Accounting

Master of Commerce in the field of Accountancy

Overview

This is a well-rounded general MCom programme aimed at students trying to gain a well-balanced degree. This contact-based degree focuses on research and coursework, and it is well suited to external/part-time students as well as full-time students beginning their research journey.

Classes for this degree take place at the University's West Campus, based in Braamfontein, once (sometimes twice a week) in the late afternoon. This degree is an NQF level 9 degree.

Curriculum

The curriculum comprises of coursework and a research report each comprising 50% (120 credits) of the degree. The coursework component includes the following modules (Note that these may not be offered every year and will depend on the number of students enrolled): Students are required to complete research methods, which is compulsory, and choose 3 other modules from the following:

1st Year:
  • ACCN7010A – Corporate Financial Reporting (elective)
  • ACCN7017A – Theory of Finance and Corporate Policy (elective)
  • ACCN7018A – Advanced Management Accounting and Control (elective)
  • ACCN7019A – Auditing (elective)
  • ACCN7021A – Research Methods (compulsory)
2nd Year

Research Report: this is weighted 50% of the degree.

  • ACCN7006A – Research Report

Full-time students must be registered for coursework and the research report module in one year and complete the degree in one year. Part-time students must be registered for coursework modules in year one and then register for the research report module in year two.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Admission requirements

  1. A three-year undergraduate degree with a major in Accounting;
  2. A one-year Higher Diploma in Accounting or BAccSc (Honours) – only postgraduate degrees which are in the field of Accounting will be considered (At least 3 of the following subject requirements are necessary: accounting, management accounting, auditing, finance);
  3. Professional Membership of the SAICA (or equivalent body);
  4. Curriculum Vitae
  5. Work experience;
  6. Good analytical skills;
  7. Proficiency in the English language;
  8. Provide a one-page essay on “Accounting being applied in an innovative or creative context”

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE RECEIVE ABOUT 150 APPLICATIONS ANNUALLY AND ACCEPT A LIMITED NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS EACH YEAR, AS WE HAVE LIMITED SUPERVISION CAPACITY.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.