If you’re interested in studying business management, you might be asking, what qualifications do I need to study business management?
In South Africa, the qualifications you need can vary depending on the type of course you want to take. Some business management courses are open to students who haven’t completed Matric, while others require higher qualifications.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Study Business Management In South Africa?
Are you thinking: ”What qualifications do I need to study business management?”
Well, to study business management in South Africa, there are different qualification pathways depending on the level of education you have already completed.
At Skills Academy, we offer a range of courses for people with different qualifications, from Grade 9 and up.
Whether you have finished school or not, some courses allow you to start your journey in business management. Let’s explore the courses offered and what you need to qualify for each one in more detail later.
Business Management Qualifications In South Africa
In South Africa, there are many options for studying business management. Some of the qualifications you can pursue include National Certificates like N4, N5, and N6, or shorter business courses such as Small Business Management.
These qualifications help you build the skills needed to work in various business roles. We will go over the qualifications needed to enrol in these courses next.
How Many Points Do You Need To Study Business Management?
For most business management courses, such as the NATED Business Management courses at Skills Academy, you don’t need an APS score or points.
Instead, the entry requirements are based on the highest grade you have completed. For example, to start with N4 Business Management, you only need a Grade 9 certificate.
Can I Do Business Management With Grade 11?
Yes, you can study business management with a Grade 11 certificate. If you have completed Grade 11, you qualify for the N4 Business Management course at Skills Academy.
This is a great option for students who have not yet completed Matric but still want to pursue a career in business.
What Is The Best Qualification For Business Management?
The best qualification for business management depends on your career goals. For a strong foundation in business management, the NATED Business Management courses are highly recommended.
These courses (N4, N5, and N6) offer in-depth learning. Preparing you for management roles in many different industries. Now, let’s take a closer look at the NATED courses and what they involve.
National Certificates N4-N6: Business Management
The NATED Business Management programme is designed to take you from basic business knowledge to advanced management skills. This programme includes three levels: N4, N5, and N6.
By completing these levels, you will know how to manage a business and make important decisions.
Programme Structure
The NATED Business Management courses are structured to allow you to progress from one level to the next. You start with the N4 Business Management Certificate, which introduces you to business management basics.
After that, you move on to N5 and N6, where you will learn more advanced concepts. Here’s an overview of the curriculum for each level:
N4 Curriculum
The N4 Business Management course is the first step in the programme. It introduces you to the basic concepts and skills you need to start a career in business management. Below is a table outlining the subjects and what you’ll learn:
| Subject | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Management Communication | Learn how to communicate effectively in the workplace. |
| Introductory Accounting | Understand basic accounting principles and financial management. |
| Entrepreneurship and Business Management | Learn how to start and manage a business, including basic management principles. |
| Computer Practice | Gain essential computer skills needed in modern business environments. |
N5 Curriculum
The N5 Business Management course builds on the skills you learned in N4. You will go deeper into business topics and prepare for more advanced roles. Here is an overview of the subjects and learning outcomes:
| Subject | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Sales Management | Learn how to manage a sales team and develop effective sales strategies. |
| Public Relations | Understand how to manage a company’s public image and communicate with stakeholders. |
| Entrepreneurship and Business Management | Develop advanced business management skills, including planning and decision-making. |
| Computer Practice | Further, develop your computer skills for handling business tasks. |
N6 Curriculum
The N6 Business Management course is the final level of the NATED programme. It prepares you for leadership roles by teaching you advanced management techniques. Below is the table outlining the subjects and what you will learn:
| Subject | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Sales Management | Learn advanced sales strategies and techniques for managing large sales teams. |
| Cost and Management Accounting | Understand how to manage and control costs within a business. |
| Public Relations | Develop strategies for managing a company’s public image and communication efforts. |
| Entrepreneurship and Business Management | Learn advanced techniques for managing and growing a business. |
Admission Requirements
To enrol in the NATED Business Management courses at Skills Academy, the following admission requirements apply:
- N4 Business Management: You must have completed Grade 9 or higher.
- N5 Business Management: You must have completed the N4 Business Management Certificate.
- N6 Business Management: You must have completed the N5 Business Management Certificate.
These requirements make the NATED courses accessible to a wide range of students, even those who haven’t finished Matric.
What Do I Need To Have Completed Before I Can Apply To Study This Course?
Before you can apply for the N4 Business Management course, you need to have completed Grade 9 or higher.
For the N5 and N6 courses, you must have completed the previous level of the NATED programme (N4 or N5).
Course Duration
The NATED Business Management courses take about 12 months per level if studied full-time. This means it will take about 3 years to complete the N4, N5, and N6 courses.
After that, you will need to complete 18 months of practical work experience to receive your diploma.
What Will I Be Qualified As After Completing The Course?
After completing the N6 Business Management course and your practical work experience, you will be qualified for a range of management roles.
You will have a National Diploma in Business Management, which qualifies you to work as a:
- Sales Manager
- Business Consultant
- Financial Manager
- Public Relations Manager
- Office Administrator
This qualification prepares you for leadership positions in many industries.
Small Business Management Courses
Studying small business management is a great way to learn how to start, run, and grow a business.
Skills Academy offers several courses that teach these skills, each with its own focus and benefits. These courses help you understand the basics of business and develop the skills needed to run a small business successfully.
The Small Business Management courses include:
- Small Business Management: Certificate Course
- Small Business Management: Comprehensive Course
- Small Business Management: Short Course Certificate
Let’s take a closer look at each of these courses.
Small Business Management: Short Course Certificate
The Small Business Management: Short Course Certificate is a quick and flexible option for people who want to learn business management in a short amount of time.
This course covers key areas like financial management and marketing but is designed to be completed quickly. It’s ideal for people who are short on time but want to learn the basics of managing a business.
Benefits of this course:
- Learn the essential skills needed to manage a small business.
- Complete the course in a shorter time frame.
- Ideal for people looking for a fast introduction to business management.
Small Business Management: Certificate Course
The Small Business Management: Certificate Course is perfect for beginners who want to learn the basics of managing a small business. This course covers important topics like financial management, customer service, and marketing.
It is a great choice for people who are new to business and want to start learning the skills needed to run a business.
Benefits of this course:
- Learn how to handle everyday business tasks.
- Gain essential skills in managing money and dealing with customers.
- Understand how to promote your business and attract customers.
Small Business Management: Comprehensive Course
The Small Business Management: Comprehensive Course goes beyond the basics and provides a more in-depth understanding of how to manage a small business.
This course covers advanced topics like business strategy, leadership, and managing employees. It is ideal for people who want to take their business skills to the next level.
Benefits of this course:
- Develop advanced business management skills.
- Learn how to plan long-term business strategies.
- Gain leadership skills for managing a team.
Entry Requirements
The Small Business Management courses at Skills Academy are open to everyone. You do not need any formal qualifications to enrol. As long as you can read and write in English, you can apply for these courses.
This makes it easy for anyone to start learning business management skills, even if they haven’t completed high school.
Careers In Business Management
A qualification in business management opens the door to many different career opportunities. Whether you want to work for a company or start your own business, the skills you learn will be useful. Here is a table showing some common business management careers and their duties:
| Career | Duties |
|---|---|
| Office Administrator | Managing office tasks, organising paperwork, and supporting staff. |
| Sales Manager | Leading a sales team, setting sales targets, and developing sales strategies. |
| Business Consultant | Advising businesses on how to improve operations and make more money. |
| Retail Manager | Managing a retail store, dealing with customers, and controlling stock. |
| Entrepreneur | Starting and running your own business, managing all aspects of the company. |
| Financial Manager | Managing the financial activities of a business, including budgeting and accounting. |
How Can I Further Improve My Skills As Well As My Career?
To improve your skills and advance your career in business management, you can:
- Take additional courses to learn more about specific areas like finance, marketing, or leadership.
- Gain work experience by applying for entry-level business jobs to build practical knowledge.
- Stay updated on industry trends by reading business magazines, blogs, and attending workshops.
- Develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers.
What Is The Highest Paying Job In Business Management?
One of the highest-paying jobs in business management is that of a Financial Manager. Financial managers are responsible for overseeing a company’s financial operations, including:
- Budgeting
- Investments
- Financial reporting
They often earn high salaries because their role is crucial to the success of any business.
Why Should I Study Business Management?
Studying business management offers many benefits that can help you succeed in your career or even start your own business. Here are some key reasons to study business management:
- Get An Introduction To The Business World
- Develop Vital Management Skills
- Explore A Range Of Job Opportunities
- Become Your Own Boss
Let’s explore these benefits in more detail.
Get An Introduction To The Business World
Studying business management gives you a solid introduction to how businesses operate. You will learn about everything from managing people to handling finances.
This knowledge is important whether you want to work for a company or start your own business. It helps you understand how businesses work and how to make them successful.
Develop Vital Management Skills
Business management courses teach you important skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. These skills are needed in many different jobs and industries.
By developing these skills, you will be better prepared to manage teams, make decisions, and solve business problems effectively.
Explore A Range Of Job Opportunities
A qualification in business management can open the door to many different job opportunities. You can work in areas like marketing, finance, human resources, or even sales.
Business management skills are in high demand, and there are many industries where you can apply your knowledge.
Become Your Own Boss
One of the biggest benefits of studying business management is that it gives you the knowledge and skills to start your own business. You will learn how to create a business plan, manage finances, and market your products or services.
If you have always wanted to be your own boss, studying business management is the first step towards achieving that goal.
Where Can I Study Business Management In South Africa?
In South Africa, there are several excellent distance-learning options for studying business management. Distance learning allows you to study from home at your own pace, making it an ideal option for people who are working or have other commitments.
Here are some distance-learning colleges where you can study business management:
- Skills Academy: Offers a variety of business management courses, including NATED and Small Business Management.
- Bellview Institute of Distance Learning: Provides flexible business management courses that are accessible from anywhere in the country.
- Matric College: Offers business management courses designed for students without Matric, making education accessible to more people.
All these institutions offer flexible study options to help you fit education into your schedule.
Register To Study Through Skills Academy
Registering for a business management course at Skills Academy is quick and easy. Here’s how the application process works:
- Choose Your Course: Visit the Skills Academy website to explore the business management courses we offer. Whether you’re interested in NATED Business Management or Small Business Management, there’s a course for you.
- Contact Us: You can call Skills Academy at 0800 39 00 27 or fill out an online contact form. One of our course advisors will get in touch with you to help you choose the right course and answer any questions.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the registration form with your personal details and course choice. This can be done online, or you can speak to an advisor for assistance.
- Submit Required Documents: Depending on the course, you may need to submit certain documents, such as your Grade 9 certificate or Matric results.
- Get Confirmation: Once your application is processed, you will receive confirmation that you are enrolled in the course.
- Start Studying: After registration, your study materials will be sent to you, and you can begin your studies from home. You’ll have access to tutor support throughout your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hardest subject in management can vary from student to student, but many people find Financial Management challenging. This subject involves managing a company’s finances, including budgeting, accounting, and understanding financial reports.
However, with the right support and study resources, students can succeed in this subject. Financial Management is covered in both the NATED Business Management courses and Small Business Management courses at Skills Academy.
The duration of a business management course depends on the level of study. At Skills Academy, the NATED Business Management courses (N4, N5, and N6) each take about 12 months to complete if studied full-time.
After finishing these courses, you will need to complete 18 months of practical work experience to qualify for a diploma.
At Skills Academy, we focus on providing affordable business management courses. While exact prices vary depending on the course, we offer flexible payment plans to make education more accessible.
You can contact Skills Academy directly to get more information about costs and payment options
Yes, you can study business management without having studied maths in school. Skills Academy does not require maths as a subject to enrol in business management courses.
For example, you can enrol in the N4 Business Management course with a Grade 9 certificate, even if you didn’t take maths. The courses include basic financial management skills to help you succeed.
Business management is about overseeing and organising the operations of a business. It involves managing people, resources, and processes to ensure that the business runs smoothly and meets its goals.
Business managers are responsible for tasks like planning, budgeting, decision-making, and leading teams. These skills are taught in courses like the NATED Business Management programme at Skills Academy.
Business management courses teach a wide range of skills needed to manage a business successfully. These include:
- Leadership and management skills: How to lead teams and make business decisions.
- Financial management: Managing a company’s budget, understanding finances, and controlling costs.
- Marketing: Promoting products and services to grow the business.
- Problem-solving and decision-making: How to handle business challenges and make smart decisions.
These skills are part of the curriculum in the NATED Business Management courses and Small Business Management courses offered by Skills Academy.
You can study courses with business management subjects at distance learning colleges like:
- Skills Academy: Offers NATED Business Management courses and Small Business Management courses.
- Bellview Institute of Distance Learning: Provides flexible online business management programmes.
- Matric College: Offers business management courses for students without Matric.
These institutions allow you to study business management from anywhere in South Africa.
At Skills Academy, the N4 Business Management course takes about 12 months to complete, and the same applies to N5 and N6. In total, it will take approximately 3 years to complete all three courses (N4, N5, and N6) if studied full-time.
After completing the N6 level, you will need an additional 18 months of practical work experience to receive your National Diploma in Business Management.
