Postgraduate Diploma in Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation

Purpose

The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation is to strengthen and deepen the candidate's knowledge in philanthropy and resource mobilisation. The primary purpose of the qualification is to enable learners to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice, and other methods. The qualification has been designed to cater not only for managers already in the field wishing to formalise and develop their knowledge but also for new qualifying learners wishing to embark on new careers in the sector. Overall, the qualification contributes to the university's wider mission to offer qualifications that are offered globally. It has also been designed to address the vacuum in philanthropy and resource mobilisation expertise on the continent. This qualification will develop the necessary foundational knowledge and competencies required for leadership and specialisation in areas of the philanthropy sector. This qualification creates opportunities not only for officers and managers in the non-profit sector to improve their competencies as demanded by the rapidly growing industry but also opens career prospects for new qualifying learners. All this is made possible by this curriculum's strong orientation towards acquiring relevant business skills.

This qualification is centred on the foundational principles and practices of the philanthropy sector. It focuses on the development of the knowledge and competencies required to establish and manage areas of specialisation in the philanthropy sector. In addition, the curriculum includes a strong focus on the development of relevant business skills in the resource mobilisation and philanthropy context.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Engage at a deep level with the field of philanthropy and resource mobilization field from specialized knowledge and the current research or practices associated with it, particularly in the African context.
• Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in philanthropy and resource mobilization and evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production in relation to the African context.
• Practically and theoretically design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical philanthropy and resource mobilization problems.
• Use a wide range of specialized skills in identifying, conceptualizing, designing, and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within philanthropy and resource mobilization as well as understand the consequences of any solutions or insights, particularly within an African context.

Rationale

The non-profit sector in general, and philanthropy, are among the fast-emerging areas of study in management or organisation and public policy in universities around the world, particularly in the United States (US), Canada, United Kingdom (UK), and continental Europe. Africa, among other regions, has significantly lagged behind this trend; yet, it is among the regions with the greatest need. This growing gap has been acknowledged by at least three umbrellas higher education bodies- the Department of Higher Education and Training (South Africa), Universities South Africa (USAf) and the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA) - by proposing the professional development of non-profit sector capabilities to meet national and continental needs.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation has been developed to professionalise the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector and provide a possible bridge into the master's in management (MM) in African Philanthropy which is currently under development and accreditation. The qualification has been designed to cater not only for managers already in the field wishing to formalise and develop their knowledge but also for new qualifying learners wishing to embark on new careers in the sector. This qualification will develop the necessary foundational knowledge and competencies required for leadership and specialisation in areas of the philanthropy sector.

Consultation, stakeholder input and sector engagement with numerous organisations have guided the content of this qualification.

Initiation of the qualification also provides a possible bridge into the Master of Management in African Philanthropy, satisfies the calls by the umbrella higher education bodies (the Department of Higher Education and Training (South Africa), Universities South Africa (USAf) and the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA)) by addressing the professional development needs of non-profit sector capabilities to meet national and continental needs. It also caters to the needs of managers and candidates at varying career levels and stages.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regard to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Administrative Management, NQF Level 7.

Or

Advanced Diploma in Management Practice, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Management Leadership, NQF Level 7.