Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice
Practical learning. Flexible formats. Real leadership impact.
Real-world learning. Immediate impact. Flexible delivery.
The UCT GSB’s Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice is a career-building qualification for working professionals who want to grow their leadership capabilities while continuing to deliver value in their current roles.
This NQF Level 8 diploma is designed to help you develop the strategic, operational and interpersonal skills to manage effectively — in your team, your organisation, and across sectors. You’ll learn alongside a cohort of experienced peers, guided by expert faculty, and apply your learning in real time through a workplace-embedded Action Learning Project.
What to expect
- A modular structure that allows time for reflection and application between blocks
- A curriculum that builds across leadership, business acumen, and emerging market strategy
- Delivery in two formats:
- In-person on campus in Cape Town (February intake)
- Live online from anywhere in the world (May intake)
- A highly engaged learning environment, with interactive teaching, group work, and individual reflection
- Immediate relevance — most students report applying new skills within the first block
Select Location and Delivery
Click here to compare intakesProgramme Information
Curriculum Overview
This programme is structured to maximise your learning while allowing for real-time application at work. You’ll attend four intensive 8–10 day modules across 9–10 months. Each block combines academic depth, practical learning, and personal reflection — supported by pre-readings, collaborative projects, and mentorship in between.
Module 1
Values-Based Leadership
Understand your personal leadership style, team dynamics, and how to lead responsibly in complex systems.
Module 2
Building Business Acumen
Explore core disciplines including finance, marketing, operations, and human resources — with tools you can apply immediately.
Module 3
Emerging Markets in Context
Engage with the political, economic and ethical forces shaping African and global markets. Build the contextual intelligence needed to lead effectively in uncertain environments.
Module 4
Action Learning Project
Design and deliver a real-time workplace project that integrates your learning and creates measurable value. This project is supported by faculty and peer feedback and concludes with a final report and presentation
Between modules, you’ll engage in:
- Individual written assignments and reflections
- Group-based problem-solving and casework
- Ongoing mentorship and structured peer learning
- Preparation for assessments and your final workplace project
Entrance Requirements:
To apply, you must:
- Be 25 years or older, with at least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience
- Hold an NQF Level 7 qualification, OR
- Apply via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) with:
A senior certificate (NQF 4)
At least 5 years of work experience, including 3 in a technical or management role
Demonstrated readiness to engage in postgraduate-level study
Who should apply:
- Middle managers seeking to strengthen their strategic and operational capabilities
- Team leaders and supervisors with the potential to move into more senior roles
- Specialists and technical experts transitioning into leadership or management positions
- Professionals looking to build a foundation for further postgraduate study, including the UCT GSB MBA
Our students come from a wide range of industries, sectors, and roles — creating a rich learning environment shaped by diverse experiences and perspectives.
Timing & Costs
Formats & Dates
The PGDip in Management Practice is offered in two formats — giving you the flexibility to choose the option that best suits your schedule, location, and learning preference.
Funding
We understand that funding your studies can be a challenge. While we do not offer scholarships for this programme, here are some ideas that could help.
What our students say
Two Ways to Study
We offer two delivery formats — both with the same curriculum, faculty, and accreditation. Choose the format that works best for your career, lifestyle, and location:
In-Person (Feb Intake)
Live-Online (May Intake)
Why choose this programme?
At the UCT Graduate School of Business, we believe that leadership is not just about theory — it’s about action, insight, and meaningful impact. The Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice is designed to deliver all three, through a learning experience that is as practical as it is transformative.
When you join the PGDip, you benefit from:
Learning that works in the real world
Every assignment, every project, every module is designed to be applied directly to your workplace. You’ll develop the skills to navigate complexity, manage teams, and solve real organisational challenges — not in theory, but in practice.
A diverse, experienced cohort
You’ll learn alongside managers, specialists and team leaders from a range of sectors across South Africa and beyond. The diversity of the cohort enriches the conversation, exposes you to new perspectives, and expands your professional network.
African perspective, global relevance
UCT GSB is Africa’s top-ranked business school, offering a curriculum that reflects the realities of leading in emerging markets while connecting to global business thinking. You’ll graduate with insights that position you to lead confidently anywhere.
Expert faculty and engaged learning
Our faculty bring a blend of academic rigour and practical experience, ensuring that what you learn is immediately relevant. Sessions are interactive, participative, and designed to challenge your thinking.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Only if you select the in-person intake. The live-online version is fully virtual, with real-time participation.
Roughly 5–8 hours/month for reading, peer projects and assignment prep.
Not a traditional exam. Your final project is assessed via a written report and presentation — supported by reflective assignments throughout.
Yes. Our RPL pathway welcomes professionals with strong experience and demonstrated leadership potential
Learn with the best
Our Internationally acclaimed researchers and teachers are all dedicated and gifted individuals who contribute directly to UCT GSB's reputation of excellence.
Programme Director
Head: Recruitment and Admissions
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Join a growing network of professionals who are reshaping their leadership, advancing their careers, and creating meaningful impact in their organisations.
You can:
- Apply now to secure your place in the next intake
- Download the programme brochure for more detailed information
- Join an information session to explore whether this qualification is the right fit for you
- Enquire if you have specific questions or need guidance on the application process
UPCOMING EVENTS
Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice (PGDip) Info Session
Join us for an information session webinar about the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice (PGDip) at the UCT Graduate School of Business
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