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 Business Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122520  Master of Business Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
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
Registered  EXCO 0525/24  2024-07-11  2027-07-11 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-07-11   2031-07-11  

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 the Master of Business Administration is to provide postgraduate education in functional business practices such as finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and management. The qualification is designed to develop holistic, innovative, and socially responsible business leaders by developing the knowledge, skills, and values required to improve sustainable productivity and quality of work. A graduate will be able to strategically lead any form of organisation to succeed in complex global markets that include environmental, sustainable and good governance practices.

The qualification will enable working professionals to undertake advanced professional development through a systematic exploration of current managerial theories, practices and research methods in dynamic business and organisational environments in a global context. The focus is on developing and applying innovative, reflective managerial competencies across strategic, operational, and tactical levels of a business environment. This qualification demands a high level of advanced theoretical engagement and intellectual independence and the ability to apply knowledge, acquired skills, theories, concepts, and methods to a range of business and organisational contexts.

Graduates will demonstrate essential 21st-century Century Business Administration skills: critical collaboration and teamwork; creativity; critical thinking; decision-making; problem-solving; adaptability; global and cultural awareness; Information Computer Technology literacy; leadership; productivity; and active global citizenry. Contemporary and future leadership demands a multi-disciplined skillset. The multifaceted nature of the qualification and its orientation towards integration is the ideal incubator for shaping the requisite skillset and shifting learners' worldviews and orientation. Leadership and management's new frontier where the human workforce, intelligent machines, and data converge lies at the heart of contemporary management, equipping learners with the critical skills to make an immediate impact in the business world.

Rationale:
The world is rapidly changing, and the challenges to turn weaknesses and threats into strengths and opportunities while simultaneously mitigating risk, respectively, are at the core of all business organisations. Globally disruptive events such as the financial crisis of 2008, the Eurozone crisis of 2011 and the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 compel businesses, economies, governments, and societies to make fundamental paradigmatic changes across the globe. Shareholders are demanding the best and brightest talents educated at the highest levels to manage their business concerns to survive and thrive in the context of known and unknown aggressively competitive world, business owners, and executives.

This qualification is universally recognised and integrated-multidisciplinary as far as business management and people-leadership are concerned. The qualification is particularly relevant for those who wish to lead an organisation, understand universal business challenges, apply best practices, and solve complex problems in the private and public sectors.

The business context is evolving rapidly and requires graduates with cutting-edge knowledge and a skill set that will enhance their employability in the 21st Century. The field of robotics and artificial intelligence is developing at an unprecedented rate, impacting virtually every facet of business, industry, and other organisations. The magnitude of these developments leads to significant changes in the employment context, the nature of tasks to be performed, and the profile of skills required.

In such an evolving environment, learners will be able to develop innovative, creative, and practical solutions to complex and challenging local and global problems, thereby making a meaningful contribution to society. Furthermore, graduates will require professional capabilities to manage a super-complex digital and global world of work.

The qualification will enable working professionals to undertake advanced development and reflection through a systematic exploration of current managerial methods, practices and research in dynamic business and organisational environments. The focus is on developing and applying innovative, reflective managerial competencies across operational, tactical, and strategic levels of a business environment. This qualification demands a high level of advanced theoretical engagement and intellectual independence and the ability to apply knowledge, acquired skills, theories, concepts, and methods to a range of business and organisational contexts.

The institution has seen a significant increase in learner enrolment from around 300 higher learners a decade ago to approximately 15,000 to date. The continued demand for the qualification is espoused in the latest Critical Skills Lists and the Scarce Skills lists which continue to refer to the need for senior and executive level positions with appropriate professional post-graduate managerial qualifications. Globally, the qualification remains in high demand as evidenced in the Association of Master of Business Administration (AMBA) Application and Enrolment Report of 2021 indicating that globally, the volume of MBA applications received increased by an average of 7% from 2019 to 2020 (AMBA, 2021) and remained steady between 2021 and 2022 (AMBA, 2022). Similarly, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Corporate Recruiters Survey 2021 indicate that the demand for graduate management talent is returning to pre-pandemic levels (GMAC, 2021), and the 2022 report states that the demand for new talent will increase in the next five years (GMAC, 2022). In South Africa, the trend is similar, with the compound annual growth rate of MBA applications being 2.7% over the past decade (South African Business Schools Association (SABSA), 2020).

The qualification was developed in consultation with the Institution's Advisory Board indicating that the market demand for business administration graduates remains resilient. Furthermore, a workshop with relevant stakeholders from business provided feedback on the characteristics of the. It is envisaged that the qualification will strengthen and enhance the market position and encourage academic staff to improve their qualifications.

Typical learners will be working professionals aged between 25 and 40 years of age. The qualification is suitable for middle managers and prepares them for senior leadership positions, thereby contributing to business excellence in Southern Africa whilst also taking cognisance of cutting-edge global business issues. The qualification is structured to allow learners to continue working in full-time employment while studying. Learners will be encouraged to apply their learning to their current business and management practices, promoting innovation in their current employment context.

Employment opportunities for graduates within the field of business management include:
  • Chief Executive Officer.
  • Manager: Strategy and Research.
  • Chief Technology Officer.
  • Computer and Information Systems Manager.
  • Financial Manager.
  • High-End Management Consultant.
  • Marketing Manager.
  • Entrepreneur.
  • Senior Manager. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy 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 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.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Business Administration Honours, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 09 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Management Philosophy, 10 Credits.
  • Managerial and Political Economics, 10 Credits.
  • Managerial Accounting for Data-driven Decision Making, 10 Credits.
  • Business Research Methodology, 15 Credits.
  • Leading People and Organisations, 15 Credits.
  • Managing Disruptive Technologies, 10 Credits.
  • Strategic Marketing in the Digital Age, 10 Credits.
  • Ethics and Corporate Governance for Sustainability Practice, 10 Credits.
  • Managing Operations and Risk in a Globalised and Digitised World, 15 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation for New Venture Creation, 10 Credits.
  • Strategic Management in a Complex and Uncertain World,10 Credits.
  • Applied Corporate Finance, 10 Credits.
  • Business Mini-dissertation, 45 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    1: Demonstrate the ability to synthesise, interrogate, and apply knowledge and concepts from a range of business disciplines to evaluate complex business problems, and develop environmental, sustainable and governance (ESG) benchmarkable framework solutions in complex local, regional or global market environments.
    2: Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse and interpret information and organisational data to inform business and management decisions, mitigate risk and forecast future trends.
    3: Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking, strategic foresight, responsible leadership and management skills that will lead to the effective execution of sustainable management practices and business decisions.
    4: Demonstrate the ability to apply research skills to develop research-based solutions to business problems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Investigate and analyse complex business problems through the application of knowledge and concepts from a range of interconnected business disciplines including the political economy.
  • Develop solutions to complex business problems and make recommendations for innovation in local, regional, or global markets which can be benchmarked against ESG principles.
  • Analyse and interpret relevant contemporary information and organisational data to inform decision-making, manage risk and forecast future trends in a complex local, regional, or global world.
  • Critically appraise appropriate business management practices within an organisational context and recommend sustainable, and ethical innovations.
  • Apply strategic and ethical leadership to management and business decisions during both stable and turbulent periods.
  • Apply business research skills to develop evidence-based solutions to existing and historical business problems. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared with recognised international MBA qualifications offered by the following international countries. This international comparison focuses on the degree of similarity in the duration of the study, purpose/description of the qualification, and career outlook.

    Country: United Kingdom
    University: University of Warwick
    Qualification Title: Master of Business Administration
    NQF Level: Level 7 on the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
    Credits: 180 Credits
    Duration: 12 months full-time and 24 months part-time
    Entry requirements:
  • First Class Honours undergraduate degree in social sciences, and behavioural sciences supported by a very strong CV and academic references.
    And
  • Have at least three years of professional, business experience.

    Purpose:
    The qualification draws learners from all over the world and is being shaped by the institution's values: Curiosity, Restlessness, Openness and Excellence. Their unique core values provide a challenging and innovative learning culture that prepares their learners for success in their future careers, and their part-time qualification has been carefully designed for those wanting to study at a world-leading business school but are limited in the amount of time they can take away from their jobs. The institution is entrepreneurial in spirit and practice and breaks new ground with its global business insights that empower learners to make a difference in business and the wider world.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of eight (8) compulsory modules and elective modules,

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Leadership comparable to Leading People and Organisations
  • Operations management comparable to Managing Operations and Risk in a Globalised and Digitised World
  • Corporate reporting and decision-making.
  • Financial management comparable to Applied Corporate Finance and Managerial Accounting for Data-driven Decision Making
  • Innovation and strategic entrepreneurship comparable to Managing Operations and Risk in a Globalised and Digitised World
  • Marketing comparable to Strategic Marketing in the Digital Age
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • Strategic advantage

    Elective Modules (Select any four modules):
  • Economics of the business environment comparable to Managerial and Political Economics
  • Strategy and practice
  • Strategic marketing comparable to Strategic Marketing in the Digital Age
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • International business
  • Human resource management
  • Modelling and analytics for management
  • Management accounting comparable to Managerial Accounting for Data-driven Decision Making
  • Leading and managing change comparable to Leading People and Organisations
  • Entrepreneurship and new venture creation comparable to Entrepreneurship and Innovation for New Venture Creation
  • Economics of wellbeing
  • Creating sustainable organisations comparable to Ethics and Corporate Governance for Sustainability Practice
  • Corporate finance Managerial comparable to Accounting for Data-driven Decision Making

    Similarities:
  • The University of Warwick (UW) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications have a weighting of 180 Credits.
  • Both qualifications require learners who completed the Honours degree in a cognate field.
  • The UW qualification culminates into the strategic consulting project or dissertation similar to the Business Mini dissertation in the SA qualification.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically to the Doctor of Business Administration or equivalent.

    Differences:
  • The UW qualification is registered at Level 7 on the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications whereas the SA qualification is registered at Level 8 of the SA NQF.
  • The UW qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules while the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.

    Country: Australia
    University: Southern Cross University (SCU)
    Qualification: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    Duration: 2 years full-time
    Credits: 192
    Entry requirements:
    Applicants must possess a degree equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from the University.

    Purpose:
    The qualification broadens the scope of a learner's career by developing his/her cross-functional management skills, including capabilities in areas other than their own. It provides opportunities to explore leadership theories and his/her leadership style and gain specialist knowledge on a range of relevant and critical business disciplines.
    The broad nature of the qualification ensures that learners will develop knowledge and skills across all business functions, building on and complementing the strengths they already have in their area of expertise. It will develop their strategic thinking and their confidence in speaking to all areas of business, increasing their impact on the company and their career. Develop their managerial skills, including decision-making and team management, to drive organisational success.

    The qualification will prepare learners for managerial roles, improve the way they currently manage, and instil a manager's point of view across key business areas. Further, develop their strategic leadership skills to prepare to lead across industries.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of 16 units (192 credit points) comprising:
  • 13 core units (168 credit points).
  • 2 option units (24 credit points).
    Or
  • One specialisation (192 credit points) in Accounting or Managing and Leading People.
  • Industry Research Project

    Similarities:
  • The purpose of the Southern Cross University (SCU) and the South African (SA) qualifications is to develop managerial skills, including decision-making and team management, to drive organisational success.
  • Both qualifications will expose learners to different leadership techniques and models, improve their communication skills, and foster their problem-solving and decision-making techniques.
  • The SCU qualification consists of an industry research project similar to the Business Mini dissertation in the SA qualification.

    Differences:
  • The SCU qualification has 192 credits whereas the SA qualification has 180 credits.
  • The SCU qualification takes two years of full-time study while the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study.
  • The SCU qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.

    Country: Singapore
    Institution: Singapore Management University
    Qualification: Master of Business Administration
    Duration: 18 Months (Part-Time)
    Credits: 216
    Entry requirements:
  • Minimum post-degree with work experience of 2 years.
  • Good undergraduate degree from a reputable institution (in any field).
  • Strong interpersonal skills and international outlook, and the ability to work in diverse groups.
  • Any outstanding professional accomplishments, leadership experience and potential, academic aptitude, and community impact would be an added advantage.

    Purpose:
    Learners can accelerate their leadership trajectory by honing both their hard and soft skills. Learners will learn to think critically, strategise, research, analyse business decisions, execute plans, and understand themselves and others, communicate, collaborate, negotiate, network, and lead.

    Leveraging a state-of-the-art curriculum, engaged instructors who can bridge theory and practice, and a wide selection of electives in Marketing, Finance, Strategy, Innovation, Technology and Supply Chain Management, they can expedite their next career move in South-East Asia or beyond. Not only because of the knowledge they will gain but also because of the critical capabilities they will develop through the qualification's various experiential learning methods: regional case studies, business study missions, international exchanges, internships with world-class companies, and project-based courses in partnership with leading organisations.

    Learning outcomes:
  • Demonstrate high-level critical thinking, independent judgement and the ability to reflect on self and others in a complex business environment.
  • Design and coordinate systematic approaches to complex problem-solving in a business context.
  • Develop innovative solutions to complex business problems.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of complex ethical and socially responsible business practices informed by a global perspective.
  • Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas.
  • Demonstrate high-level critical thinking, independent judgement and the ability to reflect on self and others in a complex business environment.
  • Apply expert communication and collaboration skills to inform and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of culturally appropriate business practices informed by a global perspective.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of 8 compulsory modules and a minimum of 10 elective modules.
    There is an option of selecting a specialisation, which includes an industry research project. The industry research project is ideal for developing an extensive knowledge of an issue related to the current workplace or to a career to pursue.

    Similarities:
  • The Singapore Management University (SMU) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed postgraduate qualification in a related field.
  • Both qualifications are designed to shape learners into versatile and dynamic leaders that businesses need.
  • Both qualifications will develop the business knowledge and practical skills to advance careers in today's competitive global markets. Learners will gain a broad understanding of contemporary management operations, as well as learn how to solve complex issues and manage the challenges of technology finance, and other critical business factors.

    Differences:
  • The SMU qualification takes 18 months to complete whereas the SA qualification takes one year full-time to complete.
  • The SMU qualification has 216 credits while the SA qualification has 180 credits.
  • The SMU qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.

    Country: Namibia
    University: University of Namibia
    Qualification: Master in Business Administration - Management Strategy
    NQF Level: Namibian National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Leve 9
    Duration: Two (2) years
    Credits: 280 credits
    Admission requirements
    To be considered for admission to this programme, a prospective student must:
  • Have a Namibian National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
    Level 8 Bachelor (Honours) degree qualification or equivalent, from the University of
    Namibia or any other recognised institution, in the chosen field of study.
  • Have a minimum of two years of experience in a supervisory or management position verifiable at enrolment application. Applicants are required to submit a reference letter from the employer that confirms their supervisory and managerial experience as part of the admission process.

    Purpose:
    The purpose of this qualification is to develop graduates that are productive, competitive, entrepreneurial, and capable of driving new start-ups, and private and public sector organisations towards a knowledge-based economy, economic growth, job creation and improved quality of life. Learners who complete the qualification will be able to pursue further studies in Business Administration or a related cognate area of learning at NQF Level 10, for instance, DBA and PhD in business administration or management.

    The qualification equips learners with the following skills: teamwork, social networking, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, managing 21st business organisations efficiently, managing diversity, global management, and research. Learners who complete the qualification will be able to pursue careers in the following areas: managerial positions in the private sector, senior administrative positions in the public sector, leadership in private and public organisations, leading start-up ventures, work in international agencies, and managers in non-governmental and international organisations.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Operations and technology management, 12 credits comparable to Managing Disruptive Technologies,
  • Leadership and human capital management, 12 credits comparable to Leading People and Organisations
  • Strategic marketing and customer service, 12 credits comparable to Strategic Marketing in the Digital Age
  • Strategic accounting and finance, 12 credits comparable to Applied Corporate Finance and Managerial Accounting for Data-driven Decision Making
  • Strategic management, 12 credits comparable to Strategic Management in a Complex and Uncertain World
  • Business Research Methodology, 24 credits comparable to Business Mini dissertation
  • Design thinking and innovation, 24 credits
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation strategy, 24 credits comparable to Entrepreneurship and Innovation for New Venture Creation
  • Corporate and business strategy, 24 credits comparable to Managing Disruptive Technologies
  • Global strategy and business development, 24 credits
  • Thesis, 100 credits comparable to Business Mini dissertation

    Similarities:
  • University of Namibia (UNAM) and the South African (SA) qualifications are registered at Level 9 on the SANQF and NQF.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed the Level 8 Bachelor (Honours) degree qualification or equivalent.
  • Both qualifications share a similar purpose.
  • Both qualifications culminate into the Thesis/Business Mini dissertation.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically to the Doctor of Business Administration or equivalent qualification.

    Differences:
  • The UNAM qualification has 280 credits whereas the SA qualification has 180 credits.
  • The UNAM qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules while the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no elective. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Business and Management Sciences, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Leadership, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Business Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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.
     
    1. Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd 


    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.