91%
of Henley graduates report a positive career impact within 6 months of completion.
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Your ultimate power-up. Stand out in the job market by getting a qualification from a top global business school that employers recognise and value. You’ll gain confidence and direction so you can start to build a career and life that is purposeful and fulfilling.
Academic level:
NQF level 5 / 120 credits
Programme fee 2026:
Rxxxx (VAT exempt).
Duration:
12 months, part-time
Delivery mode:
Face-to-face / 20 contact days and home study
Location:
Johannesburg
The transition from school to the world of work can be a daunting one. You have the ambition, but the job market is noisy, and traditional degrees can feel disconnected from the reality of starting a career. If you are a school-leaver, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a young professional looking for a non-traditional launchpad, the Henley Work Readiness Programme is designed to help you stop searching for a path and start building one.
What you will gain on this programme:
Global credibility:
You join a quadruple-accredited international business school from day one, gaining access to a 100,000-strong global alumni network.
A "flight simulator" for business:
We don't just teach theory. Our modules include simulations in finance, operations, marketing, and people management, equipping you with ready-to-go skills that employers value.
Personalised support:
This journey includes group coaching, academic tutoring, and career guidance. We help you understand your strengths so you can lead yourself before you lead others.
Modern campus vibes:
Based in our safe, vibrant North Johannesburg campus, you’ll experience campus life over five modules across the year, while building a professional network that lasts a lifetime.
This year-long journey will give you skills you can use and give you the space to explore your strengths – while having a lot of fun in the process! You’ll gain confidence and direction so you can start to build a career and life that is purposeful and fulfilling.
of Henley graduates report a positive career impact within 6 months of completion.
Ranked as the top institution for Executive Education (open, custom, and online programmes) for two years in a row by PMR.africa (2025 and 2026).
Henley has been developing ethical global leaders who make an impact for eight decades.
One of only 125-130 global business schools to hold triple-crown accreditation — AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS. Plus, Henley is accredited by the African Association of Business Schools.
"The culture is very encouraging and embraces lifelong learning which is very motivating for successful learning."
The DBA shifted my thinking from 'how to fix this problem' to 'why does this problem exist?' It gave me the rigorous tools to dissect complex African challenges and build solutions that last. It was the hardest, most rewarding climb of my life.
If you are ready to trade traditional learning for a high-touch, high-engagement portfolio learning, you are in the right place. This one-year undergraduate programme is perfect for school leavers seeking a non-traditional academic path, university graduates who want an extra skills boost to set them apart in a noisy job market, and young entrepreneurs who need to underline their ambition with skills.
With flexible learning and expert educators and mentors, our graduates emerge not just ready but eager to make an impact.
give your young adults the edge they need.
build the skills that will get you seen at work and help you craft a life of purpose.
discover ready-to-go talent.
All applicants must submit:
Please read the admission requirements and application form notes before submitting your application.
Start your application today
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| Modules | Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| Block 1 | Fundamental management concepts |
Week 1: 09 - 10 Mar 2026 Week 2: 16 - 17 Mar 2026 Week 3: 25 - 26 Mar 2026 Week 4: 31 Mar 2026 |
| Block 2 | Systems thinking and business |
Week 1: 2 - 3 Jun 2026 Week 2: 10 - 11 Jun 2026 Week 3: 18 Jun 2026 Week 4: 24 Jun 2026 |
| Block 3 | Business Acumen |
Week 1: 18 & 20 Aug 2026 Week 2: 25 & 27 Aug 2026 Week 3: 04 Sep 2026 |
| Block 4 | Working with people |
Week 1: 04 Nov 2026 Week 2: 11 – 12 Nov 2026 Week 3: 18 Nov 2026 Week 4: 23 Nov 2026 |
| Block 5 | Action Learning & Presentations | Week 1: 18 & 20 Jan 2027 |
A real-world team project as a ‘flight simulator’ for solving complex workplace challenges.
At Henley, we are dedicated to offering flexible financing options. Whether you’re an individual seeking financial support or an organisation, we’re here to assist. Payment plans are available for up to 10 months with an initial deposit.
Please click here for information and advice.
Should you require any further information about our Work Readiness Programmes, email us at UG.admissions@henleysa.ac.za.
How much time do I need to set aside to study?
This is a part-time programme that will run over 12 months. You will need to set aside 20 full days to attend classes on campus and also make time for home study and group check-ins online.
Is the Henley Work Readiness Programme accredited?
Yes, it is an NQF Level 5, CHE-accredited programme with 120 credits. It is at the same level as a first-year at university and can articulate into further study at Henley and other institutions.
Will my child be safe at Henley?
Yes, your child will be absolutely safe at Henley. The campus is a modern, purpose-built, and secure location located in the north of Johannesburg. It is an environment built for adults who are taking themselves seriously.
Is this the same as a gap year?
No it is more than a gap year. It's a launch year. Your child will have a nationally recognised qualification, a network built through a globally ranked business school, digital credentials that are visible on LinkedIn, and a clearer idea of where they're going than most graduates have after four years of traditional study. The Work Readiness Programme is a one-year, part-time qualification, a Higher Certificate in Management Practice (NQF Level 5, CHE-accredited) programme, at the same level as a first year of university.
Can I use this to study further at Henley or elsewhere?
Absolutely. This programme is the first rung on our Ladder of Learning. The credits earned here can be used for admission into Diploma-level (NQF 6) programmes. Depending on the institution's policies, you could also use these credits to transfer into second-year studies in related fields.
What kind of career support will I get?
You aren’t just a number at Henley. You will receive career guidance and coaching to help you understand your unique inner hero. On this programme, you will also have an opportunity to gain additional industry-recognised digital certificates that you can display on LinkedIn and your CV immediately, helping you get seen in a noisy job market.
What exactly is a "Flight Simulator" for business?
In our Action Learning Project, we create a “safe-to-fail” environment where you tackle real-world business challenges. You’ll work in teams to solve complex problems, just as you would in a high-stakes corporate environment. It allows you to make your “first-year mistakes” here, so you show up at your first job with the composure of a seasoned professional.