The Tshwane School for Business and Society (TSB) was established in 1997 and initially offered the University of Wales’ MBA program in Pretoria, South Africa. Recognizing the need for local accreditation, TSB obtained accreditation from 14 reputable Business Schools in South Africa in 2004, enabling them to provide a South African accredited MBA. Over the years, TSB has nurtured and produced a substantial number of successful graduates who have gone on to become influential business and public leaders, both within South Africa and on an international scale.
In 2018, TSB achieved another significant milestone by acquiring accreditation to offer the esteemed Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) qualification. Located in the heart of the country’s seat of leadership, power, and influence, TSB holds a unique position as the only business school in the Capital City and the Tshwane Metro area. This strategic positioning allows TSB to exert a notable influence on various aspects of society. In line with their vision of making a substantial impact on South African society, TSB changed its name from the TUT Business School to the Tshwane School for Business and Society (TSB) in 2019. With their highly sought-after MBA program, particularly in Gauteng, TSB attracts Business and Government specialists who aspire to secure senior management positions. TSB views pursuing an MBA as a significant investment with the potential for both professional and personal growth, and they eagerly await the opportunity to welcome aspiring students to their institution.
MBA Structure
The Tshwane School for Business and Society (TSB) offers a comprehensive two-year MBA program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in business management. The academic year is divided into three trimesters, with two modules offered per trimester over a ten-week period, allowing for focused and intensive learning. Students can expect a short break between each trimester.
The MBA program comprises eight core trimester modules that cover essential subjects such as Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Human Resource and Change Management, Business Strategy, and Accounting and Financial Management. Additionally, there are two year-long modules: Research Methodology in the first year and the Research Project in the second year. These year-long modules are integrated with the trimester modules throughout the two-year program.
An attractive feature of the TSB MBA is the research component, which differs from the traditional research dissertation. Instead of a single dissertation, students complete three research projects, allowing them to complete their MBA in a minimum of two years. This structure provides students with a practical and comprehensive research experience.
TSB offers a range of elective modules, from which students must choose three. The current list includes options such as International Business, Management of Technology and Innovation, Project Management, and Entrepreneurship and Business Development. These electives provide students with the opportunity to specialize in their areas of interest.
Classes are primarily conducted on Saturday mornings from 07:00 to 14:15, with additional online sessions on select Sundays and Tuesdays. This scheduling accommodates working professionals who wish to pursue their MBA while maintaining their careers. The program can be completed in a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years, allowing for flexibility based on individual circumstances.
The TSB MBA program is offered at multiple locations, including Pretoria, Mbombela, and Polokwane. While classes are delivered from the Pretoria Campus, they are simultaneously streamed to students in the other locations. TSB also provides safe and secure parking for students on campus, ensuring convenience and accessibility.
As part of the MBA program, TSB organizes international field trips that are linked to specific elective modules. These trips are integral to the program and offer students the opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to international business developments, cultural differences, and diverse ideologies. Students can apply to be part of an international field trip, and the associated cost is levied against the respective elective module. These field trips include visits to international companies and attending classes at partner business schools, enhancing students’ understanding of global business practices.
Overall, the TSB MBA program offers a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum, practical research experience, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for international exposure, providing students with a comprehensive and impactful learning experience.
IN SUMMARY
- TSB offers a two-year MBA program divided into three trimesters, with a short break in between each trimester.
- Each trimester consists of ten weeks with two modules offered per trimester.
- The program includes eight core trimester modules covering subjects like leadership, organizational behavior, marketing, and finance.
- There are also two year-long modules: Research Methodology in the first year and the Research Project in the second year.
- The research component consists of three research projects instead of a traditional dissertation.
- TSB provides a choice of three elective modules, such as International Business, Project Management, and Entrepreneurship.
- Classes are held on Saturday mornings, with additional online sessions on select Sundays and Tuesday evenings.
- The MBA program can be completed in a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years.
- TSB offers the MBA program in Pretoria, Mbombela, and Polokwane, with classes delivered from the Pretoria Campus and streamed to other locations.
- TSB organizes international field trips linked to elective modules, exposing students to international business developments and cultural differences.
Accreditation
- TSB’s MBA programs are accredited by the South African Council on Higher Education (CHE).
- TSB is a full member of the South African Business Schools Association (SABSA).
- TSB holds membership with the international Business Graduates Association (BGA).
- TSB is a signatory of the UN’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), emphasizing corporate responsibility and sustainability in business education.
- TSB is listed in the Eduniversal masters ranking, recognizing the quality of its programs.
- TSB received a PMR Silver award in 2019, highlighting its position in the South African Business Sector.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the TSB MBA program, candidates are required to meet specific criteria. These requirements include having a qualification at NQF level 8, which can be a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, an Honours Degree, a Postgraduate Diploma, or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of work experience. There are also minimum score requirements on either the TTS test or the NMAT psychometric test.
TSB also provides access to the MBA program through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, in accordance with the Council for Higher Education (CHE) requirements. Up to 10% of the student body may be admitted under the RPL policy, and interested candidates are encouraged to reach out to the MBA office for further information.
Regarding credits from other programs, the Higher Education Qualification Committee (HEQC) guidelines allow accredited MBA programs to grant credits only for modules completed on another accredited MBA program. TSB can offer a maximum of 50% of credits for modules completed at another institution.
For candidates who do not hold a qualification at NQF level 8, TSB offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) as a direct pathway to the MBA program. Successful completion of the PDBA program within the minimum time of one year makes students eligible for entry into the MBA program. Further details about the PDBA program can be found on the TSB website.
How to Apply
To apply for the TSB MBA program, follow these steps:
- Complete the online application form: Visit the TSB website at www.tut.ac.za to access the online application form. Ensure that you have all the necessary supporting documents ready as detailed on the website.
- Pay the application fee and submit documentation: Pay the non-refundable application fee and upload the proof of payment in PDF format during the online application process. After submitting the application form, you will receive confirmation via SMS or email along with a student number. Forward certified copies of your supporting documents to TSB.
- Write the admissions test: TSB utilizes Top Talent Solutions (TTS) for the admissions assessment. Applicants must achieve a minimum overall score of 4 out of 10 on the TTS assessment. Alternatively, a minimum score of 160 out of 360 on the NMAT will also be considered.
- Complete reference forms: The Academic Office will provide reference forms to be completed by your referees. Make sure your referees submit the completed forms directly to the Academic Office.
Once your reference forms have been received, and the admissions assessment results are available, the Admissions Committee will review your application. The review will consider your CV, references, and the outcome of the admissions assessment. You will be notified of the outcome once the review process is complete.
