Master of Commerce in Accountancy

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with specialised and integrated knowledge pertaining to the commerce and accounting fields. The Master of Commerce in Accountancy MCom (Accountancy) has a strong business and economics focus within the discipline of Accountancy and Economic Management Sciences. Ontologies and practices relating to relevant Accountancy theories, perspectives and research methodologies will provide Accountancy learners with advanced practical knowledge and critical interrogation skills that may enable them to significantly contribute in a meaningful manner to the science of Accountancy.

The qualification will also equip learners with a broad range of integrated knowledge that, together with cohesive skills, attitudes and behaviour, account for the ability to deliver a specified professional service as expected, and to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices, as well as advanced scholarship in the field of Accountancy.

This purpose is in line with the Level 9 descriptor and the curriculum is designed to include and address the mentioned competency areas, as well as to develop personal attributes, ethical behaviour and professionalism and life-long learning skills. The curriculum, in correlation with the Exit Level Outcomes, equips graduates with specialist knowledge, and the ability to use specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of Accountancy as well as an understanding of the consequences of the proposed solutions or insights. Furthermore, the graduates will be equipped with the ability to communicate and defend results and ideas that are the products of research to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge and expertise.

This qualification will enable the learner to develop as a competent researcher in the field of Accountancy and to prepare the learner for further study at Level 10.

Rationale

There is a shortage of qualified accountants worldwide, and employers welcome all efforts to increase their numbers, as well as their level of knowledge and expertise. A significant shortage of skilled researchers at the Master's level exists in South Africa and the field of Accountancy is no exception. There is a need for research that adds to knowledge in the field and informs policy making. This gap creates an ideal opportunity for the North-West University to develop a new qualification at Postgraduate level. This qualification will give learners the opportunity to further their studies at Doctoral level and make a meaningful contribution to research in the challenging Accountancy environment in South Africa and internationally.

This qualification has the potential of making a great impact on transformation, skills development and the upliftment of society in general. It will also open new avenues for articulation and increase learner numbers within the field of specialisation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element of the transformation of access and admissions policies at education institutions in South Africa. The transformation of access and admissions policies is intended to increase participation and to broaden access to higher education in order to produce graduates with the skills and competencies necessary to meet the human resource needs of the country.

The learner initially has to meet the admission requirements to be admitted to the qualification. Thereafter Recognition of Prior Learning, gained either through formal qualifications at this or other institutions, or informally (through experience), may be considered when deciding on granting of credits for modules in this particular qualification. The learner will be informed about the mechanism to be used. If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification, the appropriate credits will be assigned to the learner.

In cases where prior learning at other institutions, or relevant experience, is deemed by the Dean to compensate for the lack of formal qualifications required above, a candidate may be admitted for study.

The institution determines the number of learners admitted to any of its qualifications, taking into consideration the availability of staff and facilities needed to manage such qualifications.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Accountancy.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Chartered Accountancy.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Modules

• Corporate Reporting, 30 Credits.
• Governance, Risk and Ethics, 30 Credits.
• Business Analysis, 30 Credits.
• Research dissertation, 90 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and critical understanding of the field of commerce and business.
2. Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information so that a comprehensive and insightful review of leading and current research in the field of Accountancy can be conducted.
3. Evaluate current processes of knowledge production and choose an appropriate process of enquiry.
4. Design, select and apply appropriate, creative and ethically sound research methods, techniques, processes and/or technologies for a research problem in the field of Accountancy.
5. Apply a range of research skills to identify, conceptualise, design and implement methods of inquiry that can be implemented to solve complex and challenging research questions in the field of Accountancy, and be able to apply appropriate methods to verify the solutions offered for the research questions.
6. Use academic and professional discourses to communicate and defend findings and ideas that are the products of research in the field of Accountancy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply knowledge, skills and professional judgement in the application and evaluation of reporting principles and practices in a range of business contexts and situations.
• Analyse, evaluate and critically discuss Accountancy practices prevalent in the field of commerce and business in South Africa and Africa.
• Analyse, evaluate and conclude on the effectiveness of an organisation's strategy as well as the strategic position of an organisation.
• Apply relevant knowledge, skills and professional judgement in discussing and carrying out the role of the accountant, relating to governance, internal control, compliance and the management of risk within an organisation, in the context of an overall ethical framework.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Undertake a critical and comprehensive literature review.
• Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information within certain contexts and motivate or justify personal choices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Evaluate current processes of knowledge production.
• Choose an appropriate process of enquiry.
• Analyse discussions on an identified research problem in Accountancy contexts.
• Integrate a variety of different academic sources in order to analyse the existing problems in Accountancy practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Select an appropriate research topic with the guidance of a supervisor.
• Identify relevant research questions.
• Evaluate, interpret and analyse a body of empirical data and evidence.
• Conduct an empirical research project in an ethical, proper and professional manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Develop an appropriate research design to do the intended research.
• Use theories, tools and techniques to gather, analyse and evaluate current research on a topic.
• Present the information and conclusions in an academically acceptable review.
• Design and implement methods of inquiry that can be implemented to solve complex and challenging research questions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Produce and develop an evidence-based argument in a structured dissertation.
• Develop and complete a body of research work compiled as a mini dissertation within the framework of the university's requirements.
• Reflect on the academic and professional development resulting from this study by engaging with peers in various contexts, also during an organised colloquium.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment opportunities include: 1 test and 2 homework assignments per module, a research proposal and colloquiums, regular meetings with the supervisor for discussions and guidance regarding the research; and a presentation of preliminary research results at a colloquium.

Summative Assessment: Learners will give proof that they can identify, assess, formulate and solve problems innovatively, using applicable information and techniques in the final three hour written examination at the end of the academic year for each of the three specified modules. The dissertation is submitted for examination with the written consent of the supervisor. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation.