Advanced Diploma in Business Administration
From R6 550 per moduleR53 540 total
View programme — Advanced Diploma in Business AdministrationDiploma · 100% online
An accredited, career-focused qualification delivered 100% online — flexible starts, pay per module.
The online Diploma in Retail Business Management is a three-year qualification that equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the retail industry. The programme covers a wide range of modules, including retailing, supply chain management, consumer behaviour, financial management, and professional selling, ensuring a well-rounded education tailored to the retail sector.
Students learn core principles of retail operations management, business planning, and consumer decision-making, while gaining practical insights into inventory control, merchandising, and strategic retailing. We integrate critical skills such as communication for academic and occupational purposes, advanced computer literacy, and information literacy, fostering competency in professional environments.
The programme emphasises legal and financial aspects, including contract law, retail financial planning, and the impact of regulations like the Consumer Protection Act. The programme also includes personal development modules in life skills, such as conflict resolution, time management, and health awareness, to support student success in a higher education environment.
The Tshwane University of Technology delivers the Diploma in Retail Business Management fully online. With multiple start dates a year and pay-per-module tuition, it is designed for working professionals who need to balance study with work and personal commitments.
Every module in this programme, with its credits and its own fee. You register and pay module by module.
| Code | Module | Credits | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAP125N | Communication for Academic PurposesThe purpose of the module is to enable students to apply a variety of listening and note-taking skills for academic and professional purposes and use different reading strategies appropriate to the purpose of reading in both an academic and professional environment. They will learn to compose a selection of written texts related to a specific field of study and plan, draft, revise and edit written work for clarity, coherence, style and appropriateness. Students will get the skills to present information orally in a variety of academic and professional situations, such as employment interviews, participation in problem-solving activities, and individual and group presentations related to the intended field of employment. |
10 | R2 320 |
| CPL125N | Computer Literacy*Computer Literacy (CPL125N) is a prerequisite for Computer Literacy (CPL225N) This module provides students with foundational knowledge in computing fundamentals, essential digital skills in key applications based on MS Office Suite and network basics (i.e. MS Outlook and Internet). Online exams are mapped with End-User Computing: SAQA 49077 (61591) Core Element as well as Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3). |
10 | R3 610 |
| CPL225N | Computer Literacy II*Computer Literacy (CPL125N) is a prerequisite for Computer Literacy (CPL225N) This module provides students with foundational knowledge in computing fundamentals, essential digital skills in key applications based on MS Office Suite and network basics (i.e. MS Outlook and Internet). Online exams are mapped with End-User Computing: SAQA 49077 (61591) Core Element as well as Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3). |
12 | R4 340 |
| INI125N | Information Literacy IIntroduction of information literacy. Development of a search strategy and application of a search string to search engines and academic databases. Evaluation of information sources. Ethical and legal use of information. |
2 | R720 |
| LFI125N | Life Skills IPersonal, socio-emotional and academic skills development for students in higher education. This module includes 1. Intra- and interpersonal skills (e.g. emotional intelligence, relationships, and conflict management); 2. General study skills (e.g. time management, goal setting, learning styles); 3. Health and wellness (e.g. HIV/ AIDS, GBV issues, substance abuse); 4. Student life and adjustment (e.g. identity development, adjusting to a higher education environment); and 5. Financial management. |
2 | R720 |
| PF125AN | Professional Selling I Part AThe purpose of the module is to have knowledge and an understanding of aspects and functions relating to professional selling. The topic deals primarily with selling concepts, processes, techniques and models. Topics addressed include Selling as a profession, preparing for relationship selling, the selling process, and specialised aspects of selling. |
12 | R4 340 |
| PF125BN | Professional Selling I Part BThe purpose of the module is to have knowledge and an understanding of aspects and functions relating to professional selling. The topic deals primarily with selling concepts, processes, techniques and models. Topics addressed include Selling as a profession, preparing for relationship selling, the selling process, and specialised aspects of selling. |
12 | R4 340 |
| RB125AN | Retailing I Part ARetailing includes all the activities involved in the selling of goods and services to consumers for their personal, family and household use. The module aims to provide a good foundation regarding the retailing environment and how it fits into the broader scope of the business environment. Students will develop an understanding of the important role retailing fulfils in contributing towards the economy and the value it adds to the supply chain. The focus will be on the various activities that retailers perform, the many services that they render, and the strategies related to managing a retail organisation. |
12 | R4 340 |
| RB125BN | Retailing I Part BRetailing includes all the activities involved in the selling of goods and services to consumers for their personal, family and household use. The module aims to provide a good foundation regarding the retailing environment and how it fits into the broader scope of the business environment. Students will develop an understanding of the important role retailing fulfils in contributing towards the economy and the value it adds to the supply chain. The focus will be on the various activities that retailers perform, the many services that they render, and the strategies related to managing a retail organisation. |
12 | R4 340 |
| RO125AN | Retail Operations Management I Part AThe principles of managing a retail organisation are explained. The module aims to describe how resources and activities should be managed in order to operate the retail organisation in the most profitable way possible. Students are also introduced to a basic business plan. |
12 | R4 340 |
| RO125BN | Retail Operations Management I Part BThe principles of managing a retail organisation are explained. The module aims to describe how resources and activities should be managed in order to operate the retail organisation in the most profitable way possible. Students are also introduced to a basic business plan. |
12 | R4 340 |
| AC125AN | Practical Accounting I Part AIntroduction to accounting, the accounting equation, books of prime entry, bank reconciliation statements, debtors and creditors control accounts. Adjustments, financial statements (sole trader), inventory (different systems and valuation), budgets and budgetary control, non-current assets and their disclosure, manufacturing accounts, cost-volume-profit analysis, different forms of enterprise, their financial statements and related matters, basic cost accounting and cost behaviour. |
12 | R4 340 |
| AC125BN | Practical Accounting Part BIntroduction to accounting, the accounting equation, books of prime entry, bank reconciliation statements, debtors and creditors control accounts. Adjustments, financial statements (sole trader), inventory (different systems and valuation), budgets and budgetary control, non-current assets and their disclosure, manufacturing accounts, cost-volume-profit analysis, different forms of enterprise, their financial statements and related matters, basic cost accounting and cost behaviour. |
12 | R4 340 |
| CO225BN | Consumer Behaviour Part AAn overview of the model of consumer behaviour is provided, and a basic foundation is laid for the consumer decision-making process. The demographics of the South African consumer market are detailed. The student develops an understanding of the strategies focusing on the external influences on consumer behaviour. The influence of situations on the consumer is expounded. All the work is practically applied. The student develops an insight into strategies that utilise knowledge of internal (psychological) influences on consumer behaviour. The consumer decision-making process is covered in detail. Factors influencing each step of the consumer decision-making process are explained. The focus is also on the post-decision behaviour of consumers. All the work is practically applied. |
12 | R4 340 |
| CO225BN | Consumer Behaviour Part BAn overview of the model of consumer behaviour is provided, and a basic foundation is laid for the consumer decision-making process. The demographics of the South African consumer market are detailed. The student develops an understanding of the strategies focusing on the external influences on consumer behaviour. The influence of situations on the consumer is expounded. All the work is practically applied. The student develops an insight into strategies that utilise knowledge of internal (psychological) influences on consumer behaviour. The consumer decision-making process is covered in detail. Factors influencing each step of the consumer decision-making process are explained. The focus is also on the post-decision behaviour of consumers. All the work is practically applied. |
12 | R4 340 |
| RB226AN | Retailing II Part A*Retailing I Part A and B are prerequisites for these modules. This module will enable the student to acquire the necessary knowledge to develop a successful retail strategy. The major focus areas will be strategic retailing, merchandising and the retail communication mix. Students will also be acquainted with the important role of layout and design in retail business management. The concept of market research is also explained. |
12 | R4 340 |
| RB226BN | Retailing II Part B*Retailing I Part A and B are prerequisites for these modules. This module will enable the student to acquire the necessary knowledge to develop a successful retail strategy. The major focus areas will be strategic retailing, merchandising and the retail communication mix. Students will also be acquainted with the important role of layout and design in retail business management. The concept of market research is also explained. |
12 | R4 340 |
| RO226AN | Retail Operations Management II Part A*Retail Operations Management 1 Part A and B are prerequisites for this module. The focus of this module is on the business environment. Knowledge regarding entrepreneurship, social responsibility, operations management, human resource management and financial management is shared with students to give them the necessary competency to manage various divisions in an organisation. |
12 | R4 340 |
| RO226BN | Retail Operations Management II Part B*Retail Operations Management 1 Part A and B are prerequisites for this module. The focus of this module is on the business environment. Knowledge regarding entrepreneurship, social responsibility, operations management, human resource management and financial management is shared with students to give them the necessary competency to manage various divisions in an organisation. |
12 | R4 340 |
| SC125AN | Supply Chain Management I Part AAn introduction to supply chain management, Supply chain management activities; procurement and logistics; inventory management: warehousing, materials handling, physical distributions, transportation, customer service, packaging, global supply chain management, public sector supply chain management. Inbound and outbound supply chain management. Demand forecasting, and ICT in supply chain management. |
12 | R4 340 |
| SC125BN | Supply Chain Management I Part BAn introduction to supply chain management, Supply chain management activities; procurement and logistics; inventory management: warehousing, materials handling, physical distributions, transportation, customer service, packaging, global supply chain management, public sector supply chain management. Inbound and outbound supply chain management. Demand forecasting, and ICT in supply chain management. |
12 | R4 340 |
| COP326N | Communication for Occupational Purposes*Communication for Academic Purposes (CAP125N) is a prerequisite for this module. The module is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to engage meaningfully with English in both academic and professional environments. It aims to develop the students’ note-taking and reading skills, as well as writing skills, by exposing them to a selection of written texts related to a specific field of study. On completion, students will have an understanding of the writing process and be able to plan, draft, revise and edit work for clarity, coherence, style and appropriateness. |
8 | R2 890 |
| FM326AN | Financial Management for Retailers II Part A* Practical Accounting I Part A and B are prerequisites for these modules. One of the core objectives in retailing is to operate a successful business that will profitably be sustainable in the long term. The main purpose of this module is to explain the process of financial management in retailing. To achieve this, students are guided in terms of the role of financial management in retailing, the key issues regarding financial management that should be addressed and the process of how to prepare a financial plan for a retail business. |
12 | R4 340 |
| FM326BN | Financial Management for Retailers II Part B* Practical Accounting I Part A and B are prerequisites for these modules. One of the core objectives in retailing is to operate a successful business that will profitably be sustainable in the long term. The main purpose of this module is to explain the process of financial management in retailing. To achieve this, students are guided in terms of the role of financial management in retailing, the key issues regarding financial management that should be addressed and the process of how to prepare a financial plan for a retail business. |
12 | R4 340 |
| LB326AN | Law for Retailers Part AThis module provides students with a thorough understanding of the general principles regarding the law of contract. The National Credit Act, 2005 (Act No. 34 of 2005), Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (Act No. 68 of 2008), contract of sale, lease, agency and insurance will all form part of the focus areas. This module aims at equipping students with detailed knowledge and allows them to develop the competency to analyse and solve problems relating to the general principles of the law of contract that is related to the management of a retail organisation. |
12 | R4 340 |
| LB326BN | Law for Retailers Part BThis module provides students with a thorough understanding of the general principles regarding the law of contract. The National Credit Act, 2005 (Act No. 34 of 2005), Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (Act No. 68 of 2008), contract of sale, lease, agency and insurance will all form part of the focus areas. This module aims at equipping students with detailed knowledge and allows them to develop the competency to analyse and solve problems relating to the general principles of the law of contract that is related to the management of a retail organisation. |
12 | R4 340 |
| RB326AN | Retailing III Part A* Retailing II Part A and B are prerequisites for these modules. The main purpose of this module is to expose students to the retail buying process which pertains to the global market. To achieve this, students are exposed to the various types of retail classifications. The role of a buyer in a specific classification is discussed, and guidelines are given to develop a buying plan that will best suit the needs of that particular retail organisation. This includes aspects such as attending to the type of merchandise offered, the exact number of products needed, determining the timing of the purchase and how to follow through with a purchase. Some practical guidelines are given in terms of negotiating a purchase, developing private-label merchandise, and setting the prices for products. |
14 | R5 060 |
| RB326BN | Retailing III Part B* Retailing II Part A and B are prerequisites for these modules. The main purpose of this module is to expose students to the retail buying process which pertains to the global market. To achieve this, students are exposed to the various types of retail classifications. The role of a buyer in a specific classification is discussed, and guidelines are given to develop a buying plan that will best suit the needs of that particular retail organisation. This includes aspects such as attending to the type of merchandise offered, the exact number of products needed, determining the timing of the purchase and how to follow through with a purchase. Some practical guidelines are given in terms of negotiating a purchase, developing private-label merchandise, and setting the prices for products. |
14 | R5 060 |
| RO326AN | Retail Operations Management III Part A*Retail Operations Management II Part A and B are prerequisites for these modules. This module aims to enlighten students on the different management strategies that can be followed in managing a retail organisation. One of the significant focus areas includes an in-depth discussion and practical application of developing a business plan. |
12 | R4 340 |
| RO326BN | Retail Operations Management III Part B*Retail Operations Management II Part A and B are prerequisites for these modules. This module aims to enlighten students on the different management strategies that can be followed in managing a retail organisation. One of the significant focus areas includes an in-depth discussion and practical application of developing a business plan. |
12 | R4 340 |
| SC226AN | Supply Chain Management II Part A*Supply Chain Management 1 Part A and B are prerequisites for these modules. Practical application of economic order quantity, financial aspects of logistics and supply chain management, forecasting supply chain requirements, design of storage and handling, equipment used in facilities, international transport, and product returns and reverse logistics management. |
12 | R4 340 |
| SC226BN | Supply Chain Management II Part B*Supply Chain Management 1 Part A and B are prerequisites for these modules. Practical application of economic order quantity, financial aspects of logistics and supply chain management, forecasting supply chain requirements, design of storage and handling, equipment used in facilities, international transport, and product returns and reverse logistics management. |
12 | R4 340 |
Module fees are for 2026 and are reviewed annually. Where the programme includes electives, you pay only for the modules you take.
To apply for this qualification, a student must have:
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and work-experience routes are available for applicants who do not meet the formal requirements — ask an adviser to assess your eligibility. An RPL assessment takes around six months.
All teaching, learning materials and assessment are in English. Applicants must be able to read, write and communicate in English at the level required for higher education study.
An accredited, career-focused qualification delivered 100% online — flexible starts, pay per module.