University of the Witwatersrand

Bachelor of Commerce

Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Finance Economics and Accounting

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Purpose and Rationale

Purpose of the Qualification:

The purpose of the qualification is to empower qualifiers with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence to enable them to pursue practical and rewarding careers in the local, national, regional, and global business and public sector economic environment.

The purpose of the qualification is also to provide South Africa with graduates competent in one or more of a range of specializations including:

  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Information Systems
  • Knowledge Management
  • Marketing
  • Human Resources
  • Finance
  • Insurance
  • Property
  • Taxation
  • Public Sector Studies
  • Law

Furthermore, the purpose of the qualification is to assist and enable the learner to develop intellectual and moral capacity, understanding of the business and economic environment, critical and innovative thinking skills, and to build a foundation for further specialization.

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 operate in both turbulent and stable economic environments and to respond effectively to uncertainties.
  3. The qualifying learner has the ability to access, process and communicate information appropriately and effectively.
  4. The qualifying learner is able to work effectively as an individual, in multicultural teams and in multidisciplinary environments.
  5. 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.
  6. The qualifying learner is ethical and aware of the code of conduct adopted by the University and of the necessity to carry this code into the world of work.
  7. The qualifying learner, with a specialisation in Accounting and other related subjects (such as Tax, Internal Auditing and Managerial Accounting) is equipped to sit a further specialist examination and apply for registration with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants to become an Associate General Accountant. Critical Cross-field Outcomes: a) "Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made" - see Exit Level Outcomes (ELO)
  8. b) "Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community" - see ELO
  9. c) "Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively" - see ELO 3 &
  10. d) "Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information" - see ELO 2 &
  11. e) "Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion" - see ELO 1 &
  12. f) "Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others" - see ELO 3 &
  13. g) "Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts does not exist in isolation" - see ELO 2 &
  14. h) "Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of: (i) "Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively" - see ELO 1 to
  15. (ii) "Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities" - see ELO 6### note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the University and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied. (iii) "Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts" - see ELO 2 &
  16. (iv) "Exploring education and career opportunities" - see ELO 5 &
  17. (v) "Developing entrepreneurial opportunities" - see ELO 2.

Assessment Criteria

Qualifying Learner Outcomes:

  1. The qualifying learner demonstrates specialist knowledge of a major discipline in more than one area.
  2. The qualifying learner is able to:
    • Understand the nature and functioning of diverse forms of enterprise and economic systems.
    • Perform tasks necessary for the effective functioning of enterprises in varying circumstances.
    • Formulate and propose potential solutions to various economic, organizational, business, and social problems.
    • Use multi-disciplinary approaches to conceptual thinking and problem-solving.
  3. The qualifying learner is able to:
    • Access information using a spectrum of technologies.
    • Process and communicate information using various technologies.
    • Organize information knowledge in an ever-changing context.
  4. The qualifying learner:
    • Understands and uses skills to manage him/herself.
    • Exercises self-discipline.
    • Can plan and initiate the successful completion of management tasks individually or collaboratively.
  5. The qualifying learner is able to:
    • Formulate and solve problems.
    • Propose potential solutions to various economic, organizational, business, and social problems.
  6. The qualifying learner demonstrates ethical behavior in behavior/value system and studies.
  7. By qualifying with a B.Com with specializations, the learner is eligible to sit a specialist examination and apply for registration with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants to become an Associate General Accountant.

Integrated Assessment:

During the course of study and particularly at the stage of final assessment, assessment practices include criteria pertaining to all the outcomes for the degree to ensure that these outcomes are integrated with one another. The qualifying learner has demonstrated that he or she has achieved the exit level outcomes by passing all course requirements within a specified time duration for obtaining the qualification.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
360
SAQA Source
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University of the Witwatersrand
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.
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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.