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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Business Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
125677	Master of Business Management
ORIGINATOR
Sol Plaatje University
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 0639/26	2026-04-16	2029-04-16
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-04-16		2033-04-16

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 Master of Business Management is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. This will include preparing learners wishing to pursue further studies at PhD level which requires depth of enquiry. In addition, this qualification seeks to prepare learners to be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, design and critically appraise research, make sound judgement using information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Learners should also be able to contribute positively within organisations and function well within the post-Covid era which requires in-depth understanding and strategies for resilience in developing economies.

The objective of the qualification is to provide learners with an understanding of the key concepts, theories, and practices of business management, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, marketing management, human resources management, finance, economics, leadership, ethics and related disciplines.

Furthermore, this qualification helps to develop learners' analytical and critical thinking skills and their ability to apply business management strategies to real-world business situations. It assists in preparing learners for careers in business management, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, marketing management, human resources management, finance, economics, leadership, and related fields by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to plan, implement, and evaluate business management campaigns and make strategic decisions in a fast-paced, ever-changing business environment.

The qualification aims to equip learners with a comprehensive set of leadership abilities and knowledge across various business disciplines, such as entrepreneurship, supply chain management, marketing management, human resources management, finance, economics, and leadership, preparing them for management positions. Additionally, the qualification offers the option to specialise in one of various specialisations in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (FoEMS) catering to specific career aspirations. The qualification is an intensive, one-year full-time or two-year part-time degree qualification that prepares learners from diverse academic backgrounds for a wide range of careers in management such as business, commerce, and management sciences, management consulting and professional services.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner should be able to:

Demonstrate insight and competence in theory and context of the discipline.

Demonstrate knowledge and the ability to apply research methodologies and techniques to the discipline concerned as a field of study.

Develop integration and communication skills through the design, execution and presentation of research.

Rationale:
The Institution enrolled its first cohort for the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship in 2020. The need for the qualification arises from the fact that the master's degree, as a second layer of postgraduate qualification, will give access to the institution and other learners who have completed their Honours degrees and or Postgraduate Diploma qualifications at level 8 to a higher degree.

The rationale for this proposed qualification also derives from national priorities and the Institution's mission and vision to augment the pool of outstanding South African learners to conduct high-level research that would impact on the numerous key challenges faced regionally, nationally and globally. After completion, learners are expected to play key roles in a range of occupations in domains such as private business sector, provincial public service, local government, and national non-governmental organisations, the regional, international trade organisations, national public service, and universities, research agencies and multilateral organisations.

The qualification by full dissertation qualification will be offered and managed by the Department of Management Sciences and the Faculty of economic & Management Sciences has the academic and administrative capacity and infrastructure to deliver a qualification of such nature.

The qualification is beneficial for the learners, society and the economy. For learners, it means that they will be equipped with specialised knowledge which will give them an advantage over their competitors in the job market.

Having a Master's qualification also means that learners will be in a position to advance their careers and be a great asset to employers in the fields of Business management and related service, accounting, entrepreneurship & and small business operations, economics, finance and financial management services, human resource management, international business, marketing and retailing business management, strategy and innovation and business ethics and related fields and they will be able to think critically, strategically, and analytically when dealing with challenges faced in the work environment and ever-changing society. It will also equip them with the necessary skills to become lifelong learners able to engage in research, exploring new avenues and apply what they have learned in different contexts.

Benefits for society and the economy mean that learners would be better equipped to address those challenges impacting on the Northern Cape community in particular and national and global communities in general. It is anticipated that learners through their research would draw from communities and contribute to their well-being by means of reciprocal relationships which would not only be beneficial to the learner but also the community in which the research was undertaken.

These endeavours would be in line with the principles of the National Development Plan (2030) where institutions are seen to be key to nation development and responsive to national priorities and societal needs. The economic benefits of the master's degree offered in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the institution would not only increase the earning power of learners thus resulting in increased taxable incomes, which will benefit the country as a whole, but it will also advance their career aspirations impacting on their families and their communities.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The formal RPL policy of the institution will be applied in instances where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements for entry into the qualification by research the qualification. As such the following stipulations regarding RPL as contained in institutions policy document will apply:

Institution acknowledges that RPL can only be applied where applicable to a specific discipline or qualification offered at the institution.
Learning from other qualifications will be treated under the credit accumulation and transfer policy and are subject to the admission and selection criteria for the specific the qualification.

RPL cannot be applied to more than 50% of a qualification. No credits are granted but access to a qualification may be granted. RPL will not be awarded for a whole qualification but will consider the 50% rule.

Entry Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
Or

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 8.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Dissertation, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Critically review literature related to the topic area.
2. Demonstrate the ability to carry out research independently.
3. Demonstrate critical awareness of the chosen research design.
4. Integrate knowledge from a range of areas of the discipline to the topic under consideration.
5. Demonstrate insight and competence in theory and context of the discipline.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and the ability to apply research methodologies and techniques to the discipline concerned as a field of study.
7. Develop integration and communication skills through the design, execution and presentation of research.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Critically review literature related to the topic area.

Write proposal, oral presentations and a complete dissertation.

Use adequate frameworks and methods to make relevant analyses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
ELO 2: Demonstrate the ability to carry out research independently.

Complete research dissertation that includes the components listed in K: Integrated Assessment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
ELO 3: Demonstrate critical awareness of the chosen research design.

Demonstrate an ability to Identify, analyse and solve complex issues and problems, demonstrating critical and creative thinking about business management concepts and principles in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts.

Assess and correctly apply complex and advanced concepts and approaches to business management problems, strategies and policies; thus, proposing and implementing, alternative courses of action and solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
ELO 4: Integrate knowledge from a range of areas of the discipline to the topic under consideration.

Show plan and undertake complex research through independent study and teamwork, both across the business management and related discipline and on an interdisciplinary basis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
ELO 5: Demonstrate insight and competence in theory and context of the discipline.

Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute research in the field of business management and related fields including the correct gathering, analysing, integrating and interpretation of information on business management issues, by utilising relevant theoretical and highly specialised and advanced research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
ELO 6: Demonstrate knowledge and the ability to apply research methodologies and techniques to the discipline concerned as a field of study.

Plan and undertake complex research through independent study and teamwork, both across the business management discipline and on an interdisciplinary basis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
ELO 7: Develop integration and communication skills through the design, execution and presentation of research.

Effectively and professionally, communicate with the different role players in the field of business management and related fields in an academic and practical manner by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application made.

Communicate orally and/or in writing and include the use of visual/graphic aids.

Integrated Assessment:
Since the qualification is by research no assessments as in the case of modular the qualifications will be conducted.

Supervisors and co-supervisors will follow a step-by-step approach to guide learners from the conceptual stages of their projects through proposal writing and ethical clearance up to the last chapter of their dissertations.

After completion of each step, learners will be provided with apt feedback in order to improve the quality of their research projects. Proposals will be orally defended and peers and academics within the faculty will have the opportunity to give their inputs in an effort to improve quality.

As prescribed by the institution's Policy on assessment criteria to ensure and enhance quality will be communicated to learners. Examiners will be nominated, selected and appointed in terms of the criteria as set out by the faculty according to institution Policy on assessment.

All examiners will also be issued with assessment procedures and criteria which is in line with national criteria and guidelines regarding the quality and standard of the research outputs/dissertations.

Their responsibilities will also be clearly spelled out:

Formative and summative assessment:
Formative assessment will be in the form of feedback by supervisors and co-supervisors regarding work which have been submitted (e.g. a chapter, etc).

Summative assessment will be done by external and internal examiners.

Internal and external moderation / examination:

The final dissertation submitted by learners will be externally and internally examined:

This fulfils the purpose of moderation.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications:

Country: Australia.
Institution: University of Sydney.
Qualification Title: Master of Philosophy (Business).
Duration: One to two years full-time.

Purpose/Rationale:
The Master of Philosophy takes at least one year to complete of full-time study, during which candidates undertake approved research and write a thesis of up to 50,000 words. This course is for high-achieving graduates with an honours or postgraduate degree seeking to conduct advanced research in business. The course offers deep subject expertise and valuable analytical and communication skills, ideal for those pursuing careers in academia, industry, or research.

The Master of Philosophy (Business) equips learners with the knowledge, frameworks and tools that strategic thinkers and innovators use to address the wicked business challenges posed by a turbulent global environment, while also improving the social and environmental accountability of their operations. Learners will learn how to think strategically, manage innovation, and mind sustainability goals. Further, they will hone their negotiation, teamwork, and leadership skills to work effectively in established and entrepreneurial organisations.

Learning Outcomes:

Analyse data to develop integrated management approaches to complex business problems.

Develop the capabilities to be a leader who generates sustainable value for business and society.

Develop effective communication and negotiation skills to formulate evidence-based arguments in face-to-face interactions and using a variety of media.

Collaborate to create innovative ideas and solutions to complex, real-world business problems.

Similarities:

The University of Sydney (US) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over two years.

Both qualifications share similar modes of approach.

The US qualification equips learners with the knowledge, frameworks and tools that strategic thinkers and innovators use to address the wicked business challenges posed by a turbulent global environment, while also improving the social and environmental accountability of their operations.

The SA qualification equally aims to engage individuals and teams in developing a shared understanding of complex issues through collaboration and engagement to develop purpose-driven solutions to problems, meaningful and sustainable business management practices and growth strategies while creating a culture of unity and innovation.

Both qualifications share similar exit outcomes.

Country: New Zealand.
Qualification Title: Master of Business (MBus).
Institution: University of Waikato.
Duration: Two years.
Credits: 180.

Purpose/Rationale:
This qualification is uniquely suited for individuals aiming to cultivate a strategic mindset and innovation-driven leadership skills essential for high-stakes roles. Designed to address current business challenges, from digital transformation and AI to sustainability and data-driven decision-making, this MBM specialisation combines in-depth theory with hands-on, practical experience. This specialisation aims to equip managers to operate in a global context, pursuing innovative solutions for organisational and societal challenges and identifying new opportunities. Learners develop the ability to create, manage, sustain, and change organisations through integrated courses on international management, the global competitive environment, management in diverse and uncertain contexts, and innovation and creativity.

The Master of Business (MBus) will bring you closer to the frontiers of knowledge in your specialist field and prepare you for leadership roles that require a high level of critical thinking and information analysis. The degree typically includes a combination of both taught subject papers and a research dissertation (at least 30 points) but can also be taken as a full research thesis (120 points).

Normally all papers are taken within the same specialist subject area that you majored in for your undergraduate bachelor's degree. If you've already been awarded an honours degree or postgraduate diploma in a relevant subject, you may be able to complete the Master of Business in only 120 points, instead of 180 points. Choose from the subjects listed below in the degree planners. Learn from experienced lecturers who have research and consulting links with leading companies, NGOs and governments around the world. Completing the Master of Business will put you on the right academic pathway for future PhD doctoral study.

Similarities:
The University of Waikato and the South African (SA) qualification both accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree with honours in the cognate field.
Both qualifications consist of 180 credits.
The University of Waikato qualification aims to equip managers to operate in a global context, pursuing innovative solutions for organisational and societal challenges and identifying new opportunities. The SA qualification, similarly, enables learners to use the appropriate acquired specialist knowledge and skills to solve problems, advocate, and lead for change, as well as innovate, and develop business growth strategies thereby ensuring the sustainability of the organisation.

Difference:
The University of Waikato qualification is offered over three years, whereas the SA qualification is offered over two years.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 9.

Master of Business Science, NQF Level 9.

Possible horizontal articulation options between Sub-Frameworks for this qualification reached the registration end date in December 2025.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy in Management, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management, NQF Level 10.

Diagonal Articulation:

Advanced Occupational Certificate: Business Intelligence Analyst, NQF Level 6.

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.	Sol Plaatje University