Bachelor of Economics

The degree is intended as a general training for people who are capable of becoming leaders in commerce and industry, but with particular reference to economic aspects.

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 in a business environment.

2.The degree also provides the techniques for independent research, analysis and articulation of ideas, which are transferable to postgraduate study and life-long learning.

Candidates are not normally admitted to the full curriculum for the degree unless they are in possession of a matriculation exemption certificate and have obtained at least an F symbol in Mathematics on the Higher Grade, or an E symbol on the Standard Grade in the matriculation examination, or a pass in mathematics deemed to be the equivalent of the above.

Special provision is made in the Faculty of Commerce to accommodate students who would not normally be admitted to the curricula for the B Economics degree, or who are identified as having potential but as lacking an adequate educational background in certain key subjects. A number of special credit earning courses are offered in terms of the Commerce Faculty Foundation Course.

Candidates should be able to communicate coherently in spoken and written 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 learner will possess an adequate knowledge to commence an appropriate career in an economic setting. This may involve an entrepreneurial initiative in self-employment, or reflect an ability to function as a valuable employee in any business environment.

In order to meet this exit level outcome, learners will

Knowledge outcomes

a. Understand the concepts and principles necessary for functioning in a business or industrial environment particularly where a knowledge of economics is required.

b. Be aware of the critical techniques necessary for the study and application of business principles and the ability to evaluate competing theories and approaches.

c. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the information, concepts and principles applicable to a selected set of subjects.

Skills outcomes

a. Behave in an adaptable and flexible manner, with sound social skills in dealing with others.

b. Have the ability to perform tasks independently without supervision.

c. Work effectively on projects as a member of a team.

d. Have the ability to think laterally and innovatively in applying concepts and principles in a business environment.

e. Display judgement and objectivity in analysing information and performing tasks.

Value &Attitudes Outcomes

f. Have an appreciation of the need to respond ethically and to operate with integrity and moral courage in the business environment.

1. The learner will have a range of broader skills for dealing with issues of professional and personal life, including: confidence in written and oral communication; the ability to manage time effectively; productive use of information technology; and working effectively in teams.

In order to meet this exit level outcome, learners will

Skills outcomes

a. Be able to communicate ideas from one or more general fields of business studies and economics in both the spoken and written word.

b. Be able to manage time effectively.

c. Be able to use appropriate technology to facilitate communication.

d. Work effectively in teams showing leadership and performing critical functions.

Value &Attitudes Outcomes

e. Be aware of the multilingual nature of South African society, and are able to use language appropriately.

1. The learner will be competent in the techniques of independent research, analysis and articulation of ideas, which are transferable to postgraduate study and life-long learning.

In order to meet this exit level outcome, learners will

Knowledge Outcomes

Possess a framework against which new information and advances in business studies can be assessed and assimilated.

Skill Outcomes

Be able to access new information from libraries, the Internet and other appropriate sources.

Values & Attitudes Outcomes

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.

After the First Year

Learners should be able to demonstrate an understanding, both in theory and practice, of the basic principles, theories and facts that are central to a set of subjects that form the core of a particular curriculum. Learners will have a broad knowledge base with substantial depth in some areas, particularly economics.

Learners should be able to use available resources to gain access to information.

Learners should be able to interpret and summarise information from a variety of sources in the form of a logically structured and well-written essay.

After the Second Year

Learners should be able to demonstrate an understanding, both in theory and practice, of the principles, theories and facts that form the core of the major sub-disciplines of the degree, particularly that of economics.

Learners should be able to use all available library resources to undertake independent study.

Learners should be able to analyse and evaluate a wide range of information and present the results as a logically structured and well-written essay.

After the Third Year

Learners should be able to demonstrate a detailed understanding, both in theory and practice, of the principles, theories and facts that form the core of the sub-discipline of economics. Learners are expected to be able to show a complete understanding of more than one topic within the sub-discipline.

The learner will be required to demonstrate basic research, creative problem solving and critical thinking skills, as individuals and in groups.

The learner will have well-developed communicative skills and should be able to structure a logical argument both in writing and in the spoken form.

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

Integrated assessment is incorporated using a wide range of formative and summative assessment methods.

Assessment entails three elements: Continual formal assessment, both formative and summative; continual informal assessment (formative) e.g. in tutorials; and, formal end-of-course assessment (summative) e.g. by way of examination.

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