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 Finance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123725  Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Finance 
ORIGINATOR
Regenesys Management (Pty) Ltd 
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  EXCO 0730/25  2025-03-11  2028-03-11 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-03-11   2032-03-11  

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 purpose of Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Finance is to provide learners with advanced knowledge and skills in corporate finance, investment management, financial risk management, financial technology, and business research. There is a need for specialised financial experts who can navigate complex global financial markets and meet the growth demands of public and private enterprises. The curriculum develops analytical skills, practical competencies, and strategic perspectives to enable graduates to add value at the operational and strategic levels of financial organisations.

Learners will be able to further their careers in the financial profession, be confident in their abilities to engage at multiple operational and strategic levels of organisational involvement, or to further their postgraduate studies towards a Master's qualification.

The qualification aims to expand the expertise of learners wishing to pursue careers as financial analysts, investment managers, risk managers, and other financial professionals. Learners will be able to lead and interact with a diverse and multicultural populace, whilst simultaneously advancing positive social and financial transformation in the workplace. Successful graduates will be able to contribute to a range of commercial finance contexts and be able to articulate into a more advanced, diverse range and scope of postgraduate financial fields of study.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Exhibit an extensive knowledge of the tools and techniques associated with specialised areas of financial technology, behavioural finance, international finance and alternative investment.
  • Select and apply appropriate techniques for complex financial and operational risk scenarios and interpret results to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Effectively engage with relevant financial management theories and decision-making processes to provide accurate comments.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is designed in response to key developmental areas identified in the South African National Development Plan - Vision for 2030, specifically the need to create learners who have specialised knowledge and capability in the field of Financial Management in order to promote commercial and financial stability throughout the various sectors.

    In light of South Africa's national goal of sustainable development, it is vital to ensure that future financial leaders have the skills and expertise needed to effectively direct organisations towards long-term objectives, providing financial guidance in a fast-paced and global economy. A strong understanding of financial practices and principles, relating to both local and international markets, coupled with specialised knowledge in the areas of financial technology (FinTech), behavioural finance and alternative investment will ensure that the professional needs of the individual and the requirements of society at large are met. The demand for education and training within the finance field is high due to public and private sectors requiring individuals with these skills and educational background from an operational and strategic perspective.

    The rationale for adding this qualification was informed by the desire to provide learners and graduates with clear learning pathways to assist in developing holistically competent future leaders capable of advancing their careers or furthering their education towards advanced postgraduate studies. This qualification complements and provides an opportunity for articulation vertically from the Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, and potentially from the Bachelor of Accounting Science, whilst allowing opportunities for further studies towards the Master's of the cognate field of study. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    RPL refers to an assessment process to determine the potential of a learner to succeed at a particular level of a qualification based on prior informal or non-formal learning. The RPL assessment is based on the demonstration of abilities with respect to knowledge, competence, attitudes and values at the NQF level the learner wants to attempt. Upon a positive result of the assessment.

    Learners may elect to apply for exemption of relevant modules, but mostly the institution utilises the RPL process for access only. Assessment is an integral feature of all forms of RPL in the institution and exists in combination with a range of other strategies that allow for different sources of knowledge and forms of learning to be compared and judged.

    RPL for access:
  • RPL includes diagnostic, formative, or summative assessments, to create opportunities for, or towards, access and/or credit. Learners are not awarded credits based on the outcome of an RPL assessment but can be exempted from modules. In this case, learners will qualify with less than the minimum credits of a qualification, however, the academic record will indicate the learner has met the requirements of the qualification to be certified.
  • The institution does not exceed the national maximum of 10 % admissions into its qualification via the recognition of prior learning.
  • The application of the institution's RPL policy is described in the RPL process document.
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is applied to applicants who do not meet the admission criteria for a programme and access through RPL is based on an assessment of learners' prior informal and non-formal learning.
  • From an institutional perspective, admission of applicants per qualification through an RPL route would not constitute more than 10 % of the learner intake for the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Financial Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Accounting, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce in the relevant field, 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 125 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 110 Credits.
  • Intermediate Personal Mastery, 5 Credits.
  • Advanced Financial Management, 15 Credits.
  • Investment Management, 15 Credits.
  • Econometrics for Finance, 15 Credits
  • Advanced Corporate Finance, 15 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Business Research, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Financial Risk Management, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 15 Credits (Choose one module)
  • Financial Technology, 15 Credits.
  • International Finance, 15 Credits.
  • Alternative Investment, 15 Credits.
  • Behavioural Finance, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to engage with relevant financial management theories and decision-making processes to provide accurate comments on the influence of international investments on local economies and conduct various financial activities.
    2. Develop and apply quantitative modelling skills specific to finance, encompassing the construction, estimation, and interpretation of models that capture intricate relationships within financial variables.
    3. Effectively analyse investment opportunities, considering factors such as market trends, risk profiles, and asset allocation strategies, to construct and manage diversified portfolios that align with organisational objectives and risk tolerance.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to apply specialised knowledge and understanding of corporate finance concepts, practices, capital structure, financing decisions, and dividend policy, and make informed recommendations and strategies that optimize financial performance and shareholder value.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to apply an understanding of research methodology and concepts to effectively design research studies, analyse data and communicate research findings.
    6. Critically evaluate advanced quantitative and qualitative risk assessment methodologies, select and apply appropriate techniques for complex financial and operational risk scenarios, and interpret results to inform strategic decision-making.
    7. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the tools and techniques associated with specialised areas of financial technology, behavioural finance, international finance and alternative investment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Illustrate a comprehensive knowledge of the tools and techniques associated with specialised areas of financial technology, behavioral finance, international finance and alternative investment.
  • Accurately implement quantitative modelling skills within the context of finance, to successfully capture the relationships between financial variables and provide strategic recommendations based thereon.
  • Construct and manage diversified portfolios, based on provided case studies and real-world scenarios, evaluate potential investment opportunities and predict the potential impact of global economic conditions on investment performance.
  • Utilise advanced knowledge of corporate finance and relevant factors to offer justifiable recommendations for strategic decision-making purposes.
  • Select and execute research methodology based upon a given research question or scenario, including understanding of the theory behind the collection of data, analysis, and interpretation of raw data.
  • Facilitate data-informed decision-making within organizations.
  • Apply a deep understanding of the principles and practices of risk management and risk-based decision-making and apply knowledge in a variety of contexts.
  • Effectively appraise the methods used to assess the efficacy of risk identification and management.
  • Apply knowledge of financial management within a specialised sub-field, to accurately engage with financial data in order to assess, advise and compile relevant financial reports that will contribute towards informed organisational decision-making.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The institution's assessment strategy broadly includes formative assessment and summative assessment.

    Formative assessment:
    For purposes of the formative assessment segment, learners are required to complete and submit two formal formative assessment tasks per module, that is:
  • Objective test, e.g. multiple choice (weighted at 20%),
  • Cognitive assessment, e.g. traditional assignment (weighted at 40%).

    The formative assessment segment therefore adds up to a 60 % weighting of the final mark for the module.
  • Learners who receive less than 50% for their formative assessment may request a re-submission after improvements are made.
  • Learners who do not achieve an average sub-minimum of 40% for each of their formative assessments may be given the opportunity to re-submit their assessment tasks after academic support and guidance are provided through the Academic Department.
  • Learners who receive a mark of 39% and below are not eligible for access into the summative assessment, i.e. examination. Learners are therefore encouraged to request a re-submission and ensure submission of a greatly improved assessment. A re-submission mark is capped at 60% unless the Academic Committee is convinced that the reason for the re-submission is valid and compelling.
  • The mark awarded after marking the re-submission will be the final recorded mark against the module, even if it is lower than the original mark.
  • Upon achievement of a sub-minimum of 40% for each formative assessment, the learners will be allowed to proceed to the summative assessment (examination) (weighted at 40%).

    Summative Assessment:
    The summative assessment will itself also have a sub-minimum of 40%.
    The summative assessment carries a weight of 40 %. The final mark therefore is formed of the formative assessment carrying a weight of 60 % and the summative assessment carrying a weight of 40 %. A Learner passes a module if a final average mark of at least 50% is achieved for the module, i.e. the final mark. This is subject to a sub-minimum of 40% being obtained for both the formative and summative assessments.

    A learner who does not achieve an average pass mark of 50% for the module after writing the exam may be granted the opportunity to improve and re-submit the assignment for which a mark of between 40-50% was achieved. Such a re-submission mark is capped at 60% as mentioned earlier. Those learners who obtained a final module mark of between 30% and 39% are not automatically allowed a second examination opportunity but may apply to the Academic Committee for special permission to write during the next examination session, providing written justification for the request. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Melbourne (UM)
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Finance.
    Duration: One year full-time
    AQF level 8
    Credit points: 100 credit points

    Entry requirements
  • Applicants should note that learners must commence the honours year within two years of completing the requirements of their Bachelor of Commerce degree.

    Purpose/rationale
    The Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) is ideal preparation for a successful career. This challenging and rewarding year of additional study in your area of interest equips you with specialised knowledge in your chosen field. Our Honours graduates are highly sought after within the corporate sector, while others go on to pursue further study at Master's or PhD levels in Australia or overseas.

    Modules:
    Core Modules:
  • Honours Research Methods.
  • Honours Research Essay Accounting.
  • Honours Research Essay Part 1.
  • Honours Research Essay Part 2.
    Elective modules
  • Honours Research Essay Part 2.
  • Research in Management Accounting.
  • Research in Auditing.
  • Behavioural Accounting Research

    Qualification outcomes:
  • Apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification, evaluation and resolution of complex problems and do so from the standpoint of specialised knowledge developed in their chosen commerce discipline.
  • Communicate ideas effectively in both written and oral formats.
  • Access, evaluate and utilise information and data from diverse sources and be proficient. in the use of appropriate modern technologies.

    Qualification progression
  • The Honours degree is an entry qualification for a Master's degree and a PhD within Australia or overseas.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Melbourne (UM) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
  • Both UM and SA qualifications are offered for one year full-time.
  • Both qualifications progress to a Master's degree.
  • Both qualifications offer compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications are at AQF/NQF level 8.

    Difference:
  • The University of Melbourne (UM) provides qualification modules that emphasize research, whereas the South African (SA) qualification includes coursework modules.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Auckland (UA)
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Finance
    Duration: One year full-time.
    Credits: 120

    Entry requirements
  • You must have completed a Bachelor of Commerce with a GPA of at least 5.0 in the Stage III courses required for the major.

    Qualification structure:
  • Research Methods in Finance, comparable with Fundamentals of Business Research.
  • Governance Issues in Finance.
  • Empirical Finance.
  • Modern Corporate Finance.
  • Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis, comparable with Investment Management.
  • Risk Management, comparable with Advanced Financial Risk Management.
  • Various special topics.

    Qualification progression
  • Master's degree.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Auckland (UA) and qualifications from South Africa (SA) require that learners possess a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
  • UA and SA qualifications share similar comparable modules such as Risk Management, Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis and Research Methods in Finance.
  • Both UA and SA qualifications are offered for one year full-time.
  • Both qualifications carry a total of 120 credit points.
  • Both qualifications are offered for a period of one year. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Investment Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, NQF Level 8

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Finance, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Quantitative Finance, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management in Finance and Investment Management, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Occupational Certificate: Municipal Finance Manager, 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.