The MCom in Development Finance is a rigorous modular programme which is taken over two years. The programme covers nine compulsory core courses and students have to choose 1 elective and deliver a research report.
Students attend classes at the GSB Cape Town campus twice a year of between 2-3 weeks each during February/March and in August. Lectures are structured to cover theories in development finance, development finance practice and real-life case studies in development finance.
Please note: Course designs are updated and adapted annually, therefore the topics listed for each course can be considered as a guideline of what students can expect to be covered on each course.
1. QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN DEVELOPMENT FINANCE
This course aims to develop practical knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods relevant to financial and management decision-making in development finance.
The following topics are covered in this course:
2. MICRO-ENTERPRISE FINANCE
The course addresses essential concepts in micro-enterprise finance by examining both institutional finance and finance as a structured approach to decision-making with specific reference to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The following topics are covered in this course:
3. RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT
This course aims to explore alternative and critical ways for thinking about economic growth and developmental finance in Africa by unpacking the multi-layered field of Sustainable Responsible Investment (SRI).
The following topics are covered in this course:
4. ISSUES IN DEVELOPMENT FINANCE
The main aim of the course is to provide students with insight into concepts, approaches and issues of policy in the context of development finance relevant to the financial and economic development processes.
The following topics are covered in this course:
5. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT
This course provides an in-depth analysis of international financial markets, institutions, and instruments and their use by governments and corporations with specific focus on using these markets and institutions to achieve sustainable economic development.
The following topics are covered in this course:
6. RESEARCH METHODS
The course is designed to equip students with the soft and varied skills necessary to conduct a research investigation. In the end, they should be able to conduct research whose results will offer both theoretical and practical solutions to challenges encountered in the business world and emerging economies. The course is structured to prepare students for the research report in the second year of the programme.
The following topics are covered in this course:
7. PROJECT FINANCE
This course introduces the primary analytical approaches, tools and techniques that project funders use to make, assess, structure, implement and monitor the funding of large infrastructure projects. Whilst the content of this course emphasises large transactions in the infrastructure and built environment sectors, acquired skills will be applicable across a variety of economic, social, environmental, political and technical contexts as well as to smaller projects/transactions.
The following topics are covered in this course:
8. PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCE
This course provides students with the tools and skills to understand and analyse the underlying concepts and practical trade-offs entailed in public sector finance. This will prepare students to engage constructively in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of public sector policies.
The following topics are covered in this course:
9. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The modern globalised world is characterised by rapid information flows, financial instability and volatility, and evolving regulatory frameworks. It is thus necessary to understand the different forms, sources, and interactions of financial risk, as well as the tools and techniques available to mitigate the varied impacts of this risk. This course is designed to give students exposure to modern risk management concepts, theories, and quantitative techniques.
The following topics are covered in this course:
Overview | Electives | Research Report | Term Dates | Entrance Requirements | Fees | How to Apply | Available Funding