Master of Accounting Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to enable students to obtain integrated knowledge in the field of accounting sciences. It creates the opportunity for qualifying graduates to become specialists in a field of study of their choice from the disciplines of the accounting sciences.

Rationale

The qualification provides Master of Accounting Science students with post-graduate level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Auditing/Internal Auditing and/or Financial Accounting and/or Management Accounting and/or Taxation that prepare them to be lifelong learners, employable researchers, entrepreneurs and contributors to society and the business community.

It allows students to contribute to the knowledge of accounting sciences through a dissertation of limited scope.

Learners who register for this qualification should be able to

• Conduct independent research in Accounting Sciences.
• Document and communicate research findings coherently and logically.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL can be used to grant access to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

Access to the Qualification

A BCompt Hons (Management Accounting) Degree or any of the postgraduate diplomas offered by the School of Accounting Sciences, or their equivalent.

International students need a relevant qualification evaluated by SAQA as equivalent to a BCompt Honours.

To obtain this qualification learners must

Pass four of the following tutored year modules (24 credits each)

• Financial Accounting 4861.
• Management Accounting 4861.
• Management Accounting 4865.
• Internal Auditing 4861.
• Auditing 4864.
• Auditing 4869.
• Taxation 4861.
• Financial Accounting 5961.
• Management Accounting 5961.
• Auditing 5961.
• Taxation 5961.
• Taxation 5962.

Submit a Research proposal.

Complete a research dissertation of limited scope.

1. Compile an acceptable research proposal that will enable the completion of a dissertation of limited scope conducted under supervision in a manner that is relevant to the discipline of accounting sciences.
2. Compile an acceptable dissertation of limited scope at Master's level conducted under supervision, contributing to the knowledge in fields of Accounting Sciences.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are developed in the dissertation, which leads up to the qualification.

• The MCompt graduate can identify, analyse, formulate and serve needs of individuals and society creatively and responsibly with regard to auditing/internal auditing, financial and management accounting and taxation.
• The MCompt graduate can work effectively with others as a member or leader of a team, group, organisation, community and contribute to the group output with special reference to accounting, auditing and taxation.
• The MCompt graduate can manage and organise her or his activities and life responsibility effectively, including her or his postgraduate studies within the distance education context.
• The MCompt graduate can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, as required, in the pursuit of the MCompt.
• The MCompt graduate can communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of written presentation.
• The MCompt graduate can demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate a broad and systematic knowledge base in Accounting Sciences.
• Display a coherent and critical understanding of the research methodologies, techniques and technologies relevant to research in fields of Accounting Sciences.
• Demonstrate the ability to critique and evaluate current research.
• Participate in scholarly debates in fields in Accounting Sciences.
• Undertake a study (under supervision) of literature and current research in fields of Accounting Sciences.
• Relate theory to practice and vice versa and think epistemologically.
• Demonstrate mastery of the application of research methods and techniques relevant to fields of Accounting Sciences.
• Demonstrate advanced information retrieval and processing skills.
• Undertake a study of the literature and current research in fields of Accounting Sciences.
• Draw systematically on the theory, research methods and literature of fields of Accounting Sciences.
• Undertake a research project and write an acceptable research proposal under supervision which meets the technical and language requirements expected at this level and which demarcates the area of research, indicates the duration and planning schedule of the research and gives an indication of the type of research to be conducted and the literature consulted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base in fields of Accounting Sciences.
• Apply knowledge, theory and research methods creatively to complex practical, theoretical and epistemological problems.
• Identify, conceptualise, design and implement research projects that address a complex problem in fields of Accounting Sciences.
• Undertake a research project and write an acceptable dissertation under supervision which meets the technical and language requirements expected for a master's dissertation and demonstrate the contribution to the field of Accounting Sciences.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence.

There is regular and continuous personal interaction between the supervisor and the student to review and evaluate progress on the dissertation. Working on the dissertation entails both summative and formative assessment, since the supervisor's continuous input in the writing stage is formative, while the final evaluation of the dissertation is summative. An acceptable research proposal is required before the candidate is allowed to proceed with the research.