Stay ahead in today's fast-moving, tech-powered world with the skills to thrive.
The right education today builds the leaders of the future.
Shape your future with recognised qualifications from Cornerstone Business Studies.
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Higher Certificate in Business Studies
2 years part-time
Full qualification · T&Cs apply
The Higher Certificate in Business Studies introduces students to the building blocks of business and the new world of work — equipping them with foundational skills for a dynamic, tech-powered economy.
The Higher Certificate (Business Studies), NQF Level 5, is accredited with the Council on Higher Education (CHE), reference no. H/PRO96/E030CAN, and is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) with qualification ID 96415.
- 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.
- National Benchmark Test (NBT) results.
- Certified copy of your ID or Passport.
- Certified copy of your National Senior Certificate (Matric Certificate) or equivalent qualification.
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- Academic Development
- Business Management
- Financial Accounting Fundamentals
- Human Capital Management
- Business Communication
- Economics
- Marketing
- Business Analytics Fundamentals
- Entrepreneurship
- Ethics and Global Citizenship
Bachelor of Commerce
Min. 3 · Max. 6 years
R140,140 full qualification
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.
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.
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor's pass or equivalent, a Matriculation Certificate (with university exemption) or equivalent, or a Higher Certificate / Advanced Certificate / Diploma in a cognate field.
- National Benchmark Test (NBT) results.
- The prior qualification must include a minimum of 50% in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
- Certified copy of your ID or Passport.
- Certified copy of your National Senior Certificate (Matric Certificate) or equivalent qualification.
Basic Level — First Year
- Academic Development
- Financial Accounting
- Business Management
- Human Capital Management
- Business Communication
- Ethics and Global Citizenship
- Economics
- Marketing
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
Intermediate Level — Second Year
- Financial Management
- Ethical Self-Leadership
- Strategic Management and Innovation in the New World of Work
- Project Management
- Cost and Management Accounting (Financial Management)
- Customer Experience (Marketing)
- Digital Marketing and Sales + Strategic Branding and Integrated Communications (Marketing)
- Managing Constant Change (Human Capital)
- Learning and Development + Basic Applied Psychometrics (Human Capital)
- Microeconomics (Economics)
- Macroeconomics (Economics)
- Industry 4.0 in Manufacturing (Operations)
- Aligning Supply Chains (Operations)
Advanced Level — Third Year
- Corporate and International Finance + Business and Commercial Law (Financial Management)
- Advanced Reporting and Analysis + Taxation for Business Entities (Financial Management)
- Business Integrated Customer Experience (Marketing)
- Sustainable Customer User Centred Marketing + Market Research and Analytics (Marketing)
- Employment Relations + Teamwork in a Digital Era (Human Capital)
- Strategic Human Capital Management (Human Capital)
- International Economics and World Trade (Economics)
- Development Economics (Economics)
- Strategic Value Chain Management (Operations)
- Lean, Sustainable Continuous Improvement (Operations)
- Work-integrated Project (Financial Management)
- Work-integrated Project (Marketing)
- Work-integrated Project (Human Capital)
- Work-integrated Project (Economics)
- Work-integrated Project (Operations)
Don’t let finances stand in the way of your future!
Cornerstone Institute has partnered with Chancen International South Africa to offer an Income Share Agreement (ISA) – a fair and ethical way to fund your studies, with repayments linked to your income after you graduate.
Memberships & Accreditations
Cornerstone Institute is proudly recognised by South Africa's leading higher education and professional bodies — ensuring quality, integrity, and industry relevance in every qualification we offer.
Department of Higher Education & Training
DHET oversees post-school education and training in South Africa, ensuring quality, accessibility, and transformation.
Official Website
Council on Higher Education
CHE promotes quality assurance and sets standards for higher education institutions across South Africa.
Official Website
SAPICS
SAPICS is Africa's leading professional body for Supply Chain Management, empowering industry excellence.
Official WebsiteCollaborations
Building international pathways and community impact through meaningful partnerships.
The Business Studies Team
Geoff Schreiner
Head of Business
Master's degree in Sociology of Work from Warwick University. Leads the unit with a focus on ethical leadership.
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Sharon Brand
Lecturer
Diverse business and supply chain background. Holds a BPharm from UCT and a BCom from Cornerstone.
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Dr George Kesselaar
Lecturer
Knowledge entrepreneur with 30+ years experience. Specializes in building skills for teams to adapt to change and work across cultures.
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Dr Nakuze Chalomba
Lecturer
PhD and MCom (Distinction) from Wits. Lectures in Economics and Executive programmes.
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Solomon Ola
Lecturer
Honours degree from Ekiti State University. Specializes in Finance and Business Management.
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Sara Bux
Academic Lecturer
Passionate about fostering inclusivity and academic excellence based on personal experience.
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Dr Mashford Zenda
Lecturer
PhD in Agricultural Economics from UFS. Passionate about economics and sustainable development.
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Tracey-Lee Olivier
Academic Admin
Committed higher education professional with a strong foundation in psychology and academic support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our Business Studies programmes, admissions, courses, and student support.
The Bachelor of Commerce degree opens up a variety of career opportunities based on your chosen area of interest. Here are some potential career paths across the five major areas:
Operations
- Operations Analyst
- Supply Chain Coordinator
- Production Planner
- Logistics Coordinator
- Inventory Analyst
- Process Improvement Analyst
- Operations Assistant Buyer
Financial Management
- Financial Analyst
- Management Accountant
- Investment Analyst
- Financial Planner
- Corporate Finance Associate
- Credit Analyst
- Risk Analyst
Marketing
- Marketing Coordinator
- Brand Assistant
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Social Media Coordinator
- Market Research Analyst
- Content Marketing Specialist
- Public Relations Assistant
Economics
- Economic Research Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Investment Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
Human Resources (HR)
- HR Coordinator
- Recruitment Assistant
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
- HR Assistant
- Payroll Coordinator
- Training and Development Coordinator
To apply you may visit our website at cornerstone.ac.za, click the Apply Now button, or go directly to our application portal at horizon.cornerstone.ac.za. Our entire application and registration process is online.
Applications for Semester 1, 2026 are currently closed. Application dates for Semester 2, 2026 will be communicated soon.
- Certified ID / Passport
- Certified Grade 12 certificate or NQF equivalent
Yes, you will be credited for the HCBS modules. In addition, students will need to complete two 8-credit bridging modules to enter 2nd year BCom.
For every credit, 10 hours of study is required — i.e. for a 12-credit module, 120 hours of study is required.
Students need to select two majors from the following five options:
- Operations Management
- Financial Management
- Human Capital Management
- Marketing
- Economics
If you select Financial Management as one major, you must also select Micro Economics as part of your elective combination.
Yes, the Entrepreneurship module is a mandatory module offered in HCBS and 1st year BCom.
Yes, Basic Applied Psychometrics is a 2nd year module and is part of the Human Capital Management major.
Each module is assessed through online formative assessments (e.g. tests, critical essays and group projects) and through online summative assessments (i.e. examinations).
Yes, there are group projects in most modules which address practical real world business challenges, and in your final year of BCom you will complete a work-integrated project in each of your majors.
Yes, our module content is constantly updated to provide the knowledge and skills required in the 21st century New World of Work.
The cost of the Higher Certificate in Business Studies is R24,950 for the full qualification.
The cost for the BCom is R290 per credit — a total of 366 credits is required for the full qualification.
For both qualifications, you have the flexibility of selecting the number of modules and credits at a pace that fits your budget.
You are able to make application for financial aid and we will endeavour to secure funding for you from external sources.
Yes, we have Modules dedicated to providing you with this guidance in year one — your lecturers are also available to be of assistance with your assessments.
If you are struggling academically, you can reach out to our Faculty Administrator who will help to direct you. For student wellness support, you can contact Student Services student development and support.
Contact for Student and Technical Support: businessstudies@cornerstone.ac.za
- Good Wi-Fi
- A reliable laptop
- A working laptop camera
- Office 365
- A quiet place to work
Yes, there is a Module dedicated to providing you with this guidance in year one — you can also ask for technical support through our Help Desk: helpdesk@cornerstone.ac.za.
The digital library, EBSCOHost, which offers a vast expanse of scholarly resources, is freely available to students. This premier online research platform provides academic journals, magazines, newspapers, e-books, and much more.
Certain prescribed ebooks are available by ordering from online bookstores. In addition, hard copy physical resources can be found in our on-campus library.
It is helpful to set time aside at the start of a semester to ensure your set up for online teaching and learning is properly in place, and also to spend some time on our FUNDA LMS.
Live online lectures take place on weekdays from 4pm to 8pm. Lectures are recorded and can be accessed on our FUNDA learning management system at a later time, if students are unable to attend the live lecture.
Yes, lecturers can be contacted through our learning management system or via the class WhatsApp groups. Lecturers are also available for individual face-to-face or online interaction when necessary.
Both — there are individual and group assessments for each module.
For any technical issues, our technology team is available at helpdesk@cornerstone.ac.za.
Our Academic Administrator, businessstudies@cornerstone.ac.za, is also available to assist if you experience any problems on our FUNDA learning management system.
Contact for Student and Technical Support: businessstudies@cornerstone.ac.za
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