Master of Business Science

Purpose

The qualification provides training in the techniques of research, analysis and scholarly presentation appropriate to the relevant discipline. The degree will equip the learner with knowledge in the field of study and the skills necessary either for employment in the related field in the public or private sectors. Learners will also be equipped for further independent research for the degree of PhD at leading domestic or international universities.

Rationale

The rationale for the development and implementation of the qualification is to

• Create and provide a suitable postgraduate commercial degree that offers upward mobility in the business and academic world.
• Prepare learners with the necessary theoretical and practical business background and to expose them to advanced specific fields in the business world.
• Provide an opportunity to carry out rigorous research on which business decisions can be made.
• Allow learners to participate in most spheres of the economy.
• Allow learners with the qualification to further their studies to doctoral level.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who have shown by examination or publication or a record of appropriate training that they have reached a level in the subject or a cognate subject equivalent to an NQF Level 8 Degree may be permitted to register for the degree.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Business Science Honours, NQF Level 8.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits

• Dissertation.

1. Demonstrate mastery to depth of a theoretically sophisticated subject matter.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in research methodology sufficient to proceed to a PhD.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, collection and analysis of data, and effective written communication.
4. Conduct independent research in the discipline (or inter-disciplinary field).
5. Communicate verbally and orally with professional audiences.
6. Apply disciplinary knowledge and research skills.
7. Analyse and critique communications of an academic and accessible nature.
8. Appreciate the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline.
9. Challenge orthodoxies and redefine existing knowledge while demonstrating awareness of the nature of expertise in the field.
10. Master a body of knowledge within a specified area of the discipline and all relevant research techniques, both general and specific concerning a particular field of study.
11. Summarise clearly, accurately and comprehensively all relevant aspects of an academic debate x) be able to relate or apply existing knowledge in novel contexts.
12. Have sufficient knowledge for teaching undergraduates.
13. Undertake supervised research at the doctoral level.
14. Make an expert contribution to the conduct of business in a particular area of economic activity.
15. Understand and endorse the need for very high standards of rigour in academic research.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner

• Be familiar with leading issues in their specialist field of study.
• Apply the techniques of Mathematical, statistical and formal logical analysis to a range of problems in the above areas.
• Conduct advanced literature searches and critique current literature in the form of a review; iv) Able to prepare professional papers for peer review.
• Write research and funding proposals.
• Provide technical reports to professional audiences, including governments and businesses.
• Formulate research problem and integration of literature appropriate design and execution of research.
• Use appropriate methods of data collection and analysis.
• Integrate of findings.
• Appreciate of the limits of the study.
• Use the publication and style conventions of the discipline.

Integrated Assessment

The integration of skills learnt in the Master of Business Science is assessed through a dissertation.