SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Computational Finance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109171  Bachelor of Science Honours in Computational Finance 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Computational Finance is to provide learners with the required theoretical and practical training needed to understand and implement mathematical financial models. The qualification is needed for entry into professional practice or management positions in the quantitative finance services industry.

The learner will be able to:
  • Understand the concepts and structure of financial Risk management.
  • Evaluate organisational financial capacity to meet future demands.
  • Use financial techniques to make investment decisions.
  • Be adept at problem solving using numerical methods and relevant mathematical software. In particular solving boundary-value problems and partial differential equations.
  • Have a working knowledge of Ito calculus and stochastic control.

    Rationale:
    The qualification responds to the need for higher level quantitative and analytic skills in the finance and management sector. This qualification will be unique in the region in terms of combining Mathematics, Statistics and Finance in one Postgraduate qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution in order to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement is:
  • A Bachelor's Degree with Mathematics or Statistics as major, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling at 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 90 Credits:
  • Research Project, 30 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 15 Credits.
  • Probability and Stochastic Processes, 15 Credits.
  • Stochastic Calculus for Finance, 15 Credits.
  • Principles of Management Accounts, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 30 Credits (Select two modules):
  • Financial Accounting, 15 Credits.
  • Computational Linear Algebra, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Engineering, 15 Credits.
  • Time Series Analysis, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Risk Management, 15 Credits.
  • Simulation, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply advanced theoretical principles of problem identification and solution in the Computational Finance field and reflect critically on the application thereof.
    2. Plan and conduct a research project in the field of Computational Finance, including gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpreting information, utilising appropriate research principles, and reflect critically on the research undertaken.
    3. Explore and apply different learning strategies to acquire advanced multidisciplinary capabilities in the Computational Finance field.
    4. Communicate effectively orally and in writing by applying professional communication principles and reflecting critically on the application thereof in the Computational Finance field.
    5. Utilise appropriate technology (computer software) effectively to solve complex problems in the Computational Finance environment.
    6. Integrate managerial and cognate disciplines to develop an advanced theoretical and practical understanding of the international and national business environment.
    7. Practise acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others and work effectively in a team by reflecting critically on the implementation thereof.
    8. Practise responsible citizenship through a holistic approach to the application of professional ethics and values in the Computational Finance field (Promoting citizenship). 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Apply calculations using computational tools efficiently and correctly and solutions obtained are verified in terms of the context.
  • Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues.
  • Use and analyse computational tools and strategies, and make estimates and approximations.
  • Debate points are based on well-reasoned arguments and are supported by mathematical information.
  • Use and analyse computational tools and strategies, and make estimates and approximations.
  • Apply mathematical relationships and principles involved in computations.
  • Use numerical methods to find approximate solutions to suitable equations.
  • Establish the effect of measurement error on final values calculated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Institution adopted a Continuous Assessment System. Assessment consists of a number assessment event throughout the year and a variety of assessment instruments are used (for example, tests, essays, computer programs, practical reports, project reports and oral presentations). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification compares favourably against similar qualifications offered in terms of the content.

    University of Technology of Mauritius:
    Modules or content:
  • Statistical Models.
  • Matrices and Multivariable Calculus.
  • Mathematics of Finance.
  • Applied Probability Models.
  • Corporate and Legal Finance.
  • Discrete Financial Modelling.
  • Multivariate Analysis.
  • Financial Risk Forecasting.
  • Dissertation.

    University of Brighton in the UK:
    Modules or content:
  • Mathematical Sciences Project.
  • Algebra and Calculus.
  • Mathematics of Finance.
  • Topics in Abstract Algebra.
  • Statistical Modelling.
  • Time Series and Forecasting.
  • Stochastic Methods.
  • Complex Analysis.
  • Current Issues in Finance.
  • Corporate Financial Management. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Finance, NQF Level 9 Master of Arts in Mathematics, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.