If you want to make it your life’s work to help unlock Africa’s growth potential, the MPhil Development Finance will equip you with critical skills to become a specialist in this area. You will gain an understanding – on Master’s level – of the complexities of the different development finance resources available to poor countries, especially in Africa. You will acquire the skills to help formulate and implement policies to make this happen. You will also be exposed to skills that are crucial for Africa’s future – such as economic development, project finance, and responsible leadership.
A transformative learning pathway awaits you – in particular if you see your future self in senior positions in the financial services industry and in policy-making and regulatory institutions.
Modular
Programme dates (On campus):
- Block 1: 6 – 18 March (On campus)
- Block 2: 14 – 26 August (On campus) 21
Fees: R 205 130
Duration: 2 years (class programme and research assignment)
Blended
- Block 1: 20 – 24 February – Orientation on 20 February (Remote)
- Thereafter every Monday evening blended from 16:00 – 20:15 until 29 November (Remote)
* All classes remote in the first year, electives in 2nd year will be on campus
Fees: R 205 130
Duration: 2 years (class programme and research assignment)
Documents needed for application
- Certified copies of your academic records
- Certified copies of your degree certificates
- Copy of your ID/Passport
- Copy of your CV
- Verification consent form
- Application fee
Duration
2 years (class programme and research assignment)
Blended Learning programme
Attend weekly blended learning classes (using an internet-linked laptop) in Year 1, and one on-campus block (which covers the electives) in Year 2.
How to apply
Click here to see the 7 steps of the application process.
Deadlines for Applications
Closed
Course Structure and Content
This MPhil Development Finance offers an internationally recognised academic qualification with content that is relevant in terms of Africa’s development needs. This critical-skills degree is designed as a coherent programme of study at postgraduate level to train you to:
- Fill the skills gaps in the financial industry and in policy-making and regulatory institutions in the development finance environment
- Better understand the complexities of and manage the different development finance resources available to poor countries, especially in Africa
- Understand thoroughly the special problems of finance in developing countries in general and Africa in particular, and acquire the skills to operate successfully and make a meaningful contribution to policy formulation and implementation in this field.
- Demonstrate appreciation of the emerging financial technologies and their application in the financial services industry.
The aim of this degree is to offer an internationally recognised academic qualification with content that is relevant in terms of Africa’s development needs. This critical-skills degree is designed to:
- Fill the skills gaps in the financial industry and in policy-making and regulatory institutions in the development finance environment
- Better understand the complexities of and manage the different development finance resources available to poor countries, especially in Africa
- Understand the special problems of finance in developing countries and Africa in particular, and to acquire the skills to operate successfully and to make a meaningful contribution to policy formulation and implementation in this field.
- Demonstrate appreciation of the emerging financial technologies and their application in the financial services industry.
This MPhil can give you access to a PhD Development Finance, which will allow you to become an expert in the field of development finance.
The programme is aimed at graduates in both the public and private sector who are involved with macro, sectoral and enterprise-level finance, and financial management issues in the context of developing countries and emerging markets.
Graduates typically work in financial institutions such as central banks, commercial banks, non-bank financial institutions, and development finance institutions such as the DBSA, industrial development corporations and the African Development Bank. They are often senior project managers or middle to senior management-level financial analysts.
Do 6 compulsory modules
- Economic Development Perspectives in Africa
- Issues in Banking and Finance
- Small Business Finance
- Project Finance
- Financial Technologies and Innovative Finance
- Entrepreneurship
Choose 3 of the following electives – one from each block
Block 1
- Environmental Finance
- Infrastructural Finance
- Public Policy and Finance
- Structured Finance
- Trade Policy and Finance
Block 2
- Agricultural Policy & Finance
- Business Forecasting and Econometric Analysis
- Corporate Governance and Ethics
- Small Scale Enterprise Development
- Sustainable Finance
Block 3
- Development Project Management
- Economic Diplomacy
- Financial Sector Regulation and Development
- Investment Promotion
The research assignment forms an integral part of this MPhil and carries a total of 60 credits, representing one-third of the credit requirements of the programme. The research assignment is usually between 15 000 and 25 000 words on a topic of your choice. You are encouraged to base your research assignment on a topic of direct professional interest to you. The research assignment is supervised by a member of the academic staff. You can work on your research assignment while you are doing your course work and electives. Through this research assignment you will learn how to:
- Identify and describe a research problem and goal in the field of development finance
- Become acquainted with relevant literature in this field
- Critically to apply research methods and techniques
- Present your material in a logical, clear and systematic way
- Show your capacity for independent, self-managed learning and critical reflection on the research process.
The six core modules are compulsory:
- Economic Development Perspectives in Africa
- Issues in Banking and Finance
- Small Business Finance
- Project Finance
- Public Policy and Leadership
- Research Methods in Development Finance
You need to choose 3 of the following electives – one from each block:
Block 1
- Environmental Finance
- Infrastructural Finance
- Public Sector Finance
- Structured Finance
Block 2
- Agricultural Policy & Finance
- Business Forecasting and Econometric Analysis
- Corporate Governance and Ethics
- Small Scale Enterprise Development
Block 3
- Development Project Management
- Economic Diplomacy
- Financial Sector Regulation and Development
- Investment Promotion
Programme Head
Prof
Euan
Phimister
Need more information?
Download brochure to discover more about our programmes
If you want to make it your life’s work to help unlock Africa’s growth potential, this internationally accredited MPhil Development Finance will equip you with critical skills to become a specialist in this area. You will gain an understanding of the complexities of the different development finance resources available to poor countries, especially in Africa.
Programme Fees
Application fee for 2023
Tuition fees for 2023
Important:
- Payment of full programme fees for South African students: South African students can pay the full programme fees upon registration, or they can pay 75% of the annual fees by the end of May and the balance of 25% by the end of September. Students can also spread their payment over two years. Fees include tuition, assessment and e-textbooks.
- Payment of full programme fees for international students: International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due two weeks before commencement of the programme. Fees include tuition, assessment and e-textbooks.
- Deposit: All students pay a deposit on acceptance of admission. South African students must pay a set deposit on admittance. International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The deposit payable is non-refundable.
- Application fee: The application fee must accompany the application. The application fee is non-refundable.
- Additional fees for international students: International students pay an International Registration Fee (IRF) per academic year. Students from countries other than those in the Southern African Development Community also pay an International Tuition Fee (ITF) (i.e. students from SADC countries are exempt from the ITF).
- Assessment of international students’ applications: International students require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate to evaluate their degrees according to South African standards. The Business School’s International Affairs Office will first handle the credential evaluations of international students free of charge. Students need to complete the online application and upload all certificates with their application. The International Affairs Office will conduct an in-house credential evaluation after you have submitted your application. Should the International Affairs Office be unsure about the status, recognition or accreditation of your qualification, we reserve the right to refer you to SAQA. The Business School will only assess your application once we have received your application fee and SHL fee.
- Fees for 2024: The fees for the second year of enrolment will be adjusted to make provision for annual price increases.
- Study materials: Some core e-textbooks and other study material will be provided to students and the cost thereof is included in the tuition fees. These books become the property of the student.
- Travel and accommodation: Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs.
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply
- An appropriate Honours degree (the first postgraduate degree after a Bachelor’s degree) or a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, accounting or commerce; OR
- A 3-year Bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate diploma (120 SAQA credits) from a university or a university of technology in business, finance, economics, accounting or commerce; OR
- A postgraduate degree in any discipline and appropriate experience in the area of development economics and/or finance; AND
- A sound understanding of quantitative analysis – a good pass/grade for school-leaving mathematics is an advantage.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
- Stellenbosch Business School’s Admissions Committee (programme head and another academic) will conduct an in-depth interview with the candidate.
- If the Committee is of the opinion that the candidate has the ability to cope with the demands of the MDevF programme, he/she may be admitted.
- A recommendation of admission is sent via Stellenbosch Business School’s Academic Planning Committee to the Board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences for notification.
- Important: RPL candidates need to apply by 31 October to allow sufficient time for the assessment process.
International students
International students require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate to evaluate their degrees according to South African standards. Stellenbosch Business School’s International Affairs Office will handle the credential evaluations of international students free of charge. You therefore need to complete the online application, and upload all certificates to your application. The International Office will, as part of the application process, conduct an in-house credential evaluation after you have submitted your application.
Vetting process: All degrees undergo a formal vetting process to eliminate fraudulent applications.
IMPORTANT: The Bachelor’s or Honours degree must be on a level that is equivalent to the South African qualification. Local and foreign academic qualifications have to be at the NQF 7 level (old) or NQF 8 level (new). This implies that the qualification includes a module in Research Methodology and an individual research paper.
Obtaining a qualification to enrol for an MPhil: One of the qualifications that can give access to our MBA is a postgraduate diploma on NQF level 8. We offer a range of redesigned PGDips which can give you access to our MBA or MPhil degrees. The preferred one is the PGDip Business Management and Administration (PGDip BMA). Graduates of our PGDip BMA who continue with our MPhil will get recognition for 32 credits (15%) on the MPhil.
Stellenbosch Business School provides wider access to its programmes through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. In line with the requirements of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), Stellenbosch Business School may admit up to 10% of its student body under RPL. In order to be admitted to a Master’s programme at Stellenbosch Business School, candidates should be in possession of a relevant NQF 8 qualification, such as an Honours degree, 4-year in-depth Bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate diploma.
Candidates who wish to be admitted under the RPL policy will firstly have to submit all the documentation and tests as required for all prospective students. In addition, prospective students applying for a Master’s degree at Stellenbosch Business School have to adhere to the following:
- Have at least an NQF 6 qualification (all school and academic certificates are required)
- Have at least SIX years of working experience after obtaining the qualification mentioned above, of which at least THREE years should have been in a management or related professional position
- Submit a comprehensive CV, indicating, in detail, areas of responsibility as well as information on activities outside the work environment
- Write an assignment of 10 to 15 pages (11-point font size with 1.5 spacing) on a topic supplied by the programme head. The assignment must contain a signed declaration of own work.
- Provide Stellenbosch Business School with at least two referents who can testify about the candidate’s managerial or related professional abilities (typically current or former line managers). The referents will be asked to give a detailed personal reference of the candidate on forms that can be downloaded on the application form.
The RPL selection process entails the following:
- Stellenbosch Business School’s Admissions Committee (programme head and another academic) will conduct an in-depth interview with the candidate.
- If the Committee is of the opinion that the candidate has the ability to cope with the demands of the MDevF programme, he/she may be admitted.
- A recommendation of admission is sent via Stellenbosch Business School’s Academic Planning Committee to the Board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences for notification.
- Important: RPL candidates need to apply by 31 October to allow sufficient time for the assessment process.
Contact Us
If you need more information on programmes or need support with the application process, contact us here:
Programme enquiries and support with the applications process
Henry Booysen
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 918 4243
Email: [email protected]
Admission and registration enquiries
Marissa Groenewald
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 918 4114
Email: [email protected]
What our students and alumni say
What our students and alumni say
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. The Postgraduate Diploma Development Finance is a natural feeder to the MPhil. In extreme situations we accept exceptional candidates as RPL candidates.
Yes, you can apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Stellenbosch Business School provides wider access to its programmes through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. In line with the requirements of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), the Business School may admit up to 10% of its student body per programme under RPL. In order to be admitted to a Master’s programme at the Business School, candidates should be in possession of a relevant NQF 8 qualification, such as an Honours degree, 4-year in-depth Bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate diploma.
Candidates who wish to be admitted under the RPL policy will firstly have to submit all the documentation and tests as required for all prospective students. In addition, prospective students applying for a Master’s degree at Stellenbosch Business School have to adhere to the following:
- Have at least an NQF 6 qualification (all school and academic certificates are required)
- Have at least SIX years of working experience after obtaining the qualification mentioned above, of which at least THREE years should have been in a management or related professional position
- Submit a comprehensive CV, indicating, in detail, areas of responsibility as well as information on activities outside the work environment
- Write an assignment of 10 to 15 pages (11-point font size with 1.5 spacing) on a topic supplied by the programme head. The assignment must contain a signed declaration of own work.
- Provide Stellenbosch Business School with at least two references (typically current or former line heads) who can testify about the candidate’s managerial or related professional The references will be asked to give a detailed personal reference of the candidate on forms that can be download from the application form.
The RPL selection process entails the following:
- The Business School’s Admissions Committee (programme head and another academic) will conduct an in-depth interview with the candidate.
- If the Committee is of the opinion that the candidate has the ability to cope with the demands of the programme, he/she may be admitted.
- A recommendation of admission is sent via the Business School’s Academic Planning Committee to the Board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences for notification.
- RPL candidates need to apply by 31 October to allow sufficient time for the assessment process.
Yes. South African students must pay a set deposit on admittance. 75% of the annual fee is payable by the end of May and the balance of 25% by the end of September. International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due two weeks before commencement of the programme. South African students on a two-year programme can spread their payment over 2 years.
Stellenbosch Business School supports the principle of recognition of prior academic learning, although this is only applied in very selective instances, because group work and collaborative learning are cornerstones of our MBA. To obtain an MBA at Stellenbosch Business School, a student must be registered with us for at least two years and at least 50% of the credits have to be obtained at this University. A student who has been admitted to the MBA may apply for accreditation of prior learning, provided that it was obtained on another MBA programme. Students wanting to apply for accreditation of credits obtained elsewhere need to supply:
- An application which includes full course outlines, number of SAQA credits, learning outcomes, number of class contact hours, prescribed textbooks, method and weights of assessment, and outcomes or topics per class session.
- Additional work or assessments may be required.
Study loans for students from West Africa: Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, with its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, has partnered with Stellenbosch Business School to provide loan facilities for tuition expenses to Stellenbosch Business School students in West Africa. The MaxAdvance facility is a time loan or term loan that aims to meet a range of personal needs for students.
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