[Registered Qual & Unit Std Home page] [Search Qualifications] [Search Unit Standards]
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: Business Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90542  Postgraduate Diploma: Business Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
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
Registered  EXCO 0733/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 Business Administration qualification is to prepare candidates for senior administrative and first-line management positions in the private, public and entrepreneurial sectors. This qualification provides broad exposure to the processes and functions of management and administration within the context of an integrated, holistic organisational approach and a transforming socio-economic setting.

This qualification will lead candidates to a combination of theoretical and practical learning outcomes which have the defined purpose of capacitating the candidate with workplace applicable competencies, and will provide candidates with specialised knowledge and skills in strategic management, corporate governance, entrepreneurship, financial and management accounting, operational and marketing management. It also aims to develop in graduates the capacity for lifelong learning and an awareness of the social context.

The target candidates are first-line managers and supervisors, senior administrative personnel, and candidates who have a professional qualification and needs business administration acumen. Candidates want to complete the qualification to gain Business Administration acumen and advance their managerial competencies.

On the completion of the qualification, the candidate shall develop the knowledge, cognitive, professional and general management competencies required to fulfil their role within the business. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Knowledge: Demonstrate integrated and specialised knowledge in core areas of business administration, including strategic management, finance, entrepreneurship, operations, and marketing. Engage critically with management theories and models and understand their application in various business contexts. Evaluate diverse perspectives and select appropriate procedures to solve business problems within organisational systems.
  • Cognitive: Apply critical and systems thinking to complex, often unfamiliar business problems. Integrate financial, operational, and strategic analysis to formulate viable, innovative solutions. Source and manage diverse information, evaluate evidence rigorously, and make decisions in consideration of interconnected organisational functions and socio-economic dynamics.
  • Professional: Reflect on and apply ethical standards and governance principles in professional practice. Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to varied stakeholders, demonstrating strategic and operational insight. Take accountability for own and team decisions, ensure responsible use of organisational resources, and contribute to ethical, transparent, and results-driven management.
  • General: Demonstrate capacity for self-directed learning and continuous professional development. Encourage a learning culture within teams and organisations. Exhibit emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience. Work effectively in diverse teams, navigate complex organisational environments, and take responsibility for performance outcomes and personal growth.

    A qualified candidate will be able to demonstrate Nelson Mandela University's graduate attributes and key occupational tasks, including but not limited to the following:

    Foundational Knowledge and Literacies
  • Core disciplinary depth
  • Inter-disciplinary breadth and synthesis
  • Knowledge creation
  • Multiple literacies (academic, digital, numeracy, civic, etc)
  • Transformative competencies

    Learning Innovations and Competencies
  • Intellectual curiosity
  • Critical thinking
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Communication
  • Collaboration

    Life and Career Skills
  • Professionalism and integrity
  • Resilience and persistence
  • Adaptive expertise
  • Socially conscious, responsible global citizens
  • Progressive agency

    Occupational Tasks
  • Strategic and Operational Management
  • Financial and Performance Decision-Making
  • Lead diverse teams
  • Ethical Governance and Communication

    In addition, candidate attributes include the candidate's ability to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a broad range of management concepts and frameworks; analyse management, policy, leadership and ethical issues in specific business contexts; analyse economic, social and political factors which affect managers and business people; analyse appropriate procedures and monitoring systems for organisations; develop management solutions within different businesses using relevant conceptual and analytical frameworks and apply the conceptual knowledge and practical skills in a specific work context.

    Rationale:

    This Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration meets the needs of the sector by providing a contemporary Postgraduate learning opportunity for working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development, using a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, in the specialised area of business administration.

    The typical candidate attempting this qualification will have completed a cognate Bachelor's Degree and have the relevant work and managerial experience in the business administration environment. This qualification, due to its adherence to the requirements of the HEQF, will allow the candidate access to further learning in the form of a Master of Business Administration at NQF Level 9.

    Candidates accessing this qualification should demonstrate an ability to read, analyse, and reflect on study material and relevant literature at NQF Exit Level 7. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively using professional business English in written and oral form. Candidates must be able to manage their own study qualifications and time effectively. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to think logically and employ critical thinking skills developed from education and overall work exposure. A satisfactory level of digital, numerical, and analytical skills also needs to be in place, enabling candidates to cope with technology-enhanced learning activities that aim to augment and support face-to-face activities. Candidates should appreciate economic, social, and organisational factors that affect their lives. Candidates who register for this qualification should have the capacity to take responsibility for their own learning within a supervised environment; take and justify decisions and actions responsibly, drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches; evaluate their own performance against set criteria and take initiative to address any shortcomings they find.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration has a distinct advantage compared to other similar qualifications in that it enables working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a survey of current thinking, practice, and research methods in Business Administration. The qualification draws candidates from various provinces, industries, and professions that enrich the Learner experience. The qualification offers tailored flexibility to the professional candidate with its face-to-face and block release offerings. 
    		•

    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 is applicable with regards 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:
  • Candidates 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
  • Candidates may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a candidate to be exempted from a module, the candidate 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:
  • Candidates 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:
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Relevant qualification in the related field at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NAF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 120 Credits
  • Integrated Management Practice, 15 Credits
  • Operations Management, 15 Credits
  • Management Accounting, 15 Credits
  • Human Resource Strategy, 15 Credits
  • Marketing Management, 15 Credits
  • Management Economics, 15 Credits
  • Entrepreneurship, 15 Credits
  • Strategy, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse and evaluate business problems using appropriate management frameworks within complex organizational contexts.
    2. Analyse management, policy, leadership and ethical issues in specific business contexts.
    3. Analyse economic, social and political factors which affect managers and businesspeople.
    4. Analyse appropriate procedures and monitoring systems for organisations.
    5. Analyse and motivate management solutions within different businesses using relevant conceptual and analytical frameworks.
    6. Apply the conceptual knowledge and practical skills in a specific work context. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply specialist knowledge of management concepts and frameworks to address different business problems.
  • Identify and solve problems and issues in specific business disciplines.
  • Make decisions incorporating management concepts and frameworks

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
  • Make ethical decisions using appropriate ethical frameworks.
  • Interpret policy and apply it to specific business cases.
  • Identify critical leadership issues within specific business cases.
  • Apply integrated knowledge to specific business cases.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
  • Analyse economic, social, and political factors in business decision-making.
  • Apply responsible management through ethical, sustainable, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the triple-bottom-line in business decision-making.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
  • Explain the purpose, structure, and function of various procedures and monitoring systems within organisational or project contexts.
  • Analyse the socio-economic, regulatory, and industry-specific context of the organisation.
  • Apply and justify analytical methods used in the assessment (e.g., cost-benefit analysis, gap analysis, performance metrics).
  • Analyse the effectiveness of selected procedures and monitoring systems in achieving strategic and operational objectives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
  • Explain the relevance and applicability of different frameworks to varied business contexts and challenges.
  • Select and apply appropriate management theories, models, or conceptual frameworks (e.g., SWOT, Porter's Five Forces, Balanced Scorecard, Value Chain, PESTLE) to business cases.
  • Motivate proposed feasible and innovative solutions supported by evidence and aligned with organisational goals, resources, and environmental constraints.
  • Explain how the proposed solutions demonstrate alignment with ethical, governance, and sustainability principles.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6
  • Select the appropriate technology to be utilised across specialised areas in the business administration context.
  • Apply research skills in an integrated manner in the business administration context.
  • Apply business management skills across specialised fields in the business administration context.
  • Demonstrate the transfer of knowledge acquired during advanced reflections using appropriate business communication.
  • Identify and analyse management and commercial problems in an integrated business administration context.

    Integrated Assessment
    Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for the candidates to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas, and actions across the qualification to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent with the purpose of the qualification. Integrated assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the exit level outcomes.

    Integrated assessment will judge the quality of the observable performance and the quality of the reasoning that lies behind it. Assessment tools will encourage candidates to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance.

    This qualification comprises examinable and continuous evaluation modules using tests, individual assignments, group assignments, and a summative examination.

    Formative Assessment:
  • A case study approach as a basis on which to provide formative feedback on knowledge gaps, skills application, and possible ways of improvement
  • Research assignments to provide formative feedback on different aspects of the candidate's learning.

    Other examples include.
  • Individual projects and assignments.
  • Group projects and assignments
  • Case study analyses and presentations

    Summative Assessment:
  • Open book examinations (not testing memory, testing higher order assessment of models and frameworks applied in a real-world critical context.) It simulates authentic workplace environments, encouraging candidates to apply, rather than merely recall, information.

    The above summative opportunities will be used to determine and grade a candidate's ability to demonstrate the learning outcomes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration has been benchmarked against comparable international qualifications to ensure its academic integrity, relevance, and alignment with global standards.

    The rationale for this benchmarking exercise was to consider the module content, level of complexity, and notional learning time, comparing them with qualifications offered by three reputable institutions: the Technological University of Shannon in Ireland, Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, and the University of Technology Sydney in Australia. In addition to the above rationale, these qualifications at International Universities are closely aligned to the South African qualification.

    Country: Ireland
    Institution: Technology University of Shannon
    Credits: 60 ECTS credits
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Executive Management is delivered
    Duration: One year through a blended and online format.
    Entry requirements:
  • Level 8 qualification and at least three years of relevant supervisory or management experience. > Applicants with a Level 7 qualification and experience may be considered under the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.

    Qualification Structure:
    The curriculum includes modules such as Financial Reporting and Corporate Finance, Strategic Management, International Marketing, Operations and Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Global Talent Management, and Business Economics. These modules reflect an emphasis on strategic and operational competencies, which align closely with the South African (SA) qualification.

    Similarities:
  • Technology University of Shannon (TUS) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year full-time.
  • The TUS and SA qualifications may be accessed through RPL.
  • Both qualifications share similar purpose and modules.

    Differences.
  • TUS qualification consists of 60 ECTS credits, whereas the SA qualification consists of 120 credits.
  • TUS qualification requires applicants who have completed an NQF Level 8 qualification, whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who have completed an NQF Level 7 qualification

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Victoria University of Wellington
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration
    Credits: 120 points
    Duration: 8-12-month period in a full-time format.
    Entry requirements include internationally recognised English proficiency scores, ensuring accessibility for a global student body

    Modules:
    The qualification includes modules such as Organisational Behaviour, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Marketing Management, Operations and Services Management, and Strategic Management, among others. The module structure and focus areas demonstrate a comprehensive approach to business education, comparable to the SA qualification in both scope and depth.

    Similarities:
  • Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) and the South African (SA) qualifications gave 120 credits.
  • Both qualifications are offered over one year full-time.
  • The VUW and SA qualifications require applicants who have completed an undergraduate qualification in Business Administration or equivalent.

    Difference:
    The VUW qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules, whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules only and no electives.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Technology Sydney
    Qualification title: The Graduate Diploma in Business Administration at the is also a one-year qualification.
    Entry requirements are framed around six competency domains, including legal and behavioural expectations, communication skills, cognitive and intellectual tasks, sensory observation, physical capabilities, and sustainable performance.

    Modules:
    The curriculum includes modules such as Leading People and Change, Understanding Accounting and Financial Reports, Economics for Management, Marketing Decision Making, and Finance for Managers, with additional electives available across various business disciplines. This structure supports a flexible and professionally oriented learning experience, similar to the SA qualification.

    In conclusion, the qualifications reviewed compare favourably with the SA Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration offered. Each qualification reflects a commitment to academic rigour, practical relevance, and strategic insight, confirming that the SA qualification is well-positioned within the international landscape of postgraduate business education. The benchmarking exercise affirms that the SA qualification meets the expectations of NQF Level 8, preparing graduates for leadership roles in diverse and dynamic business environments. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, NQF Level 8
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing, NQF Level 8
  • Relevant Postgraduate Diploma, NQF level 8.

    Vertical Articulation
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
    This is a specialised qualification and therefore diagonal articulation is not an option. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Nelson Mandela 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.