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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:

Offered in Distance Mode Only (as per CHE concession)

Course Cost

From R 24 950 for the full qualification. Please enquire for T&Cs

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:

Offered in Distance Mode Only

Course Cost

R73 160 per year. With special early bird discount of 20% = R58 528 per year.

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

Membership & Accreditations

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

Sara Bux

Academic Lecturer

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Sara Bux

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

frequently asked questions

Career Paths

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:

Operations:

  • Operations Analyst
  • Supply Chain Coordinator
  • Production Planner
  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Inventory Analyst
  • Process Improvement Analyst
  • Operations Assistant Buyer

 

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

 

General Information

To apply you may visit our website here, select your preferred course and click on apply now. Our entire application and registration process is online.

Applications for July 2024 will close on 30 June 2024.

  • Certified ID/Passport
  • Certified Grade 12 certificate or NQF equivalent.

Course Details

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: Operations Management, Human Capital Management, Marketing and Economics.
Yes, the Entrepreneurship module is a mandatory module offered in HCBS and 1st year B.Com.
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 B.Com, you will complete a work-integrated project in each of your majors.
Yes, our module content is constantly updated and to provide knowledge and skills required in the 21st century New World of Work.

Financial Information

The cost of the Higher Certificate in Business Studies is R315 per credit and for the BCom is R565 per credit to enable you to choose modules at a pace that fits your budget.

You are able to structure your payment in line with the modules which you select.

You are able to make application for financial aid and we will endeavour to secure funding for you from external sources.

Student Support

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 Zezethu Mgweba (zezethum@cornerstone.ac.za) who will help to direct you here. For student wellness support, you can contact Student Services student development and support.

Online Study

Good Wi-Fi, a reliable laptop, a working laptop camera, Office 365 and 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.

Lectures and Interaction

Live online lectures take place from 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.

Technical Support

For any technical issues we have our Technology team available on helpdesk@cornerstone.ac.za/.

Our Academic Administrator zezethum@cornerstone.ac.za is also available to assist if you experience any problems on our FUNDA learning management system.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP ARTICLES

"Financial Fundamentals for Life: A Guide to Financial Stability," dives into budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management — essentials to thrive in South Africa's unique financial landscape.

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Dive into Sharon Brand's insightful article on the evolution towards #Industry 5.0. Explore the fusion of human creativity with advanced technology, and anticipate the profound impacts on manufacturing and beyond.

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Embracing the Future: Unveiling the Benefits and Confronting the Challenges of Industry 5.0 and Beyond​​

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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

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

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

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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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Application Enquiries

NEWS / EVENTS

Tackling Inventory Challenges

Join us on Thursday, November 14th, for an in-depth session focused on “Tackling Inventory Challenges: The Beier Group Response.” This engaging webinar offers valuable insights into strategic supply chain solutions to improve inventory management.

You're Invited! SAPICS Women’s Celebration Event at Cornerstone – 24 October

This FREE event is all about empowering women, celebrating achievements, and building connections within our community 👩🏽‍🎓

Understanding of Economics through a Gender-Aware Lens

Join Professor Valodia for an enlightening online lecture on how Feminist Economics challenges traditional frameworks and champions women's economic empowerment.
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