“Futures Studies integrates hard data and imagination to shape new possibilities. It informs, restructures and transforms how we think about the things that we think about.”
– Martha Tzellios, PGDip in Futures Studies alumnus

Introducing our new PGDip Futures designed around you

You’ve spoken. We’ve listened.

We’ve heard your stories over the past year, and our business school has responded to this era of hyper-change with a revolution of our very own: a set of postgraduate diplomas designed with you in mind.

After taking key learnings from the pandemic into account, as well as factoring in your recent experiences, this new PGDip is specifically designed to give you the invaluable flexibility for studying while you work. It will also help you acquire cutting-edge skills relevant to our unique modern circumstances. Most of all, this new PGDip allows you to do it your way.

 

What’s new?

  • More options and flexibility: Choose between 1 or 2 years of study, and from one of two convenient formats: Blended Learning or Modular.
  • Foundation and Specialisation Phase modules: The modules of the redesigned PGDips are split into foundation and specialisation phases.
  • Access flexibility: Start your postgraduate career with the completion of short courses that you can present in lieu of modules in your foundational phase.
  • More accessible entry into MBA or Master’s degree: Obtaining an overall average of 65% on your PGDip will contribute significantly towards being admitted to the corresponding Master’s degree at our business school.
  • Diversity and networking: Attend each of the redesigned PGDips’ foundation phase classes together with other students who have chosen the class.
  • More competitive pricing: The redesign enables us to provide you with the most competitive pricing on fees for these new programmes.

 

Find out more about our business school’s redesigned postgraduate diplomas on our website, or through our 2022 PGDip Explainer Brochure.

Why study Futures Studies with us?

Like all of us, you desire a better future. But how do you create this future? What foresight and understanding do you need in order to make strategic decisions for the long term? How do you handle our world’s constant change and increasing complexity? Our PGDip in Futures Studies is designed to guide you towards creating a desired future. Our business school offers the only Futures Studies programmes presented in Africa, and some of the only ones in the world. 2019 also marked 21 years of Futures Studies as an academic field at our institution.

What stands out?

  • Make strategic decisions for the long term: Become equipped for long-range decision making for risk mitigation and opportunity sensing.
  • Create a desired future: Gain insight into the underlying trends and forces that shape the future.
  • Deal with rapid change: Understand how to handle the increasing complexity of an ever changing world.
  • Flexible learning formats: Learn while you earn through each Futures Studies programme (see “Flexible learning formats” below).

What will you gain?

  • The ability to help design the future: Enhance your understanding of possible changes in your long-term future and respond accordingly.
  • The ability to handle complexity in organisations: React meaningfully to growing complexity while taking into account the unique challenges of Africa and South Africa.
  • The ability to make strategic decisions: Plan for the long term in an environment characterised by increasing international competitiveness and volatility.
  • Access to the MPhil in Futures Studies: The MPhil builds on the PGDip to deepen your understanding of futures concepts and tools.

Who should apply?

You could be a strategic planner, managing director or a CEO involved in the strategy of your business. You could be someone who requires a holistic understanding the underlying forces and trends that shape the future. Whichever level of management you’re on, if you want to play a role in creating a better future for South Africa and beyond, a qualification in Futures Studies is for you. The PhD will serve you well if you are interested in an academic career.

Flexible learning formats

The PGDip in Futures Studies is offered in two formats – Blended Learning and Modular. Both formats are perfect for studying while you work. While each format is an immersive and unique learning experience, the programme content of the two formats is the same.

 

Modular

Blocks of classes spread over the year

Opting for the Modular learning format means you do four full blocks of classes spread over the year if you are doing the one-year PGDip, or four blocks of either morning or afternoon classes per year if you are doing the two-year PGDip. The modular classes are presented on campus, which translates into in-class experience and focused studies without work interruptions.

Financing

Capitec offers credit for education at a discounted rate from 7% which allows prospective students, or their parents or guardians, to apply for a loan of up to R250 000 and pay it back over 84 months. To apply, the applicant must be permanently employed, 18 years or older, and have a valid South African ID document. A provisional quote or admission letter from USB is needed to process the credit application. You can only apply for Capitec’s credit solution through USB’s website. See www.usb.ac.za/capitec-credit-for-education for details, or click on the link in right-hand bar to apply.

Initiation, service fees and T&Cs apply. Capitec Bank is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 46669) and registered credit provider (NCRCP13).