MBA Modules, Electives & Streams
Stellenbosch Business School’s MBA is a rigorous, internationally accredited Master’s programme designed to develop responsible, future-focused leaders. The curriculum consists of 18 compulsory modules (including the flagship Leadership Development Module, Research Assignment, and the International Study Module) plus two electives.
The Compulsory MBA Modules
Each module has been carefully curated to build strategic, analytical, and leadership capability.
Core Modules
- Accounting for Decision-Making
- Business Communication Skills
- Business in Society
- Contemporary Decision-Making
- Corporate Finance
- Digital Enterprise Management
- Economics for Managers
- International Study Module
- Leadership Development
- Managerial Accounting
- Managerial Statistics
- Operational Excellence
- Organisational Behaviour
- Perspectives on African Frontiers
- Research Methodology and Assignment
- Strategic Analysis
- Strategic Management
- Strategic Marketing and Branding
Electives: Customise Your MBA
You will choose two electives from a selection offered annually. Elective options vary each year but typically fall within these specialisation areas:
- Finance and Economics
- Leadership and Human Resources
- Marketing Management
- Ethics, Governance and Sustainability
- Decision Science and Digital Transformation
- Strategic Management
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Optional International Electives
High-performing students may also complete their electives at one of our international partner schools, earning credits abroad through summer schools or global business modules.
Three MBA Pathways
Stellenbosch Business School offers three MBA pathways - one generalist and two specialised streams:
1. Generalist MBA
Ideal for aspiring senior managers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders across all industries. Complete the 18 core modules, choose two electives, and conduct a Research Assignment in your preferred field of interest.
2. MBA Stream in Health Care Leadership (MBA HCL)
Aimed at professionals who want to lead positive change in health care systems.
This stream equips leaders to address complex clinical, operational, and policy challenges within health systems in South Africa and globally.
Stream-specific Year 2 modules:- Health Care Finance
- Health Care Systems and Policy
- Value-Based Health Care
Plus: Two electives (Healthcare Innovation strongly recommended)
Research Assignment: Must be healthcare focused
3. MBA Stream in Project Management (MBA PM)For managers who want to lead project portfolios at strategic level. This stream prepares leaders to integrate project management capabilities with core business disciplines such as strategy, finance, and operations—highly relevant for high-risk, complex environments.
Stream-specific Year 2 modules:- Project Portfolio Finance
- Project Portfolio Management
- Project Management Innovations
Plus: Two electivesMBA PM students also receive
PMI (Project Management Institute) student membership.
The MBA International Study Module (ISM)All MBA students participate in a compulsory International Study Module at an international business school.
The ISM includes:
- Global company visits
- Cultural immersion activities
- Exposure to international markets, trends, and leadership practices
You may also opt to complete your ISM on Global Business Innovation through the EMBA Consortium. The ISM is invoiced in Year 2.
The MBA Research Assignment
Alongside your coursework, you will complete a Research Assignment that:
- Addresses a real management or organisational challenge
- Applies rigorous research methods
- Delivers insights benefitting both you and your employer
- Demonstrates your ability to apply critical thinking, analysis, and responsible leadership
The assignment spans the latter part of your MBA and is worth 45 credits.