University of Cape Town
Programme Management: A Monitoring and Evaluation Approach
Master the art of managing complex programs and explore essential monitoring and evaluation tools that foster successful outcomes.
Start date
21 July 2025
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
The percentage of South African organisations that have no understanding of programme and portfolio management, in contrast with the 99% that understand the value of project management.
Project Portfolio Office (2019).
The number of projects and programmes that deliver to full success.
IPMA (Nov, 2019).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Effective management of individual tasks is crucial, but when it comes to achieving high-level objectives through a collection of projects, the role of a programme manager becomes essential. The Programme Management: A Monitoring and Evaluation Approach online short course offered by the University of Cape Town (UCT) provides you with the knowledge and skills to design, plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate a programme successfully.
This eight-week course covers the fundamental principles of programme management across four crucial phases: diagnosis, planning and design, monitoring and implementation, and outcomes. You will also learn about the necessary tools and strategies for finance and resource tracking to achieve programme goals.
With the guidance of UCT's experienced faculty, you will gain expertise in stakeholder management and governance, enabling you to deliver programmes of varying sizes and complexities. Upon completion, you will possess the competencies required to lead and manage programmes effectively.
Is this course for you?
Whether you are a public sector professional responsible for delivering programmes with economic and social benefits or a private sector individual reporting on projects against objectives and funds, this course is relevant to anyone looking to lead a collection of projects towards a common goal.
Project, product, and portfolio managers will benefit from the programme management skills and tools taught in this course. Furthermore, existing programme managers, project coordinators, and programme coordinators can enhance their knowledge and demonstrate their value to their employers by acquiring new skills and obtaining a certificate of completion as proof of their competence.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Effective management of individual tasks is crucial, but when it comes to achieving high-level objectives through a collection of projects, the role of a programme manager becomes essential. The Programme Management: A Monitoring and Evaluation Approach online short course offered by the University of Cape Town (UCT) provides you with the knowledge and skills to design, plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate a programme successfully.
This eight-week course covers the fundamental principles of programme management across four crucial phases: diagnosis, planning and design, monitoring and implementation, and outcomes. You will also learn about the necessary tools and strategies for finance and resource tracking to achieve programme goals.
With the guidance of UCT's experienced faculty, you will gain expertise in stakeholder management and governance, enabling you to deliver programmes of varying sizes and complexities. Upon completion, you will possess the competencies required to lead and manage programmes effectively.
Is this course for you?
Whether you are a public sector professional responsible for delivering programmes with economic and social benefits or a private sector individual reporting on projects against objectives and funds, this course is relevant to anyone looking to lead a collection of projects towards a common goal.
Project, product, and portfolio managers will benefit from the programme management skills and tools taught in this course. Furthermore, existing programme managers, project coordinators, and programme coordinators can enhance their knowledge and demonstrate their value to their employers by acquiring new skills and obtaining a certificate of completion as proof of their competence.
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
Core abilities in M&E, and strategies for finance and resource tracking against desired programme goals.
Practical tools to strategically design, plan, and operationalise a programme by applying the four phases of programme life cycle management. 
Key stakeholder management and governance capabilities to oversee programmes of varying size and scope.
Validation of programme management skills in the form of a certificate of completion from UCT.
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
Diagnosis: Problem analysis
Module 2
Design: Building the Theory of Change
Module 3
Planning and design: Design tools and M&E framework
Module 4
Planning and design: Operational planning
Module 5
Implementation: Managing programme teams and basic finances
Module 6
Implementation: Implementing adaptive monitoring systems
Module 7
Programme outcome: Evaluation and economic efficiency
Module 8
Managing stakeholders for programme success
What past students
think
Ndidi Abanno
Senior Committee Clerk, Pan-African Parliament
“The course content was comprehensive, and the delivery was structured to cover all aspects of the topics. The online learning experience was stress-free as we had a week to engage with the materials and respond to the questions on the weeks' subject. I have a better understanding of the theoretical basis for adaptive programme management applicable to my work. Sharing and reading about experiences of colleagues has been enlightening and the online support that I received during my enrolment is highly commendable.”
Course convenors
Professor Ian Goldman
Advisor on Evaluation and Evidence Systems, CLEAR Anglophone Africa; Adjunct Professor at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, UCT
Dr Sarah Chapman
Professor and Director of the Institute for Monitoring and Evaluation, UCT
About the certificate
Gain the tools and knowledge required for effective program management, and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a 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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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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