Higher Certificate in Operations Management

The Higher Certificate in Operations Management is a qualification that enables students who have successfully completed a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification to pursue formal studies in the field of operations management. The Higher Certificate in Operations Management is an NQF Level 5 qualification comprising 120 credits. It is designed to introduce students to the key principles and practices that underpin the effective functioning of operational systems within various business environments.

The purpose and outcomes of the qualification are to provide students with foundational knowledge and practical competencies in the field of operations management. Through this qualification, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to understand and apply operations strategies, manage processes, assess operational performance, and improve the efficiency of business systems. In addition, the Higher Certificate in Operations Management will empower students with an understanding of supply chain management, production planning, logistics, and quality control within a business context.

This qualification aims to produce graduates who can contribute meaningfully to the operational functions of organisations across multiple sectors. It will also prepare students to engage with the dynamics of both manufacturing and service industries by equipping them with the tools necessary to make informed decisions and solve problems in operational settings. Students will develop a holistic perspective of operations, including the integration of people, processes, systems, and technologies to achieve organisational goals.

The Higher Certificate in Operations Management is an entry-level qualification that provides access to further study opportunities in operations and logistics management, supply chain management, and related fields. It is particularly suited to individuals who are either new to the discipline or already working in an operational role and seeking formal recognition and enhancement of their knowledge and skills.

Minimum – 1 years of study (part-time)

Maximum – 3 years of study (part-time)

Students can potentially pursue a career in:

• Production Manager / Supervisor
• Production Planner / Scheduler
• Operations Manager
• Quality Manager / Supervision
• Quality Controller

Upon successful completion of your programme, you will receive a certificate depicting: – Higher Certificate in Operations Management and an academic transcript. These documents will be issued at the graduation ceremony, provided that your account is in order.

NB: Certificates cannot be issued to the students before a graduation ceremony.

The minimum requirements for Higher Certificate in Operations Management are:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Higher Certificate endorsement, or

• A National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4 with Higher Certificate endorsement, or

• Amended Senior Certificate (ASC), with Higher Certificate endorsement, or

• A Senior Certificate (SC), with University Exemption or Higher Certificate endorsement, or

• Foreign School leaving Certificate that complies with minimum admission requirements for Higher Certificate study as gazetted by the Matriculation Board (The Matriculation Board will do equivalency evaluation).

Alternative admission requirements:

• Senate discretionary admission

• Mature Age (23 – 45 years of age): conditions apply*

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

*Age exemption certificate must be attained from the Matriculation Board before admission can be granted.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) are articulation mechanisms. The institution reserves the right to conduct a formal assessment for purposes of CAT. An evaluation will be conducted to recognise prior learning. This evaluation may or may not be based on a form of formal assessment and can include a portfolio of evidence submission. These mechanisms are in line with the HEQSF as envisaged in the NQF Act 67 of 2008 and the CHE “Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment in Higher Education” published by the CHE in August 2016.

The final approval for applications in respect of CAT and RPL is subject to academic vetting in terms of applicable legislation and institutional policies.

Enquire at your nearest Lyceum Branch Office for more information regarding the awarding of subject credits (Credit Accumulation and Transfer – CAT) towards Lyceum Qualifications.