Stellenbosch University's (SU's) first master’s degree in Engineering Management (MEM), presented by the Faculty of Engineering, has drawn students from across the world, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Lesotho, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Canada and the US, who are following the hybrid online programme.

“The programme has been specifically designed to equip early to mid-career engineers and scientists with the skills they require to manage engineering, technology, innovation, strategy, projects, people and places. It has hit a note with professionals who are ready to shape their, their teams’ and their companies’ futures by learning the necessary skills to excel in an ever changing work environment,” says MEM programme academic coordinator Professor Calie Pistorius.

Following extensive research and feedback from current students, it became clear that there was a need for a hybrid online postgraduate engineering management programme for working professionals where students can study from wherever they are in the world without having to travel to SU for lectures and assignments, but also to have ample contact with fellow students and lecturers.

The MEM programme offers frequent opportunities to connect and network with other students and their lecturers through group assignments, regular live webinar and MEM functions, Pistorius says.

The programme comprises eight modules and a research assignment, or mini thesis. Each module is delivered over a 15-week semester, with two semesters per academic year and two modules per semester. Students can decide to either do the degree over a two-year period or do their eight modules in two years and do their research assignment in year three.

The National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 9 qualification is open to anyone with a South African university undergraduate degree in engineering or an honours degree in any natural sciences field, including mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, biotechnology, agriculture, the built environment or health-related fields on NQF Level 8, or equivalent international qualification.

Students further need at least a year’s relevant work experience to benefit the most from this degree.

The deadline for applications for the 2023 intake is September 30 for non-South African citizens and October 31 for South African citizens.