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 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90509  Bachelor of Commerce 
ORIGINATOR
Milpark Education (Pty) Ltd 
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  370  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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   2033-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The programme is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to enter the job market in the general field of commerce or to pursue further studies at either Postgraduate Diploma or Honours level. In addition, two alternative streams allow for students to specialise in either financial planning or in banking. The financial planning stream will equip students for a career as financial planner, covering all aspects relating to personal and corporate financial planning and investments. The banking stream will equip students with knowledge and skills required for a career in banking, covering all aspects relating to credit, banking products and finance.

Rationale:
In light of the Financial Services Board requirements for registration, it is clear that a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with a major in the financial planning stream will allow for a career path into a Postgraduate Diploma: Financial Planning, a requirement for registration as a certified financial planner. The design proposed also allows for a major in banking, and a more generic route that gives students some flexibility in the selection of their areas of interest.

The rationale for offering the two areas of specialisation is the focus that has been placed on relevant and specific qualifications for all role players in the financial services industry by legislation such as the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act.

There are also a number of professional designations in this field that require Postgraduate studies. A Bachelor of Commerce Degree with optional majors in these areas will provide the required basis for further studies in these particular fields. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
English language proficiency of at least NQF Level 4 is required.
Foreign applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide proof of proficiency in English prior to admission to the qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Students can achieve this qualification in part or in whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning. The institution's RPL policy guides this process whereby skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competence acquired through formal and non-formal learning are assessed.

RPL for Formal Learning (Credit Recognition):
Students may apply for credits or exemptions for subjects already passed in-house or at other recognised institutions.

RPL for Informal and Non-Formal Learning:
Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competences acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process.

Access to the Qualification:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Mathematics granting access to Bachelor's Degree Studies.
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption with Mathematics granting access to Bachelor's Degree Studies.
    Access to this qualification may also be gained through the recognition of formal and non-formal prior learning (incorporating experiential learning) at NQF Level 4 or a functional equivalent. Mature age applicants and applicants with NQF Level 4 qualifications will be considered individually by the Director in keeping with the requirements of the RPL policy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All Fundamental modules are compulsory. Students choose one major, either in the generic, banking or financial planning stream. 370 Credits are required to obtain the qualification.

    Modules:

    Level 5:
    Compulsory:
  • Economics 1A, 20 Credits.
  • Accounting 1A, 20 Credits.
  • Business Management 1A, 20 Credits.

    Electives:

    Banking Stream:
  • Banking 1A, 20 Credits.

    Financial Planning Stream:
  • Personal Financial Planning, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Planning Products, 20 Credits.

    Generic Stream:
  • Business Mathematics, 20 Credits.

    Level 6:
    Compulsory:
  • Accounting 1B, 20 Credits.
  • Economics 1B, 15 Credits.
  • Economics 2A, 15 Credits.
  • Business Management 1B, 14 Credits.
  • Business Management 2B, 15 Credits.
  • Marketing Management, 15 Credits.

    Electives:

    Banking Stream:
  • Banking 1B, 19 Credits.
  • Banking 2A, 20 Credits.
  • Banking 2B, 20 Credits.
  • Taxation, 15 Credits.

    Financial Planning Stream:
  • Legal Aspects of Financial Planning, 20 Credits.
  • Corporate Financial Planning, 20 Credits.
  • Taxation, 15 Credits.

    Generic Stream:
  • Business Statistics, 15 Credits.
  • Business Management 2A, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Management 1, 15 Credits.

    Select any TWO of:
  • Economics 2B, 15 Credits.
  • Accounting 2, 15 Credits.
  • Taxation, 15 Credits.
  • Project Management , 15 Credits.

    Level 7:
    Compulsory:
  • Business Management 3A, 16 Credits.
  • Economics 3A, 15 Credits.

    Electives:

    Banking Stream:
  • Banking 3A, 20 Credits.
  • Banking 3B, 20 Credits.
  • Banking 3C, 20 Credits.
  • Finance, 13 Credits.
  • Risk Management, 18 Credits.

    Financial Planning Stream:
  • Investment Planning, 20 Credits.
  • Retirement Planning, 20 Credits.
  • Estate Planning, 20 Credits.
  • Case Study, 30 Credits.

    Generic Stream:
  • Financial Management 2, 15 Credits.
  • Business Research Methods, 20 Credits.

    Select any ONE of:
  • Entrepreneurship, 18 Credits.
  • Risk Management, 18 Credits.

    Select any TWO of:
  • Economics 3B, 20 Credits.
  • Public Management, 20 Credits.
  • International Business, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate awareness of the management and leadership competences necessary to operate in the local or international business environment in the fields of Banking, Financial Planning or General Commerce.
    2. Demonstrate awareness of the essential components of an effective operations strategy in the field of Banking, Financial Planning or general commerce.
    3. Demonstrate awareness of essential economic theory and its managerial and business implications for Banking, Financial Planning or general commerce.
    4. Conduct business research with appropriate supervision in the fields of Banking, Financial Planning or General Commerce.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    Qualifying learners will be required to demonstrate competence in the following Critical Cross Field Outcomes:
  • Identify, systematically examine, critically evaluate and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions have been made, using critical and creative thinking.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse, organises and critically evaluate information.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Self manage skills development from the range of experiences and learning opportunities available.
  • Transfer skills and continuous learning to organisational setting. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an ability to engage critically with the nature and importance of essential management competences including planning, organisational design, decision-making, teamwork, leadership and communication.
  • Identify and explain the factors driving globalisation and the emergence of Multi National Enterprises (MNEs).
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural dimensions of South Africa's major trading partners and the relevant management implications thereof.
  • Select from and apply the commonly used tools of organisational, industrial, political and country risk analysis to a variety of contexts and situations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically explain the relationship between organisational resources and the satisfaction of customer needs in a variety of organisational contexts.
  • Discuss the dimensions and approaches to quality management and/or regulatory compliance in the various contexts as required.
  • Apply commonly used tools of operations strategy analysis to a variety of contexts and situations.
  • Demonstrate an ability to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired from a variety of learning areas including finance, economics and marketing, to the development and evaluation of an entrepreneurial process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate ability to represent, analyse and interpret a variety of microeconomic and macroeconomic data or information.
  • Demonstrate ability to analyse conditions of consumer and producer equilibrium.
  • Demonstrate understanding of and apply knowledge of the relationships between sectors of the South African Economy and the implications for South Africa's macroeconomic objectives.
  • Demonstrate ability to apply commonly used tools for analysing international trade and finance in a variety of contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Define a business research problem and relevant research questions.
  • Develop a plausible business research proposal.
  • Collect and analyse data applying to credible research methods.
  • Compile a comprehensive and logical research report making use of appropriate business and academic language.
  • Present the key findings of a research process using appropriate language and technologies.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment is used extensively across the qualification, particularly in the case studies. Self and formative assessment takes place through case studies, assignments, including the writing of proposals and financial plans. Summative assessments are integrated into the learning in that they take place at the end of each of the constituent modules of the programme. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Bachelor of Commerce Degree locally and internationally provides a well-rounded education in the knowledge base that applies to the world of business.

    Australia: University of Melbourne, Bachelor of Commerce.
    This qualification combines a common core of specialist subjects:
  • Accounting.
  • Finance.
  • Business Management.
  • Marketing Business.

    Australia: University of New South Wales, The Bachelor's Degree in Commerce.
    This qualification is flexible and allows the learner to design a Degree to follow interests or career ambitions in:
  • Accounting.
  • Finance.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Marketing.
  • Information Systems.

    Canada: University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Commerce.
    This qualification qualifies students to practice business and commerce and to carry out related business tasks. Alternatively, a Degree in business administration qualifies students to practice business administration and to carry out related management tasks. The main management disciplines are:
  • Business and Financial Environment.
  • Financial Resource Management.
  • Leadership and Professional Development.
  • Managing People and Organisations.
  • Marketing.
  • Operations Management.
  • Strategic Management.
  • Information Management.
  • MBA Business Forecasting and Modelling.
  • Corporate Finance.
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures.
  • Global Business.
  • International Marketing.
  • Management Consultancy.
  • Management of Change.
  • Managing Corporate Social Responsibility.
  • Public Service Management.
  • Services Marketing.
  • Strategic Management of E-Business.
  • Strategic Operations Management.
  • Strategic Project Management.
    If a student's chosen area is management, they will receive a general and thorough background in management with the emphasis on the development of the behavioural skills necessary to succeed in the public and private, profit and non-profit sectors, and the coursework will typically include required courses in human resource management, labour/management relations, systems management, and organisational behaviour, with specialised options in such topics as managing a heterogeneous workforce, gender issues in management, and entrepreneurship.

    NQF countries: Countries that operate on the basis of an NQF include the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. A direct comparison of the Title, Exit Level Outcomes and Assessment Criteria was undertaken with each, and it was found that the qualification compares really well.

    Conclusion:
  • The concept of a single qualification with the potential to be used across a range of sectors, i.e. private, public and non-governmental, is common in all the qualifications.
  • These qualifications contain core knowledge and specialised knowledge that compare favourably with the content of this Bachelor of Commerce.
  • The comparison showed a substantial degree of similarity to the international qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal or diagonal articulation into another Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration Degree is possible, particularly in the early stages of the Degree programme.

    The Qualification articulates vertically with:
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Financial Planning.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Business Management. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal moderation of all assessment is carried out by the academic staff of the institution. Internal moderators are qualified at least one NQF Level higher than that of the qualification. External moderation of assessment is performed by suitably qualified persons across the country in keeping with the requirements of the Higher Education sector. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors and moderators must:
  • Hold a qualification at least one level higher than the qualification being assessed or moderated.
  • Have more than two years' teaching experience relevant to the qualification being assessed. Assessors with less than two years' experience have their assessment work moderated by a peer. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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. Milpark Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.