innovative wide choice career focussed FACULTY OF leadership Economic and Management Sciences excellence UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES FOR 2016 FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS renewal
Brief programme guide Broad degree programmes BCom BCom (Management Sciences) BCom (Economic Sciences) BCom (Mathematical Sciences) Degree programmes for professional registration BAcc BCom (Actuarial Science) BCom (Management Accounting) BCom (Financial Accounting) BCom (Industrial Psychology) Degree programmes with a law focus BAccLLB BCom (Law) In the first year all students take more or less the same subjects. Having become familiar with the fields of study of economic and management sciences, students are afforded greater freedom in their second year to switch to other degree programmes. The duration of all bachelor s degree programmes (excluding the extended programme) is three years. All bachelor s degrees can lead to postgraduate study. General university admission requirements The National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of four NSC university admission subjects at level 4 (50%) are the minimum requirement for admission to. It is also compulsory for ALL prospective first-year students at SU, regardless of the matriculation year or examination system followed, to write the National Benchmark Tests. General faculty requirements Our programmes are in demand and our capacity is limited. Therefore all the Faculty s programmes are selection programmes. This means that even though students may meet the minimum requirements of a programme, they are not guaranteed admission to that programme. (More information is available on the Faculty s website under Prospective Students.) Applications close on 30 June of the previous year. General programme requirements The programme information below contains the admission requirements of each programme. The following two programmes are not subject to the so-called EMS language requirements since they are offered in both English and Afrikaans from first to final year: BCom (Management Sciences) and BAcc. In most other programmes simultaneous interpreting is used. More information regarding this is at the back of this brochure. Broad degree programmes BCom The BCom programme is the Faculty s broadest programme and offers students the widest possible choice of majors. In fact, one is free to build one s own curriculum, with the additional option of taking a subject offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. General university admission requirements, Minimum EMS language admission requirements (see details under Language Policy), Matriculation average of at least 60%,. BCom (Economic Sciences) This programme focuses almost exclusively on fields of study in Economics. Because of the importance of statistics for the development of high-level economic analysis, Statistics or Mathematical Statistics up to the second-year level is one of the prescribed fields of study. : The same as for the BCom programme. However, students who wish to take Mathematics 114 and/or Computer Science 114 as first-year subjects, must have obtained a minimum of 6 (70%) in matric mathematics. BCom (Mathematical Sciences) This programme has a sharper focus on Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, both of which are compulsory till secondyear level. : The same as for the BCom programme, except that the minimum mathematics requirement is 6 (70%). BCom (Management Sciences) Parallel medium to final year This is the programme for students who wish to pursue a career in management. The range of possible focal areas is a little narrower than that of BCom. (For more information, refer to the page on Focal Areas.) : The same as for the BCom programme, except that the EMS language requirements are not applicable. This programme is offered in both English and Afrikaans up to the final year. Students therefore have to meet one of the following requirements: English Home Language 4 (50%) OR English First Additional Language 4 (50%) OR Afrikaans Home Language 4 (50%) OR Afrikaans First Additional Language 4 (50%). BCom (Management Sciences) is also offered as an extended four-year programme. However, candidates are selected and cannot apply for the extended programme. The programme is aimed at students who have a weak basis in mathematical, numerical or communication skills, and students from disadvantaged school environments.
Degree programmes for professional registration BAcc BCom (Financial Accounting)# BCom (Management Accounting)# BCom (Actuarial Science) Matriculation average of at least 70% Matriculation aggregate of at least 70% Mathematics 6 (70%) OR Mathematics 5 (60%) and Accounting 6 (70%) English Home Language 4 (50%) OR English First Additional Language 4 (50%) OR Afrikaans Home Language 4 (50%) OR Afrikaans First Additional Language 4 (50%) This programme is offered in both English and Afrikaans from first to final year, therefore students may select their language of choice. The sought-after qualification of chartered account (CA) enjoys international recognition and is highly regarded. Chartered accountants are able to audit the financial statements of companies. They are also in demand for many other positions, e.g. as financial managers, management accountants and taxation experts. To eventually obtain the professional qualification of CA, you first have to obtain both the BAcc and the BAccHons degrees. Thereafter you will have to pass the examinations of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Candidates must also meet SAICA s requirements for practical experience. Students are required to follow all the prescribed modules in this programme; there are no optional modules. Simultaneous interpreting is used in some modules of this programme. This programme is specifically designed to prepare you for a career as a certified accountant. It will qualify you for financial management positions in organisations, where your knowledge of financial accounting, auditing, management accounting and taxation will be very useful. The internationally recognised professional accounting qualification of certified accountant is obtained by passing the examinations of the London-based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and meeting its standards for practical experience. The BCom (Financial Accounting) programme offered by SU enjoys recognition by ACCA. Should you complete this degree at SU, you will receive exemption from 9 of the 14 subjects required by ACCA. # Students may change to the BAcc pogramme in their second year provided they pass all their first-year modules and pass the BAcc switch/conversion exam. Simultaneous interpreting is used in some modules of this programme. This programme trains you as a chartered management accountant, a qualification that enables you to pursue a career as management accountant or financial manager. Management accountants are involved in tasks such as costing studies for the development of new products and decisions about new investment possibilities. The internationally recognised professional qualification of chartered management accountant is obtained by passing the examinations of the London-based Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and meeting its standards for practical experience. The BCom (Management Accounting) programme offered by SU enjoys recognition by CIMA. Should you obtain this degree at SU, you will receive exemption from 8 of the 14 subjects required by CIMA. # Students may change to the BAcc pogramme in their second year provided they pass all their first-year modules and pass the BAcc switch/conversion exam. Mathematics 7 (80%) English or Afrikaans as First Language 5 (60%) Simultaneous interpreting is used in some modules of this programme. This programme is the first step in the training of actuaries and requires strong analytical skills and an excellent aptitude for mathematics. Actuaries are professional analysts who manage the emotional, physical and financial consequences of risk. Actuaries use mathematical techniques and models to assess the likelihood of future events, and design creative ways to reduce the impact of adverse events. They fulfil an indispensable role in modelling insurance and investment risk. To qualify as an actuary and register as a Fellow or Associate of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA), students must pass professional examinations and obtain work-based skills. The programme is structured in such a way that successful students can obtain exemption from most of the professional exams during their BCom (Actuarial Science) and BComHons degrees.
Degree programmes with law subjects BCom (Industrial Psychology) This programme trains you for a career in the management of human resources in organisations. To qualify as a registered psychometrist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), you have to complete the BComHons (Industrial Psychology) in addition to a BCom (Industrial Psychology), do a six-month internship and pass the professional board s examination. To qualify as a registered industrial psychologist with the HPCSA, you have to complete further postgraduate studies in Industrial Psychology, do an internship of 12 months and pass the professional board s examination. BAccLLB A limited number of candidates are selected Matriculation aggregate of at least 70% Mathematics 6 (70%) OR Accounting 6 (70%) and Mathematics 5 (60%) Afrikaans Home Language 4 (50%) and English First Additional Language 4 (50%) OR English Home Language 4 (50%) and Afrikaans First Additional Language 4 (50%) This programme equips you firstly to practise as an accountant (see BAcc). Secondly, it equips you with the necessary knowledge and insight to pursue a legal career. An advantage of this programme is that the BAccLLB qualification is obtained in five years at least one year shorter than similar programmes without lowering standards. BCom (Law) A limited number of candidates are selected Afrikaans Home Language 4 (50%) and English First Additional Language 4 (50%) OR English Home Language 4 (50%) and Afrikaans First Additional Language 4 (50%) The programme focuses on preliminary studies in law to prepare you for the LLB programme. At the same time it offers you the opportunity to study modules in economic and management sciences. On completing this programme, you can either continue with postgraduate studies in law or in the major from Economic and Management Sciences. This programme provides you with the sought-after combination of a broader background and deeper understanding of how legal rules generally apply within society.
Focal Areas of Broad Programmes Focal areas are the subject combinations that are suggested for a specific career path. Each focal area forms part of a specific programme, which is marked according to the following symbols: BCom BCom (Management Sciences) BCom (Economic Sciences) BCom (Mathematical Sciences) Agricultural Economics This focal area prepares employees for the agricultural business sector. Careers include general management, financial management and logistics management for the provision of agricultural inputs and services, for the processing and distribution of agricultural products, and for agricultural financing. Computer Science Compulsory in first year: Computer Science and Mathematics. This focal area prepares you as a graduate with a broad knowledge of computer science and of the business world. You will be able to pursue a successful career as programmer. Economics The financial sector offers excellent career opportunities for those who choose Economics as their focal area. Qualified people will typically be employed as economic or financial analysts. Other career opportunities include economic or management consultancy. Students with a strong quantitative background and aptitude can choose employment as econometricians. Entrepreneurship and innovation This focal area orientates students towards considering not only employment in the formal sector, but also a future business or practice of their own. It therefore enables students to create employment opportunities for themselves and for others. Financial management This focal area prepares students for managing the financial affairs of large companies, corporations or government departments. Possible jobs could include: a financial manager, an investment analyst and a financial adviser. Financial planning This focal area equips students with the core knowledge and skills for financial planning to help them prepare for the internationally recognised Certified Financial Planner (CFP) examinations. New legislation will result in a more professional group of investment advisers in the years to come and the CFP qualification will become even more important and popular to fulfil this need. Subject areas covered are Regulatory Environment, Business Ethics, Tax, Estate Planning, Investment Planning, Retirement Planning, Employee Benefits, Health Care, Life Insurance and Short Term Insurance. Financial risk management Compulsory in first year: Mathematics People with qualifications in Financial Risk Management, Mathematical Statistics and Financial Mathematics are appointed by large financial institutions as financial and quantitative analysts, such as financial risk managers, portfolio managers and financial dealers. Human resource management Compulsory in first year: Industrial Psychology This focal area prepares students for a career in the management of human resources in organisations. A BCom with this focal area can lead to non-statutory registration as human resource practitioner with the South African Board for Personnel Practice (SABPP). Career opportunities include that of personnel manager, market researcher, training and development manager, consultant and labour relations manager. Information management In this focal area students learn how to integrate the rapidly developing knowledge technologies with organisational strategies and processes in order to enhance productivity, efficiency and (sometimes) innovation. Investment management This focal area prepares students for a career in, for instance, portfolio management or investment analysis. The qualification also prepares students for level 1 of the international qualification of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA ). Logistics management Logistics Management is the process of planning, organising and implementing the storage of goods and the efficient and effective flow of goods, services and related information from the place of origin to where they are sold or provided. You could work as manager, entrepreneur or consultant. Marketing management Every day individuals and businesses are engaged in various market-related activities such as product decisions, pricing, product distribution and creating awareness, through advertising, of the products and services businesses offer. There are various management careers that can be followed in marketing, sales, public relations and advertising. Mathematical statistics Compulsory in first year: Mathematics As a result of the information explosion, decisions are becoming increasingly based on large volumes of data. People in this field are appointed amongst others as statisticians, data-mining experts, data managers and statistical analysts in the marketing, information and management divisions of these sectors. Operations research Compulsory in first year: Mathematics The operations researcher s approach to problem solving includes the search for mathematical models that offer the best possible solutions for various kinds of situations. This focal area provides a powerful tool for solving the practical problems that confront managers. Public and development management Compulsory in first year: Public and Development Management Public and Development Management is essential preparation for various careers in the public sector and in the voluntary, developmental, business and media sectors. Possible careers are: general manager or chief executive officer, strategic manager, financial manager, personnel manager, project and programme manager, development planner, development manager, community developer, policy and management research specialist and management consultant. Quantitative management Compulsory in first year: Statistics The goal of this area is to prepare managers and analysts who can analyse and manage business functions and processes at strategic, tactical and operational levels and who can take decisions based on quantitative data. Transport economics In this focal area the underlying economic theory is studied, and evaluation methods and decision-making theory are applied to equip prospective transport economists for the planning and management of transport infrastructure, the formulation of transport policy and the control of transport systems.
Language policy and EMS language admission requirements The Faculty has two undergraduate programmes that are offered in both English and Afrikaans until the final year: BCom (Management Sciences) and BAcc. Students who register for these programmes may choose to attend classes in the language of their choice from their first to their final year of study. All the other undergraduate programmes offer separate English and Afrikaans lectures for first-year modules only. In the ensuing years, the language of instruction is either one, or a combination, of the following: parallel medium, bilingual (especially when modules of other faculties are taken), and simultaneous interpreting into either Afrikaans or English. For this reason, we set requirements for both English and Afrikaans in these programmes, which we call the EMS language admission requirements. Parallel medium: A class is divided into separate Afrikaans and English streams. Students select their preferred language of instruction at registration. Interpreting: Bilingual: Simultaneous interpreting can be done into either Afrikaans or English, depending on the language of instruction. A combination of Afrikaans and English in the same class. This is most often the case when modules of other faculties are taken. Minimum EMS language requirements Refer to the programme requirements to determine if the programme you wish to study has the following language requirements: Afrikaans Home Language 4 (50%) AND English First Additional Language 4 (50%) OR English Home Language 4 (50%) AND Afrikaans First Additional Language 4 (50%). Please note: Our language requirements for 2016 may change. Watch www.maties.com under What can I study? and Economic and Management Sciences for the new requirements, which will be available after July 2015. Enquiries Academic registration: Ms N Daniels (Faculty Secretary), tel. 021 808 4837, e-mail ndaniels@sun.ac.za Mr B Groenewald (Faculty Officer), tel. 021 808 4383, e-mail bg@sun.ac.za Ms A Linders (Faculty Officer), tel. 021 808 2507, e-mail lindersaf@sun.ac.za Student counselling: Ms Janicke Dill, tel. 021 808 3843, e-mail janicke@sun.ac.za General student affairs (of the Faculty): Ms I Gelderblom (Coordinator: Student Affairs), tel. 021 808 9525, e-mail ilzeg@sun.ac.za Website: www.sun.ac.za/ems The information in this brochure is only applicable to first-year students who wish to enrol in 2016, and may change before 2016. Please refer to www.maties.com after July 2015 for the latest programme information.