General
The Graduate Diploma in Business Administration essentially covers the set of core subjects in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is designed for students not wishing to undertake the full MBA degree. The general purpose of the program is to provide quality education for those wishing to move into positions of general management or be managers of one of the specialist functions of management.
Course objectives
On completion of the course students should have:
* the necessary analytical skills concerning both the foundation as well as the functional areas of management;
* developed an understanding of the social, economic and political environment of business.
Entrance requirements
As per the MBA degree: a tertiary qualification and at least two years work experience. For those with at least honours IIA qualifications the work experience is waived. Non-graduates with eight years professional experience and professional qualifications who have reached senior management level will be considered. The diploma is available to local and international applicants.
Course structure
Students must pass eight first-year MBA subjects, or the equivalent, eg where substitutions have been granted for some 5000-level MBA subjects, 6000-level subjects would be permitted. See the structure for part one of the MBA.
Assessment standards
Assessment standards are similar to those for the MBA. A pass in every subject is required. One conceded pass is permitted for a result between 45 per cent and 49 per cent (designated PIIE for assessment purposes). Failure in two subjects will warrant exclusion. Failed subjects need to be repeated.
Duration
Students normally take one year of full-time study or two years part-time. The period may be shortened if students take summer-semester subjects. The approval of the director is required in such cases.
Progression to MBA
This will depend on the successful completion at an appropriate standard of the eight subjects required for the diploma. Conceded passes will not be acceptable. Progression will not be possible before the completion of eight subjects. Exemptions will be granted for appropriate subjects successfully completed.