Higher Certificate in Project Management

The Higher Certificate in Project Management is a professional qualification that equips students with essential knowledge and understanding of project management, along with a range of interrelated skills and competencies needed in a wide variety of industries. The qualification caters to individuals who have successfully completed a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification and are looking to enter or advance in the project management field. Project management skills are increasingly in demand across both the public and private sectors, not only for large-scale construction initiatives but also for small to medium-sized in-house projects across various disciplines.

This Higher Certificate (NQF Level 5) offers a strong foundation in project management principles, while also introducing students to general management practices. It provides students with the practical knowledge and tools to plan, execute, and evaluate projects effectively, ensuring they are prepared for the dynamic and evolving demands of the modern workplace. The qualification emphasizes real-world application of theory, including basic project planning, time and resource management, budgeting, risk management, and teamwork.

Graduates of the programme will be empowered to apply project management principles within diverse organisational settings, making them valuable contributors in both administrative and operational project environments. This qualification is not limited to those pursuing careers in construction or engineering, but is relevant to various sectors including business, education, healthcare, IT, and community development, where project-based work is increasingly common. Ultimately, the Higher Certificate in Project Management opens pathways for further study in management and project-related fields while enhancing employability through a practical, skills-based approach.

Minimum – 1 year of study (Full-time)

Maximum – 3 years of study (part-time)

Students could potentially pursue a career in:

• Project Manager
• Project Management Specialist / Consultant
• Business Manager
• Supervisor with in-house project management responsibilities
• Project Management Consultant
• Project Management Facilitator
• Operations Manager
• Business Manager with responsibilities of in-house projects
• Projects Consultant
• Safety Officer

Upon successful completion of your programme, you will receive a certificate depicting: – Higher Certificate in Project 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 entry requirements for Higher Certificate in Project 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.