SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
124091	Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics
ORIGINATOR
Sol Plaatje University
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 0931/25	2025-04-17	2028-04-17
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-04-17		2032-04-17

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 primary purpose of the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics qualification is to develop learners' knowledge and applied competence in analysis, application and interpretation of economic theory and applications. The curriculum will provide learners with a deep and specialised understanding of economics, preparing them for a range of career opportunities, further education, and research roles in economics-related fields. The qualification will equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in these areas.

The curriculum is carefully structured to prioritise the development of research skills while also expanding learners' understanding of fundamental economic concepts and principles. By completing this qualification, learners can achieve a high level of theoretical engagement and cultivate intellectual independence. These elements ensure that graduates are well-prepared to excel in their chosen careers and contribute to the field of economics. Learners will also gain competence (both critically and analytically) in conducting independent research. Learners will learn to identify problems, identify suitable methods, collect and analyse data, as well as draw meaningful conclusions.

The qualification adds further to the qualification mix and offers an avenue for learners who want to do postgraduate work in economics or for those who simply want to signal relatively high academic achievement.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding that economics is a contested discipline and the knowledge of differing methods of analysis that have been and are used by economists.

Demonstrate the ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge (academic and non-academic) sources including 'grey' sources and processes of knowledge production.

Demonstrate an understanding of verbal, graphical, mathematical and econometric representation of economic ideas and analysis, including the relationship between them.

Demonstrate ability to identify solutions to a diverse range of economic problems.

Demonstrate a sense of professionalism, ability to identify and address ethical issues (appreciation of the economic and welfare dimensions of wider social, political and environmental issues and integrity in the application of economic tools and applied policy).

Communicate own ideas and opinions using knowledge and skills of an economist.

Demonstrate an ability to plan, execute, and work effectively both independently, as part of a team to identify, analyse, and solve assigned economic problems.

Demonstrate ability to consider and take account of relevant students' own work and responsibilities to secure threshold academic standard required and limited accountability for group work and responsibilities.

Rationale:
A dimension of this qualification's rationale speaks to broader policy thrusts and stakeholder needs. Strategically, besides the institutional (University) level, there are at least three levels of commitments relevant to this qualification planning process that needed to be taken into consideration: the supranational level (global, continental, and regional), the national level and the Northern Cape Province level. At the supranational level, the United Nations 2030 Agenda, also known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), replaced the 2015 Millennium Development Goals. The SDGs are a set of global goals that address urgent global economic, environmental, and political challenges to be achieved simultaneously by 2030. At the continental level, the African Union Commission's (AUC) Agenda 2063 has been facilitating the implementation of the continental development transformation agenda.

Nationally, the National Development Plan (NDP) guides South Africa's 2030 developmental agenda while at the provincial level, the Northern Cape government is preparing to launch the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (PGDP) 2040. Developing human capacity has become a global, regional, national and Northern Cape imperative, as espoused respectively in these strategies. By launching this degree, we will specifically support the strategies by focusing teaching and research efforts on work related to contributing towards the development of a skilled and capable workforce to support inclusive economic growth, employment and other outcomes associated with indicators of global competitiveness. Other outcomes where economic analysis by virtue of its cutting across all aspects of human well-being, clearly has a contribution to make, include those on Green Growth and Sustainable Development, rural and urban development, food security, new information economy and quality of household life.

The qualification will also develop skills in understanding complex arguments, analysing data, and effectively communicating to analyse such complexities. Such skills are valuable in many careers but highly desirable for graduates seeking employment as:

economists

researchers

analysts

forecasters

economic programmers

managers

entrepreneurs and consultants.

Employers tend to value or require a level of specialisation that is not provided by a three-year bachelor's degree. Graduates from this programme can expect to be employed or complete internships in the Banking and Financial Markets, the Public Sector, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and International Economic Affairs, such as the African Union, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, United Nations, the World Bank and the Regional and other Multilateral Development Banks amongst others.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution's RPL policy acknowledges the value of prior learning in higher education and its applicability in various situations.
RPL can only be applied where applicable to a specific discipline or programme offered at the institution.

The policy is implemented in three ways, namely:

recognition of learning attained through non-formal means,

enhancement and broadening of access to higher education,

acknowledgment of continuous learning.

Learning from other qualifications, the process will be treated under the credit accumulation and transfer policy and are subject to the admission and selection criteria for the specific programme. RPL may be applied as per the university's Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). In line with the Higher Education Quality Committee's minimum standards, no more than 10% of a cohort of learners for a programme may be admitted.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Economics, Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Commerce in Economics, Level 7.
Or

Advanced Diploma in Economics, Level 7 or an equivalent.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8, totalling 140 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 110 Credits

Economics Research Paper, 30 Credits.

Microeconomic Theory and Analysis, 15 Credits.

Macroeconomics Theory and Analysis, 15 Credits.

International Economics Theory and Analysis, 15 Credits.

Theory and Practice of Econometrics, 15 Credits.

Economics Research Paper, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 30 Credits (Select two modules)

Development Economics, 15 Credits.

Public Economics, 15 Credits.

Labour Economics, 15 Credits.

Environmental Economics, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement with the different theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques of microeconomics, macroeconomics, development economics and public economics, and be able to choose an appropriate method (verbal, theoretical, graphical, mathematical and/or econometric) to understand and quantify empirical relationships.
2. Demonstrate an understanding that economics is a contested discipline and the knowledge of differing methods of analysis that have been and are used by economists as well as an ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge, including 'grey' sources and processes of knowledge production.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of verbal, graphical, mathematical and econometric representation of economic ideas and analysis, including the relationship between them.
4. Demonstrate the ability to identify solutions to a diverse range of economic problems.
5. Demonstrate a sense of professionalism and ability to identify and address ethical issues (appreciation of the economic and welfare dimensions of wider social, political and environmental issues and integrity in the application of economic tools and applied policy).
6. Understand the nature, sources and uses of both quantitative and qualitative data (economic, financial or social data) and use suitable statistical or spreadsheet/database software to store and retrieve that data.
7. Communicate own ideas and opinions using the knowledge and skills of an economist.
8. Demonstrate an ability to plan, execute, and work effectively both independently and as part of a team to identify, analyse, and solve assigned economic problems.
9. Demonstrate the ability to consider and take account of relevant students' own work and responsibilities to secure the threshold academic standard required and limited accountability for group work and responsibilities.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Address the microeconomic issues of decision and choice, the production and exchange of goods and pricing.

Apply understanding of the macroeconomic issues of employment, national income, the balance of payments, the distribution of income, public sector policy, economic growth, financial and business cycles, crises, and the role of money creation, banking and the financial system in the economy, society and the environment.

Apply the knowledge and understanding of the subject matter using quantitative and qualitative tools learnt in econometrics, research methods in economics and applied economywide policy modelling and development thought.

Apply understanding of economic theory and applications, the understanding of which would be verbal, graphical, mathematical and illustrated using computer-based models.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply knowledge of economic history and its context, pluralistic perspectives and interdisciplinary synthesis to inform an application of critical judgement in evaluating context, proportionality and awareness of limitations.

Exhibit familiarity with multiple sources of scholarly journals, as well as popular media beyond the prescribed textbooks.

Critique and evaluate in an intellectually independent manner and sound judgements made using well-reasoned and informed arguments using economic reasoning.

Illustrate an understanding that economics evolves and advances through the acquisition of new information to address unanswered or contested questions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Present and defend research to an expert audience, emphasising independent and critical thinking, analysis, research design and methods.

Quantify, evaluate and design economic phenomena - data, their sources, and their effective organisation, presentation and analysis.

Practice through class exercises and economic laboratories to organise data and present it informatively and assess its reliability.

Master relevant quantitative methods and computing techniques and utilise these with relevant software.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply deductive reasoning and logical analysis to assumption-based models.

Apply problem-solving skills and higher-order skills of reasoning and analysis gained through teaching and assessment strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Design appropriate research methods using various research methodologies, the importance of ethical research conduct, and considerations of sampling and fieldwork.

Present results, exposition of processes and methods used, and conclusions drawn, as well as academic discourse and behaviours for both professional and academic contexts.

Present and defend research to an expert audience (professional practice) emphasizing independent and critical thinking, analysis, research design and methods, as well as academic discourse.

Analyse ethical issues emanating from interacting with mathematical and statistical methods, natural resources, and dealing with human subjects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Illustrate understanding of the principal sources of economic information and data relevant to industry, commerce, society and government.

Retrieve economic and financial data from well-known databases in the field such as the South African Reserve Bank, Statistics South Africa, Ministry of Finance's National Treasury, IMF, World Bank, etc, using appropriate software.

Carry out statistical analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data using relevant software.

Manage information and its confidentiality on a computer and/or relevant repository such as spreadsheet and/or database programme.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Illustrate research skills for both professional and academic contexts.

Develop simplified economics frameworks for studying the real world and constructing economic meaning.

Appreciate what would be appropriate levels of abstraction to study a range of economic issues and the specific assumptions that guide the criteria for simplification.

Apply the knowledge and skills acquired to the solution of specific simple theoretical and applied problems in economics.

Relate differences in economic outcomes (and recommendations) to differences in the theoretical and empirical features of economic analysis that underline such economic outcomes.

Articulate, communicate and present economic arguments to both specialist and non-specialist audiences (oral, written and visual form).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Plan a general strategy before starting an assignment and showcase good planning skills overall.

Conduct regular meetings and communicate with lecturers and supervisors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Displays enthusiasm, curiosity, open-mindedness, creativity, critical and actively engaged in and outside class.

Take personal responsibility for actions, self-reflect and critique own performance and identify and plan future professional development.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Different types of assessments, which include inter-alia class projects, assignments (individual and groups), presentations, class tests, case studies, and lab projects, will be applied to the qualification as per the ELO of the different modules that will be offered in this programme. Timeous feedback will be given to students in this regard and as required by the policy.

The institution's policy on assessment will be implemented in a continuous and integrated manner, addressing the following aspects:
Formative assessment:
It involves recognising and discussing learners' achievements and planning appropriate follow-up steps. This will include:

assignments

class tests

small group activities

case studies

presentations related to coursework modules.

Research assessment, which aims to develop mastery of skills, concepts, or analytical techniques, will involve the submission of a research proposal.

Summative assessment:
Record and provide feedback on overall learners' performance in a systematic manner. This will be achieved through end-of-year exams for coursework modules. The exams will undergo both internal and external moderation.

For the research paper, formative assessment will involve feedback from supervisors and co-supervisors on the work that has been submitted. Summative assessment will be conducted by external and internal examiners.

Internal and external moderation:
It will occur for the final research project submitted by candidates. This process ensures quality control. Before the project is completed and submitted, students will be given the opportunity to present their proposals orally, allowing peers and academics within the school to provide input for improvement. The institution's Policy on Postgraduate assessment criteria, which communicates requirements to ensure and enhance quality, will be shared with students. Examiners will be selected and appointed based on criteria established by the school. They will also receive assessment procedures and criteria aligned with national guidelines for research output/dissertations' quality and standards.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The proposed qualification was benchmarked with several local and international universities to ensure that it compares well with the standards. The data were largely gathered from the websites of the universities offering modules leading to honours qualifications in Economics. While the benchmark levels are for a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics, other offerings, such as BA and BSc degrees in Economics, were quite useful and instructive.

Country: Australia
Institution name: University of Melbourne
Qualification title: Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Economics
Duration: One year
Credits: 100

Entry requirements:
> Bachelor of Commerce or equivalent with a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least H2B (70%),

Purpose/Rationale
The Honours degree is an entry qualification for a master's degree and a PhD within Australia or overseas.

Exit skills:

Be independent in their learning and respond in a critically informed manner to new ideas, research findings, methodologies and theoretical frameworks in their chosen commerce discipline.

Engage confidently in self-directed study and research, including being able to design, describe, and conduct research using appropriate methods of analysis in their chosen commerce discipline.

Explain and use theories, concepts, and findings from the social sciences to effectively manage people and organisations for the benefit of the full range of organisational stakeholders.

Contribute positively to the development of organisations and society, particularly in relation to business, economics, government and commercial professions.

Course structure:

Honours Research Methods

Advanced Microeconomics, comparable to Microeconomic Theory and Analysis

Advanced Macroeconomics

Econometrics 3

Economics Research Essay Part 1, comparable to Economics Research Paper

Similarities:

The University of Melbourne (UM) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over one year.

Both qualifications accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in commerce or equivalent.

Both qualifications articulate into a master's degree in the relevant field.

Both qualifications offer a research and economics-related theory.

Both qualifications aim to produce graduates who will contribute to the development of organisations and society, particularly in relation to business, economics, government and commercial professions.

Both qualifications share similar modules such as economics research, macroeconomics and microeconomics.

Differences:
The UM qualification consists of 100 credits, whereas the SA qualification consists of 120 credits.

Country: Namibia
Institution name: Namibia University of Science and Technology
Qualification name: Bachelor of Economics Honours
Duration: One year
Credits: 128

Entry requirements:

Bachelor of Economics or an equivalent qualification of at least 360 credits at NQF level 7.

The Bachelor of Economics Honours is an initial postgraduate specialisation degree in economics. The programme is purposefully designed to equip learners with deepened and systematic knowledge and expertise in the economics discipline and to develop their capacity to conduct supervised research of an applied nature. The programme's main emphasis is on the evaluation and application of economic theories and economic data in order to solve complex economic problems that face the public and private sectors in the economy. Students are required to do a combination of compulsory and elective courses, as well as a Mini thesis. This qualification serves as an entry point to the Master of Science degree in economics or any related postgraduate qualification.

Exit outcomes:

develop research capacity in the methodologies and techniques of the discipline.

enable graduates to present and communicate academic/professional work effectively.

equip graduates with skills that would enable them to offer consultancy services.

develop and sharpen the critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills of students in the economics discipline.

Qualification structure
Modules:

Research Project

Advanced Macroeconomics, comparable to Macroeconomics Theory and Analysis

Advanced Microeconomics, comparable to Microeconomic Theory and Analysis

Advanced Econometrics, comparable to Theory and Practice of Econometrics

Similarities:

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in the relevant field.

Both qualifications are offered over one year.

The NUST qualification is designed to equip learners with deepened and systematic knowledge and expertise in the economics discipline and to develop their capacity to conduct supervised research of an applied nature.

Similarly, the SA qualification curriculum will provide learners with a deep and specialised understanding of economics, preparing them for a range of career opportunities, further education, and research roles in economics-related fields.

Both qualifications share similar modules such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics and research methods.

Both qualifications articulate into a master's degree in the relevant field.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Economics, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Transport Economics, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Economics, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Commerce in Economics, NQF Level 9.

Master of Commerce in Development Economics, NQF Level 9.

Diagonal Articulation
There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification.

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.

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