Specialised Accountancy

This programme is aligned to the professional level syllabus of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The Diploma has been awarded Silver Learning Partner status from the ACCA.

Overview

This innovative programme is designed to reflect the changing world of commerce and to provide a firm foundation for the world of work. This includes developing the necessary skills, ethical principles and knowledge needed for decision-making in a business environment.

The programme seeks to provide a unique strategic opportunity for accountancy students to achieve the highest standards in their professional development for a career in accounting, business leadership and finance.

The Diploma is fully aligned to the ACCA Professional level exams. The programme is designed to include three core courses and two elective courses in which the syllabus and learning objectives of the programme are designed to prepare students for the ACCA Professional level exams. The postgraduate programme is the first of its kind, in a South African context, to be housed within a South African University.

Curriculum

Courses include:

  • Corporate Reporting
  • Strategic Business Leader
  • Advanced Performance Management
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Audit and Assurance

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements before a candidate may apply for admission into the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialised Accountancy are:

  • A Bachelor in Commerce General (Major in Accounting) graduate who passed Accounting III, Management Accounting and Finance III, and Auditing III/Internal Auditing III or
  • A Bachelor of Accounting Science graduate who passed Financial Accounting III, Management Accounting and Finance III, and Auditing III/ Internal Auditing III or
  • Any other undergraduate degree if the candidate has displayed relevant skills and competencies satisfied to the PGDIP coordinator.

Factors that may be taken into consideration are the passing of professional examinations by recognised IFAC accountancy bodies. There are a limited number of places available. Applicants who meet the minimum application criteria are NOT guaranteed admission to the degree. Other factors and criteria will be considered during the application process. An interview could be called for if the programme coordinator so determines. Applications will be reviewed by the programme coordinator on an individual basis for all applicants. Admission into any of the core and elective modules will also depend on whether the course coordinator is satisfied with the exit level outcomes of the undergraduate course taken by the applicant.

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.