Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management

Qualification code:	90146
NQF level:	8
Total credits:	120
SAQA ID:	111456
APS/AS:	60

Maximum time to complete this qualification:

2 years

Purpose statement:
The purpose of the qualification is to empower learners with the necessary competencies (knowledge, skills, values and attitudes) to analyse, synthesise and apply relevant information within project environments. Relevant information refers to the conceptual mapping of key theoretical project management frameworks and the application of these to a range of project management scenarios, taking into consideration social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. The ability to design, develop and implement comprehensive project management plans, which meet or exceed stakeholder expectations, will form the focus of this qualification. Learners will be able to critically analyse organisational contexts, governance, ethical, legal and regulatory requirements and risk management when applying fundamental project management principles in a real-life situation. Furthermore, learners will be able to communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist stakeholders utilising a variety of professional oral and written forms in order to justify and interpret theories, methodologies, recommendations and professional decisions. Integrating professional standards into practice, along with incorporating continuing professional development in accordance with leading PM professional voluntary organisations, forms a pivotal component of this qualification. The qualification is benchmarked against: The Association for Project Management (APM), the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), the Project Management Institute (PMI), the International Project Management Association (IPMA) and the International Association of Project and Program Management (IAPPM) protocols and standards. This qualification also provides an opportunity for participants to integrate knowledge from various modules by working on a final project in which they will come to appreciate the project value creation process and in which they will face practical challenges at a project coal face.

Admission and re-admission requirements

Qualification admission requirements

Please note:

• Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
• Unisa reserves the right to withdraw any offer for admission to the 2026 academic year should it be found that you do not meet the statutory, college and/or minimum admission requirements for the qualification to which you have been admitted. In such a case, the university will refund any registration fees paid towards the said qualification.

A three-year 360 credit Bachelor's Degree or an appropriate Advanced Diploma from a recognised accredited institution of higher education or equivalent at NQF 7. The additional requirement of at least two years minimum work experience. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) must be submitted with the application. Access to a computer with Internet connection and a compulsory study school attendance is required.
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements as indicated above may apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) provided they are at least 30 years old; have completed at least a National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) or a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board; and have at least five years' managerial experience within the project management environment. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl

Student fees and funding your studies

Apply for admission

Apply for admission to honours degrees or postgraduate diplomas for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025. 

Please note:

• You must apply for each new qualification even if you already have a formal Unisa student number. This includes first-time Unisa applicants, Unisa students changing to a new qualification and/or changing the specialisation of their current qualification, and applicants completing an undergraduate qualification who wish to continue with postgraduate studies.
  * Student numbers issued for short learning programmes and the Graduate School of Business Leadership are not formal Unisa student numbers.
• You may apply for a maximum of two qualifications, ranked in order of preference (although you may only register for one should all of your applications be successful). No changes may be made after the closing date for applications.
• You must accept or decline Unisa's offer within the prescribed period of time.
• You may only accept one offer. If you accept an offer, the other application for admission/offer will automatically fall away.
• If you accept Unisa's offer for the 2026 academic year, you may only register for the qualification and specialisation for which you received an offer. You may also only register for the 2026 academic year. Should you decide not to register for the 2026 academic year for any reason, you will need to apply for admission during the next application period.

Registration

Successful applicants should visit the registration website in January 2026 for updated registration information (eg qualification rules, curriculum/transitional arrangements, pre-requisites and co-requisites): www.unisa.ac.za/register

Curriculum / modules