Master of Commerce in Economics

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with applied competence, on an advanced level, in the mastering, analysis, interpretation and understanding of economic principles and methods. Learners should be able to undertake independent and scientific research. Learners should also be able to communicate research results and findings in written form. This qualification will prepare learners to reflect on their own economic applications to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of Economics as a social science within their everyday lives. Lastly, it will prepare them for further study in Economics as a science.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning in the case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through recognition of prior learning learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this University.

Entry Requirements

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

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Economics, NQF Level 8.

1. Demonstrate their competence in applying the advanced theoretical principles of problem identification and solving in the field of economic, business and financial management correctly and reflect on the application made. (Problem solving skills)
2. Plan and undertake advanced research in the field of economic, business and financial management, including the gathering, analysing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on economic and business related issues correctly by utilising the relevant theoretical research principles and reflect on the research undertaken? (Research skills)
3. Communicate effectively orally and in writing on an advanced level with the different role players in the field of economic, business and financial management by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made (Communication skills)
4. Accountably develop an advanced theoretical and practical macro vision, taking into account socio-political and multi-cultural factors of economic, business and financial management internationally, nationally, provincially/regionally and locally (Develop a macro vision)
5. Effectively and responsibly organize and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of economic, business and financial management by applying advanced relevant theoretical aspects and reflect on the application thereof. (Entrepreneurship)
6. Accept the responsibility for their own activities in the field of economic, business and financial management. (Entrepreneurship, self-responsibility skills)
7. Practice acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others and work effectively in a team by implementing advanced relevant theory and reflect on the implementation thereof. (Team ship)
8. Utilise appropriate management technology (e.g. computer and e-mail) effectively in the economic, business and financial management environment (Technological and environmental literacy)
9. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different skills within the field of economic, business and financial management (Explore learning strategies)
10. Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of advanced management capabilities within the field of economic, business and financial management both on the local and national level (Promoting citizenship)
11. Practice acceptable social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity, towards the different role players in the economic, business and financial management industry by applying the appropriate theoretical principles and reflect on the application made (Cultural and aesthetic sensitivity)
12. Acquire acceptable employment seeking skills, for entry into the different sectors of the economic, business and financial management industry utilizing the theoretical principles and reflect on the application thereof? (Employment seeking skills)

1. Can the learner demonstrate their ability to identify and solve problems in the field of economic, business and financial management correctly by applying the advanced theoretical principles correctly and reflect on the application made? (Problem solving skills)
2. Are the learners able to plan and undertake advanced research in the field of economic, business and financial management, including the gathering, analysing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on economic, business and financial management issues correctly, by utilizing the relevant theoretical research undertaken principles and reflect on the research undertaken? (Research skills)
3. Can the learner communicate effectively orally and in writing on an advanced level with the different role players in the field of economic, business and financial management by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made correctly?
4. Have the learner developed an accountable and advanced effective theoretical and practical macro vision of economic, business and financial management nationally and internationally, provincially,regionally and locally?
5. Are the learners able to effectively and responsibly organise and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of economics, business and financial management by applying advanced relevant theoretical aspects and reflect on the application thereof? (Entrepreneurship)
6. Are the learners able to accept the responsibility for their own activities in the field of economic, business and financial management? (Entrepreneurship, self-responsibility skills)
7. Can the learners practice acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflect on the implementation thereof? (Team ship)
8. Are the learners able to utilise appropriate management technology (e.g. computer and e-mail) effectively in the economic, business and financial management environment? (Technological and environmental literacy)
9. Are the learners able to explore different effective learning strategies, to acquire the different skills within the field of economic, business and financial management? (Explore learning strategies)
10. Are the learners able to promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of management capabilities within the field of economic, business and financial management? (Promoting citizenship)
11. Are the learners able to practise acceptable social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity, towards the different role players in the economic, business and financial management industry by applying the appropriate theoretical principles and reflect on the application made? (Cultural and aesthetic sensitivity)
12. Do the learners demonstrate the acceptable employment seeking skills, for entry into the different sectors of the economic, business and financial management industry by applying the theoretical principles of employment seeking and reflect on the application thereof? (Employment seeking skills)

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment practice that will be implemented

Course work

Learners are continuously assessed via written ad hoc modular tests which will be utilised as an entry requirement for exam purposes. A minimum modular mark of 40% is required for entry into summative assessment.

Learners will also need to complete a written research paper, which will count 25% of their final mark.

Dissertation

Learners are continuously assessed by their supervisors.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Course work

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a written 3 hour examination. A final mark will be calculated on the average of a modular and exam mark.

Dissertation

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a dissertation on a selected topic within the field of economics. The dissertation should clearly demonstrate some evidence of original work.

The dissertation is submitted to the supervisor as well as at least one external examiner. They will typically judge the dissertation in accordance with the following criteria: the standard of the research methodology; the scientific and academic quality of the processes and structures; the technical presentation and layout, including the standard of language usage and editing.

Each examiner (internal and external) submits a report regarding the dissertation. A percentage mark is allotted and an examination report clearly indicates whether the dissertation is: accepted un-amended; or accepted after improvements have been made; or referred back for revision and re-submission for examination; or rejected.