Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide students with specialised knowledge of advanced economic concepts, theories, models, laws, principles, skills, research methods and applied competence enabling them to pursue rewarding careers in the changing economic environment within the national and international context.

Rationale

This qualification aims to provide South Africa with graduates who are not only competent in the field of economics with the capacity to understand and function effectively in the economy, but can also research problems associated with the economy of the country.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the Honours Degree studies are

• Applicable Bachelor's Degree.

Or

• Equivalent qualification, as approved by Senate, and should adhere to all the requirements related to majors for the primary part of the proposed Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Honours Degree, including an average of at least 60% in the final year.

This qualification comprises elective modules at Level 8.

Elective Modules Level 8

• Fiscal and Monetary Policy, 16 Credits.
• Gen Equilibrium Theory and Welfare Econ, 15 Credits.
• Power System Economics, 15 Credits.
• Research Methods, 16 Credits.
• Public Policy Analysis, 15 Credits.
• Econometrics, 15 Credits.
• Models In Economics, 15 Credits.
• Economic Development, 16 Credits.
• Research Project, 32 Credits.
• Macro-Economics, 16 Credits.
• Macroeconomic Theory, 15 Credits.
• Micro-Economics, 16 Credits.
• Microeconomic Theory, 15 Credits.
• Economic Modelling, 16 Credits.
• Research Project, 32 Credits.
• International Trade Relations, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialised knowledge of the central areas of economics at the forefront of development.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to apply, evaluate and comment on the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of economics; insight into the different perspectives on and world view of the economic problem in order to develop a personal philosophical framework for functioning in the economy.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in the field economic sciences, and their suitability to varying investigations; and an ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve complex problems or introduce change within practice; the development and application of appropriate processes to access, process and manage information within the field of economics.
4. Demonstrate an ability to independently validate the sources of economic information and evaluate, analyse and elaborate the information.
5. Demonstrate the ability to formulate, present and communicate insightful and creative academic and professional ideas and arguments effectively - verbally and in writing, using appropriate media and communication technology and suitable economics methods.
6. Demonstrate the ability to investigate, critically analyze, understand and solve complex real life and/or hypothetical problems in a coherent and creative manner.
7. Demonstrate demonstrating advanced use of critical thinking in economics in a self directed manner.
8. Demonstrate personal responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and moderate accountability for the decisions and actions of others in the varied and dynamic world of business.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

As stipulated in the Assessment and Moderation Policy of the North West University (NWU), qualification, programme and module outcomes and assessment criteria are clearly formulated according to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) level descriptors and correctly communicated to students as guiding principle for assessment practices at the NWU. At least one opportunity for integrated assessment, where the main purpose and key outcomes of the qualification are assessed, is included in the assessment activities for this qualification. The following formative assessment modes are used, namely class tests and integrated assignments, which form a maximum of 50% of the pass mark. Summative assessment consists of a 2 to 3 hour written examination per module with a weight of 50%. Part of the integrated assessment is the research report or mini-dissertation with a credit value of 32 which the student must submit under the guidance of a supervisor.