I want to do a B.Com, but do I really need Mathematics and where can I study it?
A Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree gives you a wide range of managerial skills and knowledge as well as a specialization in a particular field.
The first year is often similar from university to university and covers general business principles and numerical measurement. The course focuses both on academic subjects, such as statistics or economics, as well as practical business subjects, such as accountancy, law, management and marketing.
Most of the universities require Mathematics with a minimum of 50-59%, some require a higher mark and it is best to aim for that. A few will accept a Maths Literacy mark of 60-69%. Some universities (not all) require Accounting with a mark of 60-69%
If your marks are not quite up to the required standard you can apply for an extended or lengthened course at certain Universities.
SPECIALISING IN SPECIFIC AREAS
From the second year, depending on the University, one can specialize in areas like
• Accounting Science*
• Auditing*
• Banking*
• Business Management
• Economics*
• Entrepreneurship
• Financial Management*
• Human Resources
• Industrial and Organisational Psychology
• Law
• Logistics
• Marketing
• Quantitative Management*
• Retail Management
• Risk Management*
• Statistics*
• Sport Management*
• Strategic Supply Management*
• Transport Economics*
• Tourism, Administration
• Business Informatics*
NOTE: * The options with the star require higher entry levels.
BACKGROUND
• The goal of business is PROFIT from engaging in COMMERCE (offering products and services) so NUMERACY (especially Accounting) is always a basic part of any Business Management course. So it is important that if you do not enjoy maths, then a Bachelor of Commerce is probably not a good choice.
• Management skills are needed in all kinds of organizations: including in government and non-profit organizations where the goals are not profit but service delivery outcomes. Many employment opportunities exist there too.
• A good thing about a Bachelor of Commerce degree is that it is recognised throughout the world. A good overview of a BCom’s international value is found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachelor_of_Commerce
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TERTIARY TRAINING
Please note: Educational institutions may change or add to their requirements and it is a good idea to check the admission information on websites regularly.
School subjects and other admission requirements:
National Senior Certificate with entry level: Degree
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Certain universities conduct interviews as part of their selection process.
Required
• Core Mathematics from 50-59% (some universities will accept a Maths mark of 30-39% and some will accept a Maths Literacy mark of 60-69%.)
•Some universities require Accounting with a mark of 60-69%
Recommended
Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Information Technology, Civil Technology.
APS Scores ranges from 27 to 41, depending on the University.
National Benchmark Test
Most universities also require you to do National Benchmark tests which have 3 purposes:
• To assess entry-level academic literacy and mathematics skills.
• To assess the relationship between entry-level skills and school-level exit results.
• To provide additional information to institutions requiring this for admission and placement of entry-level students.There are 3 tests: (The test you do depends on the faculty you applying to)• Academics Test,
• Quantitative Literacy Test and
• Mathematics Test.Extended /Academic development programmes:Some universities with a high entry requirement will allow you to enter with less marks. Your degree will take longer (4-5 years) to complete. Enquire at the university of your choice.
WHERE TO STUDY: DEGREES
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): Various specialisations
PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU NATAL
NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF FREE STATE
UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND
RHODES UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE
UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO
UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH
NORTH WEST UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND
DISTANCE: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS
CTI EDUCATION GROUP (PTY) LTD
DAMELIN (PTY) LTD
DA VINCI INSTITUTE FOR TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT (PTY) LTD
DURBANVILLE COLLEGE
http://www.durbanvillecollege.ac.za
PRESTIGE ACADEMY
http://www.prestigeacademy.co.za
MANAGEMENT COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
OVAL INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER EDUCATION (PTY) LTD
PC TRAINING AND BUSINESS COLLEGE (PTY) LTD
REGENT BUSINESS SCHOOL
ST. AUGUSTINE COLLEGE OF SOUTH AFRICA
STENDEN SOUTH AFRICA