Programme: PGDip in Business Administration 

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
07220113 Gordon Institute of Business Science Department: Gordon Institute of Business Science
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 120 NQF level:  08

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree
  2. An admissions examination may be required

Other programme-specific information

Refer to General Academic Regulations G16-G29.

Refer to the GIBS student guidelines and regulations.

The Dean may authorise matters not provided for in the General Academic Regulations or in the GIBS regulations

Examinations and pass requirements

  1. The minimum pass mark for each prescribed module is 50%.,provided that a subminimum of 45% has been obtained in the examination or an examined component
  2. A candidate who has failed more than two modules may not continue with his/her studies for the diploma, except with the approval of the Dean.

Refer to the GIBS student guidelines and regulations.

General information

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project

The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

Minimum credits: 120

Students need to select elective modules to the value of 40 credits. Students must contact the Faculty Administration to establish which electives are being offered.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    This course is designed to help students improve their thinking and analytical skills in order to manage their organisations more effectively.

    View more

  • Module content:

    By introducing microeconomic theory and its application in real business situations, this course will give you an understanding of how a business works in the context of the economic environment in which it operates. Topics include the theory of the firm, supply and demand analysis, consumer behaviour, how markets work and pricing strategies for different markets.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Financial accounting focuses on the interpretation of the financial statements a company uses to report on its financial position and operating results. You will become familiar with the structure of balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements.

    View more

  • Module content:

    This course in Management accounting introduces basic management accounting tools and techniques used in allocating costs to products and inventories, planning, making business decisions and evaluating the performance of business units.

    View more

  • Module content:

    This course in Organisational behaviour explores the interaction between individuals, groups and organisations in the context of a rapidly changing global system. The core themes explored include corporate culture, leadership, trust, team and group dynamics, power, organisation design, managing change and interpersonal communication. To motivate people today, managers require insight into individual behaviour and attitudes that affect organisational performance.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Human resource strategy focuses on the strategic management of the organisation’s human resources (HR) to deliver a competitive advantage, as well as the role of HR in achieving strategic corporate objectives. We explore the management of HR infrastructure, performance management, HIV/AIDS and employee contributions, as well as the integration of HR and business strategies.

    View more

  • Module content:

    This course outlines marketing strategies in the context of overall corporate objectives and introduces a systematic approach to marketing decision-making, including market and customer analysis, the analysis of marketing opportunities and implementation and evaluation of marketing plans. We also explore e-business and strategies of marketing through the Internet.

    View more

  • Module content:

    The aim of this module is to ensure that students develop an integrated approach to learning. Students will gain practical experience that links to the theoretical knowledge gained on the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. Students will work in various roles to gain experience. Work integrated leaning will be assessed via specific guidelines. Students will be directed and mentored to ensure the application of theoretical knowledge to work related activities. These work related activities may include on-campus and off-campus projects.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Focusing on the macroeconomic and socio-political environment in which businesses operate, this course includes a study of the multi-faceted ways in which global economic trends and domestic socio-political strategies affect organisations. You will gain insight into how the South African economy operates, as well as an understanding of economic indicators, like business cycles, inflation and unemployment.

    View more

  • Module content:

    An organisation’s competitive advantage increasingly depends on knowledge management – what the organisation knows and how it uses what it knows. This course focuses on the knowledge economy and how technological advances in information technology impact on the structure of industries and organisations, the management of people, and how business is conducted.

    View more

  • Module content:

    The course in Operations management will help you examine how the resources, structures, systems and processes of your organisation could be managed to improve its competitive position. Improving cross-functional organisational performance across the value chain, as well as the design of service-delivery systems, is an important focus.

    View more

  • Module content:

    During this course, we take an integrative view of business and management. We introduce the concepts of strategy formulation and implementation and study the links between operations, processes and structures. Using the knowledge and skills learned throughout the programme, you will develop a holistic view of business and the organisation. The skill-building session will be a business simulation, with individual coaching on your decision-making.position. Improving cross-functional organisational performance across the value chain, as well as the design of service delivery systems, is an important focus.

    View more

  • Module content:

    The purpose of this half-module is to create an appropriate level of awareness of the importance of ethical and sustainable behaviour in the business environment. Important ethical and sustainability issues in the South African context will be debated and discussed to ensure delegates appreciate some of the hurdles facing business leaders in South Africa. Students will develop an understanding of the underlying principles behind responsible leadership and be provided with tools to make sound business decisions where there is an ethical dimension present. It will also provide students with tools to assist them when faced with ethical dilemmas.

     

    View more

  • Module content:

    This module will introduce the students to the world of entrepreneurship and its embedded process. It will contribute to the role entrepreneurs play in the socio-economic environment and likewise address certain applications of the field. The intention of this module is to explore the phenomenon broadly referred to as entrepreneurship; to make it easily understood as a business concept, readily accessible as a career option and practically applicable as a style of management within the realm of the entrepreneurial mind-set.

     

    View more


Regulations and rules
The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences