Program Overview

Master of Commerce in Development Finance

The Master of Commerce in Development Finance is a rigorous modular programme taken over two years, covering nine compulsory core courses and one elective, with a research report.

Programme Structure

The programme is broken down into four main blocks over a two-year cycle:

• Year 1: Block 1 (March) - contact sessions for four courses
• Year 1: Block 2 (August) - examines for the four courses in Block 1, contact sessions for four courses
• Year 2: Block 3 (February) - examines for the four courses in Block 2, contact sessions for two courses (one core and one elective)
• Year 2: February to December - completion of a 60-credit minor dissertation

Format and Delivery

The programme covers theories in development finance, development finance practice, and real-life case studies in development finance. Students attend classes at the UCT GSB Breakwater campus in Cape Town twice a year for two to three weeks each during February/March and August.

Assessment

There are two assessments for each course (except for research methods), made up of:

• Invigilated final examination during block sessions
• Individual assignment submitted post-block Students are required to submit a research proposal (assignment) as the only assessment for the research methods course.

Pre-reading Preparation

Before arriving for contact sessions at the GSB, students are expected to read all prescribed material.

Contact/Block Sessions

Students are required to attend and fully participate in all contact sessions at the GSB during the three block periods. The lectures are designed to facilitate interactions and knowledge sharing among students.

Term Dates

The MCOM block dates for 2026/2027 are:

• Block 1: 9 - 31 March 2026 (in-person)
• Block 2: 1 - 23 August 2026 (in-person)
• Block 3: 1 - 11 February 2027 (in-person)

About the UCT GSB

The UCT Graduate School of Business has more than five decades of globally recognized academic excellence and an informed understanding of the dynamics and promise of emerging market economies.

Campus and Locations

The UCT GSB has several campuses and locations, including:

• Breakwater Campus in Cape Town
• GSB Johannesburg
• Solution Space Philippi
• Conference Centre at the UCT GSB Breakwater campus