The Postgraduate Diploma in Development Policy and Practice (PGDPP) provides entry and training in development policy and practice. This programme is ideal for professionals who are either entering postgraduate studies in this field or those who already hold postgraduate qualifications but seek specialised training and practical skills in development policy and practice.
The programme opens access to professionals across the public sector, civil society, philanthropy, international donors and organisations, the private sector, and other domains. The PGDPP focusses on leadership development, applied knowledge of development policy, exposure to development policy issues, effective communication in development policy, and assessing policy impact.
The School actively targets broad African participation, aiming at 50% representation from beyond South Africa. We bring globally recognised faculty members to the classroom with a rich combination of research and practical experience at senior levels of policymaking and implementation.
PGDPP students will learn to:
Once students complete their PGDPP, they may apply for the Master of Development Policy and Practice (MDPP).
See the most recent Student Fees Handbook for details.
There are particular fees for South Africa students, SADC students, non-SADC students. For more details and information, see the Fees page on UCT's Postgraduate Support Hub.
The programme consists of seven substantive courses. The programme is offered online, with classes offered synchronously. The PGDPP may be taken either on a full time basis over 12 months, or on a part-time basis over a 24 month period. The online classes are offered in the late afternoons to early evenings.
Duration
All postgraduate applications must be made online via the UCT application portal.
Along with your details, you will need to submit the following:
The School attracts leaders and students from across the African continent who want to drive transformation to change lives.
Applications are invited from candidates with qualifications from a wide range of disciplines who wish to develop specialised knowledge in Development Policy and Practice.
All postgraduate applications must be made online via the UCT application portal. For detailed information on the process, see "Applications and registration". You will need a working email address and your South African identity number, or, if you are an international applicant, your passport number.
Apply online Applications and registration
Please keep the following documents nearby as you will be asked to upload these during the application process:
You will also need to courier the original certified academic transcripts to:
The Admissions Office
University of Cape Town
c/o Bremner Building Lower Campus
Rondebosch
7701
South Africa
Should you experience any difficulties with your application please contact the Admissions Office:
Email: admissions-pg@uct.ac.za Tel: 021 650 2128
Physical address
The Admissions Office, University of Cape Town, Level 4, Masingene Building
Middle Campus
Rondebosch
Cape Town
South Africa
The course is designed to help participants improve their skills in the treatment and analysis of quantitative data and the reporting of research results. It begins with an overview of primary concepts in sampling, measurement and data sources before proceeding to explore and apply various bivariate and multivariate analytic techniques to available data. The course is not a statistics course per se, but instead focusses on how statistical techniques may be applied to quantitative data to answer specific questions related to development policy, planning and practice. The techniques covered range from frequency and contingency analysis to correlation and simple and multiple linear regression.
This course aims to equip students with skills, personal insight and inter-personal capabilities to enhance their effectiveness as leaders – within their organisations, across government, and at the interface between government, the private sector and civil society. Understanding the challenges facing leaders who promote public governance that supports a capable, ethical and developmental state is a key part of the course.
This course focusses on the rigorous examination of monitoring and evaluating policy impact within the African context. It poses a fundamental question: How can we effectively measure the impact of policies on societal development? By providing comprehensive tools and methodologies, students will explore strategies for assessing policy outcomes amidst the diverse socio-cultural, political, and economic landscapes of Africa. Through critical analysis and scholarly enquiry, participants will gain the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of policy evaluation and contribute to evidence-based policymaking in the region.
This course aims to equip students with cutting edge knowledge and tools in specialised areas of direct relevance to public sector leaders. At the beginning of the course, 3-4 subject areas will be introduced to all students by leading experts in each area, following which students will work in depth on one of these subject areas with the expert faculty.
The course and assignments focus students on implementation realities and dealing with complex public policy problems, and help students think about and experiment with an implementation approach suited to complex problems. The students learn about constructing and deconstructing policy problems (to bring these onto the policy agenda and to enable policy responses). They also learn about the many options available to policy makers (in terms of solutions) and how to explore different options, experiment, and learn about what works and why. Students also learn about building and maintaining their authorising environment and building and growing the multiagent groups that make policy happen. Students work actively during the time in class to produce a problem analysis and implementation protocol for a problem of their choosing and then spend three months iterating with ideas to enact this protocol. This allows learning by doing
This course aims to equip students with knowledge and tools to identify, design and build support for priority development policies.
The purpose of this module is to help participants to engage with the major concepts used in the analysis of economic development in Africa and to become familiar with some of the more important recent contributions to thinking about economic development that are relevant to Africa.
When is the application closing date?
All postgraduate applications must be made online via the UCT application portal before 31 October 2024.
When will applicants hear about their selection?
Offers of places will be made to successful applicants by the end of November.
Who is the PGDip designed for?
The programme is designed for professionals across various sectors, including the public sector, civil society, philanthropy, international organisations, the private sector, and other domains. It caters to those looking to deepen their expertise in development policy and practice, particularly in the African context.
What is the format of the PGDip?
The PGDip is offered in a fully online format, allowing professionals to balance their studies with work and other commitments. The programme is designed to be flexible, enabling students to learn at their own pace while engaging with faculty members and fellow students.
What are the entry requirements for the PGDip?
Applicants should have a 3-year bachelor's degree or equivalent NQF level 7 qualification. Professionals with relevant experience in development policy and practice may also be considered for admission.
How do I apply for the PGDip?
Applications can be submitted online through the University of Cape Town's application portal. Detailed instructions and requirements can be found on the programme’s webpage. The application deadline is 31 October.
Can I work while studying?
Yes, the fully online format of the PGDip is designed to accommodate working professionals. The flexible nature of the programme allows students to manage their studies alongside their professional responsibilities.
What career opportunities does the PGDip open up?
Graduates of the PGDip are well-equipped for roles in development policy and practice across various sectors, including government, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. The programme also serves as a foundation for further academic study in development-related fields.
Is there any kind of payment plan for tuition? When would payment be required and could it be paid over time?
There are no payment plans available. An initial payment needs to be made at the beginning of February to enable you to register and the balance needs to be received in full by the end of June.
Are there any scholarships?
No. Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships. See the Postgraduate Funding Office for funding opportunities
What are the fees for the Postgraduate Diploma in Development Policy and Practice?
See the most recent Student Fees Handbook for details.
There are particular fees for South Africa students, SADC students, non-SADC students. For more details and information, see Fees on the UCT Postgraduate Support Hub website.
