Programmes

MBL - Master of Business Leadership

Overview

The Master of Business Leadership (MBL) provides professional management development at the postgraduate level with a particular emphasis on both the theory and practice of leadership. This programme aims to cultivate the leadership qualities of managers, empowering them to become competent and confident leaders. Additionally, the MBL allows for continued studies towards a Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL), provided the admission requirements for the DBL are met.

Important Dates

Opening	Closing
2026 Applications	1 September 2025	19 December 2025

Admission Requirements and Supporting Documents

• A Bachelor's Honours Degree or a Postgraduate Diploma with a minimum of 120 credits, OR a 480-credit Bachelor's Degree. A copy of the certified transcript, indicating the symbol or percentage obtained for each module and whether the qualification was completed, must be submitted.
• A recent detailed Curriculum Vitae indicating five years or more of managerial/professional work experience.
• A clear copy of a certified Identity Document or Passport is required; a driver's licence will not be accepted.
• Successful applicants may be required to write an admissions test as part of the selection process.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Experience may translate into subject credits within the qualification.

Master of Business Leadership Modules

Year 1: Semester 1

• Accounting for Managers (MBL 4807)
  • Ability to interpret and evaluate financial reports, analyze financial statements, and understand the capital budgeting process.
• Economics for Managers (MBL 4801)
  • Analyzing economic phenomena influencing business organizations and predicting the effects of economic changes.
• Value-Based Management (MBL 5901)
  • Managing an organization to increase market value, identifying and categorizing drivers of value within the organization.
• Corporate Governance and Ethics (MBL 5902)
  • Making ethical business decisions and evaluating decisions based on sustainability and ethics.
• Leading People (MBL 5904)
  • Managing self, leading teams, and navigating organizational dynamics effectively.
• Leading Strategic Change (MBL 5905)
  • Integrating processes and content in evaluating and developing strategies.

Year 1: Semester 2

• Strategic Financial Management (MBL 5903)
  • Knowledge of regulatory frameworks for financial statements and strategic financial decision-making.
• Business Research (MBL 5912 - compulsory and prerequisite for MBL 5913)
  • Conducting high-quality business and management research with various research methods.

Year 2

• Strategic Leadership Project (Research Report) (MBL 5913)
  • Conducting applied research to identify and address opportunities for organizational change.

Year 2: Semester 1 - Electives

Students can choose one of the following electives in the second semester:

• Leadership Development (MBL 5908)
• Strategic Human Capital Management (MBL 5909)
• Strategic Sustainable Marketing (MBL 5910)
• Strategy in a Global Context (MBL 5907)
• Advanced Labour Law (MBL 5906)
• Financial Reporting and Analysis (MBL 5928)

Completion of Qualification

Students have a maximum of three years to complete the MBL degree curriculum successfully. An additional year of study may be applied for. Upon completion, students will receive the Master of Business Leadership conferred by the University of South Africa.

Study School Dates for 2026

First-Year Study School Dates | Event | First Semester Contact Sessions | Second Semester Contact Sessions | |------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Programme Orientation - Online | 5 6 March 2026 | N/A | | Lecture Sessions - Compulsory Face-to-Face | 9 13 March 2026 | 3 - 6 August 2026 (Compulsory Online) | | Lecture Sessions - Online | 13 16 April 2026 | 7 10 September 2026 | | Lecture Sessions - Online | 18 22 May 2026 | 5 8 October 2026 |

MBL Tuition Fees

• Application Fee: R 160 (non-refundable and in addition to tuition fees; not applicable if you have a student number).
• Year One Tuition Fees:
  • Payable on registration: R 94 482
  • Payable by 15 March 2026: R 37 788
  • Payable by 15 May 2026: R 18 898
  • Payable by 15 August 2026: R 37 790
  • Total: R 188 958
• Year Two Tuition Fees (One Elective Module + Research):
  • Payable on registration: R 47 243
  • Payable by 15 March 2026: R 9 447
  • Payable by 15 May 2026: R 18 897
  • Payable by 15 August 2026: R 18 897
  • Total: R 94 484

Withdrawal from Programme

• Withdrawal prior to the programme commencement date will result in a full refund.
• Withdrawal after the commencement date, but before 15 May 2026, incurs a liability equal to 50% of tuition fees.
• Withdrawal after the commencement date but before 15 August 2026 incurs a liability equal to 75% of tuition fees.
• Withdrawal after 15 August 2026 incurs full liability of tuition fees.

Unsettled Accounts

Unsettled accounts are subject to financial blocks or cancellations, and failure to settle any outstanding fees may result in restricted access to academic results and other academic penalties.

University of South Africa

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Overview:

The University of South Africa (Unisa) is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest-standing dedicated distance education university in the world. It is a public university with a global reach, enrolling nearly one-third of South African students.

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Services Offered:

Unisa offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Online learning platform:

Unisa provides a comprehensive online learning platform, myUnisa, which allows students to access course materials, submit assignments, communicate with lecturers, and participate in online discussions.

Student support services:

Unisa offers various support services to students, such as academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and disability support.

Library resources:

Unisa has a vast library collection, accessible both online and through physical branches, providing students with access to a wide range of books, journals, and other research materials.

Regional centers:

Unisa has regional centers across South Africa, offering students access to physical learning spaces, support services, and opportunities for face-to-face interaction.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

As a distance learning institution, Unisa's campus experience is primarily online. Students can expect to engage with their studies through online platforms, participate in virtual discussions, and connect with fellow students through online forums. While there are limited opportunities for face-to-face interaction, Unisa offers regional centers and occasional events that provide opportunities for students to connect with their peers and faculty.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Accessibility:

Unisa offers flexible and accessible learning opportunities for students of all backgrounds and locations.

Global reach:

Unisa's online platform allows students from around the world to access its programs and resources.

Wide range of qualifications:

Unisa offers a diverse range of qualifications, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, covering various disciplines.

Affordable education:

Unisa strives to provide affordable education options for students, with various financial aid programs available.

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Academic Programs:

Unisa offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting Sciences

Agriculture & Environmental Sciences

Economic & Management Sciences

Education

College of Graduate Studies

Human Sciences

Law

Science, Engineering & Technology

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Other:

Unisa is committed to research and innovation, with a focus on addressing societal challenges and contributing to the development of Africa. The university has several research institutes and chairs, and its researchers are actively involved in various national and international collaborations. Unisa also has a strong focus on community engagement and outreach, working to make a positive impact on the communities it serves.