Master of Business Leadership

Qualification code:	90086
Qualification type:	Coursework
NQF level:	9
Total credits:	180
SAQA ID:	98030
Rules: Six foundational modules; two core modules; one elective and the strategic leadership research project.
Purpose statement: 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.

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:

Marine studies
Aviation and aeronautical studies
Automotive
Energy
Space study and square kilometre array
Fourth IR and digitalisation
Natural sciences (biotechnological studies)
Health studies/medicine
Feminist, womanist and Bosadi theorisations
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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Master's & doctoral degrees