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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Business Leadership 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98030  Master of Business Leadership 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The aim of this qualification is to enhance leadership. The qualification is specifically suited to current and aspiring leaders with relevant work and/or management experience at middle and senior management level.

The primary purpose of this Master's Degree is to prepare learners to become innovative, inspiring and visionary organisational leaders. Furthermore, the purpose is to develop personal, team, organisational and strategic leadership capabilities. The qualification will further enable learners to function successfully as executives in complex global business contexts. The final purpose of the qualification is to enable learners to resolve leadership challenges through the critical analysis of a complex and diverse environment.

The coursework component of this qualification will enable learners to demonstrate a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence as well as the ability to relate knowledge to the resolution of complex problems in appropriate areas of professional practice. The strategic leadership project of the qualification will include an individual research project whereby learners will demonstrate innovation or professional expertise. Upon completion learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a high level of the specialised knowledge and skills in their chosen area(s) of specialisation.
  • Apply business analytical techniques to investigate, identify and propose change management interventions to strategic leadership problems in the workplace, and to report their findings in a professional management report.
  • Make ethical personal and business decisions in line with the principles of corporate sustainability.
  • Conduct applied research within organisations or industries of choice.

    Rationale:
    The Master of Business Leadership (MBL) focuses on business leadership in general, as well as on leadership in the global context. This focus incorporates the exploration of business opportunities and relationships with Brazil, Russia, India and China, as well as African countries. To enhance the particular needs scenarios, case studies and the coursework will be focused on assessing the business environments involved, developing a vision with regard to these environments, developing trust relationships and strategies to be executed. Although the curriculum of this Degree has a strong practical and professional orientation, it has retained a broad, generalist character. However, because of its leadership focus, there will be a specific emphasis on the organisational leadership components of the curriculum. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    All admission through RPL will be in accordance with the principles laid down in the institutional RPL Policy.

    This qualification can be achieved in part (50%) through recognition of prior learning.

    The RPL office will supply full details of processes and procedures relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    All such evidence will be judged according to the general principles of assessment described in the notes to assessors. Lecturers will act as assessors for RPL purposes.

    In addition to these RPL stipulations, up to a maximum of 10% of Master of Business Leadership learners per intake may be admitted on the basis of RPL. This approach is in line with the Council on Higher Education (CHE) stipulations for the Professional Masters' Degree.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entrance requirements are:
  • An Honours Bachelor's Degree.
    Or
  • A 480-credit Bachelor's Degree. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules: 156 Credits:
  • Economics for managers, 12 Credits.
  • Accounting for managers, 12 Credits.
  • Leading people, 24 Credits.
  • Leading strategic change, 24 Credits.
  • Value-based management, 12 Credits.
  • Strategic financial management, 12 Credits.
  • Corporate governance and ethics, 12 Credits.
  • Strategic leadership project (research component), 48 Credits.

    Elective Modules (select two):
  • Leadership development, 12 Credits.
  • Corporate entrepreneurship and innovation, 12 Credits.
  • Strategic human capital management, 12 Credits.
  • Strategic sustainable marketing, 12 Credits.
  • Strategy in a global context, 12 Credits.
  • Financial reporting and analysis, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced labour law, 12 Credits.
  • Business research, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a high level of the specialised knowledge and skills in their chosen area(s) of specialisation.
    2. Apply business analytical techniques to investigate, identify and propose change management interventions to strategic leadership problems in the workplace, and to report their findings in a professional management report.
    3. Make ethical personal and business decisions in line with the principles of corporate sustainability.
    4. Conduct applied research within organisations or industries of choice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A comprehensive and systematic knowledge base of the relevant concepts and theories of the chosen area(s) of specialisation is demonstrated.
  • All concepts and theory are integrated to develop sustainable functional and strategic recommendations based on the area of specialisation.
  • The consequences are understood and recommendations are disseminated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Appropriate and creative investigative methods, techniques, processes or technologies from a variety of business and management disciplines are designed, selected and applied to complex practical and theoretical business and management problems.
  • Interventions at a strategic level within a system is made, based on an understanding of the hierarchical relations within the system.
  • A wide range of business and management skills and knowledge in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging business and management problems are used.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The concepts and theories of corporate sustainability to develop ethical and sustainable business decisions and recommendations are integrated.
  • The ethicality and sustainability of the business decisions or recommendations generated is understood.
  • Autonomous ethical decisions which affect complex organisational or professional issues are made.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Advanced skills in information retrieval and processing of both qualitative and quantitative data are applied.
  • Various business research methods are reviewed, applied, and critiqued.
  • A research proposal for either a technical project or a single research or mini-dissertation is developed and presented.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All assessments will be conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the Institution's Assessment Policy. In the Master of Business Leadership (MBL), assessment will comprise a combination of group and individual assessment.

    Learners will be required to integrate knowledge and skills learnt in order to produce specified results and to apply their knowledge and skills in a complex environment. Furthermore, on being given an authentic scenario and case study, learners must demonstrate the ability to engage effectively in business leadership issues in an integrative way, dealing with divergent and "random" demands related to the operations of the business world. Ultimately, the aim of the assessment design is to give meaning to the qualifications as a whole and permit demonstration of competencies at an advanced level through application, problem solving, analysis and synthesis.

    The submission of a range of formative assessments (both group and individual) in each module will be required as a means to assess learning and to provide feedback to learners. Formative assessments will contribute towards a year mark, which will contribute 50% of the final mark in most modules.

    With the exception of the Strategic Leadership Project, which requires a research report, all modules will require an individual venue-based summative assessment. Alternatively, a portfolio assessment may be conducted where appropriate. The mark obtained in the summative assessment will contribute 50% to the final mark. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared with similar international qualifications in Australia and the United States of America.

    Master of Business Leadership at Charles Strut University in Australia offers an in-depth understanding of the leadership field and explores leadership as a dynamic activity aimed at delivering exceptional organisational results. The qualification aims to develop critical engagement with 'leadership' as practical and experiential to build effective leadership capabilities.

    The Concordia College (USA) Master of Science in Business Leadership qualification empowers learners with knowledge and skills to lead people and organisations in both the private and non-profit sectors. The qualification teaches learners the leadership, management, problem-solving, communication, staff-development, and entrepreneurial skills needed to become ethical, successful business leaders. The curriculum is applicable to a host of business specialisations to develop transferable talent sought in those who will lead organisations in today's complex marketplace.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares very well with the two qualifications cited above in that they are all equipping learners with advanced knowledge and skills to face challenges of the modern day business world. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical articulation with the:
  • Doctor of Business Leadership, Level 10, (ID No 5811) offered by UNISA.

    Systemic articulation is also possible both horizontally and vertically with qualifications offered by other institutions, provided learners meet the minimum admission requirements. The possibilities are:

    Horizontally:
  • Master of Philosophy in Leadership Coaching, at NQF Level 9.

    Vertically:
  • Doctor of Commerce in Organisational Leadership, at 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.
     
    1. University of South Africa 


    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.