You have completed your undergraduate degree, and now it is time to think about studying again. What postgraduate options do you have, and how do you choose the right course for your career development?
Achieving your qualification is the biggest hurdle in the quest for further education, but it is not the final hurdle for many students.
Deciding to return to business school in Cape Town or the surrounding area to complete a postgraduate course can be a move that can take you where you need to go in your chosen field.
But before you get onto that proverbial ladder, you must determine which postgrad programme suits your needs.
What is a postgraduate degree?
A postgraduate degree is a qualification you study after completing an undergraduate programme, such as a bachelor’s degree or a diploma. In other words, in most cases, you only qualify for postgraduate qualifications after completing an undergraduate programme.
Learn more about postgraduate studies here.Â
Exploring your postgraduate options
Generally speaking, the best choice is one that takes your existing skills and grows them even further. For example, an MBA is a logical choice for your next step if you are studying business administration or a related field.
Likewise, if you completed a BCom degree, you may want to consider doing your Honours in Commerce.
A postgrad diploma in management would be a logical choice for those with a solid background in this field. Acceptance for many courses may depend on your prior experience and may even require work experience.
Some of the postgraduate options offered at REGENT Cape Town (and across South Africa) include the following:
1. Masters of Business Administration
Here is what you can expect from this master’s degree.
- Prerequisite(s):
Honours or equivalent, OR relevant postgrad diploma or equivalent, OR bachelor’s at NQF level 8 (480 credits). You must also be 25 or older and have at least three years of work experience. Some students may be admitted under alternate admissions routes, such as RPL.
- Overview:
Arguably one of the world’s most widely recognised business qualifications, the MBA is a challenging, comprehensive course that puts you in line for a wide range of work opportunities in the corporate sector.
In addition to the private sector, MBA students are in demand across many other industries — manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, education, and government. This is ideal for future leaders, managers, and budding entrepreneurs.
Covering every aspect of business, from finance to marketing, an MBA gives you a globally recognised qualification that puts you ahead of the competition. This course teaches you proper research-based methods and requires a dissertation.
2. Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
Here is what you can expect from the Master of Bachelor of Commerce degree.Â
- Prerequisite(s):
Bachelor’s degree, National Diploma (M+3) or equivalent qualification.
- Overview:
The BCom Honours degree is a year-long programme that continues after completing the BCom degree itself. This course aims to develop key skills in future managers and leaders within the commercial sector.
Students learn various competencies in business and management, from marketing to HR, industrial relations, strategic management, finance, and other related fields.
The course prepares students for entry into the global economy by covering functional business areas in all their facets at the postgraduate level.
3. Postgraduate Diploma in Management
Here is what you can expect from the Postgraduate Diploma in Management.Â
- Prerequisite(s):
Bachelor’s degree, National Diploma (M+3) or equivalent qualification and at least two years of managerial experience.
- Overview:
This year-long course is ideal for those who have completed management qualifications and have also achieved a few years of hands-on management experience in the workplace. It helps further develop leadership, management, and administration skills.
Ideally, students will be in middle—to senior-level management roles. The course provides a more comprehensive insight into specific skills and practical applications in private and public sector management.
4. Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Management and Leadership
Here is what you can expect from the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Management and Leadership.Â
- Prerequisite(s):
Bachelor’s Degree, Diploma (M+3) or equivalent qualification. Students will require a minimum of two years of appropriate work experience and should be a minimum age of 23 years.
- Overview:
Focusing exclusively on the role of management and leadership within the education sector, this course is designed for educational managers with at least a few years of work experience in the field and a relevant background through an appropriate degree or diploma.
Those wanting to grow in educational leadership roles at universities, schools, and other learning institutes will gain critical insight and understanding into the field, including management principles, academic governance, leadership in education, financial management in learning institutions, and the role of IT in education.
FAQ
How long does a postgraduate degree typically take to complete?
The length of your postgraduate degree depends on the programme and institution. For example, an MBA typically takes two years to complete, while an Honours degree takes one year.
You may also choose to study the degree part-time, full-time, or through distance learning, which can impact the time it takes to complete.
What are the career benefits of postgraduate education?
Studying for a postgraduate qualification offers many benefits, including better job prospects, increased employability, and higher income potential. Qualifications such as an MBA can also build your credibility in the industry.
How do I choose the right postgraduate programme for me?
Choosing the proper postgraduate education depends on several factors, including career goals, interests, financial situation, and time commitment.
You must consider what you can do with the qualification, whether it aligns with your long-term career vision, and if you have the time and finances to pursue the course.
Study a postgraduate degree with REGENTÂ
Further education opens many doors to more senior-level roles, both locally and internationally. As you have seen, there are many types of postgraduate qualifications to choose from based on your career goals. Choose one of REGENT’s postgraduate courses.
Looking for one-on-one advice on choosing the right advanced studies qualification in Cape Town? Contact our campus at 27 (21) 671-7005 or [email protected] to learn more.
