Master of Management in the Field of Innovation Studies

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Course Description:

Long-term economic growth is being driven by technological innovation. Equip yourself to understand and manage the innovation process in ways that will lead to competitive firms and sustainable, human-centred development.

Course basics:

Duration:
1 Year (Block Release)

Qualification:
Masters

Programme structure:
1 year

Study mode:
Full Time

Academic category:
Specialist degree

Elective course streams:
Innovation in: Policy in Developing Countries, the Bio-based Economy, Energy Systems, Social Purposes, Global Sustainability, Organisational Development Issues, the Media & ICT Sectors, the Built Environment or Managing Innovation at the Firm Level

Core Courses:

Science, Technology, Innovation and Society, Strategic Management of Innovation, Research Methods in Innovation Policy and Management

By linking innovation and its impact on economic development and competitiveness in countries of the Global South, the WBS MM Innovation Studies provides one of the most unique offerings of its kind on the African continent

The WBS Master of Management in Innovation Studies (MM Innovation Studies) is an interdisciplinary, specialist programme that investigates innovation and its impact on firm profitability and economic growth, and how it can be shaped for the achievement of broader societal goals. The programme is designed for individuals with relevant undergraduate degrees such as business, economics, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering and law who intend to pursue careers in specific areas of innovation management or innovation policy in business, academia, development institutions or other civil society organisations. It may also be attractive to mid-level career professionals who are working with agencies or firms, and who may be responsible for developing and executing innovation strategies and programmes at the local, regional, national or international levels. The programme draws on disciplinary traditions in management, economics, public policy, humanities, social science and natural sciences, and provides the essential breadth of knowledge which will enable graduates to skilfully engage in shaping innovation both for increased competitiveness and for socio-economic development.


The Master of Management in Innovation Studies is a full-time, one-year programme. It comprises three core courses, three elective courses and a research component. Teaching is provided on a block release basis to accommodate the needs of busy working professionals. The programme welcomes the registration of occasional students who can complete a selection of courses in the programme without fulfilling the requirements for the degree.

Textbooks are available on www.mind-matters.co.za


  • First degree and post-graduate studies (preferably an honours degree but a first-class Bachelor’s degree with a recognised and accredited post-graduate degree or diploma is also recognised)
  • Post-university entrepreneurial or corporate or informal business experience an advantage but not a requirement
  • Mathematics and English – a level of above-average competence equivalent to the requirements for the SA matriculation certificate
  • Evidence of post-secondary quantitative ability is strongly desired
  • CV
  • Motivation letter
  • Copies of all academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • SAQA evaluation certificate (for students whose prior degrees were not awarded by a South African university)
  • Proof of English language proficiency (for students who have not studied at tertiary level in English)
  • Non-refundable application fee

Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a WBS Admissions test


Once on the portal please use the following steps:

  • Complete your details in the Welcome and Personal Details sections as guided
  • You will proceed to the “Study Choices” section where you will choose your programme
  • Under “Academic Program” select “BAC01 – Master of Management”
  • Under Academic Plan select “programme name”

A R15 000 minimum deposit will be required upon acceptance of a place on the programme

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.

The MM Innovation Studies is a high intensity academic programme that is intended for a specialist group of students. It is aimed at those with an above average degree of motivation, intellectual curiosity and stamina.



Ntebogeng Mashilane

My expectations of the programme, being a Master’s, was that it would be largely academic and theoretical. I was pleasantly surprised at the practicality that balanced the theory. The lecturers were excellent, patient and took time to explain the concepts. I learnt a lot about innovation and particularly how if fits into the African context. The programme has allowed me to have the courage to change careers, and I am now employed by a leading management consulting firm in advising corporates with their innovation strategies.

Disclaimer: Cancellation of programmes by WBS

  • WBS is entitled to cancel or change the date of delivery of a programme without notice and for any reason without incurring any liability to individuals who have applied or are enrolled on the programme or any funders of such individuals (“participants” or “funders of participants”).
  • Without derogating from the aforesaid, and insofar as it possible, WBS will provide the participants or funders of the participants with 30 (thirty days) days written notice of any cancellation or changes in the dates of delivery of the programme. 
  • Insofar as the programme is cancelled or rescheduled prior to delivery of the programme then in that event the participants and funders of the participants will not be charged the full programme fees.
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