POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA (PGD) PROGRAMME
A 1-year foundational programme for individuals transitioning into business or management studies.
Programme Overview
The Post‑Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Business is a one‑year weekend programme (Friday evenings and Saturdays) designed for graduates who want a strong foundation in core business disciplines. Teaching is delivered in a hybrid format, so learners can combine face‑to‑face interaction with online convenience. Completing the PGD with a minimum CGPA of 3.50 qualifies you to apply for the UPBS MBA, EMBA, or MSc.
Programme Content
Module 1
Entrepreneurship & Feasibility Study
The content explores the essential components of entrepreneurship and feasibility study, encompassing project identification, definition and management, project evaluation and appraisal; definition of feasibility studies and implication. Feasibility report writing. Tools used in project and management, feasibility studies in monitoring and forecasting – PERT, CPM, etc. Management of cost, quality, HR communication, risk and procurement communication. Risk. Case studies.
Management Theory
Management as an economic resource. External environmental factors in comparative management – economic, legal/political, socio-cultural, educational etc. Internal environmental factors, technological factors etc. Comparative management systems in Russia, China, USA, Britain, Germany etc. Case studies.
Strategic and Operation Management
In this course, students acquire skills to identify and manage risks, crises, and disasters, including the preparation of emergency and contingency plans. It will also enable students to acquire learning strategies to prevent/mitigate losses and expedite recovery from security events or natural disasters through case studies and practical exercises.
Module 2
Quantitative Techniques
This course will introduce students to the fundamental concepts and techniques of quantitative methods enabling decision-making in various fields. This will cover the formulation and solving of problems as well as the evaluation and interpretation of results. Upon completion of this course, students should be conversant with linear programming and sensitivity analysis, goal programming, inventory control management, investment and breakeven analysis, probability and forecasting, queuing and games theory as well as project management techniques and networks.
Financial Accounting
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and concepts of financial accounting, focusing on the preparation, analysis and interpretation of financial statements. Students will learn to record, classify and understand the role of accounting in business decision-making. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand the accounting cycle and financial principles (GAAP, IFRS).
Business and Company Law
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of business law, focusing on the legal environment of businesses and its impact on business decisions. Students will learn to analyse and apply legal concepts to practical business scenarios. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: understand the legal system and its impact on business, analyse and apply contract law principles, identify and explain law of tort and product liability, employment law and labour relations, business organization law, etc.
Module 3
Leadership and Ethics
The course seeks to identify key interpersonal and teamwork skills and ethical behaviours. It deals with skills that underlie the management, leadership and ethical practices in global business environment and how to adapt them in different contexts. It examines the formulation and implementation of company code of conduct, conflict of interest, ethical standards, etc. The course will adopt the use of case studies and problem-solving exercises in deepening the understanding of the course.
Cost and Management Accounting
This course will prepare students to understand the rudiments of management accounting, cost elements and concepts, product costing, management audit, cash management, debt management, marginal costing and overheads, workforce accounting, etc.
Financial Management
This course will expose students to the analysis and techniques used in the procurement and management of funds. Issues in money markets, capital markets, use of financial instruments (bonds, treasury bills, commercial papers), assets pricing and management, mergers and acquisitions, leasing, venture capital and working capital management will also be considered.
Module 4
Management Information System
This course will enable students to understand how to create, design, implement and utilize business information systems to innovatively increase the effectiveness and efficiency of companies. The course content will include process control, management and reporting system, inventory control information systems, sales and marketing information system, human resources information system, financial information systems, time management, reporting patterns, responsibilities and training of information managers, IT facilities handling and record keeping, data storage and retrieval (Computer based), etc.
Practice of Marketing
In this course, students are exposed to the dynamic and competitive nature of the business environment. Areas to cover include: product strategy, pricing strategy, distribution strategy, promotional strategy, marketing of goods and services, the P-mix of services, marketing information system, market research, post-marketing activities of the firm, etc.
Business Environment/Corporate Governance
This course provides an extensive understanding of the complex and dynamic business environment (economic, political, social, technological and legal) in which organizations operate and how each of these environments affects the overall performance of businesses. It also explores the principles, practices and challenges of corporate governance in ensuring ethical and sustainable operations of organizations.
Who Attends
university graduates or HND holders or with a third‑class degree who want a pathway to an MBA, EMBA, or MSc.
Early‑career professionals seeking solid business fundamentals.
Specialists from non‑business fields (engineering, sciences, social sciences) who need managerial skills.
Entrepreneurs who want to sharpen planning, finance, and marketing abilities before scaling their ventures.
Career Impact
Gateway to advanced degrees: A CGPA of 3.50 or higher opens direct entry into UPBS master’s programmes.
Broader employability: Gain essential knowledge in accounting, finance, marketing, strategy, and leadership—all valued across sectors.
Practical decision tools: Courses in quantitative techniques, MIS, and cost accounting equip you to analyse data and improve business performance.
Leadership confidence: Ethics and entrepreneurship modules build the mindset to start, manage, or lead teams responsibly.
Fees
Total Fee: ₦1,148,000
The tuition for the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programme at the University of Port Harcourt Business School (UPBS) is ₦1,148,000 only. This fee covers:
Course materials
Online and physical lecture delivery
Administrative support
Access to UPBS facilities and learning platforms
Note: Payment is structured in flexible instalments. Details will be provided upon admission.
For questions about fee breakdown or payment options, please contact the UPBS Admissions Office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the PGD programme at UPBS?
The Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) at the University of Port Harcourt Business School (UPBS) offers foundational knowledge in core business areas and prepares students for advanced degrees like the MBA, EMBA, or MSc.
Who can apply for the PGD at UPBS?
Applicants must have a university degree with at least a third class or a Higher National Diploma (HND) with a merit pass to qualify.
How is the PGD programme at UPBS structured?
The programme runs for one year with classes held on Fridays and Saturdays. It uses a hybrid learning model, combining both in-person and online delivery.
Can I use the UPBS PGD to pursue an MBA or MSc?
Courses include Entrepreneurship, Financial Accounting, Management, Marketing, Corporate Governance, Leadership and Ethics, and other core business disciplines.
What areas of study does the PGD at UPBS cover?
Courses include Entrepreneurship, Financial Accounting, Management, Marketing, Corporate Governance, Leadership and Ethics, and other core business disciplines.
CALL FOR ADMISSION!!!
Take the Bold Step Towards Leadership
At UPBS, we empower global leaders for emerging challenges.
Whether you’re advancing in your current career or preparing for something new, our programmes are designed to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
