Master of Management

in the field of Business

and Executive Coaching
MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
Are you curious about what it means – and
takes – to be a coach in the ever changing
world of work? Are you ready to take the
change? Are you wondering about the
possibility of more meaningful work? Or
perhaps you are thinking of expanding
your skill set in line with your philosophy of
continuous learning?
If one (or more) of these questions resonate
with you, I encourage you to think about doing
your Master of Management in Business
and Executive Coaching degree at the Wits
Business School. It could be just what you
are looking for to open your world and gain
Business and Executive Coaching (MMBEC)
be aligned with the Graduate School Alliance
for Education in Coaching (GSAEC). This is
international debate around professional
standards in executive coaching. The WBS
most recent trends and critical developments
education for professional coaches.
Educators have realised that postgraduate
their careers while embarking on further
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and the environment, guided and supported
by a diverse faculty and experienced business
people, to study while they continue with their
careers. In addition, as many past students
attest, sharing experiences with your fellow
students is of immense value.
After successfully completing the programme,
Business and Executive Coaching graduates
will have learned to ground their practice
in solid theoretical, empirically-tested and
applied models. They will have a thorough
understanding of the disciplines underlying
this knowledge in organisations; and have
contributed to the academic body of literature
strategic coaching decisions that will impact
their organisations and careers.
In the course of the programme, students
are required to build a portfolio of evidence
around their skills, experiences and self-
integrated approach of supervision, self-
directed peer learning and the development
of their unique ‘coaching voice’. This
combination leads to an exciting, rigorous,
and very personal learning journey.
you this postgraduate degree through an
internationally accredited business school,
and we look forward to welcoming you on
the programme.
Jabulile Msimango-Galawe
Deputy Programme Director
PROGRAMME CONTENT
has been developed
to meet the needs of both the coaching fraternity and high-performance organisations, while
maintaining high academic standards.

The programme is an integrated learning and development process, based on the following
areas of focus:

1 COURSE WORK

Course work consists of various modules,

combining scholarly literature as well as

practical exposure. The classroom content is
highly interactive and focuses on developing
the student’s self-awareness and coaching
competencies.

Content includes best practice, trends

and case studies, as well as leading guest
speakers. Students are assessed through
individual and syndicate assignments,
and exams.

THE CORE FOCUS AREAS ARE:

[1] PSYCHOLOGICAL ACUMEN UNDERPINNING COACHING:

notion that the most successful business and executive coaches have an understanding of both
psychological theory and business principles. This module therefore discusses the development
of the various psychological theories that underpin the practice of coaching. The focus is on
exploring human behaviour through the most relevant theories and gaining an understanding
of what is in their realm of competence and training, and what is not. As a result the module

with a comprehensive knowledge base from which to work ethically and professionally with
human beings.

[2] COACHING SKILLS

The skills of business and executive coaching are taught in this course. Relationship skills such
as developing trust, leveraging the coaching relationship through structures and support, and
action and results, are all part of this module, and the importance of organisational context
is emphasised. The course supports students to become professional business and executive
coaches and encompasses leadership and management coaching. Students start practicing
their coaching skills facilitated by a small group supervisor.

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 [3] THE COACHING PROCESS
An understanding of the practical process of coaching is necessary so that students are
exposed to the practice of business and executive coaching, and they are equipped to operate
process of business and
executive coaching occurs. They are exposed to skills, processes and interventions including:
entry contracting, assessment and feedback, goal setting and planning, facilitating change and
development, outcome evaluation and termination, ending and long-term planning. Students
will continue to apply their coaching skills and competence, again facilitated and supported by
a small group supervisor.

[4] RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

s to research are contrasted

and the methods of research and design explored for both paradigms. Students are given
guidance in writing their research proposals and reports/ dissertations. The outcome of the
module will be the ability to conceptualise the research and place it in the broader context of
ody of knowledge. During this
process, the student will learn how to conduct and write a literature review, access databases,
apply academic referencing protocols, select the appropriate research methodology for their
research, analyse the data and make recommendations. All these aspects are underpinned by
a knowledge of how to conduct ethical research.

[5] BUSINESS ACUMEN UNDERPINNING COACHING

Wits Business School prides itself on its business knowledge an
a business and organisational development context. Students study topics like Marketing;
Basic Principles of Finance and Accounting; Operations Design and Management; and Human
Resource Management. This module will equip the student with a grounded experience of
business principles.

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[6] LEARNING THEORIES
Coaching is about growth and learning
and, as such, students need to
understand that adult learning has

notably, adults learn best when actively

engaged in the process. The course

of various learning theories. Students

will gain an understanding of aspects
of cognitive processes and learning
styles, internal motivators, as well as
expectancy theory. The latest aspects of
neuroscience will be looked at, including
understanding memory, awareness,
mapping and predicting, dilemma
models and brain synthesis. The process
of action learning and self-directed
learning being incorporated into the
coaching relationship, will be explored
in-depth.

[7] LEADERSHIP IN ORGANISATIONS

Increasingly, organisations are pro-
actively developing their future leaders
and coaching is viewed as a primary
tool for that development. The course
syllabus exposes students to various
theories of leadership and the practice
of leadership within organisations by
examining concepts of both the 20th
and 21st centuries. Students gain

leadership impacts individuals and

organisations. They will practice applying
these leadership theories to a variety of
coaching situations.

[8] ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

assists the coaching process, by providing

insight into human systems and their
functions. These include typical systems
found at work, community systems and
larger systems in general. As the context
for Business and Executive Coaching is the
organisation, a thorough knowledge and
understanding of the systems theories that
underpin organisations is fundamental.
Students will be exposed to the following
theories of organisational development:
Culture, Appreciative Enquiry, Communication
in Organisations, Change Management and
Resilience. This will equip students with an
understanding of the working environment
within which their coaching clients operate.

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 [9] PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND ETHICS
This course provides an understanding of the frameworks within the practice of Business and
Executive Coaching at a professional level. The syllabus covers practice management, ethics
and standards of practice that support the professional development of the coach and their
practice. Practice in this instance refers to the actual exercising of the occupation of being a
coach. Areas explored include understanding the value propositi
coach. This module creates awareness of the necessity of ongoing professional development
as well as the exploration of ethics and values incorporated into a code of practice.

2 RESEARCH

Wits Business School prides itself on its focus on research excellence, and expects a high standard
from its students in this area. During the second year of study, students are expected to work on
their research proposals and the planning process. Students submit their research reports at the
end of the second year. During the research process, students receive supervision from faculty who
have knowledge and experience in coaching. As this is a Master’s degree, a high standard of scholarly

Based on international scholarly standards of academic research, the student is expected to:
• Select a coaching related topic of their choice to research, and
• Make a contribution to the academic literature.

3 PERSON GROWTH THROUGH REFLECTION AND SELF-AWARENESS

Much of the success of business and
executive coaching is determined by
awareness (and importance) of the personal
relationships that exist between the coach,
the coaching client, and the custodians of the
coaching process within the organisation.
Coaches must be constantly aware of how
their own value system, biases and world
view can consciously or unconsciously impact
on their professional working relationships.
Successful coaches are typically open
to feedback and willing to focus on self-
improvement, personal reflection and
their own development. The Master of
Management in the field of Business and
Executive Coaching degree programme n
supports this development, which often
takes maturity, courage and resilience,
through self-directed personal growth
sessions and feedback through supervisio
and course work.

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4 SUPERVISED PRACTICAL COACHING

confidence as a coach. Coach supervision supports the practical learning process.

Business and Executive Coaching makes clear distinctions between:

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WHY WITS BUSINESS SCHOOL?
The Wits Business School is the Graduate School of Business Administration at Wits University,
part of the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (CLM). As one of the highest rated research
universities in the world, Wits has a rich history in human rights advocacy and maintains a robust
presence in South Africa’s civil society. The university is in the vanguard of a burgeoning and globally-
engaged Africa, one that seeks solutions to challenges that impact no only Africa, but the world.

QUALITY OF FACULTY ALUMNI NETWORK

WBS boasts the highest number of PhDs
of any business school in South Africa. Our
lecturers are known for their outstanding
teaching abilities, as well as their business
and research experience. Our faculty prides
itself on its diversity, as well as its local and
international management expertise.
WBS is proud of its extensive network of
alumni around the world, many of our
graduates hold senior management positions
in organisations both locally and abroad.
networking events for alumni, with guest
speakers, throughout the year.

CASE CENTRE PUBLIC DISCOURSE

Hosting a number of topical events every

Africa to establish its own Case Centre,
which has developed well over 200 case
studies, most of which focus on South African
organisations. The case method enriches
the learning experience by bringing real-life
scenarios into the classroom.
ACCREDITATIONS
year, WBS is continually building on its
reputation as a centre for discourse, debate
and discussion. Our public lectures attract
this country’s foremost thought leaders,
academics, businesspeople and experts in
business-relevant issues facing South Africa
and the rest of the continent.

WBS is accredited by the London based LOCATION

Association of MBAs (AMBA), is a founding
member of the South African Business WBS is situated on its own beautiful campus
School Association (SABSA) and a member of in Parktown, Johannesburg with easy access
the Association of African Business Schools to highways.
(AABS). We are also proud to be the only
African business school to be a member of
the Programme in International Management
(PIM), a network of 60 leading business
schools around the world.

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FACILITIES, RESOURCES AND SERVICES
FOOD AND COFFEE ICT FACILITIES

Our on-site canteen serves a wide variety
of delicious meals and snacks, including
home-made cakes and cappuccinos to fuel
the academic debate! Opposite the School
is ‘Mike’s Kitchen’ restaurant, a historical
landmark and popular meeting place for
students and business people.
WBS has a well-equipped computer laboratory
and Wi-Fi is available throughout the campus.
Students have access to our e-learning
platform, Sakai and there are numerous
printers available for students’ use.

LIBRARY

Our comfortable and well-stocked library, known as the WBS Management Library, holds over 15 000
volumes of books and collections and subscribes to over 200 database journals. The library not only
services the day-to-day research and information needs of students, but also acts as a management
research archival repository for Wits University, holding a reserve of over 45 years of MBA and other
management discipline research theses.

APPLICATION PROCESS
• Only online applications are accepted. Please go to www.wbs.ac.za and click on online
applications on the top right hand corner.
• Please ensure that all information is correct and that you have uploaded everything on the
checklist (below).
Deadline for applications 2020: 31 August, 2019

CHECKLIST

Online application form

Management Part III Form

Letter of motivation

Copies of your academic transcripts (for graduates of universities other than Wits)

(for students who have not studied tertiary level English)

Non-refundable application fee of R 200

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 REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION:

First Degree or Honours Equivalent Relevant Working Experience

An Honours degree, or postgraduate
diploma, is a prerequisite for the Master of
Executive Coaching. Only in exceptional
circumstances will a student with a Bachelor’s
degree and ten years’ working experience in
Human Resources, Management, Business
Consulting, Coaching and Leadership
Development, as well as a foundation course
in coaching and some practical coaching
experience.

Written Motivation Assessments

Coaching requires both resilience and
curiosity in order to develop your own self-
awareness, and to facilitate the learning and
development of others. These criteria will be
assessed through a written motivation and
a one page proposal of the research topic
you plan to explore for your dissertation /
research report. The University reserves the
right to call applicants to a Panel Interview
process.
The University reserves the right to call
prospective students in for assessments and
tests to assist in the selection process.
Students will be charged a fee of R15 000
upon being accepted. Your place will only
be secured once this fee has been paid. This
against the registration fee payable in your

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Students whose prior degrees were not awarded by a South African university must

R FEES:

2019 are quoted as:

R155 970.00*
*Please note:
Fee is subject to review in January 2020.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION:

Applications/Enquiries:
+27 (0)861 000 927
admissions.wbs@wits.ac.za

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TESTIMONIALS
The Master of Management in the field of Business and Executive Coaching is one of
the best personal and business investments I have ever made in my life. The Master of
Management in the field of Business and Executive Coaching equipped me with both the
academic rigour and confidence to practice as a business and executive coach. Through
this course, I met the most wonderful and helpful classmates. Our faculty members were
amazingly knowledgeable and every module took me to the next level as a coach. Thanks
to the Master of Management in the field of Business and Executive Coaching, I am now
practicing as a qualified, skilled and well-informed business and executive coach. I also
forever cherish the relationships I established with the 17 executives I interviewed for my
research report because those are definitely my prospective future coaching clients.

- Thsidi Anya, Master of Management in the field of Business and Executive Coaching (2016)

Having spent my career in HR and leadership development I decided to focus on

business and executive coaching in the next phase of my career. I knew that the Master
of Management in the field of Business and Executive Coaching would provide me with
a depth of understanding of coaching. What I did not appreciate was how much more I
would learn about organisational and leadership development. The programme is not for
the “faint hearted” as the academic modules are intense and include both assignments and
exams. The research is also challenging. What stood out for me was the camaraderie of the
students on the programme which supported us all through the tough parts of the course,
and the overwhelming sense of achievement at the end. I now feel fully equipped to start
on my learning journey as a coach.

- Liz Warren, Master of Management in the field of Business and Executive Coaching (2016)

The Master of Management in the field of Business and Executive Coaching provided
me with a broad and solid theoretical foundation to support the field of coaching. The
interaction with fellow cohorts was invigorating and together we were able to practice
our coaching skills on one another. An unexpected positive outcome of the course was
the great relationships built within the cohort. I have gained good knowledge, skills, and a
network of wonderful people.

- Gerlind Smith, Master of Management in the field of Business and Executive Coaching (2016)

When I enrolled for the Master of Management in the field of Business and Executive
Coaching I was already an internal coach within my organisation; however I needed a
course that would provide a comprehensive and all-inclusive approach to coaching. The
Master of Management in the field of Business and Executive Coaching provided me with
more than what I expected: the structure and content of the modules were interlinked
and the process of discovery was exciting in that I was be able to choose my areas of
development. I can now say with confidence that I am now a Business and Executive coach!

- Mxolisi Scwebu, Master of Management in the field of Business and Executive Coaching (2016)

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 Wits Business School
The University of the Witwatersrand

2 St David’s Place | Parktown 2193

GPS coordinates: -26.1808 / 28.0369
PO Box 98 Wits 2050 Johannesburg

+27 (0) 11 717 3544

www.wbs.ac.za