Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) provides an opportunity for prospective students with an undergraduate degree to gain an advanced knowledge of business administration and management. Students with no management experience can engage in a challenging curriculum which covers finance, strategic management, marketing, human resources, organisational development, business research, business ethics, corporate governance and social responsibility.

The PGDBA is designed to perform two functions. The first is to cap a Bachelor of Commerce degree with the skills and knowledge required to operate at a more senior level in the business environment. The second is to provide an academic bridge to further study at a Master’s level.

On completion of this qualification, the student may have the option of enrolling for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a research Master's degree in order to further career prospects in management and administration.

The curriculum and design of the Postgraduate Diploma for Business Administration programme ensure that present and future leaders are equipped for successful careers in the South African economy. The PGDBA reflects a diverse student body and will address the transformational needs of the South African economy. Milpark Business School’s programme aims to contribute towards fulfilling the need of upgrading the skills level of staff in a business environment.

Students will be able to:

• read and interpret introductory, functional and advanced literature in the field of management science.
• communicate effectively, using graphical and language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
• demonstrate understanding of the business world as a set of open systems, in which each element is embedded in an array of interrelated elements.
• collect, organise, analyse, and critically evaluate relevant information to enhance management decision‐making.
• undertake research projects.
• identify and solve problems in the field of business management, using critical and creative thinking.
• demonstrate an awareness of the economic, social and political factors which affect public managers and business people.
• apply conceptual knowledge and practical skills in a specific work context, either working alone or in teams.

Year 1

• General management environment
• Business ethics and corporate governance
• Social responsibility and environmental management
• Management accounting and finance
• Finance for non-financial managers*

• Design thinking and problem solving
• Strategic management
• Research Methodology

"* This module is compulsory for all students who have not studied financial management at an undergraduate level or have no working experience in financial management. This course must be completed within the first semester of studies and students should register for FNFM01-OS concurrently with Management accounting and finance (MAFI1A-8)."