University of Cape Town

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Accounting

Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Finance Economics and Accounting

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Purpose and Rationale

The qualification is interwoven with the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and is designed to expose learners to broad theoretical perspectives on accounting as an academic discipline. It incorporates seminal writings from the research literature to help learners understand the realities of financial reporting in a wider context. Through this program, learners will develop critical and analytical skills to deal with complex issues logically and lucidly.

Furthermore, this qualification aims to prepare learners for further study, whether locally or abroad, at the Masters or Doctoral level in accounting. It provides a solid foundation for advancing academic pursuits in the field of accounting.

Outcomes

  1. Articulate an understanding of an area of specialisation at a high level of abstraction.
  2. Independently apply discipline-based knowledge and practices to an understanding of conceptual and practical problem.
  3. Design and conduct research utilising the methods of the discipline.
  4. Apply the theory and research methods of the discipline to the development of research questions.
  5. Produce theoretical and research communications that draw on a range of information bases.
  6. Acquired a broad, specialist knowledge of their discipline following internationally accepted norms for an Honours degree.
  7. Demonstrated a capacity for studying aspects of the discipline in depth which indicate the ability to undertake further postgraduate study in the discipline.
  8. Mastered relevant techniques of analysis, research and problem-solving in the discipline, which will be of special practical usefulness in future professional employment.
  9. Reflected on and absorbed appropriate moral values - especially the virtues of intellectual honesty and intellectual humility - relating to the acquisition, dissemination and application of knowledge with special reference to the world of commerce.

Assessment Criteria

Exit Level Outcomes Assessment Criteria:

  1. Knowledge of Recent Findings and Discoveries:

    • Demonstrate knowledge of recent findings and discoveries in the discipline being studied.

  2. Understanding of Academic Issues and Controversies:

    • Demonstrate an understanding of the principal academic issues and controversies debated by academics in the field of study.

  3. Technical Competence:

    • Demonstrate appropriate levels of technical competence in quantitative and computer-assisted problem solving.

  4. Reading and Discussing Academic Articles:

    • Be able to read and discuss important articles from relevant academic journals.

  5. Literature Search and Catalogue Construction:

    • Conduct a literature search and construct a catalogue raisonne of principal academic works related to a specific subject matter.

  6. Application of Specialist Knowledge:

    • Apply specialist knowledge to real-life commercial situations in South Africa and globally.

  7. Participation in Normative Issue Discussions:

    • Participate in discussions of normative issues relevant to research and business conduct.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Critical Cross-Field Outcomes Assessment:

    • Assessed formatively through various activities during the course and summatively in the capstone activity.

  • General Qualification Outcomes Assessment:

    • Assessed through formative and summative assessments throughout the course and in the capstone activity.

Integration of Skills in Accounting Honours:

  • Written Papers and Research Report:

    • Two written papers and a research report are required.

  • Written Papers Format:

    • Open book examination with 7-8 hours writing time.
    • Integration of theoretical understanding with practical technicalities.
    • Expected to provide reasoned responses with high technical proficiency.

  • Research Report Format:

    • In the form of a supervised research at the level of a relevant refereed journal.
    • Clearly defined problem identification, literature review, methodology, and objectives.
    • Assessment based on depth and thoroughness of research, justification of the research problem, and embedding in relevant literature.
    • Systematic and independent approach to the research problem, in-depth analysis, and supportable conclusions.
    • Style of writing should be clear and concise.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of Cape Town
University of Cape Town
Description
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a prestigious public research university located in Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 1829, it is the oldest university in South Africa and has consistently been ranked as the top university on the African continent. UCT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and commerce. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and social impact. UCT's campus is situated on the slopes of Devil's Peak, providing stunning views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. The university attracts a diverse student body from South Africa and around the world, fostering a vibrant and multicultural learning environment.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.