MASTER OF COMMERCE IN COMPETITION AND ECONOMIC REGULATION (M3CR8Q)
The University of Johannesburg is proud to offer the Master of Commerce qualification in Competition and Economic Regulation in 2025 for the eighth year running. The qualification was developed following the identification of a critical gap in skills in the field on the continent.
Description of programme
As the first masters’ degree in this field to be offered in Africa, this programme will equip students with the specialist knowledge and skills required to undertake rigorous economic analysis in competition and regulatory matters.
Successful students will be able to use these skills to analyse firm behaviour in competition cases and matters of economic regulation for the relevant public authorities and for private parties. The competition cases include mergers, abuse of dominance and cartel/collusion cases across a wide range of industries. Economic regulation matters include types of price regulation, tariff setting, licencing, entry and access requirements, auctions, investments and incentives in regulated industries such as telecommunications, banking, energy and transportation, which have far-reaching economic implications.
Students will put into practice theoretical economic principles related to competition and regulatory economics and undertake research in these areas. Students will be able to evaluate the potential harm of anticompetitive behaviour and weigh it against efficiencies, as well as analyse the role of competition and regulation in economic development. A key focus is placed on the implications of climate change for economic regulation and competition. This includes a review of questions in energy, transport and food markets and the challenges for the transitions required.
Taught by a unique combination of academics and practitioners with on-the-ground experience, each module will be taught through lectures (including guest lectures), seminars, student presentations on analyses of actual cases and interactive hypothetical exercises based on competition and regulatory matters.
Testimonials
“My understanding of the role that competition policy and economic regulation has on the broader economy has shifted significantly. I am better able to make sense of certain policy decisions and to engage more broadly on matters of competition and economic regulation.” - KARABO MOTAUNG: SENIOR ANALYST, COMPETITION COMMISSION OF SOUTH AFRICA
“My experience on the Mcom in Competition and Economic Regulation was nothing short of rewarding having acquired knowledge and skills to carry out economic analysis in competition and regulatory matters.” - GRACE NSOMBA: ECONOMIST AT THE CENTRE FOR COMPETITION, REGULATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Admission requirements
A potential student must be in possession of:
An Honours degree in Economics at new NQF Level 8/old NQF level 7; or
An Honours Degree or equivalent qualification in Arts, Business, Commerce, Management or Science at new NQF level 8 / NQF level 7, majoring in Economics; or
A recognised equivalent international qualification (equivalence certified by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), where applicable).
Selection is based on academic merit and the availability of places and hence, may entail the use of additional criteria/requirements; and
Final admission requirements will, from time to time, be adjusted by the department/faculty to account for any University/national higher education requirements or amendments.
Duration of programme
Minimum 1.5 years (Full-Time);
Minimum 3 years (Part-Time)
Venue
Lectures are primarily online, with two intensive face-to-face blocks
Any face-to-face special sessions will be at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED), JBS Park, 69 Kingsway Avenue, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092.