“Keep learning is a philosophy that allows people to dream, regardless of their circumstances today.”
–  Clint Higgins, MPhil in Development Finance alumnus

Why Development Finance at our business school?

Our internationally accredited Development Finance programmes are designed to help you unlock the skills needed to develop Africa where it matters. They will equip and empower you to lead Africa towards sustainability. You will also learn to leverage resources to finance Africa’s infrastructure and respond to the continent’s unique growth needs, along with the tools to implement the African-driven solutions to make this happen. While Development Finance is focused on Africa’s sustainability, you will develop the knowledge to alleviate challenges facing developing countries around the world.

What stands out?

  • Focus on Africa: Gain the skill to design and implement African-driven solutions
  • Help Africa grow: Acquire the knowledge to shape development projects and policies
  • Real world application: Discover your ability to use your knowledge in policy-making institutions
  • Global versatility: Implement policies that are relevant for Africa and other developing nations

What will you gain?

  • Become a development finance practitioner and develop Africa where it matters.
  • Implement the design and financing of growth initiatives such as roads, energy plants and hospitals.
  • Understand the structure of African economies and how financial markets contribute to development.
  • Acquire the skills to make a meaningful contribution to policy formulation and implementation.
  • Work in financial institutions such as banks and development finance corporations, and in policy-making institutions, governments, public and private corporations, and also global organisations.

Who should apply?

Whether you are a financial manager, analyst, project manager or someone ready for a career in finance, USB’s cluster of programmes in Development Finance will equip you with the critical skills to alleviate Africa’s financial and developmental challenges.

This MPhil is of particular benefit to you if you work on a managerial level in a financial services environment. Likewise, it will stand you in good stead if you’re a financial analyst and/or policy maker in the private or public sector who possibly engages with macro, enterprise and sectoral finance and financial management issues with a focus on developing countries and emerging markets.

Flexible learning formats

Modular

The Modular MPhil in Development Finance consists of three blocks of on-campus classes spread over two years. Each block runs for two weeks. You can therefore study at our business school even if you live further afield as you only need to travel to USB a few times a year if you opt for this learning format.

  • Duration: 2 years (class programme and research assignment)
  • Advantage: Flexibility. Study while you work, with in-class experience.

Blended Learning

The Blended Learning MPhil in Development Finance begins with orientation and a week of everyday virtual lectures at the start of Year 1. This is followed by a blended learning class once a week, and a final on-campus block at the beginning of Year 2. This format, if you opt for it, requires the minimum leave from work. It also lowers the opportunity cost to do this programme at USB as it reduces travel costs.

  • Duration: 2 years (class programme and research assignment)
  • Advantage: Study while you work with the flexibility of digital class attendance, which means minimum time away from work.

Financing

Capitec offers credit for education at a discounted rate from 7% which allows prospective students, or their parents or guardians, to apply for a loan of up to R250 000 and pay it back over 84 months. To apply, the applicant must be permanently employed, 18 years or older, and have a valid South African ID document. A provisional quote or admission letter from USB is needed to process the credit application. You can only apply for Capitec’s credit solution through USB’s website. See www.usb.ac.za/capitec-credit-for-education for details, or click on the link in right-hand bar to apply.

Initiation, service fees and T&Cs apply. Capitec Bank is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 46669) and registered credit provider (NCRCP13).