In today’s rapidly evolving business world, the only constant is change. Organisations are constantly faced with restructuring, technological upgrades, mergers, and shifts in market dynamics. While change can lead to growth and innovation, it can also create uncertainty and resistance if not managed properly.
This is where Change Management becomes essential. The Change Management Strategies course at the University of South Africa (UNISA) equips professionals with the tools, frameworks, and confidence to guide organisations through transformation smoothly and effectively.
If you’re a manager, HR practitioner, consultant, or simply someone who wants to lead change rather than react to it, this course could be exactly what you need.
Requirements for the Change Management Strategies Course at UNISA
One of the best things about UNISA’s short courses is that they are accessible to a wide range of learners.
Typical requirements include:
-
Education: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification.
-
Work Experience: Helpful but not always compulsory – relevant experience in business, management, or HR may strengthen your application.
-
English Proficiency: The course is conducted in English, so you’ll need strong reading and writing skills.
-
Tech Access: Since it’s distance learning, you’ll need a computer, email, and internet access.
-
Interest in Leadership & Change: While not an official requirement, a proactive mindset will help you succeed.
What is the Change Management Strategies Course at UNISA?
The Change Management Strategies course is part of UNISA’s Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) – focused, career-driven courses that deliver practical skills without the long-term commitment of a full degree.
This programme is designed to help you understand, plan, and implement organisational change. You’ll explore how to manage not just the technical side of change (systems, processes, strategies) but also the human side (mindsets, behaviours, and resistance).
What You’ll Learn
-
Understanding Change: Why change happens, its drivers, and its effects on organisations.
-
Popular Change Models: Learn proven frameworks like Lewin’s Change Theory, Kotter’s 8-Step Model, and the ADKAR model.
-
Leading People Through Change: Master communication, motivation, and employee engagement techniques.
-
Overcoming Resistance: Discover strategies for reducing pushback and fostering a culture of adaptability.
-
Sustaining Change: Ensure changes stick by embedding new processes into the organisational culture.
By the end of the course, you won’t just understand change management – you’ll have the practical tools to lead it successfully.
How to Apply for the Course
Applying for the Change Management Strategies course at UNISA is straightforward:
1️⃣ Visit the UNISA website – www.unisa.ac.za
2️⃣ Go to the Short Learning Programmes section.
3️⃣ Search for “Change Management Strategies.”
4️⃣ Fill out the online application and upload documents (ID, certificates).
5️⃣ Wait for confirmation and start preparing for your course.
Why Choose UNISA for Change Management?
Here’s why thousands of professionals trust UNISA for their career growth:
-
A Respected Institution: UNISA is Africa’s largest open-distance learning university, recognised internationally for academic excellence.
-
Flexible Learning: Study from anywhere at your own pace – perfect for busy professionals.
-
Work-Ready Skills: The course is practical and industry-relevant, meaning you can apply what you learn immediately.
-
Career-Boosting: Change management expertise is in demand across all industries – this course can position you for promotions or new roles.
Who Should Enrol in This Course?
The Change Management Strategies course is designed for anyone involved in organisational transformation, including:
-
Managers & Team Leaders – who need to implement and oversee change initiatives.
-
HR Practitioners – responsible for supporting employees through policy or structural shifts.
-
Project Managers – whose projects involve significant organisational changes.
-
Consultants – looking to add structured change management to their advisory services.
-
Entrepreneurs & Business Owners – who need to pivot, adapt, and grow their businesses.
-
Aspiring Change Professionals – looking to start a career in organisational change.
If you deal with people, processes, or planning in your work – this course will be valuable..
How is the Course Delivered?
The course is delivered fully online through UNISA’s distance learning platform – meaning you can study from anywhere in the world.
What’s Included:
-
Study Guides & Course Notes – comprehensive material to support your learning.
-
Assignments & Assessments – to test your understanding and apply concepts.
-
Access to myUNISA Portal – where you’ll interact with facilitators, download materials, and submit work.
Most learners complete the course in a few months, but because it’s self-paced, you can fit it around your work and personal schedule.
Career Paths After Completing the Course
One of the biggest benefits of this course is how it opens doors to new opportunities. Organisations everywhere – from government agencies to tech startups – need skilled change leaders.
Here’s where this course can take you:
1. Change Manager
Change Managers design and oversee change projects – from software rollouts to major restructures.
What You’ll Do:
-
Plan and execute change strategies.
-
Communicate changes to stakeholders.
-
Reduce resistance and drive adoption.
-
Track progress and measure success.
Industries Hiring: Banking, healthcare, IT, government.
Why This Course Helps: It gives you the core frameworks and confidence to lead transformation.
2. Organisational Development Specialist
OD Specialists focus on improving an organisation’s structure, culture, and efficiency.
What You’ll Do:
-
Analyse organisational systems and recommend improvements.
-
Implement leadership and culture-building initiatives.
-
Facilitate employee development and training.
Industries Hiring: Corporations, NGOs, consulting firms.
Why This Course Helps: You’ll gain insights into human and strategic change dynamics.
3. HR Manager or Specialist
HR is at the centre of change – from handling employee concerns to rolling out new policies.
What You’ll Do:
-
Support staff during transitions.
-
Create training and communication strategies.
-
Align HR policies with organisational changes.
Industries Hiring: All – from retail to manufacturing.
Why This Course Helps: Adds strategic change skills to your HR toolkit.
4. Business Consultant
Consultants with change management expertise are highly sought-after.
What You’ll Do:
-
Assess client needs and recommend solutions.
-
Design and guide transformation plans.
-
Train teams on adopting new ways of working.
Industries Hiring: Consulting firms, freelance advisory roles.
Why This Course Helps: Gives you structured methods to offer clients.
5. Project Manager
Projects often involve big changes – and change-savvy project managers deliver better results.
What You’ll Do:
-
Integrate change management into project planning.
-
Prepare teams for new systems and processes.
-
Ensure projects don’t just finish – but stick.
Industries Hiring: IT, construction, healthcare, finance.
Why This Course Helps: Complements certifications like PMP or PRINCE2.
6. Entrepreneur or Business Owner
Running a business means constantly adapting. This course helps you lead pivots confidently.
What You’ll Do:
-
Reshape your business model when needed.
-
Manage team transitions smoothly.
-
Build a culture that thrives on innovation.
Industries Hiring: Your own!
Why This Course Helps: Teaches you to steer change, not just react to it.
Why Change Management Skills are in Demand
-
Companies that manage change well are 6x more likely to meet project goals.
-
Poorly managed change leads to low morale, resistance, and wasted money.
-
Organisations now see change management as essential, not optional.
This means professionals with change management training are in high demand – and completing this UNISA course can set you apart.
Conclusion
The Change Management Strategies course at UNISA is more than a short course – it’s an investment in your future.
By enrolling, you’ll learn how to lead transformation, handle resistance, and make change work for your organisation instead of against it.
Whether you’re a manager seeking promotion, a consultant adding skills, or an entrepreneur guiding your business, this course gives you the confidence and expertise to thrive in a changing world.