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

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
9851	Bachelor of Commerce Honours
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand
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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
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		EXCO 0733/25	2024-06-30	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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

The purpose of the Bachelor of Commerce Honours is to enhance the employability of the learner in the commerce sector in the area of field studied. These areas include finance, human resources, insurance, management, marketing, economics, applied development economics, and information systems. The qualification aims to introduce learners to more advanced concepts relating to the area of field, in addition to introducing the conventions and processes related to academic research. On completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of a major discipline with a wide overview of the academic reach of that discipline. Undertake and complete a substantial piece of work integrating knowledge and make use of research methods. Operate in both turbulent and stable economic environments and to respond effectively to uncertainties. Access, process and communicate information appropriately and effectively. Work effectively as an individual, in multicultural teams and in multidisciplinary environments. Engage in life-long learning through the exercise of fundamental learning skills and maintain continued competence and to keep abreast the changing business, financial and policy environment which brings ever new methods, techniques, and competitive challenges. Display ethical behaviour and awareness of the code of conduct adopted by the University and of the necessity to carry this code into the world of work. Rationale: The rationale for offering the Bachelor of Commerce Honours is to afford learners opportunities to articulate to postgraduate studies, with an honours level qualification generally being required for admission to Master's level qualifications. Consequently, the qualification enables upward progression for learners, which benefits both their employability and their personal growth as responsible citizens of society. The qualifying learner, with a field in Accounting and other related subjects (such as Tax, Internal Auditing and Managerial Accounting) is equipped to sit a further specialist examination and apply for registration with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants to become an Associate General Accountant.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification. RPL for access: Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL. To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification. RPL for exemption of modules Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module. RPL for credit: Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification. Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted. Entry requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Bachelor of Commerce, NQF Level 7. Or Bachelor of Economic Science, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

Y

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules (per field) at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 150 credits: Select one specialisation field from the following. 1. Finance field, 150 credits: Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits: Theory of Corporate Finance, 30 credits. Theory of Investment, 30 credits. Research paper in Finance, 30 credits. Research Methodology and Techniques, 15 credits. Advanced Financial Risk Management, 15 credits And Elective Modules, 30 Credits (select two modules from the following): Financial Economics: Capital Markets, Investments and International Finance, 15 credits. International Finance, 15 credits. Advanced Financial Modelling in Excel, 15 credits. Subject to the approval, an elective course from a related discipline may be taken. Or 2. Business Sciences (Human Resources) field, 150 credits: Compulsory Modules, 150 Credits: Advanced Labour Studies, 30 credits. Research paper in Business Sciences, 30 credits. Advanced Studies in Organisational Theory, 15 credits. Advanced Studies in Strategic Human Resource Management, 15 credits. Research Methods for the Management Sciences, 30 credits. Statistical Research Design and Analysis (Coursework), 15 credits. Statistical Research Design and Analysis (Project), 15 credits. Or 3. Business Sciences (Insurance) field, 150 credits: Compulsory Modules, 60 Credits: Advanced Insurance and Risk Management, 30 credits. Research paper in Business Sciences, 30 credits. And Elective Modules, 90 Credits (select combinations from the following that equals 90 credits): Advanced Specialised Insurance, 30 credits. Re-insurance, 30 credits. Advanced Liability Insurance and Risk Management, 30 credits. Or both of: Advanced Financial Modelling in Excel, 15 credits. Advanced Financial Risk Management, 15 credits. Subject to the approval, an elective course from a related discipline may be taken. Or 4. Business Sciences (Management) field, 150 credits: Compulsory Modules, 150 Credits: Research paper in Business Sciences, 30 credits Advanced Studies in Entrepreneurship, 15 credits Advanced Studies in Managerial Decision Making and Business Behaviour, 15 credits Advanced Studies in Organisational Theory, 15 credits Advanced Studies in Strategic Management, 15 credits Research Methods for the Management Sciences, 30 credits Statistical Research Design and Analysis (Coursework), 15 credits Statistical Research Design and Analysis (Project) , 15 credits 5. Business Sciences (Marketing) field, 150 credits: Compulsory Modules, 150 Credits: Advanced Consumer Behaviour, 24 credits Research paper in Business Sciences, 30 credits Brand Management, 24 credits Contemporary Issues in Marketing, 24 credits Advanced Research Statistics, 24 credits International Marketing, 24 credits Or 6. Economics field, 150 credits: Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits: Research Paper in Economics, 30 credits Advanced Microeconomics, 30 credits Advanced Macroeconomics, 30 credits Research Methods, 15 credits Advanced Econometrics, 15 credits Abd Elective Modules, 30 Credits (select two modules from the following): History of Economic Thought, 15 credits Advanced Mathematical Economics, 15 credits Development Economics, 15 credits Financial Economics: Capital Markets, Investments and International Finance, 15 credits Topics in Labour Economics, 15 credits The Organisation of Industry, 15 credits Public Finance and Public Choice, 15 credits International Trade, 15 credits International Finance for Lesser Developed Countries, 15 credits Environmental Economics, 15 credits Game Theory, 15 credits Economic Change and Comparative Development, 15 credits International Finance, 15 credits Subject to the approval, an elective course from a related discipline may be taken. Or 7. Applied Development Economics field, 150 credits: Compulsory Modules, 90 Credits: Research Report in Applied Development Economics, 30 credits. Macroeconomics for Development, 20 credits. Microeconomics for Development, 20 credits. Research Methods for Development, 20 credits. Abd Elective Modules, 15 Credits (select one module from the following): Development Economics, 15 credits. Development Theory and Policy, 15 credits. Elective Modules, 15 Credits (select one module from the following): Advanced Econometrics, 15 credits. Econometrics for Development, 15 credits. Elective Modules, 30 Credits (select two modules from the following): History of Economic Thought, 15 credits. Financial Economics: Capital Markets, Investments and International Finance, 15 credits. Topics in Labour Economics, 15 credits. The Organisation of Industry, 15 credits. Environmental Economics, 15 credits. Economic Change and Comparative Development, 15 credits. Subject to the approval, an elective course from a related discipline may be taken. Or 8. Information Systems field, 150 credits: Compulsory Modules, 150 Credits: Advanced Systems Development Practice, 30 credits. Information Systems Management, 30 credits. Research Methods, 30 credits. Research Paper in Information Systems, 30 credits. Selected Topics in Information Systems, 30 credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate knowledge of a major discipline with a wide overview of the academic reach of that discipline. 2. Undertake and complete a substantial piece of work integrating knowledge and make use of research methods. 3. Operate in both turbulent and stable economic environments and to respond effectively to uncertainties. 4. Access, process and communicate information appropriately and effectively. 5. Work effectively as an individual, in multicultural teams and in multidisciplinary environments. 6. Engage in life-long learning through the exercise of fundamental learning skills and maintain continued competence and to keep abreast the changing business, financial and policy environment which brings ever new methods, techniques, and competitive challenges. 7. Display ethical behaviour and awareness of the code of conduct adopted by the University and of the necessity to carry this code into the world of work.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The Associated Assessment Criteria may be applied in an integrated manner across all Exit Level Outcomes: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of a major discipline. Plan and execute a research project. Interpret the nature and functioning of diverse forms of enterprise and economic systems and perform tasks necessary for the effective functioning of enterprises in varying circumstances. Formulate and propose potential solutions to various economic, organisational, business and social problems. Use multi-disciplinary approaches to conceptual thinking and problem-solving. Access information using a spectrum of technologies, ranging from hand-written and auto-generated business records to electronic data bases. Process and communicate information using technologies ranging from written reports to visual presentations. Access, use and organise information and knowledge in an ever-changing context. Use skills to manage him/herself and exercise self-discipline. Plan and initiate the successful completion and management of administrative tasks individually or in collaboration. Formulate, solve, and propose potential solutions to convergent and divergent economic, organisational, business and/or social problems. Show in her/his behaviour/value system and in the conduct of her/his studies, that the importance of ethical behaviour is understood and applied. INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT: Assignments, examinations, and research reports serve as the integrated formative and summative assessments. Formative assessment is undertaken on a continuous basis, incorporating seminar presentations and papers, coursework assignments and tasks, as well as reports on research plans. Such methods assess students' progress towards the professional and academic competencies set out in the exit level outcomes listed above. The summative assessment instruments are designed to integrate practical, theoretical, and reflexive competence in research or in the academic discipline being assessed. Furthermore, to pass a course, and, finally, to qualify, the learner must demonstrate the specialised knowledge acquired. These assessment practices, aligned with intended learning outcomes, will take diverse forms, including inter alia, diagnostic, formative, summative, and continuous assessment. In order to promote, monitor and measure student learning throughout a course, no single assessment may count for more than 40% of the final mark unless there are special circumstances, in which case the permission of the Dean is required.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered: Country: Australia Institution: University of Sydney Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Similarities: The University of Sydney qualification consists of both coursework and research components similar to this qualification. Full-time learners have one year to complete the qualification as is the case with the South African qualification. Difference: The University of Sydney qualification carries 48 credits, and the programme is offered by the university's Business School which differs from the South African qualification. Country: New Zealand Institution: University of Canterbury Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce with Honours Similarities: The intended learning outcomes align to those of this qualification and consists of both coursework and research components. Candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree and must have met the minimum criteria set for the major subject at honours level. Difference: The University of Canterbury qualification carries 120 points.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation: Horizontal Articulation: Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics. NQF Level 9. Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8. Vertical Articulation: Master of Commerce. 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

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 Witwatersrand

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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.