Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Accounting

The qualification is interwoven with the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting. It is designed to expose learners to broad theoretical perspectives on accounting as an academic discipline, to seminal writings in the research literature and from this base to understand the realities of financial reporting in a wider context. It will assist learners in developing critical and analytical skills and in dealing with complex issues logically and lucidly. The qualification will prepare learners for further study, locally or abroad at Masters or Doctoral level in accounting.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

1. Articulate an understanding of an area of specialisation at a high level of abstraction.
2. Independently apply discipline-based knowledge and practices to an understanding of conceptual and practical problem.
3. Design and conduct research utilising the methods of the discipline.
4. Apply the theory and research methods of the discipline to the development of research questions.
5. Produce theoretical and research communications that draw on a range of information bases.
6. Acquired a broad, specialist knowledge of their discipline following internationally accepted norms for an Honours degree.
7. Demonstrated a capacity for studying aspects of the discipline in depth which indicate the ability to undertake further postgraduate study in the discipline.
8. Mastered relevant techniques of analysis, research and problem-solving in the discipline, which will be of special practical usefulness in future professional employment.
9. Reflected on and absorbed appropriate moral values - especially the virtues of intellectual honesty and intellectual humility - relating to the acquisition, dissemination and application of knowledge with special reference to the world of commerce.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of the most important recent findings and discoveries in the discipline they are studying.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principal academic issues and controversies being debated by academics in their field of study.
• Demonstrate appropriate levels of technical competence in the application of quantitative and computer assisted problem solving.
• Have the ability to read and discuss some of the important articles that appear in the relevant academic journals.
• Be able to conduct a literature search and construct a catalogue raisonne of the principal academic works relating to a particular subject matter.
• Be able to apply their specialist knowledge to real life commercial situations in South Africa and globally.
• Be able to participate in discussions of normative issues relevant to the conduct of research and the conduct of business.

Integrated Assessment

The learner's achievement of critical cross-field outcomes is assessed formatively during the course through a range of activities, and summative in the capstone activity outlined.

The learner's achievement of general qualification outcomes is assessed through a range of formative and summative assessments throughout the course and particularly in the capstone activity outlined.

The integration of skills in Accounting Honours is achieved through two written papers and a research report.

The written papers are examined on an open book basis, generally entailing seven to eight hours writing time. Learners are expected to be able to integrate theoretical understanding with an appreciation of practical technicalities. Inter alia, they will be expected to assimilate information relating to a particular issue and prepare a reasoned response which may include a high level of technical proficiency and manipulation of figures. A thorough understanding of the relevant conceptual issues is necessary in producing a defensible solution to the problems presented.

The research report entails a piece of supervised research at the level of a relevant refereed journal and in a form suitable for submission. A clearly defined problem is identified by the learner, leading to a proposal reviewing the literature and outlining the methodology and objectives. Upon completion and writing up of the project, assessment is based on the depth and thoroughness of the research, including adequate justification of the research problem and appropriate "embedding" in the relevant literature. Learners are expected to demonstrate a systematic and independent approach to the research problem and to present a careful, in-depth analysis leading to supportable conclusions. Assessment includes consideration of style, which should be clear and concise.