phd business management stellenbosch

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PhD in Business Management​ (PhD) Stellenbosch University International Stellenbosch

Program details

Minimum cost of living

Requirements

About Stellenbosch University International:

This is a university located in the town of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape Province. Stellenbosch University is a public research university and one of the leading tertiary institutions in Africa and internationally recognized as well. Stellenbosch University is south Africas oldest university. it is one of Southern Africa’s leading institutions with regards to pass-rate, research output, and top-rated scientists. 

About South Africa:

South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. With over 59 million people, it is the world's 24th-most populous nation and covers an area of 1,221,037 square kilometres (471,445 square miles). South Africa has three capital cities: executive Pretoria, judicial Bloemfontein and legislative Cape Town. The largest city is Johannesburg. South Africa is a biodiversity hotspot, with a diversity of unique biomes and plant and animal life.

About the city:

Stellenbosch  is a town in the Western Cape  province of South Africa , situated about 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of Capetown , along the banks of the Eerste River  at the foot of the Stellenbosch Mountain . It is the second oldest European  settlement in the province, after Capetown. It  is  known  for its natural beauty and oak-lined avenues, Cape Dutch architecture, history and culture – and of course its wine routes. Stellies – as it's affectionately  known  – is a university town, so despite its heritage it retains a youthful vibe.

Join top candidates from across the continent and master your research skills.

Doctor of Philosophy

Business-Management

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Postgraduate Studies​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​department of business management.

This Department is one of the leading departments of its kind in South Africa. Our highly skilled lecturers are at the forefront of developments in the business world. Consequently, we can offer programmes designed to develop skills currently much in demand in the modern business world (both nationally and internationally).​​​

Our Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing offers students with an acceptable Bachelor's degree (also from other fields than economic sciences) the opportunity to specialise in marketing. It is a one ­year, full-­time programme, offering lectures in the evening.​

Full-time  Honours ​​programmes are offered, specialising in the following fields of study within  Business Management :

• Financial Management
• Marketing Management
• Strategy and Innovation

The programme in Financial Analysis prepares students for the international qualification of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) o f the CFA Institute.

Lectures are during the day. Examinations are taken in June and November. The programmes include an assignment to develop research and reporting skills in aid of decision making regarding a business problem.

Modules for honours programmes

The following modules are electives for honours programmes:

•   Advanced marketing management: Revises content annually, in line with prevailing circumstances in marketing, to focus on contemporary speciality fields of marketing such as green marketing, Internet marketing and consumer privacy.
• ​  Advanced strategic management: Fosters a comprehensive grasp of strategic management and a critical innovative ability to think in a transformative way about strategic management.
•  Corporate venturing: Explores the growth and profit potential and the viability of self-sustainable projects in established companies.
•  Financial derivative instruments: Focuses on the theory and practice of derivative instruments such as forwards, futures, options and interest rate swap contracts.
•   Financial management: Focuses on such topics as fund flow analysis, financial strategy and the investment decision.
•  Fixed interest securities (bonds): Focuses on the different valuation techniques applicable to bonds, as well as aspects to be considered when compiling a portfolio of bonds.
•   International marketing: Explores the demands of marketing products and services in international markets. Focuses on topics such as the international marketing environment, opportunity analysis and international marketing research, and the formulation of global marketing strategies.
•   International business: Prepares students for the demanding arena of global business. Provides students with the skills to analyse global business drivers, global strategic levers and organisational factors and to create decision-making alternatives.
•   Managing innovation and breakthrough ideas: Develops the tools to exploit breakthrough ideas and to strategically manage innovation in large businesses and small entrepreneurial projects.
•   Marketing communication: Analyse marketing communication to develop technical and conceptual skills, especially in a multicultural environment.
•  Marketing research: Leads students through the various phases of scientific research focused on generating information that may assist in addressing marketing problems.
•  Organisational diagnoses and mentoring: Focuses on how well the organisation is functioning as a system, and whether all its parts are functioning in unison within the broader objectives of the organisation.
•  Portfolio management: Focuses on portfolio management for individuals and institutions, the asset allocation decision, equity portfolio management strategies, portfolio performance evaluation and attribution, portfolio management in a global context and behavioural finance.
•  Property investment and finance: Focuses on such topics as property economics, property investment and the impact of capital gains tax, property finance and securitisation, and the composition of property portfolios.
•  Short-term insurance: Focuses on aspects such as risk management and the most important types of insurance.
•  Value-based financial management: Focuses on the application of value-based financial management principles in business evaluation and valuation, while considering the effect that corporate social responsibility plays during this process.

POSTGRADUATE qualifications ​

• PGDip (Financial Analysis)​
• PGDip​ (Marketing)
• BComHons (Business Management)
•    Specialisations in - 
•        ​Financial Analysis​
•        Financial Management​
•        ​Marketing Management
•        ​​Strategy and Innovation
•   MCom (Business Management)
•   PhD (Business Management)​​

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Postgraduate Diploma Business Management and Administration

Acquire the skills to start a business and improve your leadership skills

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

The dates and fees for 2025 will be added once this information becomes available..

Dates for 2025: (On campus)

Block 1: 10 – 15 February (Orientation on the Monday) Block 2: 7 – 11 April Block 3: 23 – 27 June Block 4: 25 – 29 August

Fees:  R109 648 (2024)

Duration:  1 or 2 years

*The Business School reserves the right to change programme dates and fees.

Dates for 2025:  (blended)*

Block week 1 (Responsible Leadership) - Remote 3 – 7 February

Block week 2 (Understanding the World) - Remote 31 March – 4 April

Thereafter, classes can run multiple evenings in one week:

• Other foundation modules – We schedule for Tuesday (BL1), when we reach 80 then open Wednesdays (BL2) and when we reach 160, we open Thursdays (BL3) creating capacity for 240 - Remote
• Specialisation modules – We schedule classes for Wednesdays and thus have an upper limit of 80 blended students per stream. If required, we can open a Thursday stream as well. –Hyflex.

Key takeouts of the PGDip BMA

• Acquire essential management skills to apply in any type of business
• Invest in your career path – this PGDip includes a module on responsible leadership
• Acquire a strong entrepreneurial focus
• See the bigger picture in terms of the global, African and local ecosystems in which you operate

Study while you work

2 duration options

1 year or 2 years

Blended Learning and Modular

Acquire essential management and leadership skills

Entrepreneurship

Strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation

Career investment

Gateway to MBA

Application deadlines

Applicants from South Africa, SADC countries and rest of world:  15 November 2024

Recognition of Prior Learning applicants:  31 October 2024

Course Structure and Content

Acquire the skills to start a business or lead a team

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.

If you want to start a business or prepare yourself for managerial roles, this internationally accredited PGDip Business Management and Administration (PGDip BMA) will serve you well.

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.

The flexible design of the programme allows you to choose the format (blended learning or modular) and duration (1 year or 2 years), making it easier for you to study while you work.

Key competencies you will acquire

• Essential management skills 
• An entrepreneurial approach to business
• Responsible leadership skills
• Understanding context
• A global perspective with unique African contextualisation 

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.
• Managers and leaders who are working 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 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

Rules of progression

Passed at a certain level, this PGDip can give you access to these programmes at the Business School:

• MPhil Development Finance IF you chose the Managing of Projects module in Term 3
• MPhil Futures Studies IF you chose Thinking Frameworks in Term 3
• MPhil Leadership Coaching

Blended learning classes

If you are doing the 1-year PGDip , this is how your classes are scheduled:

• Foundation module 1: 5 consecutive days of classes (full day of orientation followed by half-days for the remainder of the week)
• Specialisation modules : 5 consecutive Wednesdays of late-afternoon classes (follows after first foundation module)
• Foundation module 2: 5 consecutive days of classes (half-days of classes)
• Specialisation modules : 5 consecutive Wednesdays of late-afternoon classes (follows after second foundation module)

Blocks 3 and 4

20 once-a-week late-afternoon classes, alternating between foundation modules the one week and specialisation modules the following week:

• Foundation modules : Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoon (depending on your cohort)
• Specialisation modules : Wednesday afternoons

The blended learning classes are presented synchronously online (foundation modules) and combined online and on-campus (specialisation modules). If too few students choose to participate on campus, there can be a conversion to only online facilitation after deliberations. The late-afternoon classes are presented from 16:00 to 20:15 (short break included).

If you are doing the 2-year PGDip , this is how your classes are scheduled:

• Year 1 : Foundation modules (i.e., 2 blocks of classes for 5 consecutive days plus 10 once-a-week late-afternoon classes)
• Year 2 : Specialisation modules (i.e., 20 once-a-week late-afternoon classes)
• 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. It also lowers the opportunity cost to do this programme with us as it reduces travel and accommodation costs.

Modular classes

1-year PGDip

Four full blocks of classes spread over the year – i.e. morning and afternoon classes from Monday to Friday (except for Block 1 which runs from Monday to Saturday)

2-year PGDip

Four blocks of either morning or afternoon classes per year – i.e. morning or afternoon classes from Monday to Friday (except for Block 1 which runs from Monday to Saturday)

• 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.

Stellenbosch Business School provides additional access to its programmes through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, as recommended by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). The purpose of the Council on Higher Education’s policy on Recognition of Prior Learning is to develop and facilitate the implementation of RPL across the higher education sector and to base this on the principles of equity, access, inclusivity and redress of past unfair discrimination with regard to educational opportunities.

In line with the requirements of the Council on Higher Education, the Business School may admit up to 10% of its student body per programme under RPL.

Candidates who wish to be admitted under the RPL policy will firstly have to submit all the documentation as required for all prospective students. In addition, prospective students applying for this PGDip need to adhere to the following:

• Have at least an NQF 4 qualification (i.e., school-leaving certificate, matric) (all school and academic certificates are required)
• Have at least 10 years of working experience after obtaining a school-leaving certificate, of which at least 5 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 the names and contact details of at least two persons who can testify about the candidates’ managerial or related professional abilities (typically current or former line heads). These persons will be required to give a detailed personal reference about the candidate on forms provided by Stellenbosch Business School.
• Write and submit three motivational essays (specific topics are provided)

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, he/she may be admitted.
• A recommendation of admission is sent via Stellenbosch 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 each year to allow sufficient time for the assessment process.
• Note that the learning acknowledged in terms of RPL cannot also be used to grant exemption of credits within the same programme.

Programme Head

Sonja Cilliers

Download brochure here.

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 for 2024, these are the fees for 2024. the fees for 2025 will be published here once they become available..

• Payment of full programme fees for South African students : Students can pay the full programme fees upon registration, or they can pay 80% of the annual fees by the end of May and the balance of 20% by the end of September. Payment schedule (calculated on outstanding fee after deposit payment): 28 February - 31 May - 20% x 4 months (80%) 30 June - 20 September - 5% x 4 months (20%)
• Payment of full programme fees for international students : International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due one month before commencement of the programme. The South African exchange rate favours international students.
• 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 and will be deducted from the total programme fees.
• 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).
• Assessment of international students’ applications : 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. For this to happen, you need to complete the online application, upload all certificates with your application, and pay your application fee. The International Affairs Office will then, 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 unsure about the status, recognition or accreditation of your qualification, we reserve the right to refer you to SAQA before we consider your application further.
• 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.
• Programme availability: The Business School reserves the right not to present a programme or programme stream if the enrolment numbers are not sufficient to make the programme sustainable.
• Fee changes:  The Business School reserves the right to change the fees at anytime.

Please use your Student Number as reference | Email proof of payment to [email protected] | Quote your student number in all correspondence.

Capitec’s credit for education solution

Capitec offers credit for education at a discounted rate, which allows prospective students, or their parents or guardians, to apply for a loan of up to R500 000 and pay it back over 84 months.

Applicants must be permanently employed and have a valid SA ID. A provisional quote or admission letter from Stellenbosch Business School is needed to process the credit application. Apply for credit at  Capitec’s credit solution through the Business School . 

Initiation, service fees and T&Cs apply. Capitec Bank is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 46669) and registered credit provider (NCRCP13).

Certain banks grant loans at favourable interest rates. You may also contact FUNDI at www.fundi.co.za

Study loans for students from West Africa

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, with its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, has partnered with the Business School to provide loan facilities for tuition expenses to our students in West Africa. The MaxAdvance facility is a time loan or term loan that aims to meet a range of personal needs for students. Visit Guaranty Trust Bank.

Admission Requirements

Academic qualifications.

• Academic qualifications : 3-year Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma at NQF level 7, or higher
• Work experience : Minimum of 2 years of relevant full-time work experience (preferably at managerial level)
• Essay : You need to write an essay (see below).
• Comprehensive CV : Also indicate your comprehensive CV indicating your work experience.

Strongly recommended

• Mathematics at NNS (Grade 12) level or equivalent
• Proficiency in English

Selection criteria

The number of students selected will be influenced by staff capacity, resource availability, academic merit, and Stellenbosch University’s transformation objectives. As staff capacity and resources may fluctuate from year to year, the number of students selected may change accordingly. Should the applicants who meet the admission requirements exceed the capacity of the Business School, the Selection Committee will apply a selection process based on, among others, the drive for inclusivity, upholding our global standard for learning, work experience, qualifications, assessment results, writing ability, and motivation for further development.

You need to write an essay of between 400 and 500 words on the topic outlined below, and submit this as PDF with your application pack:

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?

• About the online application process : The online application form consists of various sections. To progress from the one section to the next, all the information in the current section must be completed and accepted by the information management system. You will be able to complete the form in steps without losing information (i.e. you do not have to complete the application form in one sitting). The application process is the same for South African and international students. It is best to use Google Chrome as web browser when completing your application.
• Determine the NQF levels of your previous qualifications : To find out whether you qualify for this programme, please check the NQF levels of your previous qualifications with the academic institution(s) where you have studied, or contact  [email protected] .
• Assessment of international students’ applications : 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. For this to happen, you need to complete the online application and upload all certificates with your application. The International Affairs Office will then, 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 unsure about the status, recognition or accreditation of your qualification, we reserve the right to refer you to SAQA before we consider your application further.
• Checking the status of your application : You can go back to your application and check the status of your application.
• Vetting process : All degrees undergo a formal vetting process to eliminate fraudulent applications.

Click on the APPLY NOW button and complete the online application form by completing each of the required sections. You also need to upload the following supporting documentation:

• Proof of school-leaving mathematics results
• Certified copies of academic records (which must include a transcript of the subjects)
• Detailed CV
• Consent form to verify your qualifications (please download, complete and upload the form in order for Managed Integrity Evaluation (Pty) Ltd to verify your qualification documents)
• Motivational essay (see above)
• Copy of ID (or passport for non-South African students)
• Marriage certificate (where the applicant’s new surname does not match that on the degree certificates)
• Signed declaration form

Payment of your application fee can be done online:

• Bank details : 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.
• Enquiries about payments : Please send an e-mail to [email protected] .

What happens next?

Your application can only be assessed by the selection panel if it is accompanied by your completed online application form and all the supporting documents, and if you have paid the application fee. The outcome of the selection process will be made known within 30 days or as soon as possible thereafter. If you are uncertain whether your application is complete and is being processed, contact [email protected] for assistance.

Deadlines for PGDip Business Management and Administration applications: 

• 15 November for applicants from South Africa
• 15 November for applicants from visa-exempt SADC countries, and the rest of the world
• 31 October for Recognition of Prior Learning applicants.

Also note the following:

• Deadline for RPL applicants : Note that application deadline for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are earlier than those for other students.
• Study permits for international students : Obtaining a study permit (study visa) from the South African authorities can take up to 12 weeks from the date of being offered a place on a programme at the Business School. An early start with the application process is therefore recommended.
• 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 Stellenbosch Business School confirming the duration of registration at the Business School. This will help students to obtain multiple-entry study visas in case of modular studies.

Study visa requirements for international students

All residential students who are non-South African citizens and are studying at Stellenbosch Business School 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. All international students can contact the Business School’s International Affairs Office at [email protected] 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 the Business School’s study programme. This letter will be provided by our Centre for 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 its Business School without a valid study visa.
• Although applicants are expected to determine exactly what they require to apply for a study visa, they can be expected to provide the following, among others: a police clearance certificate, proof of medical insurance recognised in South Africa, a radiology report, proof of sufficient funds, and an admission letter from Stellenbosch Business School. 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).

Please contact us if you need more information on this programme or the application process:

Programme enquiries and support with the applications process Customer Liaison Officer Telephone: +27 (0) 21 918 4243 Email: [email protected]

Admission and registration enquiries Mandy Samuels Telephone: +27 (0) 21 918 4239 Email: [email protected]

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Frequently Asked Questions

No. This learn-while-you-earn programme has two formats: a blended learning format that 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 of the Business School offer to mentor students during their studies, and can provide career or industry advice. This service is offered in association with the business school’s Alumni Relations Office and Career Leadership Office.

Academic assistance is offered via a web-based learning environment, various software and database resources, teams (dedicated study groups), informal learning groups, and tutorials for certain modules. Support is also provided by the IT Division, Library, Career Leadership Office, Programme Administration, Centre for Academic Administration, International Affairs Office, and Alumni Relations Office.

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 international students : International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due one month 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 applicants from South Africa, visa-exempt SACD countries, and the rest of the world range from 15 November to 30 November (depending on the programme; there are exceptions). All Recognition of Prior Learning students need to apply by 31 October.

This PGDip has been designed with flexibility in mind to enable students to study while they work. This means you will have 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 one late afternoon session once a week. If you choose the 2-year PGDip in the blended learning format, you will have one 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. This format allows for digital class attendance using an internet-linked laptop from wherever you are in the world, which means minimum time away from work. Attending regular weekly or fortnightly classes can be likened to running a marathon.

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. The modular classes provide you with in-class experience and focused studies without work interruptions. Working with your classmates in a face-to-face environment adds another dimension to collaborative (peer-to-peer) learning and network building.

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