SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Commerce in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119886  Master of Commerce in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with intellectual competencies and practical skills in the mastering, analysis, interpretation, and application of basic and advanced management principles in the different functional units of the business organisation and be able to reflect on their managerial decisions and applications to access the effect thereof in the holistic context of management as a practice.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Contribute towards solving business-related complex and real-life problems, and challenge policy development and its implementation.
  • Demonstrate effective communication competence with the different stakeholders in the management field and apply the theoretical principles of communication (oral/written) and reflect on the application made.
  • Plan and execute research in business management, by gathering, analysing synthesizing, and interpreting the relevant information correctly and reflecting on research.
  • Develop a theoretical and practical vision of Business Management nationally and globally in terms of socio-cultural, economic, institutional, technological, and political factors.
  • Organise effectively and responsibly and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of Business Management by applying the relevant theoretical aspects.
  • Accept the responsibility for his/her own activities in the field of business management and learning by applying the concepts of self-management.
  • Practice acceptable social sensitivity in the relationships with others and work effectively in self-directed management teams by implementing the relevant theory of teamwork

    Rationale:
    The addressing of inequity and the provision of competencies linked to job creation in South Africa is a matter of economic, social, and political importance. Inclusive economic growth, developing and implementing better ways of doing business, and supporting African economic integration and development is of crucial importance. There is a serious skills shortage both in South Africa and in other African countries to effectively cater to the growing demand by the public and private sectors for business management experts and practitioners, resulting in skills often being outsourced internationally. The qualification is aimed at the predominantly rural population of the region. The qualification has been designed to equip learners with the competencies and skills needed to be employed in a variety of fields of business management and in different sectors of the economy such as the private sector, public sector, and financial sector or self-employed and job-creating sector.

    The qualification is holistic, multi-disciplinary and applied and strives to advance knowledge over a broad spectrum in entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business management theory, as well as the application thereof in practice. Its aim is the improvement and further development of these fields, and it is designed to appeal to both practitioners and academics. An understanding of the entrepreneurship challenge in South Africa, to understand the contribution of applied entrepreneurship to Local Economic Development (LED) in a municipal context and a fast-changing world of work (Fourth Industrial revolution), is of crucial importance.

    The qualification is focused on a new generation of leaders and managers who are eager to invest in themselves and add value to their organisations or develop their own businesses since the growth of the economy depends on their ability to manage change and drive innovation.
    The qualification will allow qualified learners to be able to investigate, discuss, analyse, and critically challenge the theories, methodologies, and policies in the field of business, contributing to the topical current and global economy.

    Upon Completion of the qualification learners will be able to demonstrate the following:
  • A superior Management knowledge, skills, and applied competency in a selected field of study in Business Management.
  • Independently do research on a research problem of his/her own choice and be assisted by the supervisor within the department.
    > Enter the academic world as well as various employment opportunities in a highly competitive multi-cultural business environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field. NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 09 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 09,180 Credits:
  • Dissertation in Business Management, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply management theoretical principles according to the theories in problem-solving and real-life situations.
    2. Demonstrate effective communication competence with the different stakeholders within the management field.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute research in business management, by gathering, analysing synthesising, and interpreting the relevant information correctly and reflecting on research.
    4. Apply a theoretical and practical vision of Business Management nationally and globally in terms of socio-cultural, economic, institutional, technological, and political factors.
    5. Practice acceptable social sensitivity in relationships with others and work effectively in self-directed management teams. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Contribute towards solving business-related complex and real-life problems, and challenge policy development and its implementation.
  • Apply principles reflected on the application made in the process of solving a problem.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Communicate effectively with different stakeholders in the management field.
  • Apply and reflect theoretical principles of communication on the application made.
  • Communicate complex concepts, ideas, and theories clearly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Differentiate different methodological approaches to business research.
  • Analyse and interpret research data accurately using appropriate techniques.
  • Recognise the limitations of research design.
  • Address validity and reliability concerns raised by the research design.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop an accountable theoretical and practical macro vision of business management according to standards.
  • Utilise appropriate technology in creating sound management information systems for sound managerial decision-making.
  • Apply the concepts of self-management appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply acceptable social sensitivity in relationships with others and obtained ethical clearance according to the university policy.
  • Work effectively in self-directed management teams using the relevant theory of teamwork.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Continuous Assessment practices will form an important part of the design of the qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners and a coherent assessment strategy is in place for each module, with a fair balance between formative and summative assessment strategies.

    Formative assessment in this qualification will be done by assessing whether the learner is progressing successfully with the normal processes of conducting research. Approval of the research proposal, which is subjected to assessment at Departmental, faculty and higher degree levels. In addition, each proposal is also reviewed by the Ethics Committee and an ethical clearance certificate is issued before the student can commence with the research.

    Summative assessment is evidenced through the completion and submission of a full dissertation, not more than 150 pages. This dissertation is assessed externally by two independent assessors from different institutions. The appointed examiners assess the dissertation in accordance with applicable institutional rules.

    Each examiner of dissertations shall not have any insight into the marks allocated by other examiner/s prior to the allocation of their marks. They are expected to complete an assessment form and in addition, submit a separate assessment report. Each examiner allocates a percentage mark to the dissertation and also specifically to indicate whether:
  • The qualification be awarded with distinction,
    Or
  • The qualification be awarded unconditionally (without corrections),
    Or
  • The dissertation be provisionally accepted pending minor corrections of a technical nature such as spelling, typing, the numbering of pages/ sections, and references, which will normally be required to be made to the satisfaction of the supervisor.
  • The dissertation be provisionally accepted pending more substantial corrections, which will normally be required to be made to the satisfaction of the examiner, or a specified person or body other than the supervisor.
  • The dissertation is not accepted in its current form, and it must be referred to the candidate for revision, comprehensive restructuring and/or expansion after which it should be resubmitted for examination.
  • The dissertation is not accepted, and the degree is not awarded. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom (UK)
    Institution: Newcastle University
    Qualification Title: Management and Business Studies (Research) MA
    Credits: 180
    Duration: 12 months Full-time.

    Entry Requirements:
    2:1 Honour's degree, or international equivalent, in any discipline.
    The purpose of the UK qualification is to provide essential skills, advanced knowledge and understanding of business and management to proceed to doctoral research which is similar to the purpose of the South African qualification.
    The qualification comprises taught compulsory modules to a credit value of 120 plus a 60-credit dissertation or action research portfolio.

    Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits - (The SA qualification has 180 Credits)
  • Thinking about Research, 10 Credits.
  • Information Skills,10 Credits.
  • Dissertation Preparation, 10 Credits.
  • Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 20 Credits
  • Quantitative Analysis, 20 Credits.
  • The Making and Unmaking of Knowledge, 10 Credits.
  • Dissertation (Research), 60 Credits.
  • Research Designs in Management and Business Studies, 20 Credits.
  • Research Practice in Management and Business Studies, 20 Credits.

    Assessment:
    Assessed through a combination of:
  • Computer assessment.
  • Dissertation Essay.
  • Professional skills Assessments Report.
  • Research proposal Written exercise.

    The qualification articulates vertically into a PhD in Business Management.
    Similarities:
  • Both SA qualifications and UK qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full-time study.
  • Both SA qualifications and UK qualifications have the same credits of 180 credits.
  • Both SA qualification and UK qualifications require applicants who completed an Honour's degree in Business Management or equivalent qualification.
  • Both SA qualification and UK qualification equip candidates to develop:
  • > A thorough grounding in theory, approaches, and research methods
  • >Associated ethics in the social sciences generally and in management and business studies in particular
  • > Skills in the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative research data, as well as an understanding of cutting-edge research across the social sciences
  • >The ability to reconcile different research approaches and analyse data in a wide variety of formats, both qualitative and quantitative.
  • Both qualifications articulate into a Doctoral degree in business management.
    Differences:
    The UK qualification consists of coursework compulsory research modules whereas the SA qualification consists of only a dissertation and no coursework.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Australian National University
    Qualification Title: MPhil in Business (Research School of Management (RSM)
    Duration: 12 months of full-time

    Entry requirements:
    The admission requirements for the Australian qualification reflect the knowledge that learners will need to undertake the coursework component of the qualification, and the research experience and skills needed to successfully undertake and complete the research thesis.

    The minimum qualification required for admission to the Australian qualification is:
  • A bachelor's degree, with an overall grade of distinction or higher, from an Australian university.

    Entry to the MPhil qualification is open to applicants who can demonstrate superior achievement in their prior studies. The minimum qualification required for admission to a program for a Master of Philosophy is a Bachelor's degree, with an overall grade of distinction or higher, from an Australian university.

    Qualification structure:
    The Australian qualification consists of two components - coursework and research. Learners undertake the research component concurrently with the required coursework.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • MPhil candidates must take two courses, with approval from their supervisors, from the following list:
  • Management Research Methods.
  • Qualitative Research Methods.
  • Special Research Topic.
  • Quantitative Research Methods in Management.

    Elective Modules:
    MPhil candidates can select one course, with approval from their supervisors, from the following list:
  • Organisational Behaviour.
  • Strategic Management.
  • Marketing for Leaders.
  • Industry Research Project.
  • Digital Strategy, Executive and Operations.
  • Managing Across Cultures.
  • Special Research Topic 2.

    MPhil research component:
    Upon successfully completing the compulsory courses and electives, and with the approval of the MPhil supervisory panel and HDR convenor, MPhil candidates proceed to the research component of their program, which normally takes 12 months of full-time research.

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY
    Country: United Kingdom (UK)
    Institution: Newcastle University
    Qualification Title: Management and Business Studies (Research) MA
    Credits: 180
    Duration: 12 months Full-time.

    Entry Requirements:
    2:1 Honour's degree, or international equivalent, in any discipline.
    The purpose of the UK qualification is to provide essential skills, advanced knowledge and understanding of business and management to proceed to doctoral research which is similar to the purpose of the South African qualification.
    The qualification comprises taught compulsory modules to a credit value of 120 plus a 60-credit dissertation or action research portfolio.

    Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits - (The SA qualification has 180 Credits)
  • Thinking about Research, 10 Credits.
  • Information Skills,10 Credits.
  • Dissertation Preparation, 10 Credits.
  • Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 20 Credits
  • Quantitative Analysis, 20 Credits.
  • The Making and Unmaking of Knowledge, 10 Credits.
  • Dissertation (Research), 60 Credits.
  • Research Designs in Management and Business Studies, 20 Credits.
  • Research Practice in Management and Business Studies, 20 Credits.

    Assessment:
    Assessed through a combination of:
  • Computer assessment.
  • Dissertation Essay.
  • Professional skills Assessments Report.
  • Research proposal Written exercise.

    The qualification articulates vertically into a PhD in Business Management.
    Similarities:
  • Both SA qualifications and UK qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full-time study.
  • Both SA qualifications and UK qualifications have the same credits of 180 credits.
  • Both SA qualification and UK qualifications require applicants who completed an Honour's degree in Business Management or equivalent qualification.
  • Both SA qualification and UK qualification equip candidates to develop:
  • > A thorough grounding in theory, approaches, and research methods
  • >Associated ethics in the social sciences generally and in management and business studies in particular
  • > Skills in the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative research data, as well as an understanding of cutting-edge research across the social sciences
  • >The ability to reconcile different research approaches and analyse data in a wide variety of formats, both qualitative and quantitative.
  • Both qualifications articulate into a Doctoral degree in business management.
    Differences:
    The UK qualification consists of coursework compulsory research modules whereas the SA qualification consists of only a dissertation and no coursework.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Australian National University
    Qualification Title: MPhil in Business (Research School of Management (RSM)
    Duration: 12 months of full-time

    Entry requirements:
    The admission requirements for the Australian qualification reflect the knowledge that learners will need to undertake the coursework component of the qualification, and the research experience and skills needed to successfully undertake and complete the research thesis.

    The minimum qualification required for admission to the Australian qualification is:
  • A bachelor's degree, with an overall grade of distinction or higher, from an Australian university.

    Entry to the MPhil qualification is open to applicants who can demonstrate superior achievement in their prior studies. The minimum qualification required for admission to a program for a Master of Philosophy is a Bachelor's degree, with an overall grade of distinction or higher, from an Australian university.

    Qualification structure:
    The Australian qualification consists of two components - coursework and research. Learners undertake the research component concurrently with the required coursework.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • MPhil candidates must take two courses, with approval from their supervisors, from the following list:
  • Management Research Methods.
  • Qualitative Research Methods.
  • Special Research Topic.
  • Quantitative Research Methods in Management.

    Elective Modules:
    MPhil candidates can select one course, with approval from their supervisors, from the following list:
  • Organisational Behaviour.
  • Strategic Management.
  • Marketing for Leaders.
  • Industry Research Project.
  • Digital Strategy, Executive and Operations.
  • Managing Across Cultures.
  • Special Research Topic 2.

    MPhil research component:
    Upon successfully completing the compulsory courses and electives, and with the approval of the MPhil supervisory panel and HDR convenor, MPhil candidates proceed to the research component of their program, which normally takes 12 months of full-time research.

    The essential element of the MPhil degree is a thesis of up to 60,000 words on an approved topic. The thesis must make an original and important contribution to knowledge, research, and development in the candidate's chosen area of study.

    During their program, MPhil candidates are expected to present their research yearly (when studying full-time) at opportunities such as seminars, conferences, and doctoral colloquiums.

    Oral presentation:
    In their final year, candidates are required to give a final oral presentation on their research, usually three months before submitting their thesis.

    Thesis submission and examination:
    The culmination of an MPhil program in RSM is a written thesis which, upon completion, is submitted for examination. The thesis is examined by experts in the relevant field.

    Thesis examination
    The thesis examination itself is undertaken by at least two nominated expert reviewers with international standing in the relevant academic field(s).

    Articulation:
  • Qualifying learners articulate to a PhD

    Similarities:
  • Both the Australian and the SA qualifications are offered over a period of one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who hold a Bachelor Honour's degree for the entry requirements.
  • The Australian qualification is similar to the SA qualification because it encourages candidates to develop skills in independent research as a pathway to a PhD.
  • Both qualifications consist of a compulsory dissertation.

    Differences:
    The Australian qualification differs from the SA qualification because it includes some preparatory coursework, then the candidate proceeds to the research component of the programme, which normally takes 12 months of full-time research. Similarly, during this time, each candidate writes a thesis, which is submitted for examination by two to three external examiners, who are experts in the relevant field and will assess the candidate for completion. In addition, each candidate is expected to present their research yearly at opportunities provided such as seminars, conferences, and doctoral colloquium which is also encouraged in the SA qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Economics, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Business Studies, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Commerce, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.