan appropriate to project and programme budgets through the drafting of an organisational budgeting plan.
  • Develop and implement adequate internal controls and alternative income generation strategies and the basic tax implications thereof.
  • Compile reports related to critical appraisal, monitoring and evaluation of projects and programme outcomes and advancement operations, as well as of the environmental and societal factors influencing the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Through group discussions and presentations, learners must demonstrate and develop their understanding regarding long-term organisational sustainability in Advancement and Resource Mobilisation contexts.
  • Work in small groups to critically evaluate case studies in the field of Advancement and Resource Mobilisation.
  • Compile a reflective essay/s focusing on own context, practitioner identity and contribution to long-term organisational sustainability about own Advancement and Resource Mobilisation entity.
  • Design a Functional Advancement Unit/programme.
  • Reflect on the environmental and societal relevance of an entity as it impacts on capacity to attract resources.
  • Develop a case for support and an advancement plan through a written class assignment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Examine the political context and histories related to Advancement and Resource Mobilisation locally and globally.
  • Analyse awareness of post-colonial approaches to Advancement and Resource Mobilisation, especially in the South African context.
  • Engage in group discussions relating to issues of power, diversity, equity, patriarchy, etc. in relation to Advancement and Resource Mobilisation theory and practice.
  • Produce reflective essays and engage in group discussions based on the above issues.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Explore the variety of ethical value systems applicable to Advancement and Resource Mobilisation practice.
  • Reflect critically on the above and discern the strengths and weaknesses of different types of ethical value systems to their own advancement contexts.
  • Critically evaluate a variety of ethical value systems through international and local case studies in the field of Advancement and Resource Mobilisation.
  • Articulate their positions about the above through small group discussions and class presentations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Examine and apply social science research methods in relation to Advancement and Resource Mobilisation through group discussions and presentations.
  • Critically evaluate and apply social science research methods to their own advancement contexts or area of interest as evidenced by the compilation of research assignment/s.
  • Develop a research proposal aligned with the capstone project demonstrating awareness of the rationale, plan, means, methods, and ethical implications of implementing such a project.
  • Critically evaluate the appropriateness of different schools of ethics to Advancement.
  • Analyse trends in the donor world and the drivers of philanthropy through the utilisation of social science research tools.
  • Write case studies and compile research reports and be able to craft and skilfully deliver presentations on lessons learnt. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared with the following international qualifications:

    Country: Canada
    Institution: Carlton University's School of Public Policy and Administration
    Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Philanthropy and Non-profit Leadership
    Duration: One year full-time
    Entry Requirements: Entry to the program requires a bachelor's degree, with an average of B+ or higher.

    Rationale:
    Through a combination of intensive and online courses, learners learn how to strengthen non-profit organisations and collaborate with governments and businesses to find workable, ethical approaches for addressing complex contemporary issues.

    The qualifying learners are the executive directors of non-profits, founders of social enterprises, development officers for universities, hospitals, and arts organisations; they are grant-makers in philanthropic foundations, leaders of corporate responsibility within business, as well as the government policymakers and regulators for the sector." This is the same clientele the SA qualification aims to attract with its offering.

    In addition, the Canadian qualification's exit level outcomes state that learners will understand the legal, policy and societal contexts in which philanthropic and non-profit organisations operate. Learners will develop abilities to strengthen those organisations by improving governance and managing resources, to sharpen their skills to identify, analyse and respond to opportunities for having a greater impact.

    Qualification structure:
    The Graduate Diploma in Philanthropy and Non-profit Leadership is made up of two required modules and four electives.

    Similarities:
  • The Carlton University (CU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed the Bachelor's degree in the cognate field or equivalent.
  • Both qualifications share similar exit-level outcomes.

    Differences:
    The CU consists of compulsory and elective modules while the SA qualification consists of only compulsory modules.

    Elective modules allow learners to tailor the qualification according to their own career interests, whether in areas of social media and marketing, responsible investing, fundraising or social entrepreneurship" and demonstrate very close alignment to those envisioned for the South African qualification.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Oklahoma City University
    Qualification Title: Graduate Certificate in Non-profit Leadership, Non-profit Fundraising, and its Certificate in Non-profits Arts Administration for Undergraduates

    These certificates cover the following areas:
  • Grant Writing.
  • Resource Mobilization and Development.
  • Non-profit Financial Oversight.
  • Strategic Planning and Program Development for Non-profits.
  • Marketing for Non-profits.
  • Introduction to Fundraising and Donor Behaviour.
  • Fundraising in Practice.
  • Planned Giving.
  • Fundraising Management and Accountability.
  • Arts Entrepreneurship.
  • Resource Mobilization and Development in the Arts.
  • Non-profit Financial Oversight.
  • Marketing for the Arts.

    These modules contain elements similar to the modules in the SA qualification. This provides a level of credence in support of the types of modules which constitute the SA qualification.

    Country: Mauritius
    Institution: Honoris Educational Network (previously known as YKBS) is a branch and proud member of Honoris United Universities in Mauritius serving the Indian Ocean Islands.
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Management
    NQF Level: 8
    Credits: 120
    Duration: 1 year
    Entry Requirements
  • A Bachelor's NQF level 7 Degree, or equivalent qualification.
  • At least 2 years of work experience

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification aims to develop an integrated conceptual understanding, synthesis, and critical application of specialised qualitative and quantitative issues in management. The qualification is directed towards learners having relevant work experience and occupying middle and senior management positions and have completed a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification. This qualification will enable learners to develop in-depth, discipline-specific skills and applied competence in the private and public sectors that will provide opportunities for personal intellectual growth, more purposeful employment, and contributing to society.

    This qualification will enable learners to develop in-depth, discipline-specific skills and applied competence in the private and public sectors that will provide opportunities for personal intellectual growth, more purposeful employment and contributing to society. The qualification will empower graduates to solve problems in a focused way and effectively manage and allocate resources, communicate effectively and contribute to knowledge and socio-economic transformation in a responsible and ethical manner.

    Exit Learning Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of the Post Diploma in Management, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply quantitative methodologies in making work-based decisions.
  • Apply scientific enquiry and research methods.
  • Use technology to solve work-based problems.
  • Display research skills in solving work-related problems in the management of a range of organisations.
  • Contribute towards the extension of knowledge on business management, leadership, and administration.

    Qualification structure:
  • General Management.
  • Marketing Management.
  • Business Research.
  • Financial Management.
  • Economics.
  • Operations and Innovation Management.

    Assessments:
    The final assessment marks consist of assignments and examinations. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Management, NQF level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Business Management and Administration, NQF level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF level 8.
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Administration, NQF level 8.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Enterprise Management, NQF level 9.
  • Master of Commerce, NQF level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Business Administration, NQF level 9.
  • Master of Administration in Public Administration, NQF level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. Rhodes University 


    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.