Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Cape coastline lies Nelson Mandela University Business School. It is rated among the top business schools, both on the African continent and globally. The school is one of only a few in southern Africa to have obtained international accreditation from AMBA (MBA) and EDAMBA (DBA).
The Business School offers a suite of programmes designed to develop well-rounded, forward-thinking leaders. The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) offers a world-class business education focused on expanding the understanding of business management and leadership through theoretical and practical approaches. This programme is designed to provide professionals with comprehensive knowledge of business environments, equipping them to tackle workplace challenges, understand business management principles and effectively lead teams. Additionally, the PDBA aligns with the Nelson Mandela University’s Business School MBA programme, creating academic continuity and providing a pathway to its internationally accredited MBA, renowned for fostering advanced management skills.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is centred on developing leadership qualities, turning visionary ideas into impactful actions. Designed for senior-level professionals, the programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students to tackle modern business challenges. The curriculum is enriched with experienced lecturers, renowned guest speakers and peer collaboration, creating a dynamic and innovative learning environment.
The Master of Maritime Management (MMM) is aligned with Nelson Mandela University’s vision of becoming a dynamic African institution that contributes to sustainable development. The Business School aims to lead in maritime management education and research. The School offers an accredited master’s degree, leveraging the strengths of its internationally recognised MBA programme, known for delivering excellent value. This qualification is benchmarked globally to ensure high standards, fostering growth in the maritime industry and enhancing international business opportunities for South Africa and the broader region.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) recognises advanced research competence and original scholarly contributions within business disciplines. The Business School is the second one in Africa to join the European Doctoral Programmes Association in Management and Business Administration (EDAMBA) and has earned accreditation for its DBA Coursework (ProDBA) programme. Building on the success of its thesis-based DBA, the ProDBA is the first of its kind in South Africa, focusing on transdisciplinary professional practice in management and business.
This professional doctorate combines theoretical and applied research methodologies, enabling students to address real-world business challenges. The curriculum emphasises applied research, fostering independent thinking and problem-solving skills. Our students gain advanced research abilities to tackle complex organisational issues, lead transformative initiatives and impact business practices sustainably. The programme includes coursework for credit and concludes with a thesis, which is evaluated for its original contribution to a business discipline.
Visit the Nelson Mandela University website to learn more.