University of the Witwatersrand

Bachelor of Accounting Science

Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Finance Economics and Accounting

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose: The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with a foundational understanding of accounting principles and practices, in preparation for pursuing a professional accounting qualification. This qualification aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to progress towards an undergraduate degree and ultimately qualify to enter the accounting profession.

Rationale: The rationale behind offering this qualification is to enable learners to begin their journey towards becoming a qualified accounting professional. By providing a solid grounding in accounting concepts at the undergraduate level, learners will be well-prepared to pursue further studies at the Honours level. This qualification serves as a stepping stone towards the accounting profession's qualifying examination, ensuring that learners have the necessary foundation to succeed in their future career endeavors in the accounting field.

Outcomes

  1. The qualifying learner has an in-depth knowledge of a major discipline in more than one area.
  2. The qualifying learner is able to convert business records using formal and accepted accounting practices into management information.
  3. The qualifying learner is able to operate in both turbulent and stable economic environments and to respond effectively to uncertainties.
  4. The qualifying learner has the ability to access, process and communicate information appropriately and effectively.
  5. The qualifying learner is able to work effectively as an individual, in multicultural teams and in multidisciplinary environments.
  6. The qualifying learner is competent to engage in life-long learning through the exercise of fundamental learning skills and understands the requirement to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast the changing business, financial and policy environment which brings ever new methods, techniques, and competitive challenges.
  7. The qualifying learner is ethical and aware of the code of conduct adopted by the Institution and of the necessity to carry this code into the world of work.
  8. The qualifying learner, with a specialisation in Financial Accounting and other related subjects (such as Tax, Auditing and Management Accounting and Finance) is equipped to proceed to a post-graduate year of study to enable him or her to meet the requirements for entry to the professional qualifying examination of the SA Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

  1. The qualifying learner demonstrates specialist knowledge of a major discipline in more than one area.
  2. The qualifying learner is able to produce auditable statements to South African standards.
  3. The qualifying learner is able to:
    • Understand the nature and functioning of diverse forms of enterprise and economic systems and perform tasks necessary for effective enterprise functioning in various circumstances.
    • Formulate and propose potential solutions to various economic, organizational, business, and social problems.
    • Use multi-disciplinary approaches to conceptual thinking and problem-solving.
  4. The qualifying learner is able to:
    • Access information using a spectrum of technologies, ranging from hand-written to auto-generated business records and electronic databases.
    • Process and communicate information using technologies ranging from written reports to visual presentations.
    • Access, use, and organize information and knowledge in an ever-changing context.
  5. The qualifying learner:
    • Understands and uses skills to manage him/herself and exercises self-discipline.
    • Can plan and initiate the successful completion of management supporting, management, and administrative tasks individually or in collaboration.
  6. The qualifying learner is able to:
    • Formulate and propose potential solutions to convergent and divergent economic, organizational, business, and social problems.
  7. The qualifying learner has shown in her/his behavior/value system and in the conduct of her/his studies, that the importance of ethical and professional behavior is understood and applied.
  8. By qualifying with the proposed new BAccSci with accounting specializations, followed by an HDipAcc or the proposed new BAccSci Honours, the learner is eligible to sit a further specialist examination and apply for registration with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants to become a Chartered Accountant.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
360
SAQA Source
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University of the Witwatersrand
Description
The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits University or simply Wits, is a renowned public research university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Established in 1896, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. Wits University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, commerce, health sciences, and law. The university is known for its academic excellence, research contributions, and commitment to social justice. It has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life, with numerous student organizations and cultural activities. Wits University is recognized internationally for its high-quality education and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Africa.

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.