Business management helps guide various departments and functional activities to meet a company’s objectives. The main purpose of business management is to create efficiency, increase productivity, and generate profits.
Business Management courses help mould future managers with the knowledge and skills to oversee all organisational departments. Students can also choose to pursue specialised business management degree courses.
In this article, we will discuss the various business management courses in South Africa and their admission requirements, benefits, and career opportunities.
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Overview of Business Management Courses in South Africa
In South Africa, Business Management courses are offered at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and help prepare students for management positions. These courses aim to provide students with both management and financial skills necessary for business management positions in industries across South Africa.
In addition to business management degree courses, several private institutes offer short online business management courses. These courses are usually 6 months long and provide an introduction to Business Management and its core concepts.
These are some Business Management courses in South Africa:
Undergraduate Business Management Courses
Higher Certificate in Business Management: This is an introductory course that offers fundamental business knowledge through subjects such as Principles of Marketing and Fundamentals of Financial Management.
- Duration: 1 year
- Credit Points: 125
- Study Mode: Contact and Online
Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management
This is an undergraduate programme that provides a broad knowledge of Business Management principles and allows students to work in various departments. Subjects include Accounting, Economics, Commercial Law, Human Resource Management, etc.
- Duration: 3 years
- Study Mode: Contact
Postgraduate Business Management Courses
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management: This course aims at working professionals who wish to gain advanced expertise. Upon completing this programme, graduates can apply for specialised Business Management roles.
- Duration: 1 year
- Credit Points: 125
- Study Mode: Contact and Online
Master of Commerce in Business Management: This is typically a coursework plus dissertation programme, where students work on their dissertation in year 2. This intensive programme prepares future leaders who challenge current processes and develop efficient models based on research and by applying advanced management principles.
- Duration: 2 years
- Study Mode: Contact
Doctor of Business Management: This programme is designed for individuals who wish to contribute to the field of Business Management. The theoretical knowledge combined with the advanced practical skills trains individuals to work in various socio-economic environments. Professionals who complete this qualification can also apply for C-Suite executive positions.
- Duration: 3-6 years
- Credit Points: 360
- Study Mode: Online
What are the Business Management Course Requirements and Qualifications?
All business management courses in South Africa have different requirements depending on the qualification and the institute. Students who pass these qualifications receive an NQF Level certification, which is consistent throughout the country.
Typically, undergraduate business management courses require students to have completed their matric exams or have an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification. However, educational requirements for postgraduate programmes vary depending on the qualification.
The table below provides a brief overview of business management course requirements and awarding qualifications:
| Business Management Courses in South Africa | Admission Requirements | Business Management Programme Qualifications |
| Higher Certificate | Matric with Certificate Pass [or]Matric with Diploma PassBasic computer skills | NQF Level 5 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | Matric with Bachelor Pass | NQF Level 7 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | Bachelors or NQF Level 7 equivalentRelevant work experience | NQF Level 8 |
| Master of Commerce | Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management or related field [or]BCom Honours in Business Management or related field | NQF Level 9 |
What are the Modes of Learning for Business Management Courses in South Africa?
In South Africa, students can choose from offline and online business management courses. Online courses help to make education more accessible to a larger number of students and can help to create a skilled workforce in the country.
Regenesys is a leading private institute in South Africa that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business management. These programmes are offered in contact and online formats and take a practical approach to teaching theoretical business management principles. This helps train students in interpersonal skills essential when working with cross-functional teams.
The choice between contact and online learning depends on an individual’s preference, work commitments, geographical location, etc.
The table below helps to differentiate between contact and online business management courses in South Africa:
| Criteria | Contact Learning | Online Learning |
| Structure | Fixed timetableIn-person lectures | FlexibleAccess study materials as per convenience |
| Interaction | Daily | Limited |
| Access to Resources | LibraryStudy roomsResearch publications | Online learning materialsLimited library access |
| Targeted at | Students who prefer an interactive mode of studyThose who prefer a structure | Working professionalsStudents who do not wish to relocate |
| Cost | Higher cost due to campus facilities | Cheaper due to lower operational costs |
What is the Duration of Business Management Courses in South Africa?
Business management courses vary in length depending on the qualifications that students are enroled in. In South Africa, academic credits are awarded per subject and typically, students complete 120 credit points in a single year.
Therefore, students who enrol for a 1-year programme will study for fewer subjects than those enrolled for a longer programme. The amount of credits that students complete in a qualification also determines the NQF level qualification awarded after the programme.
The table below lists the duration of different business management courses in South Africa:
| Business Management Qualification | Duration |
| Higher Certificate | 1 year |
| Bachelor | 3 years |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 1 year |
| Master | 2 years |
What are the Costs and Fees for Business Management Courses in South Africa?
The cost of a business management programme can vary depending on various factors, one of the most important being the qualification. Undergraduate programmes are generally cheaper than postgraduate study. Other factors such as programme format, institution type, and location can also affect the overall cost of the business management course fees.
In addition to the tuition fees, students should also consider registration, accommodation, study materials, transportation, food, and other living expenses when trying to calculate the overall cost of business management courses in South Africa.
To help cover the cost of tuition and other expenses, students can apply for financial aid in the form of bursaries, scholarships, and student loans. Those who choose to study Business Management at Regenesys can apply for flexible financial assistance programmes.
Why Choose Business Management?
South African companies seek skilled business managers to help lead their functional teams towards organisational goals. These managers can help businesses increase efficiency and productivity, leading to higher profit margins.
There is a high demand for Business Management professionals in South Africa who have the technical knowledge and financial competency to make operational changes and design processes.
Business Management courses in South Africa train students to become future leaders who are go-getters and problem solvers. These are some of the benefits of studying Business Management:
- Diverse career opportunities
- High demand for management graduates
- Helps polish interpersonal skills
- Networking opportunities
- Career Mobility
Career Opportunities and Benefits
Business management professionals play an important role in driving business growth and can lead organisations. As a result, a business management degree offers graduates the opportunity to explore a wide range of industries.
With a business management qualification, professionals can take on general roles in small businesses, but these positions are more specialised in larger corporations. Over time, Business Management graduates can progress into focused roles such as Operations Manager, Sales Manager, HR manager, etc.
Below is a list of some career opportunities available for Business Management graduates in South Africa and the industries they can work in:
Job Profiles
- General Manager
- Systems Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Sales Manager
- Entrepreneur
- Project Manager
- Risk Manager
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Industries
- Consulting
- Retail
- Healthcare
- Non-profit
- Government
- Logistics
Conclusion
Business Management courses are essential for equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to guide various departments. The core goal of business management is to enhance efficiency, increase productivity, and drive profitability. These courses mould future leaders capable of overseeing all organisational functions and navigating the complex business environment.
In South Africa, Business Management programmes are offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, preparing students for roles in diverse industries. The wide range of available courses, from introductory certificates to advanced degrees, allows students to choose paths that align with their career aspirations.
Students interested in a rewarding business management career should visit the Regenesys website for more information regarding various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Business Management Courses in South Africa – FAQs
What are the business management course requirements?
The requirements vary depending on the qualification and the institute a student is applying for. Typically, undergraduate courses require students to have completed their matric, while postgraduate qualifications require a bachelor’s degree.
What is a business management course?
The business management course definition is that it is a programme of study that prepares students in management principles that allow them to guide functional departments towards organisational objectives.
How long is a business management course?
The length of the course depends on the qualification. A Higher Certificate in Business Management takes 1 year to complete, a Bachelor programme is 3 years in duration, while a Master’s takes 2 years to complete.
What are the business management course qualifications?
Students who complete business management courses in South Africa can receive Higher Certificates, Bachelor, Postgraduate Diploma, Master, or Doctor qualifications.
How much does a business management course cost?
The overall cost of the course can depend on various factors such as the duration of the programme, geographical location, study format, and reputation of the institute.
Is business management a good course?
Business management is in high demand in South Africa, with companies seeking skilled professionals who can guide various functional teams.
