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Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Title: Bachelor of Commerce: Banking

Purpose:

The primary purpose of the qualification is to prepare learners for managerial positions in financial institutions.

Rationale:

The rationale for the qualification is to provide specialised education, training, and scholarship in the field and practice of banking at the undergraduate level. Banking has become increasingly important due to the needs of consumers for a safe and reliable payment, savings, and investment system in view of dynamic local and global economic and socio-political conditions. The Bachelor of Commerce: Banking prepares learners for the global, and specifically, the African context. The qualification also prepares graduates for specialised employment at the management level of banks and other financial institutions.

Outcomes

Manage the primary functions of a bank in terms of deposits and loans and make decisions based on banking principles.

Manage a typical front and back office of a bank based on managerial principles.

Accurately perform calculations and analyse management information as a basis for managerial decisions.

Evaluate the impact of the state of the economy on banking decisions.

Interpret financial statements as a basis for managerial decisions.

Manage the risks faced by banks.

Manage compliance with applicable laws and bank regulations.

Draft and interpret reports to and from stakeholders of the bank.

Manage a bank's credit department according to credit management principles. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: This qualification promotes, in particular, the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: Identify and solve banking problems in an organisational context in order to improve the management of the financial institution. Autonomously collect, organise and communicate essential information for decision-making purposes. Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community by taking full responsibility for their own work, decision making and use of resources. Organise and manage themselves and their own activities responsibly and effectively, develop their own learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic or continued professional development and interact effectively within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning. Communicate effectively using visual and/or language skills in the mode of written presentations. This includes producing and communicating information in specialised contexts in order to obtain responses and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation. This includes operating effectively within a system, or managing the system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements of the system. Develop sensitivity to the uniqueness of the banking industry in contrast to other industries. This includes identifying and addressing compliance and governance issues based on regulation and governance systems. Promote responsible citizenship by contributing towards the continued operation of a financial institution, and the social and economic development of society at large. Develop a basic theoretical knowledge in banking, taking into account socioeconomic, socio-political, legal and multicultural factors influencing economic, business and banking internationally and nationally.

Assessment Criteria

Generic Assessment Criteria

Identification and Reporting of Risks: Accurately identify, report, and act upon risks in an organisational context, considering economic, socio-political, and legal contexts, as well as compliance, governance, and ethics.
Application of Standard Procedures: Appropriately apply standard procedures, processes, or techniques to address complex problems in the banking environment.
Data Analysis and Interpretation: Independently conduct analyses and interpretation of theoretical, quantitative, and qualitative data, demonstrating coherent and critical insight through theory-driven and evidence-based arguments.
Communication of Judgements and Conclusions: Clearly communicate judgements and conclusions based on information and data using academic/professional discourse effectively and accurately.
Critical Self-Assessment: Reflect on own activities, ethical behavior, and personal development in banking, taking responsibility for continued growth and improvement.
Social Sensitivity: Display acceptable social sensitivity in relationships and interactions with others in scholarly, banking, or managerial work environments.

Integrated Assessment

Successful completion of compulsory modules is required for the qualification.
Evidence of learning competency must be demonstrated through comprehensive and integrated formative and summative assessments.
Assessment methods include written assignments and exams, following the guidelines of the Unisa Assessment Policy.
Summative assessment mark comprises a year mark (10%) from assignments and a written exam (90%).
A minimum pass mark of 50% is required, with 75% constituting a pass with distinction.
Assessors should recognize prior learning and experience.
Lecturers and external markers act as assessor practitioners in line with Unisa Assessment Policy.
Learner support is provided according to Unisa Open Distance Learning and Learner Support policies.

Qualification Details

Type

National First Degree

NQF Level

Min. Credits

360

SAQA Source

More Information

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