Bachelor of Commerce Honours

The degree is aimed at producing high-quality graduates who have a detailed understanding of a specialised field of commerce and who are able to undertake research in that area. Such individuals can go on to further study in an academic direction, or may seek opportunities for management employment in commerce and industry.

1. The overall purpose of the degree is to produce high-quality graduates who can apply fundamental and specialist knowledge to solve problems and operate effectively within specialised areas of a business environment.
2. The degree also provides the techniques for independent research, analysis and articulation of ideas, which are transferable to further postgraduate study at Masters and Doctoral level.

Candidates are not normally admitted to any course for an Honours degree unless they have been awarded the bachelors degree (NQF level 6), or have been admitted to the status thereof. Normally, candidates will not be admitted to an Honours programme unless they have obtained at least a second class pass in the final year of the bachelors degree of the subject in which they wish to take Honours.

Learners should have a detailed understanding, both in theory and practice, of the principles, theories and facts that form the core of the subject in which they wish to take Honours.

Candidates should be able to communicate adequately in English.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Candidates are granted credit for equivalent prior learning and experience as determined by the University rules governing the recognition of prior learning and experience.

1. The Bachelor of Commerce Honours graduate will be competent to apply specialist knowledge and basic research methods to solve problems and answer questions. The learner will possess an adequate knowledge to commence an appropriate career in a commercial setting. This may involve an entrepreneurial initiative in self-employment, or reflect an ability to function as a valuable employee in any business environment.
2. The learner will be competent to communicate in a professional manner.
3. The learner will have an appreciation of the need, and ability to be a life-long learner.

1. a. The learner will have a specialist knowledge and understanding of the information, concepts and principles applicable to the selected subject.

b. The learner will have the ability to use this knowledge to participate in identifying problems, formulating questions and developing research protocols.

c. The learner will be able to collect, analyse and critically evaluate data needed to answer the questions so formulated.

d. The learner will be able to work effectively with other members of a team or group.

e. The learner will be able to organise and manage themselves and their time effectively.

f. The learner will have an appreciation of the need to respond ethically and to operate with integrity and moral courage, and with due consideration of cultural differences.

1. a. Learners will be able to communicate ideas and their understanding of their subject in both the spoken and written word.

b. The learner will be able to use appropriate technology to facilitate communication.

c. The learner will appreciate the need to publish research results.

d. The learner will be aware of the multilingual nature of South African society, and be able to use language appropriately.

1. a. The learner will possess a framework of knowledge against which new information and advances can be assessed and assimilated.

b. The learner will be able to access new information from libraries, the Internet and other appropriate sources.

c. The learner will understand that business and economic systems change continually requiring the acquisition and application of new information to address changing circumstances requiring the need for life-long learning.

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

1. Assessment procedures adhere to the Rhodes University assessment policy.
2. Assessment entails three elements:

• Continual formal assessment both formative and summative
• Continual informal assessment (formative)
• Formal end-of-course assessment (summative)

The course work on which continuous assessment is based includes work done individually and in groups, and may consist of combinations o tests, essays, tutorial assignments and seminars.