Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Finance Economics and Accounting
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics
Purpose
The purpose of the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics is to provide learners with advanced academic knowledge, higher thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills in the field of economics generally and in particular development economics, international economics, financial economics, and financial markets. This qualification will allow qualified learners to deepen their expertise in various aspects of economics, further develop their knowledge and skills in research methodology and techniques of Economics, and prepare learners for research-based postgraduate studies through conducting and reporting economics research under supervision. The qualification provides a high level of engagement with economics concepts and theories, focusing on the development of the scholars' intellectual independence. Through a carefully crafted plan of study, learners will be equipped to take up space in society as members of an economic community, defining, identifying, investigating, examining, and working out solutions to economic problems, and empowering learners to assume leadership roles where necessary. In the context of the 4IR and a dynamically changing interdisciplinary socio-economic and political environment, this qualification aims to promote learners to respond flexibly and adapt their skills and knowledge in new situations. One of the outcomes is to capacitate qualified learners to reimagine, rethink, and reshape conventional economic thinking to address the challenges of digitized markets.
Rationale
In the South African context, current socio-economic challenges include high levels of poverty and inequality, youth unemployment, lack of foreign direct investment, poor governance, political uncertainty, social unrest, misalignment of economic policies, and subdued economic growth prospects. This qualification is designed to supply the industry with qualified learners who have a deep practical understanding and application of economics to support provincial growth and development strategies with a solid knowledge of international synergies. The skills developed by the qualification aim to enhance key economic sectors as drivers of economic activity in South Africa and beyond. It equips qualifying learners with advanced economics skills to address contemporary complex socio-political and economic challenges. The curriculum has been developed after a needs analysis and benchmarking exercise with reputable universities, internal and external consultations with stakeholders. The qualification benefits learners by preparing them with cutting-edge knowledge and analytical skills to play a critical leadership role in the future development of economics, which is fundamental to enterprises of all sizes, benefiting society and the economy.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge and an understanding of conceptual, theoretical and methodological approaches to economics that are founded upon, extend and enhance the knowledge and understanding associated with the learners' undergraduate training.
- Use the acquired knowledge and understanding as a basis for original and critical development and application of ideas to constructively and knowledgeably contribute to knowledge development in economics.
- Assess, evaluate and integrate knowledge to propose solutions to specific economic problems in the South African context.
- Manage complex problems, integrate alternative ideas and apply knowledge from economics.
- Demonstrate the ability to formulate judgements that take full cognisance of the data available and the context.
- Undertake independent research in the field of economics.
- Communicate effectively to audiences using appropriate language and technology.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage own work and work in groups and share leadership roles.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
- An understanding of the theories, principles, procedures, and practices, research methodologies, methods, and techniques in economics is demonstrated.
- Produce original and critical interpretations of theories, practices, and case studies in economics.
- Apply knowledge of the concepts, principles, practices, and theories of economics, in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
- Apply knowledge and understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or relatively unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to economics and have the ability to handle complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests, and accommodate multiple views of reality.
- Formulate judgments with incomplete or limited information, which include a reflection on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge as well as judgments in the economic context.
- Identification of appropriate methods, including statistical methods, where a range of methods are considered and the appropriate ones are chosen, is demonstrated in the research report.
- Share their conclusions and views and the knowledge and rationale underpinning various economic topics, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, clearly and unambiguously.
- Work efficiently and effectively as an individual and as a member of a team on an economics project, and take responsibility for own work, use of resources, and providing leadership and support when appropriate.
Integrated Assessment:
Assessment of learner learning in the Honours Degree has been standardized as far as is possible within the theory modules and is both formative and summative. For formative assessment, learners will be provided with four assignments per module and the feedback will be used by the learners to improve their learning. For the summative assessment, the extent to which learners have achieved the outcomes will be assessed at the end of each module in a single formal examination. In the Research Project module, assessment is again formative and summative. The formative assessment takes the form of four assignments and the summative assessment is the written project report.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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