Undergraduate qualifications

Advanced Diploma in Safety Management

Qualification code: 90181
NQF level: 7
Total credits: 120
SAQA ID: 118634
APS/AS: 50
Maximum time to complete this qualification:  3 years

Purpose statement:
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide a formal qualification for individuals who are interested in pursuing a specialized career in safety management and related aspects by connecting knowledge and skills related to advanced risk and incident management. The curriculum integrates knowledge and practical application by utilizing simulated work environment examples. This ensures that students are able to apply the concepts of toxicology, manufacturing and process safety and advanced safety auditing at a practical level in preparation for possible postgraduate study in the field of safety management. Students will be knowledgeable in the main theories relating to construction and mining safety, emergency planning and safety systems to ensure that they can apply this knowledge in an ethical manner that takes human behaviour into account. This advanced diploma also integrates the principles of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship as an approach to safety project management. The curriculum is designed to provide entry-level vocational preparation for Bachelor's Degree graduates or diplomates by offering an intensive, focused and applied specialization that meets the requirements of professional bodies and industry in the safety management field.

Admission requirements

Qualification admission requirements

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

An appropriate Diploma in Safety Management or its equivalent,
or
an appropriate Diploma with a major in any management field.
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements as indicated above may apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) provided they meet the statutory admission requirements for undergraduate studies; are at least 23 years old with a minimum of five years' current, relevant working and research experience in line with the approved qualification's RPL requirements. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl

Student fees and funding your studies

Application fee

Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:

  • R150 for online applications
  • Use the 8 digit student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (ie YOUR 8 digit STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030)
  • Send the proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za
  • Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information

Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.


Student fees

Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Apply for admission

Apply for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025.      

Please take note of the following:

  • All applications for admission must be submitted online. 
  • Admission to a qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with the admission requirements and if space is available.

Registration

Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.

Curriculum / modules