SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Key Aspects of Business Studies Diplomas
Focus Areas: Programs often cover core business functions such as planning, organizing, directing, and controlling.
Career Paths: Graduates typically move into roles like office managers, junior managers, or project assistants
Target Audience: Designed for, but not limited to, new and established small business owners, managers, or those seeking to enhance their professional skills.
Admission Requirements: Often require a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent, with options for mature age exemption (23+ or 25+ years) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Types of Diplomas
Diploma in Business Management: Focuses on operational, financial, and management skills.
Diploma in Small Business Management: Tailored for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business.
DIPLOMA IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Key Aspects of the Diploma
Focus Areas: The curriculum usually covers financial reporting, cost accounting, corporate finance, entrepreneurship, and computerized financial systems.
Duration & Structure: Programs can be 18 months (National N Diploma) to 3 years (academic diploma), sometimes requiring 18 months of practical experience
Goal: To prepare students for careers in financial administration, budgeting, and, in some cases, to prepare for Advanced Diplomas or BCom degrees.
Common Subjects
Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Business Management
Computerised Financial Systems
Entrepreneurship
Taxation
Career Opportunities
Graduates with this diploma often work in roles such as:
Junior Accountant
Finance Assistant or Administrator
Financial Manager/Assistant Manager
Bookkeeper
Budget Officer
DIPLOMA IN PUBLIC MANAGEMENT
Key Aspects of a Diploma in Public Management:
Core Curriculum: Modules typically include Public Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Procurement & Logistics, Project Management, and Public Policy.
Target Audience: Suitable for individuals seeking to enter the public sector, as well as working professionals aiming to improve service delivery and management skills in government.
Admission Requirements: Generally requires a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission to diploma studies, with specific APS scores required by institutions like Nelson Mandela University.
Career Opportunities: Graduates often work as public sector managers, administrators, policy analysts, and municipal officials.
DIPLOMA IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Key Aspects of the Diploma
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Duration: Typically 1 to 3 years, depending on whether it is full-time, part-time, or a NATED (N4-N6) course.
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Core Modules: Recruitment, training, performance management, labor relations, and organizational development.
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Skills Developed: Strategic thinking, communication, talent management, and legal compliance in the workplace.
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Career Paths: HR Officer, HR Administrator, Recruitment Consultant, Training Officer, and Payroll Administrator.
DIPLOMA IN LEGAL SECRETARY
Key Responsibilities & Skills:
Core Curriculum: Modules typically include Public Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Procurement & Logistics, Project Management, and Public Policy.
Target Audience: Suitable for individuals seeking to enter the public sector, as well as working professionals aiming to improve service delivery and management skills in government.
Admission Requirements: Generally requires a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission to diploma studies, with specific APS scores required by institutions like Nelson Mandela University.
Career Opportunities: Graduates often work as public sector managers, administrators, policy analysts, and municipal officials.
DIPLOMA IN HOSPITALITY & TRAINING
What You’ll Learn
Core Areas: Food Production, Beverage Management, Front Office Operations, Housekeeping, Facilities, Sales & Marketing, Guest Care.
Management Skills: Leadership, Financial Management, Operations, Risk Management, Strategic Planning.
Practical Skills: Service Excellence, Culinary Terminology, Event Coordination, New Business Development.
Career Opportunities
Hotel Manager, Front Office Manager, Food & Beverage Manager.
Restaurant Owner/Manager, Caterer, Guest House Manager.
Event Coordinator, Banqueting Manager.
Guest Relations Manager, Customer Experience Manager.
Types of Diplomas
General Diploma in Hospitality Management: Broad-based, covering multiple facets of the industry.
Specialized Diplomas: Focus on areas like Food & Beverage, Professional Cookery, or Hotel Management.
Advanced Diplomas: For deeper expertise, covering financial, legal, and strategic aspects.
DIPLOMA IN TOURISM
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
As for the admission to N4 of the applicable instructional programme, or on the
basis of recognition granted for admission to the relevant N4 instructional
programme.
PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the issuing of this diploma a candidate must:
3.1.1 Comply with the minimum requirements for the issuing of a certificate
on each of the following levels, N4, N5 and N6. A minimum of two
instructional offerings on the N6 level must be relevant to the
candidate’s vocation.
Produce documentary proof of at least eighteen (18) months or 2 000
hours of applicable experience in commerce and industry that has as its
main function the practical execution of the two instructional offerings
mentioned
A candidate who has entered the tertiary level after January 1996, must have
passed at least one computer component, e.g.:
Introductory Computer Practice N4;
Computer Practice N4;
Computerised Financial Systems N4;
Introductory Information Processing N4; or
Information Processing N4, on any of the levels N4, N5 or N6.
DIPLOMA IN PUBLIC RELATIONS
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
As for the admission to N4 of the applicable instructional programme, or on the
basis of recognition granted for admission to the relevant N4 instructional
programme.
PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the issuing of this diploma a candidate must:
Comply with the minimum requirements for the issuing of a certificate
on each of the following levels, N4, N5 and N6. A minimum of two
instructional offerings on the N6 level must be relevant to the
candidate’s vocation.
Produce documentary proof of at least eighteen (18) months or 2 000
hours of applicable experience in commerce and industry that has as its
main function the practical execution of the two instructional offerings
mentioned
DIPLOMA IN COMMERCIAL PROMOTION
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1.1 As for the admission to N4 of the applicable instructional programme, or on the
basis of recognition granted for admission to the relevant N4 instructional
programme.
PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS
2.1 To qualify for the issuing of this diploma a candidate must:
2.1.1 Comply with the minimum requirements for the issuing of a certificate
on each of the following levels, N4, N5 and N6. A minimum of two
instructional offerings on the N6 level must be relevant to the
candidate’s vocation.
2.1.2 Produce documentary proof of at least eighteen (18) months or 2 000
hours of applicable experience in commerce and industry that has as its
main function the practical execution of the two instructional offerings
mentioned
DIPLOMA IN ART & DESIGN
Key Aspects of a Diploma in Art and Design:
Specializations: Often includes areas such as Graphic Design, Fine Art, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, and Photography.
Structure: Often structured as N4-N6 (18 months + 18 months work experience in some contexts) or as a 1-year intensive foundation/advanced diploma.
Skills Developed: Critical thinking, technical proficiency with design software (e.g., Adobe Flash, Dreamweaver) and manual techniques, visual literacy, and business management/entrepreneurship for artists.
Entry Requirements: Typically require a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with specific APS scores or a Portfolio of Evidence (POE) showing artistic skill.
Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers as graphic designers, illustrators, art directors, fashion designers, UX/UI designers, or, in many cases, start their own creative enterprises.
DIPLOMA IN INTERIOR DESIGN
What You’ll Learn
Design Fundamentals: Principles of design, elements of space, colour theory, textiles, furniture selection.
Technical Skills: Space planning, technical drawing, building construction, computer-aided design (CAD) (like SketchUp).
Professional Practice: Project management, client communication, business acumen, and sustainability.
Application: Designing for different sectors like residential, hospitality, retail, and commercial spaces.
Course Formats
Online: Flexible, self-paced options available, often through 12-module structures.
Career Prospects
Interior Designer (Residential & Commercial)
Freelancer or Business Owner
Roles in Architectural Practices
DIPLOMA IN CLOTHING PRODUCTION
Key Aspects of the Diploma
Curriculum: Core subjects typically include Production Technology, Textile Science, Pattern Construction, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Quality Assurance, and Business Management.
Focus: It balances practical, hands-on sewing and garment construction skills with theoretical knowledge of management, industrial engineering, and fashion marketing.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can find employment in the manufacturing and retail sectors, including roles such as:
Garment Technologist
Production Manager/Planner
Fashion Buyer
Quality Controller
Visual Merchandiser
Production Planner
Admission Requirements
Typically requires a national senior certificate or equivalent qualification.
Subjects like Mathematics, English, and Technical subjects (Art, Design, Consumer Studies) are generally beneficial.
DIPLOMA IN TEXTILES
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1.1 As for the admission to N4 of the applicable instructional programme, or on the
basis of recognition granted for admission to the relevant N4 instructional
programme.
PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS
2.1 To qualify for the issuing of this diploma a candidate must:
2.1.1 Comply with the minimum requirements for the issuing of a certificate
on each of the following levels, N4, N5 and N6. A minimum of two
instructional offerings on the N6 level must be relevant to the
candidate’s vocation.
2.1.2 Produce documentary proof of at least eighteen (18) months or 2 000
hours of applicable experience in commerce and industry that has as its
main function the practical execution of the two instructional offerings
mentioned
DIPLOMA IN HAIRCARE
Key Components of Study
Hair Biology & Health: Understanding hair types, scalp health, and anatomy, as noted in the School of Natural Skincare.
Product Formulation: Creating salon-grade, organic, or natural products (surfactants, emulsions, styling agents), highlighted by Formula Botanica and Institute of Personal Care Science.
Safety & Compliance: Learning to, as the Centre of Excellence explains, ensure products meet regulatory standards for sale.
Business Skills: Launching a brand, marketing, and financial management.
Typical Program Details
Delivery: Online (common for formulation) or in-person (common for styling/technical).
Career Outcomes
Graduates may work as:
Salon Stylists/Managers
Formulators for Cosmetic Brands
Beauty Brand Entrepreneurs
Trichology Assistants (Scalp Health)