Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Finance

The purpose of the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Finance is to focus on the underlying concepts in financial management and management control within the context of strategic management, through the study of appropriate textual and journal material; create the structure which affords the leaners an opportunity to develop a rational approach to financial management in a relatively unstructured academic environment; provide opportunities for learners to receive instruction and to discuss financial planning, management and control issues in depth.

Upon completion, the learner will have to demonstrate the ability to

• Correctly apply advanced theoretical principles of problem identification and solution in the Finance field and reflect critically on the application thereof.
• Plan and conduct a research project in the field of Finance, including gathering, analysing, synthesizing and interpreting information, utilizing appropriate research principles, and reflect critically on the research undertaken.
• Explore and apply different learning strategies to acquire advanced multidisciplinary capabilities in the Finance field.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing by applying professional communication principles and reflecting critically on the application thereof in the Finance field.
• Utilise appropriate technology (computer software) effectively to solve complex problems in the Finance environment.
• Integrate managerial and cognate disciplines to develop an advanced theoretical and practical understanding of the international and national business environment.
• Practise acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others and work effectively in a team by reflecting critically on the implementation thereof.
• Practise responsible citizenship through a holistic approach to the application of professional ethics and values in the Finance field.

The qualification is a Postgraduate specialisation qualification that serves to consolidate and deepen the students a professional expertise in Finance and to develop specialised capacity in the methodology and techniques in this field and submit a research report relevant to area of Finance.

Rationale

Finance is a science of asset and liability management. As a niche area of commerce, the quality of research and innovation in Finance is a crucial element for solving complex Financial/Investments problems for individuals and organisation. The qualification is designed to enhance the analytical reasoning and research skills of the learners who would like to engage in innovative activities and make sound decisions based on scientific financial techniques and approaches. The qualification aims at developing future decision-makers in the Finance scarce-skill field by incorporating the rigorous curriculum with a focus of small group engagement/teamwork and individual supervision on research activities.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution provides access to the qualification in terms of the RPL policy and its admission criteria. In the RPL process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the learners admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the learner's interest in the in the discipline as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement is

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, NQF Level 7.

Or

• A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 7.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling at 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 75 Credits

• Finance Research Report, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Financial Management, 15 Credits.
• Financial Analysis, 15 Credits.
• Statistics for Investments, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules, 30 Credits (Select one or two modules from the groups)

Group 1

• Advanced Management Accounting, 15 Credits.
• Financial Accounting, 15 Credits.

Group 2

• Finance Seminar (Currency risk), 15 Credits
• Financial Statement Analysis, 15 Credits.
• Insurance Long Term, 15 Credits.
• Insurance Short term, 15 Credits.
• Retirement Planning, 15 Credits.
• Financial Accounting, 15 Credits.
• Investment Analysis, 15 Credits.
• Contemporary Management Topics, 15 Credits.
• Management Information Systems, 15 Credits.
• Project Management, 15 Credits.
• Quantitative Management Topics, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Management, 15 Credits.

1. Correctly apply advanced theoretical principles of problem identification and solution in the Finance field and reflect critically on the application thereof.
2. Plan and conduct a research project in the field of Finance, including gathering, analysing, synthesizing and interpreting information, utilizing appropriate research principles, and reflect critically on the research undertaken.
3. Explore and apply different learning strategies to acquire advanced multidisciplinary capabilities in the Finance field.
4. Communicate effectively orally and in writing by applying professional communication principles and reflecting critically on the application thereof in the Finance field.
5. Utilise appropriate technology (computer software) effectively to solve complex problems in the Finance environment.
6. Integrate managerial and cognate disciplines to develop an advanced theoretical and practical understanding of the international and national business environment.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate adequate level of relevant text comprehension.
• Access adequate range of relevant sources and relevant problems to have been grasped.
• Present appropriate theoretical and practical assignments and case studies as well as solutions to problems.
• Ability to work in a team environment and to be able to manage a project in this context.
• Continuous reflection of lecture material via class or group participation.
• Reflection on a particular topic/theme in the module via semester tests during the year.
• Develop the analytical reasoning ability in practical work via analytical work/discussion on practical case on past/current events.
• Deep understanding of development in empirical debates on important topics via submission of summary discussion on important empirical topics and arguments.

Integrated Assessment

The University adopted a Continuous Assessment System. Assessment consists of a number of assessment events throughout the year and a variety of assessment instruments used (for example, tests, essays, practical reports, project reports and oral presentations).