Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Programme overview

The aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology (PDBIOT) programme is to provide a platform where Biotechnology graduates come together with other graduates of diverse scientific, commercial, and other backgrounds to learn and contribute to the development of Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy in South Africa, Africa, and the world. The programme specifically looks at industry practices, applied research, and both entra- and intra-preneurship. In addition to current industry practitioners/intrapreneurs, candidates who wish to access higher (research) degrees and those who wish to venture into bio-entrepreneurship are welcome to participate. Offering type listed: FULLTIME - DISTRICT 6 CAMPUS; PART-TIME - DISTRICT 6 CAMPUS.

Faculty: Faculty of Applied Sciences | Department: Biotechnology and Consumer Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Subjects listed on the programme page include Research Methods and Project; Biotechnology and Data; Sectors of the Bioeconomy; Biotechnology for Sustainability; Quality Control, Bioethics and Legislation.

Career pathways

Surveys have shown that former students are employed as food product developers, product- or technical representatives, food promotion consultants, holding positions in food research and development as well as in the food safety sectors of the food industry. Further career prospects are like those of the Diploma but with better opportunities for advancement in research and managerial positions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

In order to gain entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology, candidates would be required to have successfully completed a qualification at NQF Level 7, which need not necessarily be in Biotechnology, but should be in a discipline in which the cognate skills are represented in part in the PGDip, such as Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Quality Control, Management, Bioethics, Legislation, Data science, etc. The design of the qualification ensures that a wide range of prior knowledge and learning can be accommodated, as the qualification aims to foster inter-disciplinary learning within the context of Biotechnology and the various drivers of the Bioeconomy.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Postgraduate diploma applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026 for both national and international applicants; applications open on Monday, 11 May 2026.

The application fee is R110 (non-refundable); the late application fee is R160. A deposit of R1,750 is payable on acceptance and a registration fee of R785 applies.

Apply through the official page: https://www.cput.ac.za/study-at-cput/postgraduate/apply

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