Postgraduate Diploma

Type specifications
NQF Exit Level 8
Minimum total credits: 120
Minimum credits at Level 8: 120

Designators
Not applicable

Qualifiers
Specific, maximum two
Examples: Postgraduate Diploma in Organisational and Management Systems; Postgraduate Diploma in Gender Studies or Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture in Rural Resource Management.

Abbreviations
PGDip (Organisational & Management Systems), PGDip (Gender Studies), PGDip (Agriculture) (Rural Resource Management)

Purpose and characteristics
A Postgraduate Diploma is generally multi- or interdisciplinary in nature but may serve to strengthen and deepen the student's knowledge in a particular discipline or profession. The primary purpose of the qualification is to enable working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in an area of specialisation. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts in order to undertake professional or highly skilled work. A sustained research project is not required but the qualification may include conducting and reporting research under supervision. In some cases a Postgraduate Diploma carries recognition by an appropriate professional or statutory body.

Minimum admission requirements
The minimum admission requirement is an appropriate Bachelor's Degree or an appropriate Advanced Diploma.

Progression
Completion of a Postgraduate Diploma meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to a cognate Master's Degree, usually in the area of specialisation of the Postgraduate Diploma. A qualification may not be awarded for early exit from a Postgraduate Diploma.