#1 in South Africa
Ranked as the top institution for Executive Education (open, custom, and online programmes) for two years in a row by PMR.africa (2025 and 2026)
Backed by 30+ years in Africa and 100 years of the University of Reading, Henley delivers world-class, locally tailored programmes.
Our family-friendly approach transforms the high-pressure of studying into a collective success. Say no to "burnout" culture with our flexible, blended model that fits into a working life.(Featured image as on that page with FF copy of family)
Henley Business School began in the UK in the 1940s with a mission to rebuild the economy in the wake of the Second World War.
Africa doesn’t have a talent problem; it has a talent development problem. Henley makes management training easier, faster and more immediately useful for organisations, so that African businesses can grow sustainably and create jobs.
All Henley’s academic programmes are accredited by SAQA and our MBA and DBA degrees are awarded in both the UK and South Africa.
All Henley’s academic programmes are accredited by SAQA and our MBA and DBA degrees are awarded in both the UK and South Africa.
All Henley’s academic programmes are accredited by SAQA and our MBA and DBA degrees are awarded in both the UK and South Africa.
All Henley’s academic programmes are accredited by SAQA and our MBA and DBA degrees are awarded in both the UK and South Africa.
Targeted, practical, and immediately useful learning that respects your busy schedule.
Targeted, practical, and immediately useful learning that respects your busy schedule.
Targeted, practical, and immediately useful learning that respects your busy schedule.
Targeted, practical, and immediately useful learning that respects your busy schedule.
Targeted, practical, and immediately useful learning that respects your busy schedule.
The PGDip closes the gap between managing and leading building the judgement and ethical clarity to make leadership a natural extension of who you are.
Academic level
NQF Level 8 / 120 credits
Programme fee 2026
R121,900 (VAT exempt)
Duration
12 months, part-time
Delivery mode
Online and in-person
There is a difference between managing well and leading with authority. Most people who are good at the first eventually become aware of the second; more specifically, they become aware of the gap between where they are and where they could be. By the time you complete the Henley PGDip, you will have bridged this gap. You will have developed a systems-level understanding of how organisations actually work, as opposed to how their org charts say they do. You will have engaged seriously with ethics, governance, strategy, and change, and experienced a step change in your confidence levels. And you will have a postgraduate qualification that is nationally recognised and globally credible.
Henley PGDip graduates consistently report two key takeaways from this degree:
It’s a fast track to the Henley MBA
PGDip graduates can easily progress to Henley's prestigious international MBA. Plus, as a Henley PGDip alum, you qualify for a 20% loyalty discount (limited time offer) on our Flexible Executive MBA, making this an extremely competitive route to a top-rated MBA with global currency.
It offers unparalleled personal and professional growth
This degree will bring you the prestige and professional opportunities that come from having a degree from a top-ranked international business school, but more than that, you will have gained the personal mastery and confidence that comes from testing your skills in real-world applications, coming up against failure, and trying again until you succeed.
Ranked as the top institution for Executive Education (open, custom, and online programmes) for two years in a row by PMR.africa (2025 and 2026)
Our formidable global alumni network spans 167 countries, opening doors for you
Our classes are diverse reaching 85% black students and upward of 55% female students
One of only 125–130 global business schools to hold triple-crown accreditation – AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS. Plus, Henley is accredited by the African Association of Business Schools (AABS)
We know that our PGDip programme is a game-changer for our students; let them tell you this in their own words. Read testimonials from our graduates on how this degree helped them to change gear.
Henley and INSETA changed my life. They taught me to show up authentically, to view the world through a different lens. This is what opened the windows in my mind to make me a better leader and a better student.
I chose Henley for my business education because of the school’s quadruple accreditation and because it’s the only truly international MBA offered in SA. The programme’s flexibility appealed to me as it allowed me to juggle my work commitments, motherhood and life. Moreover, Henley’s purpose to build the people who build the businesses that drive Africa's growth resonates deeply with me.
My studies at Henley – both the PGDip and now the MBA – have taught me how to work with all sorts of people and helped make me the confident, transformational leader I am today.
The Personal Mastery component of the PGDip was initially an uncomfortable process because it forced me to confront my insecurities and the perceived shortcomings that fuelled imposter syndrome within me. But I emerged from the process like a butterfly from a cocoon, and I believe I am a stronger person and a better leader for it.
My career at Henley began in 2017 when I joined the school as a financial controller, and it’s been nothing short of amazing. I have done the PGDip at Henley, and now, the cherry on top, is the MBA. I’m super excited for my trip to the UK campus to graduate. Best of all my mom and family will be there to celebrate with me.
Studying the PGDip was often difficult, especially when my mother fell ill, and my family was plunged into crisis. But Henley staff stepped up to support and my study group also took care that I did not fall behind, checking in with me and keeping me up to date.
I made friends for life during my PGDip programme. We have people at different stages of the programme talking to one another constantly.
Henley does more than teach; it transforms. It doesn’t just fill your head; it stirs your soul.
Henley has given me purpose beyond the classroom, and my goals are ambitious. I want to complete an MBA, write two books – one on leadership and the other about my personal journey. Then there’s also the Doctorate in Business Administration, which I would love to do.
I learned so many lessons over the course of the PGDip, but one that sticks with me is to do with shifting perspectives, which allows one to challenge the norm and start to solve problems innovatively. I also really value what I learned about creative thinking in the corporate space.
The programme was transformative in shaping my identity as a leader. It helped me recognise the influence I can have even without positional authority and encouraged me to step confidently into any space.
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The PGDip will shift your mindset and expand your world view as you transition from an undergraduate to a postgraduate level in leadership capability. Key networking opportunities will help you learn from management challenges and opportunities that your peers are experiencing. We’ll equip you with the know-how to transform companies, communities, and societies. From there, the route to the top is up to you.
If you are a middle- to senior-level manager with three or more years of management experience who is ready to think more deeply about what you are doing and why, you are in the right place.
You will need a first degree or equivalent and be able to access real organisational data for your assignments, because the bulk of your learning will happen inside your actual work context, not around it.
If you have at least five years of work experience you may qualify for admission under Recognition of Prior Learning.
At Henley, we are committed to providing our students with flexible financing options for their studies. Whether you’re an individual in need of finance or an organisation motivating for an increase in budget, we’re here to help.
| Face-to-face | Online | Face-to-face | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Block 1
|
27–31 July 2026 | 24–28 Aug 2026 | 26-30 Oct 2026 |
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Block 2
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28 Sep–02 Oct 2026 | 02-07 Nov 2026 | 11-15 Jan 2027 |
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Block 3
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23–26 Nov 2026 | 25–28 Jan 2027 | 08-11 Mar 2027 |
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Block 4
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01–04 Feb 2027 | 08-11 Mar 2027 | 03-06 May 2027 |
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Exam
|
28 April 2027 | 17 July 2027 | 05 July 2027 |
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Block 5
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28-30 Apr 2027 | 17-19 May 2027 | 05-07 July 2027 |
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Block 6
|
10-11 Jun 2027 | 08-09 Jul 2027 | 12-13 Aug 2027 |
Join us at our next PGDip Info Session to find out if the Henley PGDip is right for you.
04 August 2026
We’re thrilled you’ve taken an interest in our Henley Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice (PGDip) programme, and as much as we’d like to tell you about why Henley offers you so much more than just a PGDip, we’d really like you to come and experience it for yourself.
18 August 2026
We’re thrilled you’ve taken an interest in our Henley Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice (PGDip) programme, and as much as we’d like to tell you about why Henley offers you so much more than just a PGDip, we’d really like you to come and experience it for yourself.
01 September 2026
We’re thrilled you’ve taken an interest in our Henley Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice (PGDip) programme, and as much as we’d like to tell you about why Henley offers you so much more than just a PGDip, we’d really like you to come and experience it for yourself.
Hi, I am Pranisha Behary. I am here to help if you have any questions or need help in signing up for this programme. I will be your dedicated guide to anything related to the Henley PGDip.
I already have a degree. How is a PGDip different?
Think of the PGDip as the bridge between 'knowing' and 'leading'. While an undergraduate degree focuses on the fundamentals of a discipline, the PGDip (NQF Level 8) is about mastering the complexity of management. It's designed specifically for middle to senior managers who need to move from a functional mindset to a strategic one. You'll stop looking at departments in isolation and start understanding business as an ecosystem.
What kind of time commitment should I expect away from the office?
We've structured the programme into six focused learning blocks over the course of the year. These range from three to five days per block, totalling approximately 23 days of contact time away from your work.
However, because we use an action learning model, your daily work effectively becomes your 'homework'. You aren't stepping away from your job to study; you're bringing the classroom's tools back to your desk to solve real-time organisational problems.
Why is access to company data a non-negotiable requirement for this degree?
At Henley, we don't believe in hypothetical case studies. To get the most out of the PGDip, you need to apply the theory to your actual professional environment. Your assignments, covering everything from financial acumen to value stream management, require you to analyse real data and systems within your organisation. This ensures that your investment provides immediate, tangible value back to your employer through the projects you complete.
What if I have the experience but not the first degree?
Standard admission requires a first degree or an equivalent professional qualification. However, we recognise that leadership capability isn't always documented on a transcript. If you have significant management experience but lack a formal undergraduate degree, please reach out to our admissions team to discuss your specific background and potential pathways.
Does Henley offer support for financing the PGDip?
Yes. Whether you are self-funding or need assistance in drafting a business case to motivate your organisation for a budget increase, we have flexible options available. This is a strategic investment in your long-term leadership trajectory. You can find detailed advice on our fees and finance information page or by speaking directly with our admissions consultants.