Stellenbosch University
Welcome to Stellenbosch University
Advanced progamme in sustainable development introduced
Author: Daniel Bugan
Published: 20/05/2022

In an effort to assist with the growing need for entrepreneurial minds that can imagine and create just and sustainable futures in South Africa, Stellenbosch University recently announced that it will offer an Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Development from 2023.

The programme will be presented by the School of Public Leadership within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

According to Dr Ruenda Loots, lecturer in the School of Public Leadership, the deepening interconnected global crises require creative and bold solutions that are guided by ethical decision-making and regenerative leadership.

“In these times of great upheaval, tension, and change (both positive and negative), there is a need to develop one's ability to think critically, collaborate meaningfully and innovate with sustainability in mind."

She adds that the Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Development has been designed in response to the Code for Responsible Investing in South Africa (CRISA), the emergence of Impact Investment and South Africa's commitment to transition to a green economy.

“Whether you want to start your own enterprise, add value as an employee or act as a consultant for businesses, this programme will help you gain the necessary skills to align business ideas with CRISA principles, and meet the requirements of impact investors."

The one-year, hybrid programme will be grounded in the following modules:

  • Sustainability in the Digital Age (30 credits, Term 1 and Term 2)
    How can digital technology help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?
    This module explores relevant technologies that drive the 4th Industrial Revolution and interrogates which trends and developments are truly sustainable. You will discuss values, ethics, and leadership in the digital space with a focus on responsible investment and impact investment. This knowledge will provide a conceptual basis from which you will imagine, ideate, and innovate in the Entrepreneurship Incubator module.
  • Research Approaches (15 credits, Term 1)
    How might we do research in transformative and collaborative ways?
    This module explores methods that will help you to identify problems worth solving and to test the impact of your solutions. You will practice your critical thinking and writing skills to formulate persuasive arguments for social change. This module prepares you to move beyond discipline-specific methods towards integration and collaboration for innovation.
  • Business Plans and Strategies (15 credits, Term 2)
    How can Business be a vehicle for positive change?

Whether you want to start your own enterprise or guide others on their business journey, this module will equip you with the theoretical knowledge to formulate business plans aimed at responsible impact investment. You will apply this knowledge to set your ideas in motion in the Entrepreneurship Incubator module.

  • Entrepreneurship Incubator (60 credits, Term 3 and 4)
    Ask courageous questions. Create meaningful answers.
    In this module you will flex your entrepreneurial muscles through play, experimentation, simulations, debates, scenario-planning and more. Through self-directed learning, and facilitator-supported processes you will explore innovation for sustainable technology and practise turning ideas into a cause that people want to join.

To be considered for this programme, candidates must be in possession of a Diploma (NQF level 6) or Bachelor's degree (NQF level 7) from a recognised tertiary institution in subjects/fields aligned with the focus of the Advanced Diploma, e.g. sustainable development, entrepreneurship, business studies, economics or innovation.

Applications

The of­ficial university application is available from www.maties.com. Create an application profile and make the following selections under Programme Selection:

  • Faculty: Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences-Stellenbosch.
  • Programme Type: Undergraduate
  • Programme: AdvDip(Sust Development)

The departmental application will be sent via e-mail within three weeks of completing the university application.