Master of Commerce in Economics

Purpose

The Master of Commerce in Economics is aimed at preparing researchers to engage with theory at an advanced level, to acquire highly specialised knowledge in the field and to contribute to the development of knowledge through completion of an independent research project. The competition and regulation economics stream aims to augment this by providing learners with an understanding of the role played by economics in competition law and practice. The qualification will focus on providing learners with an advanced knowledge of economic theory related to markets, market power and its exercise a well as a detailed knowledge of South African competition law. A hands-on approach will be emphasised with extensive use of industry experts, and an analysis of cases to give a clear understanding of when economic analysis is relevant to a particular competition law case.

Qualifying learners will be able to

• Apply the theoretical principles of problem identification to address the priority or key problems in Economics and competition regulation.
• Apply a specialised theoretical and comprehensive content knowledge within the field of Economics and competition regulation.
• Conduct a research project utilising advanced and appropriate methodology for the context and research questions in the fields of economic, business, financial management and competition regulation.
• Evaluate, analyse and interpret information related to the application of research in the field of economics and competition regulation.

Rationale

The public and private sectors demand highly trained Economists with adequate research training, especially at the Postgraduate Level. The qualification will satisfy the above needs by offering high level knowledge in specific fields and imparting familiarity with relevant theoretical approaches within these, as well as providing research training accompanied by the appropriate use of advanced methodologies.

The qualification includes a dissertation component that will enable learners to proceed from this thorough grounding to conducting independent research.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners may achieve this qualification in part or wholly through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL will be conducted in accordance with the Policy and Guidelines of the institution to grant credits or access. The recognition is applicable where the learner has gained experience in formal, informal and non-formal learning. The learner is expected to submit evidence to support the application.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics and Mathematical Statistics, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Law, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 9, 160 Credits

• Advanced Microeconomics, 16 Credits.
• Advanced Macroeconomics, 16 Credits.
• Quantitative and Research Methods in Economics, 8 Credits.
• Applied Econometrics, 8 Credits.
• Advanced Competition Law and Policy, 20 Credits.
• Economics for Competition Regulation, 20 Credits.
• Econometrics of Competition, 8 Credits.
• Dissertation, 64 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 9, 32 Credits (Choose four)

• Competition and the use of tenders and auctions, 20 Credits.
• Innovation and Intellectual Property, 8 Credits.
• Financial Sector Regulation and Development, 8 Credits.
• Development Economics, 16 Credits.
• International Trade Theory, 16 Credits.
• Public Sector Economics, 16 Credits.
• Labour Economics, 16 Credits.
• Monetary Economics, 16 Credits.
• Investment and Portfolio Analysis, 16 Credits.
• Corporate Finance, 16 Credits.

1. Apply the theoretical principles of problem identification and problem solving to priority or key problems in the field of Economics and competition.
2. Apply specialised theoretical and comprehensive content knowledge within the field of Economics and competition regulation.
3. Conduct a research project utilising appropriate advanced methodology to research questions in the field of economics and competition regulation.
4. Evaluate, analyse and interpret information related to the application of research in the field of economics and competition regulation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply the theoretical principles in identifying problems in the field of economics and competition regulation and suggest solutions to the identified problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply specialised theoretical and comprehensive knowledge within the field of economics and competition and regulation and demonstrate an understanding of specialised knowledge in a real-life commercial situation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate technical competence in the application of quantitative and computer assisted problem solving; Participate in discussions related to research projects; Manipulate qualitative and quantitative data within the area of a research project and organise and co-ordinate resources and opportunities in the research project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Analyse knowledge of the recent findings in the research project; articulate and communicate recommendations to make improvements in the area of study in the field of economics and competition regulation and produce academic papers that reflect an ability to interrogate the professional literature and engaged in critical debate.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and summative assessments will be undertaken in each coursework Module.

All modules will be externally assessed and moderated. An external examiner will be appointed and will assess the coursework and the research components of the qualification in each specialised area.

The following forms of assessments will be conducted

• Formative Assessment: presentations, assignments, group assignments and continuous evaluations of lectures.
• Summative Assessment: written tests, assignments, presentations, portfolio of evidence and final exit examination.
• Dissertation will be moderated by external moderator according to the institution's policy.