Pretoria University launches post-grad diploma in innovation

Can innovation be taught? Maybe not, but a new diploma from the University of Pretoria means that you can now study it.

The diploma is aimed at bachelor degree graduates and/or candidates with appropriate prior learning in one of the areas of music, publishing, multimedia and cultural heritage.

It was apparently developed as part of the e-skills initiative of the government’s Department of Communications and students will be taught business, entrepreneurial skills and e-skills development. In addition, students will gain additional digital skills in their field of expertise.

Being highly creative and forward-thinking in the visual environment is no longer enough to survive in today’s highly competitive economic environment,” says Dr Machdel Matthee, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Informatics at the University of Pretoria. “Entrepreneurs operating in creative industries like multimedia, publishing, music and cultural heritage need to sharpen their entrepreneurial, marketing and selling skills to ensure that they survive — and thrive — in business.

“Furthermore, being entrepreneurial in what you do is an advantage to clients. By being at the forefront, you will ensure that clients choose — and remain — with you,” he adds.

According to Matthee, the high prevalence of self-employment in creative fields means that the diploma could be especially important to be people who’ve studied in these areas.

“Graduates in these disciplines often find themselves jobless and are forced to create their own job opportunities. This can be challenging without a background in business and entrepreneurial skills. New opportunities constantly open up in the digital environment and graduates do not always know how to leverage these.”

“Given the high level of unemployment and the wealth creating potential of these industries, this postgraduate diploma is set to help lessen unemployment.”

To enrol, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in either music, publishing, multimedia or cultural heritage. However, candidates with any bachelor’s degree with appropriate prior learning will also be considered. Basic computer literacy and access to the internet are requirements.

The duration of the course is one year full-time or two years part-time and applications will be accepted until 30 September.