Advanced Diploma in Operations Management at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

The study of Operations Management fills a strategic role in the operational efficiency of manufacturing, as well as the service industry. Included in the tasks of operations managers are the essential components of quality enhancement and assurance, supply chain management, increased productivity, cost reduction, and flexibility improvements. Operations managers could be required to solve broadly defined operations related problems, apply analytical techniques to operations related procedures, processes, systems and methodologies, design and apply operations related control systems, understand the impact of operations management, use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern operations tools, including IT, for the solution of broadly defined operations.

Faculty: Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology | Duration: 1 years | Study mode: part-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this learning programme is designed to build on the knowledge and skills obtained in the Diploma in Operations Management. The Advanced Diploma will provide a deeper level of knowledge, understanding, and skills required towards becoming primarily a competent and efficient operations manager and employee. The published curriculum is an NQF Level 7 qualification of 120 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Inventory Manager, Operations Manager, Production Manager.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Students must have a 65% average for any relevant National Diploma, Diploma or Degree at the discretion of the Head of Department, or 60% average, with two years relevant post diploma/degree working experience. Mathematics I or equivalent at an NQF Level 5. Employment in a relevant field is required for the Project module. Applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit proof of English proficiency before registration. The TOEFL or IELTS tests, available in most countries, are acceptable proof. The minimum TOEFL score required is 230 on the computer-based test, or 570 on the paper-based test. A minimum of a 6.0 on the IELTS is acceptable. If this documentation is not provided before registration, you will be required to undertake an evaluation by the director of the Nelson Mandela University English Language Skills Programme, and depending upon your performance, you may then be required to register for and complete the English Language Skills Programme. Other and non-South African qualifications will be considered based on SAQA reports and merit and may require the submission of curricula and learning material. These applicants may be required to complete additional modules to enhance their preparation for this qualification.

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.

Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 13 April 2026. Applications for MBChB, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Extended, BPharm and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) close on 30 June 2026.

Early applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, Nursing, BPharm and BRad) close on 03 August 2026; late applications close on 30 September 2026.

International student applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, BPharm and BRad) close on 30 September 2026. The application fee for international students is R500 per year; online applications by South African applicants carry no application fee.

Student accommodation applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.

2026 down-payments before registration: R10 600 full-time (R6 200 part-time) for degrees, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, Masters and Doctorates; R7 500 full-time (R5 200 part-time) for diplomas and certificates; enrolment fee R1 770. International students pay 100% upfront.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za

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