Master of Commerce

Purpose

The Masters of Commerce prepares students for different sectors such as higher institutions of learning, research centres, government, industry and commerce by providing them with an opportunity to deepen their theoretical base, analytical ability and research capabilities necessary to succeed in today's competitive job market.

It develops competent leaders in the field of the management sciences with specialised applied fundamental and generic cross functional knowledge and skills to steer sustainable development, growth and prosperity in the most appropriate direction.

It also prepares the candidate for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies.

Rationale

The Master of Commerce builds on the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Honours Degrees in various Undergraduate programmes in Management Sciences (Commerce) disciplines to provide further knowledge and research skills in order to promote sustainable growth and development and maximise prosperity in all sectors of the economy and society.

The qualification prepares the candidates to be competent in research and can apply specialised knowledge, tools and techniques in advanced discipline-based research and problem-solving.

The Master of Commerce Degree enables the best students to pursue specialised knowledge through independent research, and is designed to prepare them for specialist positions in the public and private sector.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria for the Masters of Commerce but can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level may be considered for admission at the discretion of the University and in strict adherence to the relevant University policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements to the Master of Commerce is a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Honours in any management sciences disciplines or its equivalent at NQF Level 8 with an aggregate pass of at least 60%.

An equivalent to the above qualifications as determined by SAQA will be required for foreign qualifications.

1. A demonstrable ability to write a research proposal.
2. A demonstrable ability to identify, collect, and analyse relevant primary or secondary data to provide research findings.
3. A demonstrable ability to communicate research outcomes effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Formulation of research questions and rationale for study.
• Critical appraisal of recent literature in the area of economics chosen for study.
• Relate economic theory to practice
• Selection and description of research methods and econometric techniques that apply in the area of economics chosen for study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Production of research instruments for primary data collection.
• Creation of a data bank for primary or secondary data on the economic area of choice.
• Use of statistical analysis software such as STATA, EVIEWS and SPSS.
• Interpretation of results and findings to inform policy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Production of written dissertation.
• Presentation of research methods, findings and policy recommendations using oral and electronic medium.
• Defend ideas that are outcomes of research.

Integrated Assessment

The Formative Assessment includes a written project proposal which is assessed by the school and university higher Degrees committees.

The Summative Assessment applies on the end product, which is a dissertation. Appointed internal and external examiners grade the dissertation in accordance with the applicable University rules.