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Higher Certificate in Business Studies

(Minimum one year, maximum 3 years, 124 credits)

Aim

The Higher Certificate Business Studies aims to introduce students to the building blocks of business and the new world of work.

Time Commitment

One year full-time.
Two years of part-time
January and July intakes

Mode of Delivery

Distance

Course Cost

All-inclusive rate of R43 465

Accreditation

The Higher Certificate (Business Studies), NQF Level 5, is accredited with the Council on Higher Education (CHE), reference no. PR096/9026/HEQSF and is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) with qualification ID 7339.

Admission requirements

A National Senior Certificate or National Certificate Vocational (with certificate pass), a Matriculation Certificate or equivalent Mature age of 45 years can be admitted, determined by the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) portfolio of evidence provided. The National Benchmark Test (NBT) results.

Course Modules:



Academic Reading and Writing
Information Technology and Skills
Business Management
Financial Accounting Fundamentals
Human Capital Management
Business Communication



Economics
Marketing
Business Analytics Fundamentals
Entreprenuership
Ethics and Global Citizenship

Bachelor of Commerce

(Minimum 3 years, 360 credits)

Aim

This qualification equips students to be ethically effective in business and the new world of work with specific skills in human capital management, marketing, operations management, and economics.

Time commitment

Two intakes: January and July
Full or part-time
Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years.

Mode of Delivery

Distance

Course Cost

All-inclusive rate of R72 605

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Commerce, NQF Level 7, is accredited with the Council on Higher Education (CHE) reference no. H/PR096/E016CAN and is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) with qualification ID 99752.

Admission requirements

National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor's pass or equivalent, a Matriculation Certificate (with university exemption) or equivalent, a Higher Certificate or an Advanced Certificate or Diploma in a cognate field. National Benchmark Test (NBT) results. The prior qualification must include a minimum of 50% in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.

Course Modules:

Basic Level
(First Year) 


Academic Reading and Writing
Information Technology Skills
Financial Accounting
Business Management
Human Capital Management
Business Communication
Core: Ethics and Global Citizenship  
Economics
Marketing
Business  Analytics
Entrepreneurship 

Intermediate Level
(Second Year) 


Financial Accounting
Ethical Self Leadership
Customer Experience
Managing Constant Change
Microeconomics
Industry 4.0 in Manufacturing
Strategic Management and Innovation in the New World of Work
Project Management
Digital Marketing and Sales
Strategic Branding and Integrated Communications
Talent, Diversity and Development
Macroeconomics
Aligning Supply Chains
 
Advanced Level
(Third Year) 


Market Research and Analytics 
Employment Relations  
Teamwork in a Digital Era 
International Economics and World Trade  
Strategic Value Chain Management  
Marketing Work-integrated Project  
Human Capital Work-integrated Project  
Economics Work-integrated Project  
Operations  Work-integrated Project 
Responsible, Customer Centric Organisations  
Strategic Human Capital Management  
Development Economics  
Lean, Sustainable Continuous Improvement

THE BUSINESS STUDIES DEPARTMENT

Global cutting-edge best practices in business

Excellent student and stakeholder support

Ethical integrity for all

Our focus is on students and employees who have yet to have the opportunity of post-school education. For those without the necessary level of Maths, we offer an entry-level Higher Certificate in Business Studies, which scaffolds into our BCom, where we offer a choice of majors in Operations, Human Capital Management, Marketing, and Economics.

We recognize that the world of work is changing fundamentally and that many of the old ways of doing things are no longer relevant. We aim to ensure that we equip our students with relevant knowledge and practical skills to prepare them to build their careers in these new times.

Our modules are underpinned by 21st-century skills imperative to the changing world of work. These modules are informed by research with employers in the private and public sectors and introduce our students to topics such as artificial intelligence, strategy deployment, business process automation, agile design, human capital, and customer experience.

Our teaching and learning are based on well-tested theoretical models combined with new pedagogical research, and we offer a flexible set of schedules to accommodate those currently working and those who are not. Our senior lecturing staff have multiple years of experience in the business world, so they are keenly aware of the requirements to develop a successful career in business.

Nowadays, to fully understand business, it is imperative to understand what is happening in South Africa and on our continent and appreciate developments across the globe. We are committed to ensuring our students leave Cornerstone with this perspective and these insights. Thereby, whatever setting they end themselves in, they will be empowered to change their own world and the worlds of others around them.

THE BUSINESS STUDIES TEAM

Dr Nakuze Chalomba

Academic Lecturer

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Dr Nakuze Chalomba

Academic Lecturer

Geoff Schreiner

Head of Business Studies

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Geoff Schreiner

Head of Business Studies

Dr Noma Nyembo

Academic Lecturer

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Dr Noma Nyembo

Academic Lecturer

Dr Mashford Zenda

Academic Lecturer

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Dr Mashford Zenda

Academic Lecturer

Sharon Brand

Academic Lecturer

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Sharon Brand

Academic Lecturer

Solomon Olanrewaju

Academic Lecturer

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Solomon Olanrewaju

Academic Lecturer

Zezethu Mgweba

Administrator

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Zezethu Mgweba

Administrator

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP ARTICLES

Business and Ethics

Geoff Schreiner, Head of Business Studies at Cornerstone Institute, challenges some of the stereotyping around business and touches on the importance of ethics in our rapidly changing world.

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Game Theory - Understanding Strategic Decision Making in Business and Everyday Life

Game theory offers a powerful lens through which to view and manage the strategic interactions that shape our lives, whether in business, politics, or personal relationships.

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The Essence of Entrepreneurship by Geoff Schreiner, Head of Business Studies

November is considered Entrepreneurship Month, but Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is perhaps better known.

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Knowledge and Skills for the New World of Work by Geoff Schreiner, Head of Business Studies

Our future will, of course, be increasingly defined by technology – there are nearly 7 billion smartphones ...

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Knowledge and Skills for the New World of Work by Geoff Schreiner, Head of Business Studies

Seven Factors to Consider When Choosing a Business Qualification in South Africa

South Africa’s unemployment rate fell by 0,7% in quarter 3 2023 compared to the same time last year.

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Seven Factors to Consider When Choosing a Business Qualification in South Africa

NEWS / EVENTS

Industry 4.0 and Beyond!

Join Sharon Brand, Business Studies Programme Coordinator, As She Explores Industry 4.0 and Its Implications

Discover the world of Game Theory!

Join us on Thursday evening, March 7th, 2024, from 19:00 to 20:00, as we explore the fascinating world of Game Theory.

Young Professional & Student Conference

Young Professional & Student Conference
Cornerstone Institute
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