WELCOME TO THE USB

Portfolio of academic programmes
The USB offers an MBA, a Master’s in Development Finance, an MPhil in Management Coaching, an MPhil in Futures Studies and a PhD, as well as certificate courses in executive development. The USB’s programmes combine leadership expertise, universal applicability, specialisation opportunities, integrated thinking, a theoretical underpinning and real-world practice to provide tomorrow’s business leaders with a world-class qualification that will serve them well in any industry, anywhere in the world. All the USB’s programmes are internationally accredited.

Accreditation and acknowledgments

• International accreditation: EQUIS and AMBA
• International acknowledgement: Beyond Grey Pinstripes Top 100 Schools List from the Aspen Institute in New York, USA (USB is 39th on list), EDUNIVERSAL global survey, France (USB has A-rating as “universal business school with major international influence”)
• Membership: EDAMBA (USB’s PhD), Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI), Global Business School Network (GBSN) and all the major business school associations

International participation

• Partnership schools: The USB has cooperation agreements with over 70 schools in the UK, Europe, Australia, Asia, the USA, South America and Africa which lead to student exchanges, overseas study tours, participation in international student competitions and more.
• International academics: Academics from leading business schools present certain MBA electives to provide students with additional international input.
• Options for USB MBA students: Exchange study options and annual overseas study tour.
• Options for foreign students at the USB: Customised programmes, the full-time MBA, other master’s degrees and other full-term or shorter-term options.

Thought leadership and research
The creation of thought leadership and research are primary strategic objectives of the USB. This research is delivered via academic journals, books and papers by USB faculty, the studies of its PhD students, the research projects of its MBA students, and the USB’s research centres and units (Centre for Leadership Studies, Unit for Corporate Governance in Africa, Africa Centre for Dispute Settlement, The Base of the Pyramid Learning Lab, and Institute for Futures Research). This new knowledge is used to update the content of the USB’s MBA and other programmes on an ongoing basis. It is also shared with students, alumni and the public through channels such as the USB’s monthly Leader’s Angle talks, two magazines and three state-subsidised, peer-reviewed internationally acknowledged academic journals.

Executive education
USB Executive Development Ltd (USB-ED), a public company at the USB, offers open enrolment programmes, customised corporate partnership programmes, organisational development and consulting services. These programmes and interventions are delivered at the USB, throughout South Africa, in other African countries and abroad.

Connections with the private and public sector
The USB’s close cooperation with the business sector and other sections of the economy ensures an academic offering aligned with the needs of the business world. Areas of alliance and collaboration include representation on advisory boards, access to business leaders and organisational expertise, the co-creation of curricula and programmes, the Leader’s Angle series of talks, the involvement of alumni via the USB Alumni Association, fundraising events and sponsorships. USB Executive Development (USB-ED), too, maintains close contact with the business world, and designs and delivers customised interventions in partnership with companies throughout South Africa and beyond.

Social investment and sustainability
The USB’s social investment projects are aimed at sustainable human development. Initiatives include the development of business opportunities and enduring benefits for economically disadvantaged communities, a Management Programme for Non-profit Organisations organised by alumni, and MBA bursaries and financial assistance for deserving USB students. The USB also makes an annual contribution to local charities – such as the Durbanville Schools Foundation which strives to improve the quality of education at rural schools in the area.