What is BBA?
Let us start with the basics. A bachelor’s degree in management is usually referred to as a Bachelor of Business Administration, or a BBA. You can pursue this qualification if you have passed your matric. You do not need work experience to enrol in this programme, though working professionals often enrol in such programmes to better their prospects.
This programme is generally offered over three years, with a time limit for completion of five years. Whereas matric is a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 4 qualification, this programme starts at NQF level 5, and is completed at NQF level 7 – on completion you become a graduate with an NQF level 7 qualification.
This article covers:
- BBA Entry requirements
- What is taught in a BBA programme?
- Is a BBA difficult?
- Variants of the BBA
- What kinds of jobs can you do after a BBA
BBA Entry requirements
You need to have completed your higher secondary education to be eligible to enter a BBA. Depending on the institution you apply to, and the country in which you wish to pursue your studies, there may be additional requirements, and you may also have to complete an admission test. In South Africa, your National Senior Certificate marks, or marks from an equivalent qualification, are needed.
Older applicants who have not completed the National Senior Certificate exams may be required to complete the national benchmark literacy and numeracy tests (Bursaries South Africa, 2022). Individual institutions may also have their own literacy and numeracy tests to gauge whether you are ready to enter tertiary studies.
Regenesys Business School’s BBA admission requirements
What is taught in a BBA programme?
The BBA deals with the discipline of business management, and incorporates subjects that are interdisciplinary in nature. To manage a business effectively, you must have an understanding of its:
- Financial aspects;
- People management;
- Marketing and customers;
- The business environment;
- The economy;
- The global perspective; and
- The basics of technology and how to use it in business.
The BBA equips you with core management knowledge and skills, and gives you the option to choose in-depth study of a functional area of a business through its core and elective modules.
A typical BBA usually includes core modules on economics, financial management, financial accounting, research methodology, business communication, management practice, business law, human resource management, marketing management, and project management. The module names will vary from one institution to the next.
You may also chose to major in modules of particular interest, or pick specific electives related to your area of expertise. Between the core subjects, majors and electives, you will be able to put together a qualification wide enough to go into most roles in business, but narrow enough to be tailored to your experience and interests.
Is a BBA difficult?
Many students are concerned about the quantitative skills needed to succeed in a BBA. BBA lecturers want their students to succeed so do all that is necessary for their students to be successful.
With hard work, a BBA can be a transformational and exciting journey provided you come with an open mind, ready to learn, and choose an institution that focuses on skill-based deep learning. Even if you don’t have any prior knowledge of accountancy or finance, you can do well in the finance, economics and related modules thanks to a focused approach to learning. Additionally, with each module successfully completed, you will be amazed by the change in your mindset.
Nonetheless – bluntly put – your success depends on whether you have a growth mindset, your determination, and the effort you put in. Choose a good business school that will give you the necessary support. Good business schools are accredited institutions that provide quality teaching, supportive administrative staff, and offer research-based, industry-aligned curricula in a proactive and innovative environment.
Variants of the BBA
Some business schools offer industry-specific BBA degrees. Regenesys Business School, for example, offers retail- and banking-specific BBAs alongside its generic BBA. The banking and retail BBAs offer modules designed around the application of management concepts in these industries. So if you are looking to start or expand a career in a specific industry, you will want to consider these variants of the BBA. While the generic BBA degree offers you the flexibility to enter any industry, an industry-specific BBA degree will help you in excel in that particular industry.
What kinds of jobs can you do after a BBA
A BBA degree opens doors to managerial positions in different functions such as human resources, finance, marketing, and so on, across different industries. PayScale, in its 2022 research, notes that its BBA respondents include business unit managers, bank managers, sales managers, management trainees, and recruitment consultants.
If you have prior work experience, this degree can improve your chances of reaching senior management levels and concomitantly better pay.
How much does a BBA cost?
The cost of a BBA degree varies across business schools and regions – you will have to check with business schools in the region of your choice. Download their brochures to get an idea.
Some institutions provide educational loans, flexible payment plans, or scholarships. Regenesys Business School offers an innovative “study now, pay later” scheme through EdForAll.
I hope I have been able to clear up some of your questions related to a BBA degree, and that this helps you decide whether you are ready to take the plunge.
Happy learning!
References
- Bursaries South Africa. (2022). National Benchmark Test (NBT) for University Entrance. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
- PayScale. (nd). Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Business Administration Salary in South Africa. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
Senior Lecturer | Regenesys Business School
Dr Shaista, who holds a PhD in Management from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology in Allahabad, teaches creative thinking, innovation and design thinking at Regenesys. Her doctoral research examined the variables of creativity, emotional intelligence and organisational culture. She believes both in holistic development of students and continuous learning, and has had several research papers published.
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Dr Shaista Fatima
PhD, MBA Senior Lecturer | Regenesys Business School Dr Shaista, who holds a PhD in Management from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology in Allahabad, teaches creative thinking, innovation and design thinking at Regenesys. Her doctoral research examined the variables of creativity, emotional intelligence and organisational culture. She believes both in holistic development of students and continuous learning, and has had several research papers published.
