Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Quantitative Finance
Purpose:
Sources: SAQA official qualification record, SAQA registered qualifications record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Honours Degree
Credits
120
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
University of Johannesburg
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies
Subfield
Finance, Economics and Accounting
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with the required theoretical and practical training needed to understand and implement mathematical financial models. The qualification is needed for entry into professional practice or management positions in the quantitative finance services industry. The curriculum covered in the qualification provides an in-depth groundwork for further learning and specialisation within financial engineering field and advanced quantitative finance. The provision of self-reflexive, scientifically trained professionals for the South African financial services industry builds our national, intellectual and economic infrastructure.
Rationale
The rationale for this qualification is to improve the current academic offering of the Department of Finance and Investment Management. On the Investment Management side, only a broad based Honours Degree is currently being offered. The Bachelor Commerce Finance Degree in Quantitative Finance is a specialised qualification that is currently in demand in industry due to its specialised nature.
The qualification will provide much needed quantitative skills to the market and it will create an additional opportunity for learners with mathematical backgrounds. By adding mathematics to the B Com Finance degree, it enhances the current offering to undergraduate learners building the brand of the Department, Faculty and University of Johannesburg as a whole.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The Faculty accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to Faculty programmes to promote lifelong learning. An example of prior learning refers to work experience relevant to the quantitative finance field, such as experience on systems used in the quantitative finance industry.
The purpose of the institution's RPL policy which directs the Faculty's RPL procedure, is to recognise prior learning in order to provide for access into programmes, grant advanced placement in programmes and grant credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as basis for faculty-specific RPL practices.
Entry Requirements
An appropriate Bachelor's Degree with a minimum average of 65%, obtained in the final year modules.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
The qualification consists of 9 compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
Modules
- Introduction to Derivative Securities, 10 Credits.
- South African Financial Instruments and Markets, 12 Credits.
- Numerical Methods in Finance, 12 Credits.
- Risk Measurement 1, 10 Credits.
- Interest Rate Modelling, 12 Credits.
- Stochastic Process for Finance - Discrete, 12 Credits.
- Stochastic Process for Finance - Continuous, 12 Credits.
- Risk Measurement 2, 10 Credits.
- Research Project: Quantitative Finance, 30 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all content that is required to develop an accurate understanding of the subject matter.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the subject matter.
- Evaluate problems and provide insightful solutions.
- Demonstrate leadership and initiative.
- Reflect and explore effective learning strategies.
- Participate as a responsible citizen.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Stochastic differential equations, stochastic calculus and other mathematical tools are interpreted.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Advanced understanding of key aspects and implications of specified systems, solutions, specified bodies of content and the effect in financial mathematics is presented.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Multiple options of applying and integrating mathematical knowledge to solve theoretical, applied or real life financial engineering problems are examined.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- An ability to reflect with self and others, critical of own and other peoples' thoughts and actions, and capable of self-organisation and working in groups in the face of continual challenge from the environment is exhibited.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
- A consciousness of, and engagement with own learning and learning strategies is demonstrated
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6
- An ability to conduct oneself as an independent learner and practitioner is demonstrated.
Integrated Assessment
- As per Institutional/Faculty policy.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification articulates horizontally with NQF Level 8 Finance qualifications with strong Mathematical component. It also articulates vertically with NQF Level 9 registered Finance qualifications with a strong Mathematical component. Articulation options in all cases remain the prerogative of the receiving institutions.
International comparability
Comparability studies were carried out on the following qualifications
- Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Honours), University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
- Bachelor Science (Honours) with major in Quantitative Finance, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
These two qualifications were found to be closely comparable when considered from curriculum focus and content point of view.
Conclusion
This qualification was designed not only to have local value but also to secure international acclaim and recognition. Such an achievement could only be attained by following international best practices and standards when developing qualifications. In conducting comparability studies, the production of a quality qualification with a credible local and international standing was a guiding principle.
Notes
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015.
NOTES
N/A
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
Related Qualifications
Explore other relevant certificates and degrees in this field.
Apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to practice as a general accountant with a specialized knowledge of financial accounting, taxation, business finance, management accounting, auditing and enrolling for the qualifying examination for Chartered Accountancy.
To provide students with advanced knowledge and skills about advanced aspects of accounting sciences (including financial accountancy, taxation, management and auditing), thus equipping them for a career as chartered accountant in accounting and management areas of the private and public sectors where their participation will promote sustainable growth and development, and maximise prosperity in all sectors of the economy and society.
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to strengthen and deepen student's knowledge of management accounting and to develop their research capacity in the said field of study. It will also prepare students for a career in management accounting, either as academics or in practice.
Use this qualification in your readiness workflow
Once the qualification identity is clear, your institution can structure the readiness work around the right title, NQF level, dates, and supporting records instead of rebuilding that story later.