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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Commerce 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99752  Bachelor of Commerce 
ORIGINATOR
Cornerstone Institute (RF) NPC 
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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Commerce is to provide learners with an education in the Business, Economics, and Management Studies fields. The qualification aims to equip learners to be effective businesspeople with specific skills in economics, entrepreneurship, marketing, and human resource management. The qualification covers a broad field of study, including the theory and practice of planning, managing, marketing, and appraising small and large business enterprises and the systematic study of production, conservation and allocation of financial and human resources in the business and commerce sectors.

The qualification further aims to:
  • Equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding of various disciplines in Business, Economics, and Management Studies, enabling them to delve deeper into one or more areas of specialisation.
  • Develop learners' ability to contextualise new knowledge and employ effective problem-solving methodologies.
  • Develop learners' range of cognitive skills, including critical questioning of theories and methodologies, alongside a foundational understanding of research methods. They will demonstrate proficiency in articulating scholarly perspectives and expressing their ideas cogently in both written and oral forms.
  • Foster graduate readiness for further academic pursuits and cultivate a broad educational background in commerce, ensuring graduates are prepared for diverse professional pathways essential for societal well-being. Graduates will demonstrate critical and creative thinking abilities, as well as a commitment to lifelong learning.
  • Expose learners to the principles of critical citizenship, empowering them to engage actively and responsibly in societal discourse and decision-making processes.

    Rationale:
    National and regional government policy and qualifications are currently heavily focused on developing:
  • Graduates with skill sets that meet the immediate requirements of industry, in particular, the new world of work.
  • Entrepreneurs who will start up new businesses and thereby create direct and indirect employment opportunities.

    The qualification is informed by both the broader policy considerations as well as by a detailed set of interviews with business and government employers and an analysis of other tertiary institutions offering business qualifications, conducted in 2022.

    The qualification provides the conceptual and theoretical framework for learners in each of four subject areas that will enable them to engage with theory and develop this into practical applications to address real-world challenges.

    Learners will acquire skills in business management, financial accounting, entrepreneurship, communications, ethics, and project management that are critical to the requirements of modern business. There is significant emphasis on applied practical skills and work-integrated learning activities. The qualification aims to foster a sound understanding of digital transformation and the new world of work underpinned by key 21st-century skills.

    The qualification equips school leavers to secure jobs and enables those already employed to advance their careers in business, particularly those in operations and manufacturing. The qualification is designed to attract those interested in considering the set-up of their own businesses and to ensure graduates have a sound foundational knowledge of business and practical skills.

    A special focus of the qualification is learners and new employees who have not had the benefit of a tertiary education to support them in their choice of career or in their career development. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access:
    To admit no more than 10% of applicants on this basis. For mature learners who have been disadvantaged because of their inability to obtain formal qualifications or who have inadequate entrance qualifications, but who have obtained work or life experience, which qualifies them to be admitted as learners. Learners will be required to complete a portfolio of evidence detailing their experience and the knowledge and skills gained through this experience.

    RPL for Awarding Credit:
    To give learners credit for some of the modules in a qualification because of acceptable prior learning earned through formal/ non-formal/ informal learning. If the previous work completed is at the same level, then credit for credit is given. Learners will be required to complete an assessment aligned to the level descriptors for the NQF Level and the outcomes of the module.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Commerce, Diploma in Financial Management, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Marketing Management, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, and 7, totalling 366 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 126 Credits:
  • Academic Development, 15 Credits.
  • Business Management, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting, 12 Credits.
  • Human Capital Management, 12 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 12 Credits.
  • Economics, 12 Credits.
  • Marketing, 12 Credits.
  • Business Analytics, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 12 Credits.
  • Ethics and Global Citizenship, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 56 Credits:
  • Financial Management, 16 Credits.
  • Ethical Self Leadership, 12 Credits.
  • Strategic Management and Innovation in the New World of Work, 16 Credits.
  • Project Management, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 6, 64 Credits: (Select only 2 Majors)
    Marketing Major:
  • Customer Experience, 16 Credits.
  • Digital Marketing and Sales & Strategic Branding and Integrated Communications, 16 Credits.

    Human Capital Management Major:
  • Managing Constant Change, 16 Credits.
  • Learning and Development & Basic Applied Psychometrics, 16 Credits.

    Economics Major:
  • Macroeconomics, 16 Credits.

    Operations Major:
  • Industry 4.0 in Manufacturing, 16 Credits.
  • Aligning Supply Chains, 16 Credits.

    Financial Management Major:
  • Cost and Management Accounting, 16 Credits.

    Learners must continue with two selected majors carried over from NQF Level 6. Each selected major comprises 48 credits at NQF Level 7. Learners must also complete two compulsory Work Integrated Projects of 12 credits each, one aligned to each selected major.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 7, 96 Credits: (Select only 2 Major Pathways)
    Marketing Major, 48 Credits:
  • Business Integrated Customer Experience, 24 Credits.
  • Sustainable User-centred Marketing, 12 Credits.
  • Market Research and Analytics, 12 Credits.

    Human Capital Management Major, 48 Credits:
  • Strategic Human Capital Management, 24 Credits.
  • Employment Relations, 12 Credits.
  • Teamwork in a Digital Era, 12 Credits.

    Economics Major, 48 Credits:
  • International Economics and World Trade, 24 Credits.
  • Development Economics, 24 Credits.

    Operations Major, 48 Credits:
  • Strategic Value Chain Management, 24 Credits.
  • Lean Sustainable Continuous Improvement, 24 Credits.

    Financial Management Major, 48 Credits:
  • Corporate and International Financial Management, 12 Credits.
  • Business and Commercial Law, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Reporting and Analysis, 12 Credits.
  • Taxation for Business Entities, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Work Integrated Projects, NQF Level 7, 24 Credits:
  • Work Integrated Project 1, 12 credits, aligned to the first selected major.
  • Work Integrated Project 2, 12 credits, aligned to the second selected major. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge systems in at least two of the following areas: Marketing, Human Capital Management, Economics, Operations, and Financial Management.
    2. Demonstrate basic or intermediate understanding of Entrepreneurship, Financial Accounting, Business Management, and key 21st-century skills.
    3. Apply various methods and procedures across finance, operations, and human resources to enhance business performance.
    4. Analyse, assess and resolve contemporary business challenges through applied skills and critical thinking.
    5. Apply ethically sound judgment and sustainable models in business contexts.
    6. Apply well-informed business decisions by gathering and processing data, and through advanced data analysis, propose solutions to complex problems.
    7. Facilitate effective collaboration and communication with peers, stakeholders and senior management through written reports and oral presentations.
    8. Engage with business frameworks and the changing world of work at tactical and strategic levels, understanding the relationships within these systems.
    9. Assess and oversee their own performance and that of others through leadership models, taking responsibility for their own learning.
    10. Employ a strong sense of accountability for themselves and manage others using sound people management practices. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts in the selected areas.
  • Analyse and evaluate real-world case studies to apply theoretical concepts in practical scenarios.
  • Present comprehensive practical assignments on advanced topics within the selected areas.
  • Exhibit proficiency in foundational concepts and principles of Entrepreneurship, Financial Accounting, and Business Management.
  • Apply basic and intermediate skills in these areas to solve practical business problems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of key 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and collaboration through formative assessments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Exhibit proficiency in foundational concepts and principles of Entrepreneurship, Financial Accounting, and Business Management.
  • Apply basic and intermediate skills in these areas to solve practical business problems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of key 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and collaboration through formative assessments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify appropriate methods and procedures for different business functions and justify their selection
  • Implement these methods in simulated or real-world business scenarios to improve performance.
  • Evaluate the outcomes of applied methods and recommend improvements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Conduct thorough analyses of contemporary business challenges using critical thinking frameworks.
  • Develop and present solutions to these challenges based on applied skills and evidence-based reasoning.
  • Evaluate the long-term impact of business decisions on various stakeholders and the environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse business situations and decisions through the lens of ethical principles and sustainability.
  • Propose and justify decisions that reflect ethical soundness and sustainability considerations.
  • Evaluate the long-term impact of business decisions on various stakeholders and the environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate proficiency in data collection methods and tools relevant to business analysis.
  • Perform advanced data analysis to derive insights and inform decision-making.
  • Present data-driven solutions to complex business problems, supported by quantitative and qualitative analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and well-structured written reports on business topics.
  • Develop and present engaging and persuasive oral presentations tailored to different audiences.
  • Facilitate collaborative discussions and teamwork, ensuring all voices are heard and contributions are valued.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Analyse and describe the components and interrelationships of business systems at both tactical and strategic levels.
  • Assess the impact of changes in the business environment on these systems.
  • Develop strategies to adapt and thrive in the evolving world of work, demonstrating a holistic understanding of business systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Apply leadership theories and models to evaluate and improve personal and team performance.
  • Set personal and team goals, monitor progress, and adjust as needed.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development through reflective practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Exhibit a high level of personal accountability in professional tasks and responsibilities.
  • Implement effective people management practices to motivate and manage team members.
  • Address and resolve conflicts within teams, promoting a positive and productive work environment.

    Integrated Assessment
    Assessments are governed by institutional policies that emphasise the principles of fairness, validity, reliability and practicability.

    The qualification is assessed through a combination of formative and summative assessments.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessments include assignments, tests, quizzes, discussion forums and group projects. Every module in the BCom includes a minimum of one discussion forum and one group project, which focuses on a real-world practical business problem (work-integrated learning Level 2 - placement). Formative assessments comprise 60% of the total marks.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessments comprise 40% of the total marks and include tests, examinations and essays.
    In their final year, learners undertake work-integrated learning projects (12 credits each) for each of the two majors which have been selected. These projects comprise a research element, statistical analysis, conclusions and recommendations on business challenges which they will confront in the new world of work.

    All assessments integrate theory and application. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was compared with recognised Bachelor of Commerce qualifications from New Zealand and Ireland.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution name: University of Auckland
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Commerce
    Duration: Three years full-time
    Credits: 360 credits.

    Purpose:
    The qualification provides learners with a broad and flexible undergraduate commerce education. It develops business knowledge, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and applied decision-making skills for participation in contemporary business environments.

    Qualification structure:
    The programme comprises core commerce courses and allows learners to complete a single or double major. Areas of study include Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, and Operations and Supply Chain Management. The first year includes integrated core commerce learning, followed by advanced major study and applied business learning in later years.

    Assessment and applied learning:
    The programme includes interactive learning, business consulting, applied problem-solving and capstone-type learning activities that require learners to apply commerce theory in practical business contexts.

    Articulation:
    Graduates may progress to further undergraduate combinations, honours-equivalent or postgraduate study, subject to institutional admission requirements.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are undergraduate commerce qualifications that provide broad foundational and specialised learning in business, commerce and management-related disciplines.
  • Both qualifications include core commerce areas such as Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management and Operations or Supply Chain-related learning.
  • Both qualifications allow learners to specialise in selected commerce areas and support progression into further study or professional pathways.
  • Both qualifications emphasise applied business learning, problem-solving, communication, teamwork and preparation for contemporary business environments.

    Differences:
  • The South African qualification is positioned on the South African NQF at Level 7 and carries 366 South African credits, while the University of Auckland qualification uses the New Zealand points system and comprises 360 points.
  • The South African qualification includes compulsory Work-Integrated Projects aligned to two selected majors, whereas the University of Auckland qualification includes business consulting and capstone-type applied learning within its institutional programme structure.
  • The South African qualification is designed within the HEQSF and responds to South African commerce, employability, entrepreneurship and workplace needs, while the University of Auckland qualification is designed within the New Zealand higher education context.

    Country: Ireland
    Institution name: University College Dublin
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Commerce
    Duration: Three years full-time.
    Framework level: Irish NFQ Level 8

    Purpose:
    The qualification provides a comprehensive and rigorous foundation in core business disciplines while allowing learners to specialise in selected areas of business expertise. It combines theoretical understanding with practical skills required for graduate employment in the modern business environment.

    Qualification structure:
    The programme includes core business disciplines such as Accounting, Economics, Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Business Analytics, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Information Management. Learners may select final-year subjects from particular business disciplines according to their interests and career pathways.

    Assessment and applied learning:
    Learning includes lectures, tutorials, seminars, group and individual presentations, project work, case studies, simulations and independent study. Assessment combines continuous assessment and end-of-semester examinations. Learners may also access internship and international study opportunities.

    Articulation:
    Graduates may progress into postgraduate study, professional training and employment in private, public and non-profit sectors, subject to admission and professional requirements.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications provide a broad undergraduate commerce foundation with exposure to core business disciplines and selected areas of specialisation.
  • Both qualifications develop analytical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, communication and applied business competence.
  • Both qualifications combine theoretical business knowledge with practical learning activities such as projects, case studies, simulations, presentations and applied business tasks.
  • Both qualifications prepare graduates for employment in commerce-related fields and for progression into postgraduate or professional study.

    Differences:
  • The South African qualification is located at NQF Level 7 on the HEQSF, while the UCD qualification is positioned at Irish NFQ Level 8 within the Irish higher education framework.
  • The South African qualification comprises 366 South African credits and includes structured major pathways with compulsory Work-Integrated Projects, while the UCD qualification follows the Irish credit and stage-based structure and offers an optional internship route.
  • The South African qualification is contextualised to South African business, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and workplace needs, while the UCD qualification is contextualised to Irish and European business education and graduate employment expectations.

    Conclusion:
    The international comparability exercise confirms that the South African Bachelor of Commerce is broadly comparable with recognised international commerce qualifications offered by the University of Auckland and University College Dublin. The comparison demonstrates alignment in undergraduate level and purpose, broad commerce foundations, selected specialisation pathways, applied learning, analytical and decision-making competence, communication and teamwork, graduate employability and progression into further study. The South African qualification demonstrates distinctive contextual relevance through its NQF Level 7 positioning, 366-credit HEQSF-aligned structure, two selected major pathways, compulsory Work-Integrated Projects, and responsiveness to South African business, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and employability needs. The qualification is therefore internationally comparable, academically coherent, professionally relevant and contextually responsive. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Occupational Diploma: Business Banker, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 8.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • National Occupational Certificate: Entrepreneurial Business Manager, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. Cornerstone Institute (RF) NPC 


    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.