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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
58004	Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
ORIGINATOR
Damelin
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			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	Level 6	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 1141/23	2021-07-01	2024-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30		2030-06-30

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:

Accounting measures costs for the purpose of decision-making and financial reporting. A qualification in Accounting prepares the successful learner to enter a range of careers in that field, including Cost and Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, Financial Manager, Chartered Accountant, Auditor or Investment Manager. The curriculum of Damelin's Accounting Programme aims to provide qualifying learners with applied competencies in the mastering, analysis, interpretation and application of accounting, auditing, financial management and taxation fields as well as to provide a basis for further learning.

Rationale:

Accounting measures the costs for the purpose of business decision- making and financial reporting. The B.Com in Accounting programme prepares the successful learner to enter a range of professional careers in that field, including Cost and Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, Financial Manager, Chartered Accountant, Auditor or Investment Manager.

The curriculum of the Damelin accounting Programme aims to provide qualifying learners with applied competencies in the mastering, analysis, interpretation and application of accounting, auditing, financial management and taxation fields as well as to provide a basis for further learning.

The Accounting Programme offered by Damelin therefore provides a different and needed model of higher education in this discipline, some of its characteristics being:

As well as providing the students with a solid grounding in the academic theory underpinning the main concepts of the field of Accounting, the curriculum includes a significant practical component based on assignments and case studies.

Also included in the curriculum is a range of more generalised modules, such as Business English and Computer Skills, which are regarded as essential to competent functioning in today's business environment.

Coupled with the curriculum model described above, the classes are small and thus the resulting staff: student ratio makes it possible for students to receive individual and specialised attention.

The result is a well-rounded graduate who, on successful completion of the curriculum, has the option either of entering the world of work immediately, or of continuing with further study in the field of Accounting.

In the design of the B.Com Accounting programme, both full- time and part- time staff participated and will participate in the ongoing development of the programme. During the design and development processes, advice was and will continue to be sought from academic staff at other higher education institutions, members of research organisations as well as members of the business community. In addition, it is anticipated that, as is the case with existing Damelin academic programmes, valuable input on suggested curriculum development is received from advisory board members, companies, recognised institutions and Boards i.e. South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

Damelin will continue to ensure that there is cohesion between the curriculum presentation and the design and that the presentation of this programme is in line with the requirements set by SAICA and the PAAB.

Further, the Programme contributes to regional and national goals in a variety of ways, including:

Broadening access to and success in higher education through flexible entry and fixed exit standards and through the inclusion of academic support components.

Inclusion of certain generic competencies.

Encouragement of social responsibility.

Ensuring that students will be employable upon graduation, but at the same time will have the knowledge base to continue with further learning.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The minimum level of learning required for a learner to enter and successfully complete the Damelin B.Com Accounting Programme is a level equivalent to that required for successful completion of the South African Grade 12 Examination.

Further, given that the language of instruction is English, a learner entering the programme must be competent in the use of English. The learner is also expected to be competent in Mathematics.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Recognition of prior learning is guided by the policy and it is aimed to facilitate access into the qualification at various levels. Formal, informal and non-formal learning and appropriate experience are taken into account. The compilation and assessment of portfolios is essential in determining the NQF-level where the learner could be placed. Learners need to possess the required competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the programme.

Prior learning is recognised in the following ways:

A student, who has completed a specific module/subject at Damelin, may apply for credit for that module/subject.

A student, who has completed the equivalent of a specific module/subject either at Damelin or at another recognised higher education institution, may apply for exemption from that module/subject.

In the case of a practically orientated module/subject, a student who is able to demonstrate appropriate competence may be granted exemption from that module/subject.

The whole qualification may not be attained as a result of the RPL only. It is a combination of the current and running curriculum that is responsive to the changes and developments in the field, as well as prior knowledge and experience. Through this policy a learner may obtain access and/or placement at an advanced level.

Access to the qualification:

Entrance Requirements:

A Matriculation (Grade 12) certificate, or equivalent qualification is the minimum requirement for admission to the B.Com in Accounting.

Applicants need an E (HG) or D (SG) for mathematics.

If applicants have not done Accounting to matric level, they will be required to attend tutorials in addition to lectures for Accounting.

In order to determine the curriculum for which a learner may register, the Damelin Points System applies.

Foreign learners whose first language is not English may be required to provide proof of proficiency in English prior to admission into the programme.
> Matric Symbol A; Points: Higher Grade 8, Standard Grade 6.
> Matric Symbol B; Points: Higher Grade 7, Standard Grade 5.
> Matric Symbol C; Points: Higher Grade 6, Standard Grade 4.
> Matric Symbol D; Points: Higher Grade 5, Standard Grade 3.
> Matric Symbol E; Points: Higher Grade 4, Standard Grade 2.
> Matric Symbol F; Points: Higher Grade 3, Standard Grade 1.

Learners who achieve 25 points or more may be admitted to the Degree Programme with no restrictions.

A learner who achieves between 14 and 24 points may be admitted to the Certificate in Accounting. A learner who successfully fulfills all the requirements for the Certificate Programme and who achieves the required academic standard, may apply for admission to the Degree Programme.

Mature age applicants and applicants with non-South African school-leaving qualifications or previous tertiary education experience, will be considered individually by the Dean of Studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The credit value of the programme was determined as follows:

The credit value of individual modules and thus of the programme was calculated using both quantitative and qualitative criteria.

Quantitative: the number of credits per module was calculated using the NQF credit system where one credit represents ten notional hours of active learning.

Qualitative: each module was allocated a weighting, based on the level of complexity of the learning outcomes to be attained.

The credit value of each module was then calculated by applying the individual module weighting to the total number of credits for the programme.

It should be noted that the basic component of the calculation of the credit value of the programme is the actual number of hours (both contact hours and self-study hours) estimated for each module included in the programme.

Therefore, while the total number of credits given for the learning programme and its related qualifications may seem high, we have taken into account the flexibility in this regard reflected in the draft New Academic Policy for Programmes and Qualifications in Higher Education and have given what we believe is an accurate reflection of the programme's requirements.

Fundamental: 72 credits at Level 6.

Core: 301 credits at Level 6.

Electives: 44 credits at Level 6.

Total: 417 credits at Level 6.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Upon completion of Damelin's B.Com in Accounting programme, the qualifying learner should be able to demonstrate the following:

Advanced knowledge and practical skills required to perform effectively as an Accountant:

An appropriate knowledge base as preparation for further learning.

An understanding of the function and operation of accounting in a range of contexts, informed by current thinking and research in the discipline.

An ability to use the current accepted technical language of accounting and accounting practices.

An ability to recognise the limitations and uncertainties of practice within the discipline of accounting and alternatives offered.

A sound knowledge of relating theories and empirical evidence concerning financial management, risk and the operation of capital markets.

The skills required for the preparation of the annual financial statements of companies, in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act, 1973 and generally accepted accounting practice.

An understanding of capital allowances and be able to calculate capital allowances.

An application of the taxation liability for various business entities in South Africa.

An understanding of value added taxation and be able to calculate value added taxation.

An understanding and implementation of tax in companies and close corporations. This includes an application of credit agreements, an understanding of trust income, donations tax and the administration process.

Generic Competencies:

On successful completion of the programme, learners will have developed the following generic competencies:

Self management.

Learning.

The ability to work as a member of a team.

The ability to collect, analyse and present information.

The ability to identify and suggest possible solutions to a problem.

A knowledge of the use of technology.

The ability to use technology and other methods for communication purposes.

The ability to organise work requirements so as to meet set deadlines.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Apply accepted techniques to the recording of business transactions.

Appraise the performance and financial situation of organizations using a range of interpretive techniques whilst recognizing any limitations of such techniques.

Select and apply financial and management accounting techniques to practical situations.

Communicate financial information to a wide range of different recipients.

Describe, comment on, analyze, evaluate and criticize aspects of and developments within the field of accounting.

Employ the transferable skills outlined below in a range of different contexts.

Integrated assessment:

Damelin practices an integrated system of assessment, in terms of which students are assessed on an ongoing basis. Both formative and summative methods of assessment are used.

Summative Assessment includes:

Class tests

Most modules require learners to write two theoretical tests. These tests count towards the final mark. Learners are required to refer to the course outlines which will specify the dates of their tests as well as the contribution of the tests towards the final mark. If a class test is missed because of illness, a doctor's note must be presented within 48 hours of the missed test.

Assignments

Most modules require learners to complete one assignment which will contribute towards the final mark. Assignments are usually based on theoretical concepts completed in class. Learners are required to refer to the course outlines for details of how and when assignments are to be presented. Assignments must be submitted on or before the due date. Five per cent will be deducted for every day that the assignment is late. Assignments that are more than a week late will not be marked but students will still retain their "due performance" (DP). A medical certificate must accompany late submissions.

Examination

There will be one examination for each module. A three hour exam is usually written for each module.

Example of how marks are calculated: 40% for tests and assignment/s + 60% for the examination = 100%.

How to qualify for the examination:

Learners need to obtain the required DP to qualify for the examination. For DP purposes learners are required to attend lectures to the satisfaction of the lecturer, writing all class tests, completing all assignments, and obtaining a minimum of 40% average as a semester mark (semester mark = test/s + assignment/s).

Formative Assessments:

"Continual formative assessment is conducted so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of specific learning outcomes. The purpose of formative assessment is to improve the learning of individual learners, and to improve the lecture or course material and where relevant the lecturing".

Formative assessment tasks can be one of the following:

Multiple choice tests.

Short questions test.

Discussion questions.

Take home tests with long questions.

(The marks for these activities can be recorded for feedback purposes to learners and other role players who have an interest in the assessment practices of the institution within the regulatory framework).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification compares with a similar degree programme offered by Oxford Brookes University (UK), and the duration is three years at both Damelin and OBU.

Generic Competencies:

Both degrees develop the following generic skills:

Self management, including organization and meeting set deadlines.

Learning skills.

Ability to collect, analyze and present information in an effective manner.

Ability to work in a team and make a positive contribution.

Problem solving skills.

The use of technology to derive maximum productivity.

Similar Modules:

The following modules are incorporated into both institutions curriculum across the year levels:

Damelin Degree:

> Taxation IA, IB, IIA, IIB.
> Financial Acc IA, IB, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB.

Oxford Brookes Degree:

> Advanced Taxation.
> Fundamentals of Finance.
> Understanding Financial Reports.
> Corporate Financial Accounting.
> Further Finance.

Outcomes for the OBU Degree:

Understanding the function and operation of accounting in a range of contexts, informed by current thinking and research in the discipline.

Demonstrate the use of the currently accepted technical language of accounting and accounting practices.

Recognize the limitations and uncertainties of practice within the discipline of accounting and alternatives offered.

Relate theories and empirical evidence concerning financial management, risk and the operation of capital markets.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

It is possible for a learner to access this qualification as a result of the credits obtained at undergraduate diploma and certificate at NQF level 4 or 5. Learners from other higher education institutions are also allowed to access this programme mid-stream depending on the content and outcomes of the modules passed. Credits for comparable modules are received upon recommendation of the Head of Department and approval of the Dean of Studies, subject to ratification and/or approval of the Academic Board.

This qualification enables access to a higher level, either honours degree and/or advance postgraduate diploma in Accounting, Financial Management, and Investment Management.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Level 1 and 2 final examinations, supplementary examinations and memorandums will be sent for internal moderation.

Level 3 final examinations, supplementary examinations and memorandums will be sent for external moderation. Moderators will be subject matter experts sourced from public Universities and/or Technicons.

After the marking process has been completed, the Dean of Studies and HOD's will compile sample packs for moderation. These moderation sample packs will either consist of 6 scripts (where the number of scripts is below 30) or 20% (where the number of scripts is 30 or more).

All internal and external moderators must complete a Damelin moderator's report.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

All examiners and moderators are required to have specialized knowledge in the relevant fields of the accounting profession; they need to have appropriate experience in the assessment of learners at this level as well as being registered as professional accountants with the relevant professional body such as SAICA.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

NOTES

This qualification replaces qualification 23623, which is "Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting", Level 6, 360 credits.

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.	Damelin
2.	Damelin - Randburg