Business management is a great career choice if you’re interested in leading businesses, managing teams, or even running your own company. But before you start studying business management, it’s good to answer the question “What subjects do I need to study business management?”.
In this article, we’ll break down the subjects you should focus on, the courses available, and the kinds of jobs you can get after studying business management.
High School Preparation
High school is where you can start getting ready for your future career. If you want to study business management, choosing the right subjects can help make the courses easier and give you a head start.
What Subjects Do I Need to Study Business Management in High School?
You don’t need specific subjects to study business management, but choosing certain ones will make your life easier when you start your course. These subjects will give you useful skills and help you understand the topics you’ll learn in more detail later on.
Here are some good subjects to consider:
- Business Studies: This subject helps you understand how businesses work. You’ll learn about things like starting a business, managing people, and handling money.
- Economics: Economics teaches you how the economy works and helps you understand things like supply and demand, which can help you make smart business decisions.
- Accounting: This is one of the most useful subjects for business management because it teaches you how to manage money. You’ll learn how to keep track of a business’s finances.
- English: Communication is key in any business. Being able to write and speak well will help you in meetings, writing reports, and even marketing.
These subjects are just recommendations—they’re not required—but they’ll make things a lot easier when you start studying business management.
Do You Need Maths to Study Business Management?
Math is important for business management courses, especially if you’re studying things like accounting or finance. But not every course needs you to be super good at math. If you’re looking into small business management, knowing basic math is usually enough.
Being comfortable with numbers can really help with things like budgeting, planning finances, and keeping track of how well your business is doing.
Can I Study Business Management with Grade 11?
Yes, you can! For some business management programs, like the Small Business Management courses at Skills Academy, you only need a Grade 11 qualification. These courses focus on giving you useful skills and knowledge, and you don’t need a matric certificate to join.
But if you’re interested in accredited courses like the N4 Business Management course, you’ll need to have your matric.
Requirements to Study Business Management
Now that you know what subjects will help, let’s look at the specific qualifications you’ll need to study business management.
What Are the Requirements to Study Business?
The qualifications you need depend on the course. For most N4-N6 Business Management courses, you’ll need to have a matric certificate. But if you’re interested in small business management, Skills Academy offers courses where you don’t need matric, so there are options for everyone.
Admission Requirements
Here’s a quick look at what you need to get into different business management courses:
| Course Level | Qualification Needed | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| N4 Business Management | Matric or equivalent | If you don’t have matric, you can apply for other business management courses or complete your matric as an adult. |
| N5 Business Management | Completion of N4 Business Management | You need to pass N4 to move to N5, where you’ll learn more about sales and public relations. |
| N6 Business Management | Completion of N5 Business Management | After completing N6 and 18 months of practical work, you can get a National Diploma. |
| Small Business Management Courses | No formal qualification required | This course focuses on practical skills like budgeting, business finance, problem-solving, business planning, ethics, and customer service, and it’s great if you don’t have matric. |
Skills Needed for Business Management
Running or managing a business isn’t just about having a degree. You also need to develop important skills that will help you succeed.
Let’s look at some of the most important skills for business management.
- Leadership and Team Management:
- Financial Literacy:
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
- Strategic Thinking
- Communication Skills
- Customer Service and Relationship Building
- Entrepreneurial Mindset:
Leadership and Team Management
You’ll need to be a good leader who can guide a team, assign tasks, and keep people motivated. Leadership isn’t just about telling people what to do—it’s about making decisions that benefit both the company and the employees.
Financial Literacy
Every business needs to manage money well. This means understanding budgets, controlling expenses, and forecasting how much money you’ll make. If you’re running a small business, knowing how to manage finances is key to keeping your business profitable.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
When things go wrong (and they sometimes will), you need to think quickly and come up with solutions. A good business manager knows how to handle problems without letting them affect the whole operation.
Strategic Thinking
Successful business managers look ahead and plan for the future. This includes setting long-term goals and adjusting the company’s direction based on market trends.
Communication Skills
Whether it’s talking to clients, working with employees, or negotiating deals, good communication is a must. You need to be able to explain your ideas clearly and get your message across to different types of people.
Customer Service and Relationship Building
If you’re running a small business, happy customers are your lifeline. Building strong relationships with your customers and understanding their needs can keep them coming back.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
For small business owners, it’s important to be creative and willing to take risks. Being an entrepreneur means thinking outside the box and coming up with new ways to grow your business.
By developing these skills, you’ll be prepared for a range of business roles, whether it’s in a big company or your own small business.
Business Management Course Details
Let’s dive into the business management courses you can study and what they involve. Understanding the details of these courses will help you choose the one that’s right for you.
Where Can I Study Business Management in South Africa?
You can study business management through distance learning at Skills Academy. This means you can study from home, which is great if you want flexibility. Whether you’re interested in a formal qualification like an N6 Business Management Diploma or practical skills to run a small business, Skills Academy has courses to suit your needs.
Business Management Courses at Skills Academy
At Skills Academy, you can choose from two main paths:
- N4-N6 Business Management Courses: These formal, accredited courses take you through everything you need to know about managing a business, including management communication, accounting, and entrepreneurship.
- Small Business Management Courses: These are more practical and focused on skills for people who want to start or manage their own business. You can start with short courses and work your way up to more comprehensive programmes.
What Is a Diploma in Business Management?
A Diploma in Business Management is a qualification, that is accredited by the QCTO (The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) that shows you’ve completed the N4-N6 courses and gained practical experience.
After finishing the courses and completing 18 months of practical work, you’ll get a National Diploma. This qualification can help you find jobs in many industries, from retail to finance.
Small Business Management Course Details
The Small Business Management Comprehensive Course is perfect if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur. Over 12 months, you’ll learn how to create a business plan, manage your budget, and run your business ethically. This course is very hands-on and will teach you the practical skills you need to succeed as a small business owner.
How Many Modules Are in Business Management?
Both the N4-N6 Business Management courses and the Small Business Management courses have a lot to offer. Here’s a breakdown of the key modules for each course, along with what you’ll learn in each one:
NATED Business Management
| Level | Module | Description |
|---|---|---|
| N4 | Management Communication | Learn how to communicate effectively in business settings, improving both your verbal and written communication skills. |
| N4 | Introductory Accounting | Covers the basics of accounting, such as managing financial records, which is essential for running a business. |
| N4 | Entrepreneurship and Business Management | Gives you an introduction to entrepreneurship, helping you learn how to create a business plan and manage challenges. |
| N4 | Computer Practice N4 | Teaches basic computer skills, like word processing and spreadsheets, which are useful in any office job. |
| N5 | Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5 | Expands on the N4 course, teaching you about decision-making and managing teams within a business. |
| N5 | Sales Management N5 | Learn how to increase sales, predict sales trends, and develop strategies to boost sales. |
| N5 | Public Relations N5 | This module teaches you how to manage a business’s public image and handle relationships with the media. |
| N5 | Computer Practice N5 | Builds on the computer skills from N4, focusing on advanced word processing and spreadsheet use. |
| N6 | Entrepreneurship and Business Management N6 | Focuses on advanced business strategies, including strategic planning and expanding a business internationally. |
| N6 | Sales Management N6 | Teaches you how to manage a sales team and improve overall sales performance. |
| N6 | Cost and Management Accounting N5 | Helps you manage business finances by controlling costs and analyzing risks. |
| N6 | Public Relations N6 | Develops your skills in managing a company’s public image, both internally and externally, at a more advanced level. |
Small Business Management
| Course | Topic | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Small Business Management Short Course | Introduction to Business English | Learn how to communicate clearly and professionally in the workplace. |
| Small Business Management Short Course | Business Writing | Focuses on writing business documents, including emails, reports, and proposals. |
| Small Business Management Short Course | Business Etiquette | Teaches you how to behave in a professional environment, including at meetings and work events. |
| Small Business Management Certificate Course | Business Finance | Learn how to manage a business’s finances, including budgeting and risk management. |
| Small Business Management Certificate Course | Business Problem Solving | Teaches you how to solve problems in a business setting using critical thinking and teamwork. |
| Small Business Management Comprehensive Course | Budgeting | Learn how to create and manage a budget for your business, helping you control your finances and make smart spending decisions. |
| Small Business Management Comprehensive Course | Business Ethics | Teaches you how to run your business ethically and handle ethical challenges. |
These modules teach you everything from basic communication skills to advanced financial management. Whether you’re studying for a formal qualification or to improve your small business, you’ll learn a wide range of useful skills.
What Are Business Management Fees?
The fees for business management courses can vary depending on the course and how long it is. Skills Academy offers affordable fees and flexible payment plans to make it easier for you to study.
How Many Years to Study Business Management?
The N4-N6 Business Management courses take about three years to complete, followed by 18 months of practical experience. For small business management courses, it takes around four to twelve months, depending on the course you choose.
Career Opportunities
When you finish a business management course, you’ll have many career options available to you. Here’s what you can expect after getting your qualification.
What Jobs Can I Get with a Business Management Diploma?
A diploma in business management opens up a lot of doors. Here are some jobs you can apply for:
- Business Manager: Manage the daily operations of a business, make important decisions, and lead a team.
- Sales Manager: Lead a sales team, come up with sales strategies, and ensure that your team meets its targets.
- Public Relations Manager: Manage a business’s reputation by handling media relations and creating public relations strategies.
- Small Business Owner: If you have a diploma and an entrepreneurial spirit, you can start your own business and manage every part of it—from finances to marketing.
- Operations Manager: Oversee the production of goods or services in a company and make sure everything runs smoothly.
- Project Manager: Plan, manage, and complete projects for a company, making sure they’re done on time and within budget.
How Much Does Business Management Earn?
How much you earn depends on the industry and your role. In South Africa, business managers can earn good salaries, especially in industries like finance and retail. If you’re running a small business, your income will depend on how successful your business is, but well-managed businesses can be very profitable.
Business management is an exciting and rewarding career. Whether you want to run a large organisation or your own small business, studying business management will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Skills Academy offers a range of courses to help you get started on your journey. Sign up today and start building your future in business management
People Also Ask
Yes, some business management courses accept students with maths literacy. Small business management courses are also flexible with their maths requirements.
Business management courses teach you a wide range of skills, including leadership, financial management, and strategic planning. Small business management courses also cover entrepreneurship and practical business skills.
Business Studies, Accounting, and Economics are the best subjects to take in high school if you want to pursue business management.
A business manager oversees the daily operations of a company, manages employees, and makes key decisions. In smaller businesses, they may also handle customer relations and finances.
Yes! Business management is a great course that opens up many opportunities. Whether you want to work in a big company or run your own business, this course will give you the skills you need
