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 in Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119198  Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
Milpark Education (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First 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  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 129/22  2022-06-21  2025-06-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-21   2031-06-21  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting provides learners with a well-rounded foundational education in preparation for a career in accountancy. Graduates are equipped with diverse professional skills that are founded on a thorough understanding of accounting theory and legislation with a focus on translating these into practical, real-world application and problem-solving. Learners are required to take initiative and responsibility for a range of project work, research, and preparation for written assessments such that they develop confidence in their ability to learn and are not afraid of change as is required in the context of a changing economy. The modern world of business needs people with a knowledge and understanding of accounting and its related disciplines to contribute to the local and international economy. Successful and responsible businesses are imperative in transforming and improving communities at a macro and micro level.

The broad-based foundation enhances learners' employability and entrepreneurial ability in a wide range of vocations at mid-to-senior levels of business in accounting roles that include financial accountants, financial managers, analysts, tax advisors, auditors, strategists, leaders, managers, and academics. The qualification also positions learners to continue to postgraduate study in various specialisations, for example as a Chartered Accountant, a Professional Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant with Chartered Institute of Management Accountant (CIMA), a Certified Accountant, a Chartered Financial Analyst, and/or various postgraduate and Honours degrees in business.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Develop and adapt solutions and recommendations that are relevant to the business and the community.
  • Apply extensive knowledge of the economic, legal, and technological context within which businesses operate.
  • Examine knowledge of business risk management, corporate governance, analysis, and strategy development.
  • Prepare, analyse, and critically discuss financial statements by generally accepted accounting practice (GAAP), primarily International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
  • Analyse and apply the knowledge of management accounting and financial management to provide useful advice that assists in financial decision-making.
  • Apply knowledge of Taxation to determine tax liabilities together with well-reasoned explanations.
  • Evaluate and apply knowledge of external auditing including the legal, information technology and regulatory environment in which auditors operate.
  • Examine appropriate ethical considerations and behaviour in the context of the performance of the duties of an accountant.

    Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting is a vocationally oriented qualification designed to enhance learners' employability and entrepreneurial ability. The qualification is aligned with the competency framework and curriculum requirements of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and addresses critical skills need for Chartered Accountants (CA) in South Africa. The qualification will equip learners to deal with the challenges facing business and produce professionals who are knowledgeable, confident, and adaptable to change.

    The qualification aims to equip learners with sound subject knowledge, sound theoretical underpinnings to practice, the capacity to integrate theory and practice, appropriate values, and skills to deal with diversity in business. The qualification is aligned with the future needs of the economy and SAICA's CA 2025 project. The design of the qualification will ensure coherence between content and cognitive demand. The qualification includes two streams, namely the Professional Accounting stream and the Chartered Accounting Stream, both of which prepare learners to enter the market as competent entry-level accountants with the capability of progressing to a variety of business and accounting roles in the economy and registering for various professional accounting designations. Each stream has a significant module overlap with the other and both meet the programme outcomes. Each stream has the same first-year modules to provide an equal initial opportunity to learners and, from this, they diverge in second and third years based on the first-year performance.

    The objective of the Professional Accounting stream is to provide additional foundational modules and a slower rate of progression to consolidate core principles. Where learners demonstrate in their first year of study that they can progress more quickly, they continue on the Chartered Accounting stream that provides a more direct progression to qualification and towards qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. Learners completing the Professional Accounting stream can either progress into the industry as professional accountants and/or continue toward attaining professional designations. Learners can complete a bridging year to get onto the Chartered Accounting pathway.
    The qualification gives due consideration to the needs of different learners and reduces the risk of learners dropping out of the qualification. All modules are designed to monitor learners continually to identify areas where additional support is required. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate, with endorsement, NQF Level 4
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Accounting, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 384 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 140 Credits:
  • Financial Reporting 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Reporting 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Information Technology in Business, 20 Credits.
  • Business Mathematics, 12 Credits.
  • Business Statistics, 15 Credits.
  • Principles of Microeconomics, 20 Credits.
  • Principles of Macroeconomics, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Business Management, 20 Credits.
  • Business Law, 14 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6,124 Credits:
  • Financial Reporting, II, 24 Credits.
  • Corporate Governance and Auditing I, 24 Credits.
  • Management Accounting, I, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Management I, 20 Credits.
  • Management and Leadership, 20 Credits.
  • Information Technology in Business II, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Reporting IIA, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 96 Credits:
  • Taxation II, 18 Credits.
  • Financial Reporting IIIA, 14 Credits.
  • Financial Reporting IIIB, 18 Credits.
  • Financial Management II, 15 Credits.
  • General Management, 16 Credits.
  • International Economics, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 24 Credits:
  • Financial Reporting IIB, 12 Credits (Select two modules from the following options):
  • Corporate Governance and Auditing IIA, 12 Credits.
  • Corporate Governance and Auditing IIB, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a comprehensive foundational understanding of commerce-related disciplines, specializing in accounting, such that they can develop and adapt solutions and recommendations that are relevant to the business and the community.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of the economic, legal, and technological context within which businesses operate.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to apply coherent knowledge of business risk management, corporate governance, analysis, and strategy development.
    4. Demonstrate the competence to prepare, analyse and critically discuss financial statements by generally accepted accounting practice (GAAP) primarily International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
    5. Demonstrate the coherent knowledge of the application of management accounting and financial management to provide useful advice that assists in financial decision-making.
    6. Demonstrate a coherent knowledge of taxation to determine tax liabilities together with well-reasoned explanations.
    7. Demonstrate the coherent knowledge of external auditing including the legal, information technology and regulatory environment in which auditors operate.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act ethically and professionally, and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Develop cogent solutions and holistic analysis in each integrated business scenario that includes economic events, transactions, and balances, using appropriate principles and legislation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically evaluate the scenario and apply appropriate principles and legislation in an integrated business scenario that includes relevant economic, legal, and technological events.
  • Explore further questions and recommend an appropriate course of action.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Develop plans and critically analyse business strategy development and implementation, risk identification, risk safeguards and business management using appropriate principles.
  • Design effective and appropriate corporate governance structures and critically analyse existing structures.
  • Identify legislation relevant and appropriate to business practices together with valid recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Accurately prepares individual and group financial statements that comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
  • Critically analyse individual and group financial statements for compliance with IFRS.
  • Interpret the validity of individual and group financial statements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Prepare budgets and valuations that are accurate, reliable and in accord with the needs of the business.
  • Present useful budget and valuation-related analysis, advice, issue identification and decision making.
  • Critically evaluate financial trade-offs and recommends appropriate courses of action.
  • Prepare appropriate analyses that aid performance evaluation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Prepare an accurate and justified taxable income calculation for a company, trust or individual with the corresponding tax liability.
  • Accurately calculate and justify an estate duty liability for an individual in an integrated business scenario.
  • Provide accurate and useful tax advice supported by valid and well-reasoned analysis suited to the taxpayer's needs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Effectively design, critically analyse, appropriately evaluate, and effectively audit financial, and related, information systems and control related to complex business activities that include technological environments.
  • Design, analyse and critically evaluate all aspects of the external audit process.
  • Develop, analyse, and evaluate the business's financial, and related, information systems and controls.
  • Effectively design, critically analyse, and appropriately evaluate structures and events related to corporate governance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Accept and observe ethical principles regulating all relationships, such as principles of conduct generally associated with, and deemed essential in defining the distinctive characteristics of professional behaviour in the context of the performance of the duties of an accountant.
  • Critically evaluate and recommend appropriate ethical action and behaviour in an integrated business scenario which includes ethics-related economic events, transactions and balances using appropriate principles and legislation.

    Integrated Assessment
    The institution's assessment process is governed by the Assessment Policy in keeping with this policy, and to ensure that the process results in fair and valid assessment, the entire assessment process is subject to a layered checking and re-checking process that ensures the integrity of the overall assessment and its place in the qualification. Assessment includes both formative and summative assessment opportunities and there is a range of formative and summative assessment tasks which ensure that all learning outcomes are assessed in a fair, reliable, valid, and flexible manner.

    Formative Assessment:
    All formative assessment is compulsory. The formative assessment tasks include self-assessment mock tests and written, invigilated tests. Formative assessment of this qualification consists of:
  • Self-assessment:
    Assessment in this category is part of formative assessment and aims to activate and conclude learners' learning in each part of the module topics.
  • Activities:
    Study materials contain activities in subsections of study materials. These activities are aimed at assisting learners with initial exploration, understanding and application to assist with learning. These activities are brief to keep learners motivated and interested.
  • Self-assessment exercises:
    These exercises are provided at the end of each topic. The questions are more formal and aimed at testing the knowledge of learners and in addition learners get an idea of the type of questions they may get in the exams. Learners are provided with model answers at the back of study guides.
  • Mock tests:
    Prior to tests and exams, learners are given mock tests that simulate tests and exams. The questions are presented in the standard test/exam format and are written under the standard assessment conditions. These mock assessments provide an opportunity for learners to obtain feedback on their understanding and progress. Feedback sessions take place after every mock test/exam. In these sessions, lecturers discuss the assessment and provide feedback to learners regarding areas of weak performance.

    Summative Assessment:
    The summative assessment tasks include examinations. The final summative assessment is an invigilated, venue-based examination testing learners' knowledge and competency towards all module outcomes and exit level outcomes where applicable. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African qualification's coherence, appropriate content, cognitive demand, and the notional learning time have been compared to the similar qualifications offered by the following international institutions.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Holmesglen
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Business in Accounting
    Credits: 144
    Similarities:
    The Holmesglen's and the South African (SA) qualifications are comparable in the following aspects.

    Duration:
    Both the Holmesglen's and the SA qualifications are offered over three years of full-time on-campus face-to-face delivery.

    Credits:
    Completing a bachelor's degree in Australia requires 140 credit points (for three years). One credit is calculated as 10 notional hours.

    Entry Requirements:
    The Holmesglen's qualification requires applicants with Secondary Education qualifications which are similar to the Senior Certificate in the SA qualification.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Holmesglen's and SA qualifications have been developed to provide individuals with the opportunity to achieve an accounting qualification through a more practical and hands-on approach to learning. Accountants are currently in demand in Australia and South Africa in both the public and private sectors with outstanding career opportunities available in a wide range of services and industries.

    On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Examine and apply auditing principles, theories, and concepts in the accounting practice.
  • Examine and evaluate the legislative framework relating to goods and services tax withholding and tax instalment systems and interpret the law in factual situations.
  • Differentiate and apply the principles of taxation as embodied in the relevant provisions and legislation in calculations of taxable income and liability of individuals, companies, trusts, and superannuation funds.
  • Distinguish between the different types of companies, and the rules relevant to each arising from the Corporations Legislation Accounting Standards and Stock Exchange.
  • Analyse and apply business, corporations, and taxation laws.
  • Describe the economic problem of scarcity and analyse how different economic systems address the economic issue of scarcity.
  • Apply advanced management accounting methodologies.

    Both the SA and the Holmesglen's qualifications will assist graduates to pursue the following career opportunities.
  • Accountant.
  • Management accountant.
  • Financial accountant.
  • Auditor.

    Similar to the South African qualification, the Holmesglen's qualification has been recognised and accredited by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA) Australia, Institute of Certified Management Accountants and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and provides a nationally recognised qualification in accounting.

    Qualification structure:
    Both the Holmesglen's and SA qualifications consist of both compulsory and elective modules. The qualifications will equip learners with knowledge of Accounting, Auditing, Economics, Finance, Law, Statistics, Taxation Law and Practice, Financial Accounting and Management Accounting.

    Key study areas include:
  • Auditing principles and practice.
  • Personal financial planning.
  • Taxation practice.
  • Corporate accounting.
  • Understanding business, corporations, and taxation laws.
  • Understanding of the modern economy.
  • Advanced management accounting methodologies.

    Assessment:
    A range of assessment methods for each subject has been developed.

    Formative Assessment:
  • Group marketing report and presentation.
  • Practical project, business plan, demonstration, and reports.
  • Development essay.
  • Case Studies.
  • Mini reports.
  • Assignment and case-study analysis.
  • Marketing audits.
  • Group Project.

    Summative Assessment:
  • Final Examination.
  • Independent Research Project.
  • Research report.
  • Final report with an implementation plan.
  • Mid-term tests.

    Articulation:
    Both the Holmesglen's and the South African qualifications can be used to apply for entry to relevant Masters or other relevant post-graduate qualifications.

    Differences:
    There are slight differences between the structure of Holmesglen and SA qualifications since the Holmesglen's qualification comprises 20 compulsory modules; each module has six credit points and a selection of four electives from a range of elective subjects whereas the SA qualification consists of 23 compulsory modules, ten (10) elective modules and two streams of specialisation to select from, namely the Professional Accounting stream and the Chartered Accounting Stream. After the completion of the first sixteen (16) subjects, learners are eligible to exit the course with the Associate Degree in Business in Accounting whereas the SA qualification does not allow for an early exit.
    While the Holmesglen's qualification offers a greater range of elective modules than the SA qualification, the core modules are congruent with the SA qualification and reflect a focus on the key areas of accounting.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Business in Accountancy

    Similarities.
    The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following criteria.

    Duration: Three years, Full-time
    Both the RMIT and SA qualifications are offered over three years of full-time study.
    Entry Requirements:
    Both the RMIT and SA qualifications share similar entry requirements since learners must have completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent qualification.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Graduates are equipped with the professional knowledge and skillset required for a successful career in accounting roles across the commercial and public sectors. This degree encompasses the taxation, auditing and consultancy skills required to excel in these industries. Graduates from both qualifications will have the skills and knowledge to lead change in response to the developing nature of the economy and its effect on business activity, decision making and investment. Depending on the majors, minors and subjects selected, learners may pursue careers as Accountant, Actuary, Auditor, Economist, Financial Analyst, Financial Planner, Human Resource Professionals, Investment Adviser, Legal Professional, or Marketing Professional.

    Upon the completion of the qualifications, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Explain the role as a local, national, and global citizen and be able to apply these perspectives in business contexts.
  • Integrate business knowledge, social intelligence and ethical decision-making in ways that are inclusive and culturally appropriate to produce outcomes that are impactful, sustainable, and fair.
  • Analyse complex challenges and formulate innovative solutions in real-world contexts.
  • Reflect on and continuously progress own professional development, enhancing your intellectual agility and adaptability as tools for success in ever-changing business contexts.
  • Coherently articulate technical and conceptual business knowledge that is both contemporary and interdisciplinary.

    Professional accreditation and recognition
    The RMIT is accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and satisfies the educational requirements for entry into the Chartered Accountants Program.
    The RMIT is accredited by CPA Australia and satisfies the educational requirements for entry into the CPA Program.
    Graduates of the program satisfy the educational requirements for membership in the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) where they are working in the financial services industry. This program is recognised for maximum exemptions toward the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) professional programs of study.

    Assessment:
    Both the RMIT and SA qualifications will incorporate both practical, professional, and research-based learning, so assessment types will consist of both formative and summative assessments including:
  • Reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations.
  • Examinations
  • Industry-relevant, research-based projects.
  • Practical and team-based projects.
  • Participation in the class.
  • Assignments.

    Articulation:
    Both the RMIT and SA qualifications articulate vertically into Honour's Degree in Accounting.

    Differences:
    Programme structure:
    There are slight differences between the RMIT and SA qualifications since the RMIT qualification includes eight elective modules which can be selected from both the other business disciplines as well as electives from other disciplines more broadly whereas the SA qualification includes ten electives, two streams of specialisation to select from, namely the Professional Accounting stream and the Chartered Accounting Stream and 23 compulsory modules. The SA qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules for a total of 384 credits whereas the RMIT qualification consists of the compulsory and elective modules for a total of 288 credit points. Twenty-Four 12 credit point courses) as follows:
  • Four (4) Foundation courses (48 credit points).
  • One (1) Capstone course (12 credit points).
  • 228 credit points (e.g., Seventeen 12 credit point Business Option courses and Two 12 credit point University Electives)

    Compulsory modules, (Complete up to 96 Credits from the following):
  • Accounting in Organisations and Society, 12 Credits.
  • Macroeconomics I., 12 Credits.
  • Business Information Systems, 12 Credits.
  • Business Statistics I, 12 Credits.
  • Prices and Markets, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Management, 12 Credits.
  • Marketing Principles, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting and Analysis, 12 Credits.
  • Commercial Law, 12 Credits.
  • Management Accounting and Business, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accountability and Reporting, 12 Credits.
  • Cost Analysis and Organisational Decisions, 12 Credits.
  • Accounting, Behaviour and Organisations, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting Theory, 12 Credits.
  • Taxation I, 12 Credits.
  • Performance Analysis and Simulations, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 96 Credits.
  • Accounting in Organisations and Society, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting and Analysis, 12 Credits.
  • Cost Analysis and Organisational Decisions, 12 Credits.
  • Managerial Advisory Finance, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accountability and Reporting, 12 Credits.
  • Accounting, Behaviour and Organisations, 12 Credits.
  • Critical Accounting Perspectives, 12 Credits.
  • Strategic Accounting and Leadership, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 72 Credits.
  • Financial Markets and Institutions, 12 Credits.
  • Corporate Finance, 12 Credits.
  • Basic Econometrics, 12 Credits.
  • Money and Debt Markets, 12 Credits.
  • Equity Investment and Portfolio Management, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Finance-A Case Study Approach, 12 Credits.
    AND
    Select and Complete Twenty-four (24) credit points from the following list:
  • Forecasting and Quantitative Analysis, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Corporate Finance, 12 Credits.
  • International Finance, 12 Credits.
  • Derivatives and Risk Management, 12 Credits.

    RMIT qualification reflects an emphasis on key business decisions, and an understanding of how taxation, macroeconomics and market principles intersect with accountancy while the South African qualification places additional emphasis on technology in business, and microeconomics but despite these distinctions, there is congruency on the core subjects between the two qualifications.

    Country: Namibia
    Institution: University of Namibia
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Accounting in Chartered Accountancy
    NQF Level: 7
    Credits: 360 Credits

    Similarities:
    The University of Namibia (UNAM) is comparable to the South African qualification in the following criteria.

    Duration:
    Both the UNAM and SA qualifications are offered over three years of full-time study.

    Entry Requirements:
    The entry requirements are also similar. To register a candidate must hold a valid Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) or any other equivalent qualification. English is a compulsory subject, and a candidate should have obtained a grade C at NSSC (English as a Second Language) or grade D at NSSC (English First Language) level and at least a B in NSSC (Ordinary level) Mathematics.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The UN and SA qualifications seek to provide an academic foundation for learners intending to pursue a career in accounting and related fields. The qualifications provide technical and theoretical skills and knowledge, which will give the successful candidate a sound foundation for his/her chosen career. The following career possibilities are available for learners completing both qualifications:
  • Learners will be allowed to do a Certificate in Theory of Accounting (CTA) that is required for a career in Chartered Accountancy.
  • Learners can become Accountants or Internal Auditors in the private or public sector.
  • Learners can pursue careers as Chartered Management Accountants (CIMA) or Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

    Qualification structure:
    The UN qualification is similar in many respects to the SA qualification. This is indicative of a similar accreditation landscape in both Namibia and South Africa.

    Assessment:
    Summative/Continuous assessment carries the weighting of 50% which includes one-semester test, two class tests, quizzes and a presentation/practical. A continuous assessment mark of 40% allows a student admission to the final examination.

    Summative Assessment consists of examination and carries a weighting of 50%. The examination subminimum requirement is 40%.

    Articulation:
    Learners completing both the UN and SA qualifications may be considered for admission into Bachelor of Accounting (Honours).

    Differences:
    There are slight changes between the two qualifications in that the total Credits of the UN qualification is 412 whereas the SA qualification carries 384 credits. To complete the SA qualification, learners must complete 23 compulsory and ten (10) elective modules depending on the elective stream on which they progress which adds up to a total of 33 modules while the curriculum for the Bachelor of Accounting (Chartered Accountancy) consists of 30 modules, which are offered as follows:
  • First year: 11 Modules, 140 Credits.
  • Second year: 11 Modules, 144 Credits.
  • Third year: 8 Modules,128 Credits.

    The qualification includes the following modules:
  • Economics.
  • English Communication and Study Skills.
  • Computer Literacy.
  • Mathematics for Accountants.
  • Financial Accounting, IA.
  • English for Academic Purposes.
  • Principles of Management.
  • Business Statistics.
  • Financial Accounting, IB.
  • Contemporary Social Issues.
  • Mercantile Law.
  • Namibian Taxation.
  • Auditing IA.
  • Financial Accounting IIA.
  • Management Accounting, IA.
  • Computerized Accounting Systems.
  • Strategy, Risk Management and Ethics.
  • Auditing IB.
  • Financial Accounting 2B.
  • Management Accounting 1B.
  • Company Law and Practice.
  • Comparative taxation.
  • Auditing II.
  • Financial Accounting III.
  • Management Accounting II.

    While the abovementioned qualifications are not the same as the South African qualification, they compare favourably with it in terms of its curriculum content which include.
  • Financial Reporting.
  • Financial Management.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Taxation.
  • Corporate Governance
  • Auditing.
  • Economics.
  • Company Law and Practice.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification is comparable to the above-cited international qualifications. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Accounting, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Accounting Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Management Accounting, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management Accounting, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.