Give Back 100 Partners
We're proud to partner with leading South African businesses and organisations who are investing in the next generation of graduates, and we invite others to join the Giveback 100 movement.
Become a Giveback 100 partner
If you represent a business, NPO or public-sector organisation and would like to support bursaries or host students, please contact our Head of Business Studies, Geoff Schreiner.
Or email directly: businessstudies@cornerstone.ac.za
About the Giveback 100 movement: Cornerstone Instituteās Giveback 100 bursary campaign empowers aspiring business leaders. Partners fuel this mission through bursary funding or student hosting. Join a growing network that includes Cipla, Media24, Novus Holdings, Merchants and more.
Higher Certificate in Business Studies
(Minimum one year, maximum 3 years, 126 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
Course Cost
From R 28,980 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. H/PRO96/E003CAN and is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) with qualification ID 96415.
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.
Supporting Documents Required
Certified copy of your ID or Passport
Certified copy of your National Senior Certificate (Matric Certificate) or equivalent qualification
Course Modules:
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- Academic Development
- 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, 366 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
R385 per credit (R140,140 for the full qualification)
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.
Supporting Documents Required
Certified copy of your ID or Passport
Certified copy of your National Senior Certificate (Matric Certificate) or equivalent qualification
Course Modules:
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Basic Level
(First Year)Ā
Compulsory Modules
- Academic Development
- Financial Accounting
- Business Management
- Human Capital Management
- Business Communication
- Ethics and Global Citizenship
- Economics
- Marketing
- Business Analytics
- EntrepreneurshipĀ
Intermediate Level
(Second Year)Ā
Compulsory Modules
- Financial Management
- Ethical Self-Leadership
- Strategic Management and Innovation in the New World of Work
- Project Management
Elective Modules ā Select two majors
- 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)
(Note: If selecting Financial Management as one major, then you must also select Micro Economics as well).
Advanced Level
(Third Year)
(Continue with two majors)
- 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 ProjectĀ (Operations)
MEMBERSHIPS AND ACCREDITATIONS
COLLABORATIONS
CBS International Business School
Cologne, Germany
Westford University College
United Arab Emirates
Give Back 100 Campaign
Scholarships & Community Impact
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 Finance, 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 grasp developments in South Africa, across our continent, and around the globe, while also appreciating the digital trends shaping industries and markets. We are therefore committed to ensuring our students leave Cornerstone with both global insights and digital fluency. Thereby, in whatever setting they find themselves, they will be empowered to change their own world and the worlds of others around them.
THE BUSINESS STUDIES TEAM
Meet the distinguished faculty and administrative professionals within the Business Studies department at Cornerstone Institute ā empowering students through academic excellence, industry expertise, innovation and transformational leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our Business Studies programmes, admissions, courses, and student support.
Career Paths
What career paths are available after completing a Bachelor of Commerce at Cornerstone Institute?
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:
š Operations
- Operations Analyst
- Supply Chain Coordinator
- Production Planner
- Logistics Coordinator
- Inventory Analyst
- Process Improvement Analyst
- Operations Assistant Buyer
š¢ Marketing
- Marketing Coordinator
- Brand Assistant
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Social Media Coordinator
- Market Research Analyst
- Content Marketing Specialist
- Public Relations Assistant
š Economics
- Economic Research Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Investment Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
š„ Human Resources (HR)
- HR Coordinator
- Recruitment Assistant
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
- HR Assistant
- Payroll Coordinator
- Training and Development Coordinator
General Information
How do I apply for the courses offered by Business Studies?
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.
What are the application deadlines?
Applications for Semester 1, 2026 are Currently Closed. Application dates for Semester 2, 2026 will be communicated soon.
What documents are required for the application process?
- Certified ID/Passport
- Certified Grade 12 certificate or NQF equivalent
Course Details
If I complete the Higher Certificate in Business Studies, can I go through to the second year of the Bachelor of Commerce?
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.
How much study is required for each module?
For every credit, 10 hours of study is required, i.e. for a 12-credit module, 120 hours of study is required.
What majors are offered in the Bachelor of Commerce?
Students need to select two majors from the following: Operations Management, Human Capital Management, Marketing and Economics.
Is Entrepreneurship covered in the courses?
Yes, the Entrepreneurship module is a mandatory module offered in HCBS and 1st year B.Com.
Do the courses cover Psychometrics?
Yes, Basic Applied Psychometrics is a 2nd year module and is part of the Human Capital Management major.
How are the courses assessed?
Each module is assessed through online formative assessments (e.g. tests, critical essays and group projects) and through online summative assessments (i.e. examinations).
Will there be any practical projects or experiential learning experiences in my courses?
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.
Are the course materials up to date and globally relevant?
Yes, our module content is constantly updated and to provide knowledge and skills required in the 21st century New World of Work.
Financial Information
What is the cost of tuition and fees?
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.
What financial aid options are available?
You are able to make application for financial aid and we will endeavour to secure funding for you from external sources.
Student Support
Will I be given guidance on how to write academic papers and complete tasks?
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.
Who can I go to if I am struggling academically or personally?
If you are struggling academically, you can reach out to our Faculty Administrator who will help to direct you here. For student wellness support, you can contact Student Services student development and support.
š§ Contact for Student and Technical Support: businessstudies@cornerstone.ac.za
Online Study
What will I need to have to be properly set up for online study?
- Good Wi-Fi
- A reliable laptop
- A working laptop camera
- Office 365
- A quiet place to work
Will I be given guidelines on how to use AI apps and other digital tools?
Yes there is a Module dedicated to providing you with this guidance in year one ā you can also ask for technical support through our Help Desk: helpdesk@cornerstone.ac.za
What online library facilities are available?
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.
How can I get the best online experience?
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
What times are lectures typically held, and what happens if I cannot attend a lecture?
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.
Will I be able to be in direct contact with my lecturers?
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.
Will I work on my own or in a group?
Both, there are individual and group assessments for each module.
Technical Support
What happens if I am experiencing technical difficulties?
For any technical issues, we have our technology team 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.
š§ Contact for Student and Technical Support: businessstudies@cornerstone.ac.za
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