The University of Pretoria (UP) has expanded its fully online offering with the launch of two new postgraduate diplomas, the Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management and the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering and Technology Management, presented by the Graduate School of Technology Management in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT).
The launch marks another milestone for UPOnline, the University’s fully online learning platform, which continues to grow across faculties. With the two new programmes, UPOnline programmes are now offered in four UP faculties, reflecting a steady expansion of flexible, career-focused learning.
This is the second and third fully online programmes launched this year, following the introduction of the Postgraduate Diploma in Craniofacial Orthodontics in the Faculty of Health Sciences in February.
A university evolving with the needs of the modern workplace
Speaking at the launch event for the two new fully online programmes, Professor Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UP, described the moment as part of the University’s ongoing evolution.
“It’s an opportunity that indicates that the University is all about moving forward, continuously growing, continuously adapting, and responding to the world externally,” he said.
Prof Petersen noted that professionals today are expected to do more than apply technical expertise.
“As someone with an engineering background, I’ve seen how professionals are increasingly called upon to take positions that extend beyond their technical expertise, including managing projects, leading teams, and working across disciplines,” he said.
“These programmes speak directly to that reality, while also advancing UP’s commitment to flexible, accessible education aligned with the demands of modern professional life.”
From technical knowledge to real-world impact
Prof Petersen’s remarks were echoed by Professor Wynand Steyn, Dean of the Faculty of EBIT, who said the programmes represent an important step in bridging the gap between knowledge and application. He noted that while technical knowledge remains important, many of today’s challenges lie in implementation.
“We teach our students a lot of good technical skills, and it’s important; it will always be important. However, the majority of failures currently lie in the implementation. It’s the project management,” he said.
Prof Steyn stressed that the real impact of knowledge lies in its application in everyday contexts.
“For the communities out there, they don’t care about the highly technical stuff. They care about whether the water flows the right way, and if it doesn’t flow, regardless of all the theories, it’s a failure,” he said.
He added that the fully online format opens up opportunities for professionals to apply these skills wherever they are.
“It means that communities out there can get the benefit of this, because I can sit in a municipality with some bit of Wi-Fi connection and start to improve that community and make a difference where I am,” he said.
Transdisciplinary collaboration in action
The journey to launch was a long and collaborative one for Professor Elma van der Lingen, Head of the Department of Engineering and Technology Management, who said the programmes took shape through ongoing collaboration between the Graduate School of Technology Management and Comprehensive Online Education Services (COES), gaining momentum over time.
She explained that the programmes were developed through a sustained, collective effort, bringing together academic teams, industry practitioners and external experts to shape qualifications that respond to the needs of working professionals.Reflecting on this process, Prof van der Lingen described the programmes as an example of “transdisciplinary excellence in teaching,” highlighting collaboration across disciplines and sectors.
An expanding fully online offering
Professor Linda van Ryneveld, Director of COES, who oversees all UPOnline programmes, welcomed the expanding portfolio and highlighted its growing reach beyond traditional boundaries.
“It’s not just for Gauteng, it’s not only people in our province or even our country,” she said.
“Wherever there are people with a need for these qualifications, we’ll be able to accommodate them.”
Designed for working professionals in engineering, technology and related fields, the programmes focus on developing management, leadership and project skills. Applications are now open, with the first module starting in August 2026. Get more information here:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering and Technology Management: https://www.up.ac.za/uponline/postgraduate-diploma-engineering-and-technology-management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management:
https://www.up.ac.za/uponline/postgraduate-diploma-project-management
