University of Cape Town
IT Management
Diversify your skills, and acquire the knowledge you need to manage and lead IT teams with confidence.
Start date
26 January 2026
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
South Africa’s IT sector has established itself as a technological and innovation hub on the continent, from software development to cybersecurity.
International Trade Administration. (Jan, 2024).
Chief Information Officer, ICT Project Manager, Data Management Officer, and Information Technology Manager are all roles listed on the National List of Occupations in High Demand 2024.
Department of Higher Education and Training. (Apr, 2024).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
The online IT Management online short course from UCT prepares you to bridge the gap between IT and business processes in service of the organisation as a whole. You’ll complement your existing IT expertise with skills in data analysis, cybersecurity, and leadership using practical tools like case studies, a one-page strategic plan, and design-thinking frameworks for IT-specific challenges. The course emphasises real-world application through interactive, problem-based learning that primes your critical thinking and managerial capabilities for the future of IT.
Is this course for you?
This course is ideal for mid-career to senior professionals with 5–15 years of experience in the field of information technology. Whether you’re looking to validate your years of experience, advance in your current role, or prepare for the ever-evolving future of the IT industry by diversifying your skills, then this is the course for you.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
The online IT Management online short course from UCT prepares you to bridge the gap between IT and business processes in service of the organisation as a whole. You’ll complement your existing IT expertise with skills in data analysis, cybersecurity, and leadership using practical tools like case studies, a one-page strategic plan, and design-thinking frameworks for IT-specific challenges. The course emphasises real-world application through interactive, problem-based learning that primes your critical thinking and managerial capabilities for the future of IT.
Is this course for you?
This course is ideal for mid-career to senior professionals with 5–15 years of experience in the field of information technology. Whether you’re looking to validate your years of experience, advance in your current role, or prepare for the ever-evolving future of the IT industry by diversifying your skills, then this is the course for you.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
A diverse set of skills in team building, data analysis, and IT budgeting to develop and complement your existing IT expertise. 
Practical learning tools like case studies, design-thinking frameworks, and a one-page strategic plan that helps you apply what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios. 
Future-proof leadership skills in people management, digital transformation, and change management, ideal for the ever-evolving industry of IT. 
A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy aligned with the goals and risk tolerance of your organisation. 
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
IT Management Fundamentals, and an Introduction to Strategy
Module 2
Managing People
Module 3
Managing Infrastructure and Technology
Module 4
Managing Data and Analytics
Module 5
Business Process Management (BPM) and IT Alignment
Module 6
Budgeting and Financial Management
Module 7
Risk Management and Cybersecurity
Module 8
Change and Innovation Management
What past students
think
Quinton E.
IT Service Delivery Manager, ABSA
Overall, I am impressed with the course. Although I was familiar with some of the topics, I discovered new material that expanded my understanding of IT management. The course offered fresh insights and practical tools I had not encountered before, making the learning experience engaging and valuable.
Course Convenor
Ulrike Rivett
Deputy Dean for Undergraduate Affairs in the Faculty of Commerce for Teaching and Learning, UCT
About the certificate
Learn about IT management and earn an official certificate of completion from University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with your digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
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