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Master's & doctoral degrees

Master's & doctoral degrees

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Master of Business Administration

Qualification code: 90070
Qualification type: Coursework
NQF level: 9
Total credits: 180
SAQA ID: 97385
Rules:
First level: Register four compulsory modules in semester 1 and four compulsory modules in semester 2 Second level: Register two compulsory modules and one elective in semester 1, and Integrated Management Project in semester 1 & 2
Purpose statement:
This Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a general management qualification for learners with significant relevant work experience, which will contribute to their learning, personal and career development. The primary purpose of this MBA Degree is to prepare learners to become innovative and dynamic managers in a broad range of organisations, including entrepreneurial organisations and private and public institutions. Furthermore, the purpose is to foster strategic, innovative and entrepreneurial thinking in a global business context. Finally, the qualification will enable learners to solve complex business problems through critical analysis of dynamic and global business environments. Upon successful completion of the qualification the learner will be able to: * Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base of business administration as a broad field, as well as the ability to apply the knowledge base to a wide range of business-related contexts. * Measure, manage and lead the organisation's performance on the triple bottom line (social, economic and environmental performance) through effective strategic management. * Manage people in the organisation effectively. * Demonstrate a high level of the specialised knowledge and skills in the chosen area(s) of specialisation by utilising the tools and techniques to commensurate with their chosen area(s) of specialisation and demonstrate the ability to apply it in the organisation. * Show mastery in conducting a rigorous applied research project in the business environment of a selected organisation and being able to apply the relevant research methods and techniques. * Demonstrate the capacity to manage learning tasks autonomously, professionally and ethically.


Who can register?

  • Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from Unisa that their application for admission has been accepted. Returning students must please check their myLife e-mails for confirmation. New Unisa students will receive confirmation via the e-mail address they provided at the time of application.
  • Re-registering students (who made sufficient progress during the current academic year) and students who officially deferred their studies must register online during the approved registration period for 2026.
  • Should you wish to start a new qualification, please apply for admission during the next application period or check whether the qualification for which you intend to apply is on the list of qualifications that you can apply for until the end of June 2026.


When can I register?

Registration opens Registration opens Registration closes Final date for payment
Master's & doctoral qualifications 7 January 2026 31 March 2026 31 March 2026

MCompt, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Business Leadership (MBL) qualifications 
* All GSBL students with a 7-series student number should contact the Graduate School of Business Leadership for assistance with re-registration: www.unisa.ac.za/sbl

7 January 2026 21 February 2026 21 February 2026

Click here for the master's & doctoral qualifications: exceptions.  


Time limits for this degree

All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period. Refer to sections 4.14 and 4.15 in the Procedures for master’s and doctoral degrees.

  • Coursework master's degree: A maximum of three years with an option to apply for one additional year.
  • Research master's degree: A maximum of three years with an option to apply for one additional year.
  • Doctoral degree: A maximum of six years with an option to apply for one additional year.

Both you and your supervisor are responsible for ensuring that you complete your studies within the approved duration for your qualification.

Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs)

Unisa has identified the following 10 Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) to be operationalised within the colleges:

  1. Marine studies      
  2. Aviation and aeronautical studies      
  3. Automotive      
  4. Energy      
  5. Space study and square kilometre array      
  6. Fourth IR and digitalisation      
  7. Natural sciences (biotechnological studies)      
  8. Health studies/medicine      
  9. Feminist, womanist and Bosadi theorisations      
  10. Student support and co-curricular activities      

If you are interested in any of these areas, please discuss it with your supervisor to incorporate one or more of the CNAs into your studies. 


Curriculum

Please click on the modules below to see further information (eg semester/year module, NQF level)

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