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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Statistical Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
15162  Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Statistical Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Mathematical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 7  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 
The Honours programme is the first-year of Postgraduate study in the Statistical Sciences, which is understood to include both statistical modelling and inference and quantitative management science (operational research). The core of the programme provides the opportunity for intensive study in statistical theory and operational research. Also, the learner selects four further modules, involving either theoretical specialisations (e. g. econometrics) or studies in application to specific problem areas (e. g. finance).
The programme includes training in concepts and research methods, as well as in the practical application of the theory. This is designed to equip the candidate with the skills necessary for employment in quantitative analysis functions in either public or private sectors. It will also prepare learners for further study, locally or internationally, at Masters Level in Statistics, Operational Research, or related quantitative subjects. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Actuarial Science, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data within an area of specialisation;
    2. Design and conduct research in his or her area of specialisation;
    3. Produce academic papers that reflect an ability to interrogate the professional literature and engage in critical debate;
    4. Find information of professional relevance efficiently and independently;
    5. Use information-technology efficiently and independently;
    6. Embark on Masters level research study under supervision.
    7. Articulate an understanding of an area of specialisation at a high level of abstraction;
    8. Independently apply discipline-based knowledge and practices to an understanding of conceptual and practical problems;
    9. Design and conduct research utilising the methods of the discipline;
    10. Apply the theory and research methods of the discipline to the development of research questions;
    11. Produce theoretical and research communications that draw on a range of information bases. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the most important recent findings and discoveries in the discipline they are studying.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principal academic issues and controversies being debated by academics in their field of study.
  • Demonstrate appropriate levels of technical competence in the application of quantitative and computer assisted problem solving.
  • Read and discuss some of the important articles that appear in the relevant academic journals.
  • Conduct a literature search and construct a catalogue raisonne of the principal academic works relating to a particular subject matter.
  • Apply their specialist knowledge to real life commercial situations in South Africa and globally.
  • Participate in discussions of normative issues relevant to the conduct of research and the conduct of business.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Successful learners, in addition to being examined on specialist areas of their subject, are also required to complete a project which is written up as a short dissertation.

    The Honours project may in exceptional circumstances be a piece of supervised research on a theoretical problem in the statistical sciences, but is more usually the application of appropriate quantitative tools to a real world problem related to management or decision making. After initial discussions with relevant affected parties or specialists regarding the problem, the learner would start by formulating the modelling approach, also identifying data needs. Thereafter, the learner would review relevant literature, obtain relevant data, build the appropriate models, and use these to generate required analytical results or recommendations. The project is written up as a report, documenting problem analysis, literature, data, models and recommendations. Such a report is intended to be presented to the owner of the original real-world problem. The results are also presented at a departmental seminar, attended by members of staff, other learners, and anyone else with interest in the results.

    The project report will be assessed on the basis of competence in analysing the problem, in reviewing relevant literature and formulating appropriate models, invalidating and using the models, in drawing valid conclusions, and in presenting the results and recommendations.
    Formative assessment will occur continuously through the feedback from the project supervisor.
    Summative assessment will involve the assignment of an overall grade to the completed project. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

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

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Business Science in Actuarial Science, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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.
     
    1. University of Cape Town 


    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.