MBA – MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Welcome aboard! We are excited to welcome you to the NWU Business School’s MBA programme. As you embark on this transformative journey, you are not only investing in your professional growth but also joining a community dedicated to excellence, innovation, and ethical leadership.
We are delighted to invite you to spend the next two years at the NWU Business School and the rest of your life as a member of our Alumni family. We recognise that this is a significant decision, one that entails personal sacrifice from you, your friends, and your family. Rest assured; we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Should you require further clarity or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Our MBA programme offers a challenging and stimulating learning environment, focused on shaping African business leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills essential for success in today’s dynamic business world. We adopt a holistic educational approach, emphasising not just business theory but also vital practical skills such as communication, critical thinking, and leadership.
Two distinguishing features of our MBA programme are our emphasis on experiential learning and individual coaching. We firmly believe in learning by doing, offering a plethora of hands-on opportunities like a company consulting project, case studies, and simulations.
These experiences will challenge you to think out of the box, collaborate effectively, and apply your knowledge to tangible business challenges.
Understanding the demands on professionals like you, our MBA programme is designed to be flexible. We offer the degree in a part-time mode, blending online and face-to face classes, allowing you to continue working while pursuing your degree and balancing both professional and personal commitments.
Upon graduation, you will be integrated into our network of business leaders and alumni. Our alumni, successful professionals making significant strides in their respective industries and communities, are a testament to the quality and impact of our programme. We are immensely proud to welcome you to this community. We are excited to support and witness your evolution as future business leaders. This guide aims to provide you with comprehensive information on various aspects of your academic journey with us. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with the contents to ensure a smooth and enriching experience.
Important dates for
2025 ENROLLMENT:
APPLICATIONS OPEN:
31 March 2024
APPLICATIONS CLOSE:
31 October 2024
REGISTRATIONS OPEN:
5 January 2025
Blended MBA key-notes:
Duration: 2 years
Fees: R231 318* (2023)
*Fees are subject to change per year.
Important face-to-face dates*:
To be announced
Online contact session dates*:
To be announced
OUR TEACHING & LEARNING APPROACH
In the dynamic landscape of modern business education, the blend of traditional and digital learning methodologies is needed. Our MBA programme, tailored to meet the demands of today’s professionals, offers a combination of intensive face-to-face sessions and synchronous online engagements. This approach not only ensures a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum but also fosters a culture of active participation and collaboration among students.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the class attendance structure for our MBA candidates:
Study Schools
These are face-to-face contact sessions used for intensive teaching and contextualisation of the modules. They run for full days from Monday to Friday. In addition to the core academic sessions, evenings are enriched with speakers and networking events and are compulsory to attend. Students are expected to attend these study schools twice per year, which means four times throughout the qualification. While the institution covers the cost of meals during these sessions, students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.
Workshops
Unlike the extended format of study schools, workshops are designed as shorter sprints. They always span over a weekend and place a concentrated focus on the research component of the qualification. These workshops encompass phase- and method-specific research training, allowing students to actively engage with their supervisors and at least one face-to-face contact session in each of their subjects for that semester.
online contact
In the evolving realm of education, the fusion of traditional classroom learning and digital platforms offers students a balanced and flexible approach to their studies. Our programme recognises this shift and has seamlessly integrated synchronous online lecture sessions to complement the content available on our Learning Management System (LMS) and the contact-based days during study schools and workshops. Scheduled on eight Saturdays each semester, these online sessions are not just an alternative but are as pivotal as face-to-face lectures.
Groupwork
In the MBA Programme, group work is an integral part of the learning experience. It is designed to foster collaboration, enhance understanding, and provide a platform for students to learn from diverse perspectives. Every student is required to be a part of a study group. These groups typically comprise +/- 6 individuals, ensuring a diverse group with different cultural contexts, and academic and practical backgrounds. The primary objective is to facilitate peer learning, especially for group assignments. This collaborative approach is why practical experience is a prerequisite for admission.
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
This structured programme ensures that students gain comprehensive knowledge in core business areas, supplemented by specialisations and practical projects. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the complexities of the business world.
MODULES DURING YOUR TWO YEARS:
- Executive Economics
- Leadership
- Corporate Governance and Ethics
- Research Methodology
- Managerial Accounting
- Operations Management
- Marketing Management
- Strategy Management
- Financial Management
- Managing the Digital Economy
- Entrepreneurship
- Organisational Behaviour and change (elective)
- International business (elective)
- Company project overview
- Mini dissertation
WHAT MAKES OUR MBA STAND OUT?
Blending Tradition with Innovation
NWU Business School’s MBA programme stands out through its seamless integration of traditional academic rigor with modern, innovative teaching methodologies. This unique blend ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that is both deeply rooted in fundamental business principles and forward-looking in its approach to the challenges of the modern business landscape.
Flexibility and Practicality for Working Professionals
Recognizing the demanding schedules of today’s professionals, the programme is tailored to offer flexibility without compromising on quality. The part-time format, combining intensive face-to-face study schools with synchronous online sessions, allows students to balance their professional commitments with their academic pursuits effectively.
Intensive Study Schools and Interactive Workshops
The programme’s study schools and workshops are not mere academic exercises but immersive experiences. They offer intensive, context-specific teaching combined with speakers and networking events, enriching the learning experience beyond the traditional classroom.
Customized Learning Journey with Research Focus
The inclusion of specialized workshops focusing on research methodology and the mini-dissertation component underlines the program’s commitment to developing critical thinking and analytical skills. This approach not only equips students with essential research capabilities but also allows them to delve deeply into areas of personal and professional interest.
Commitment to Collaborative Learning
The MBA programme places a strong emphasis on collaborative learning through its structured group work component. This approach fosters peer learning and cross-cultural understanding, preparing students for the collaborative nature of modern business environments.
Catering to a Diverse Professional Spectrum
By accommodating a range of professionals, from mid-career individuals to senior executives, the programme ensures a rich, diverse learning environment. This diversity offers students the opportunity to gain insights from a wide range of perspectives and experiences, enhancing the overall educational experience.
A Holistic Approach to Leadership and Management
The curriculum’s comprehensive coverage of key business areas, including strategic management, digital economy, financial management, and entrepreneurship, ensures a well-rounded development of leadership and managerial skills.
Emphasis on Digital Integration in Business
Recognizing the increasing importance of digital technologies in business, the programme includes a dedicated module on managing the digital economy, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to lead in an increasingly digitalized world.
PROGRAMME LEADER
Dr Kaizer Ndlovu
Dr Ndlovu is a certified Power BI analyst and has been involved in large-scale power BI projects. He is passionate about ICT4D, the role of economic development, and bridging the digital divide. He has been involved in data migration projects at Eskom and is an expert in data analysis and migration. He has vast experience in data analytics, data migration and software development from various organisations were he previously worked like 3D Draughting, Smarteq and Eskom.
Application Process
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
The admission process for the MBA programme adheres to rigorous criteria aligned with accredited business schools and industry best practices. Prospective MBA applicants must meet all the following minimum requirements.
Academic Qualification:
One or more of the following post-school qualifications:
- A recognized 4-year professional degree qualification at NQF-level 8; OR
- An honours degree at NQF level 8 OR
- A Post-Graduate Diploma (PGDip) at NQF level 8.
For international qualifications, verification by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) is mandatory.
Please note that the verification process is the sole responsibility of the applicant.
Additional Requirements:
- At least 3 years of relevant full-time working experience, preferably on managerial level; AND
- Satisfactory selection test results in a formally recognised Business School admission test (TTS, GMAT, NMAT, etc.); AND
- An essay that showcase the following: your motivation for pursuing an MBA and your work experience; AND
- A comprehensive CV; AND
- A successful interview with a panel of NWU Business School staff.
ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONS
The Business School reserves the sole and unfettered discretionary right to admission to the MBA programme. While the minimum requirements outlined earlier serve as a baseline, admission decisions are made after considering various factors. These factors include operational and capacity considerations, financial aspects, quality assurances, teaching and learning policies, as well as any other relevant matters that may impact the admission process.
This discretionary right allows the Business School to ensure that the programme maintains its high standards and aligns with its resources and capabilities. It enables the school to evaluate applicants holistically and make informed decisions that support the overall integrity and quality of the MBA programme.
The Business School is committed to upholding the best interests of its students and maintaining a conducive learning environment. Through careful evaluation and consideration of these factors, the Business School strives to admit students who have the potential to succeed in the programme and contribute positively to the academic community.
APPLICATION PROCESS
BEFORE YOUR START
On the online application system, you will be required to upload several documents in addition to completing the online form. Hence, ensure that you have the following on hand:
- A comprehensive CV,
- An essay that showcase the following: your motivation for pursuing an MBA and your work experience,
- Electronic copy of your ID document,
- Electronic copy of your Academic record,
- Electronic copy of your degree certificate(s).
Please note that the selection panel can only process complete application packs where all the relevant support material was included and interviews can only take place once the selection test was written. The outcome of the selection process will be communicated within 30 days of the interview.
APPLICATION
STEP 1
APPLICATION
STEP 2
APPLICATION
STEP 3
EXTRA
INFORMATION
Follow the ONLINE APPLICATION button below and complete an application form and submit your documents.
Applicants will be notified regarding their application status after the initial screening. Applicants who pass the screening phase will be contacted with relevant details to complete the required selection test.
If a candidate achieves the threshold result in the TTS/GMAT test, they will be invited for an interview with a panel, who will make a final decision regarding the admission status of the candidate.
Should you require more detailed instructions on how to apply, please visit the button below.
APPLICATION
STEP 1
Follow the ONLINE APPLICATION button below and complete an application form and submit your documents.
APPLICATION
STEP 2
Applicants will be notified regarding their application status after the initial screening. Applicants who pass the screening phase will be contacted with relevant details to complete the required selection test.
APPLICATION
STEP 3
If a candidate achieves the threshold result in the TTS/GMAT test, they will be invited for an interview with a panel, who will make a final decision regarding the admission status of the candidate.
EXTRA
INFORMATION
Should you require more detailed instructions on how to apply, please visit the button below.
