Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice
Enrich your career, enhance your world
ACCELERATE YOUR GROWTH AND SUCCESS
Advance your career while adding value to your organisation
The Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice is one of the most popular and sought-after programmes at the UCT GSB, with students and managers alike reporting its benefits to their organisations.
This programme is perfect for:
- middle managers who want to enrich their careers,
- junior managers with proven leadership potential, or
- specialised individuals moving into management roles.
The modular structure of the course (four teaching blocks, with breaks in between) gives you time to implement what you learn as you learn – adding direct and immediate value to your organisation.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice is also offered in two distinct formats, beginning at different times of the year:
In-person: This involves attending classes at the UCT GSB, with in-person teaching, learning and class interaction.
Live online: Participate in real-time interactive sessions led by the same experienced faculty who teach on the in-person programme but from the comfort of your home country or city via an online platform. You will still be required to take leave to attend all full-day teaching classes as indicated on the term dates page.
Delegates will:
- Develop crucial business skills needed to thrive in complex environments
- Gain tools and techniques to be an efficient and effective manager
- Learn to be a leader who inspires and adds value without compromising on the bottom line.
If you would like more information on fees for this programme, click here.
Select Location and Delivery
Click here to compare intakesuct gsb PGDIP in Management practice overview
Learn more about the annual term dates for the UCT GSB PGDip in Management Practice programme. The PGDip in Management Practice comprises four core courses offered through four modules over a nine month period. Explore the programme format and delivery. Learn more about which attributes and qualifications are required for the UCT GSB PGDip in Management Practice. A step-by-step guide on how to apply for the UCT GSB PGDipin Management Practice programme. The PGDip in Management Practice curriculum is made up of four core courses taking place over nine months. The UCT GSB is committed to broadening access to postgraduate education through funding and scholarship opportunities. Explore funding options available to PGDip candidates.
WHAT OUR ALUMNI SAY
PGDIP IN MANAGEMENT PRACTICE FORMAT AND DELIVERY
Two annual intakes, covering four thematically designed courses
The PGDip in Management Practice is a rigorous modular programme which is taken over one year. The programme covers four compulsory courses. The PGDip has two intakes annually, one in February and one in May. Both intakes cover the same curriculum, and differ only in the delivery method.
There are two intakes annually on our sought-after Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice programme:
In person
The intake 1 has a in-person teaching component that requires students to attend classes at the UCT GSB Breakwater campus in Cape Town three times a year for approximately 8 - 10 days. *Please note that there will be no teaching classes on weekends.
- 27 Jan - 2 February: Course 1: online in own time
- 3-11 February: Course 1: full day classes: in-person*
- 5-15 May: Course 2: full day classes: in-person*
- 28 July - 5 August: Course 3: full day classes: in-person*
- 6 October (morning only session) Course 4: online
- 10 Nov: Action Learning Project 4 due
Live Online
Participate in real-time interactive sessions led by the same experienced faculty who teach on the in-person programme but from the comfort of your home country or city via an online platform. You will still be required to take leave to attend all full-day teaching classes as indicated on the term dates page.
- 30 May - 8 June: Course 1: online in own time
- 9 - 18 June: Course 1: full day classes: live online* no teaching on 16 June
- 1 - 11 Sept: Course 2: full day classes: live online*
- 17 - 25 Nov: Course 3: full day classes: live online*
- 16 February: Course 4: online morning only session
- 6 April: Action Learning Project 4 due
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice is practical in its emphasis. This course was specially designed to challenge students to apply their newfound knowledge and skills to real situations in companies and organisations. This means that inter-modular work is as important as what happens in the classroom during each of the 4 modules.
Each module offers an intensive mix of lectures, group work and individual time to integrate learning, and students will need to give 100% of their time and attention to the work at hand while they are on campus. Between modules, you will need to allow sufficient time in your schedule to work on assignments and prepare for the next module.
Work throughout the course is assessed by both individual and group assignments. An individual assignment must be completed by the day before the first contact day of each module, while a group integrated case study must be submitted on the last day of each module. There are also in-class tests on some subjects. Lastly, students must work on an action learning research project that integrates and consolidates what they learn throughout the programme.
The attention paid to each student is one of the key factors that differentiates the PGDip in Management Practice from similar qualifications. In addition to support from academic faculty and staff, there is an active mentorship programme to provide academic support to current PGDip in Management Practice students while they study. The programme does this by identifying and inviting top performing alumni to volunteer their time towards the learning journey of current students.
Once you graduate from the UCT GSB you will join our alumni network which is a dynamic forum that comprises more than 23 000 past GSB students in 68 countries world-wide. Many of the GSB’s alumni hold key positions in top companies or have started their own successful businesses. Alumni play a vital role in supporting and encouraging more recent graduates to follow in their footsteps and GSB students who find employment after graduation – particularly internationally – frequently do so through alumni contacts
MEET THE COURSE CONVENOR
DR ELANCA SHELLEY
Dr Elanca Shelley has been involved with Customised Academic Programmes since May 2007 and has over 15 years’ experience in the public sector in South Africa, mainly in the defence industry. Of this time, a significant portion was spent in the training environment. Numerous years of practical experience in management consulting have contributed to her broad range of skills in the services and government sector. She qualified with a PhD and an Executive MBA from UCT and her areas of expertise include Executive Development, Systems Thinking and Organisational Diagnostics and Design.
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
Learn more RSVPIDEAS EXCHANGE
News and thought leadership from Africa’s top business school
Learning and Leading: Adele's journey through the PGDip in Management Practice
Adele De Vos-Porthen’s journey with the UCT GSB’s Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice (PGDip MP) is a testament to the power of determination and the value of higher education. Navigating the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process, she turned potential barriers into stepping stones, embracing every learning opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication. Emerging with newfound skills, insights, and confidence, Adele not only reshaped her own personal and professional trajectory but also delivered immediate and tangible benefits to her employer.
Read Article
Helping African leaders stand out and stand tall
When Kurt De Bique went to university 20 years ago, he thought he wanted to be a lawyer. But a powerful interest in people and what drives them led to a career switch to HR, which has seen him make a major contribution in the boardroom – rather than courtroom.
Read Article
It is time we leave the VUCA-world behind
At the risk of drying up the book royalties of hundreds of business authors who have built their careers around it, VUCA is on its way out and a new framework has emerged to replace it.
Read Article