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 Commerce Honours in Economics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110254  Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  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   2034-06-30  

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 this qualification is to develop a strategy for learning that will enable learners to identify and solve problems and communicate effectively using the full range of available technologies in both written and oral form as well as developing sound understanding of the economic challenges facing South Africa.

Rationale:
This qualification is intended for learners wishing to specialise in Economics as a specific field of study, with a view to equipping them with the foundations required to continue into Masters level study. The skills learners will develop on the qualification are those that will facilitate their potential to work as an Economist a specialised field. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of commerce, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules 1, Level 8, 96 Credits:
  • Intermediate Econometrics, 16 Credits.
  • Mathematics for Economists, 16 Credits.
  • Macroeconomics, 16 Credits.
  • Microeconomics, 16 Credits.
  • Economics Research Project, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules 1, Level 8, 32 Credits (Choose two):
  • Special Topics Economics, 16 Credits.
  • Research Methodology in Economics, 16 Credits.
  • Industrial Organisation, 16 Credits.
  • International Trade16 Credits.
  • Labour Economics, 16 Credits.
  • Economics of Health Care, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Economics, 16 Credits.
  • Industrial Economics, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Source and analyse economic data using relevant Econometric techniques.
    2. Apply mathematical techniques such as linear algebra and calculus to a range of economic problems.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key macroeconomic theories and their usefulness in analysing real-world macroeconomic aggregates such as output, employment and inflation.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key microeconomic theories and their usefulness in analysing real-world microeconomic scenarios, such as consumer behaviour, firm behaviour and market failure.
    5. Provide extended commentary and analysis of an economic issue.
    6. Obtain, interpret and critically evaluate information, solve problems and make financial decisions.
    7. Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
    8. Apply economic theories and principles in sub-disciplines in economics, for example labour economics, health economics, environmental economics, and development economics. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Use critical reasoning in general in a logical and creative way.
  • Apply critical reasoning to the solution of problems.
  • Apply appropriate quantitative skills in the solution of problems.
  • Utilise appropriate techniques/methodologies for the effective presentation of an argument.
  • Analyse problems/situations/the literature critically and present the results.
  • Interact with peers and work as the member of a team, where appropriate.
  • Access, synthesise, analyse and interpret data and information.
  • Think creatively and utilise critical reasoning to place data and information in context.
  • Use appropriate quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques.
  • Interact with peers and work as the member of a team, where appropriate.
  • Creatively and originally in the selection and treatment of a research topic of his/her own choice, usually but not necessarily relating to the South African economy.
  • Apply theory to a real-world problem and appropriateness of quantitative and qualitative skills to the analysis and evaluation of data.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment of learning outcomes: Seminar presentations, tests, assignments and formal examination are the key means of assessing learning outcomes. Learners are required to apply and integrate key principles of economic analysis consistently across the modules of the qualification. Learners obtain feedback on these assessments as a means of facilitating and encouraging learning improvements. Selection of moderators and external examiners: Moderators and external examiners who have competency in the subject areas covered in the modules will be appointed through the Qualification Coordinator. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally. 

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

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Economics, 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.