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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Applied Accountancy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111319  Master of Applied Accountancy 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-08-23  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide this qualification to the learners with higher-order skills to address and solve complex business problems using business-relevant insights, to develop strategies and to report on suggested interventions within Accounting Sciences and related fields.

Bringing real-world application into the qualification will prepare learners to contribute to the business environment and society in South Africa and develop business researchers and leaders.

Rationale:
Due to global changes, three aspects require a need for change in the development of accounting sciences professionals, namely the social reality, developments in technology and the readily availability of information. Due to this fast changing environment, accounting sciences professionals are confronted with complex business problems that require innovative practices and a broader competence in order to be solved. These may include technical knowledge and skills, high levels of critical thinking and integrated practical solutions.

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with accounting sciences professionals that demonstrate a high level of intellectual independence. Learners must demonstrate the ability to solve complex problems, develop strategies and implement suitable interventions within accounting sciences practice and demonstrates the ability to lead within a changing accounting sciences environment. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) strongly supports and endorses the proposed qualification.

Qualifying learners will typically be academically qualified individuals working in accounting sciences and related fields in all sectors of the economy. Obtaining this qualification will enable qualifying learners to address the specific needs identified by professional bodies (e.g. SAICA), for accountants with an ability to solve complex business problems.

The qualification will use productive learning in order to instil this level of competence. This will be achieved by guiding the learners in the learning process through proactively questioning current practices; immersing authentic experiences; introducing the theoretical evidence; bringing the 'real world' applications into the thinking; and reflecting on the learning experience.

The guidance process will be applied as follows:
  • Frame an authentic business problem within one of the fields of the accounting sciences, namely auditing, and/or financial accounting, and/or management accounting, and/or taxation, and/or public sector accountancy.
  • Consult the professional community and the body of knowledge to obtain current practices and/or possible solutions.
  • Develop solutions by negotiating alternative suitable interventions.
  • Share the interventions in the form of a business research report that meets the requirements of a Master's level artefact, as described in the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework.

    Learning-orientated assessments will be used to encourage sustainable assessment, which is the foundation of life-long learning. Assessments will not only meet the goals of the specific module, but will also be structured in such a manner that learners will be able to undertake their own assessment activities (e.g. business research) after completing the qualification. Each assessment as well as the combined assessments within the modules will focus on three main pillars:
  • Conducting a task.
  • Self-regulating and evaluation.
  • Providing feedback.

    Alternative assessment methods will be used to ensure that the primary purpose of the qualification is achieved and may include individual assignments, team work, collaboration with other stakeholders, gathering of information through formal and informal processes, to name a few.

    This learning process will prepare learners to be life-long learners, employable business researchers, entrepreneurs, managers and leaders, and contributors to society and the business community. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Institution's RPL policy allows for RPL for access. This process provides the possibility of an alternative admission route into a formal qualification for those who do not meet the statutory and/or college admission requirements. The process recognises the relevant prior learning which has prepared a student to enter an academic qualification for which he/she does not meet the traditional admission requirements. The process is implemented as per RPL procedures manual for Academic staff.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting Sciences, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate diploma in Accounting Sciences, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Accountancy, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Chartered Accountancy, NQF Level 8.

    A minimum of three-years applicable work experience in the accounting sciences and related fields. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules NQF Level 9, 108 Credits:
  • Leading People, 24 Credits.
  • Leading Strategic Change, 24 Credits.
  • A business research report in the field of Accounting Sciences with a focus in: Auditing or Financial Accounting or Management Accounting or Taxation or Public Sector Accountancy, depending on the selected research topic.

    Elective Modules NQF Level 9, 72 Credits (Choose 2):
  • Integrated Organisational Governance Assurance, 36 Credits.
  • Integrated Financial Accounting and Reporting, 36 Credits.
  • Integrated Managerial Accounting and Finance, 36 Credits.
  • Integrated Principles of Tax Administration, 36 Credits.
  • Integrated Public Sector Accountancy, 36 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply specialist knowledge and skills of Auditing, Financial accounting, Management accounting, Taxation and Governance to implement methods of enquiry in order to solve complex and challenging real-world organisational or business challenges.
    2. Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address a problem in the field of accounting through the application of evidence-based solutions.
    3. Demonstrate advanced and specialised leadership skills by integrating process, content and context in evaluating and developing strategies at the business and corporate level. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Integration of information from case studies is demonstrated in order to select and apply appropriate methods and techniques to solve problems.
  • The ability to identify correct methods and techniques that are needed to convert raw data into a format that can be used to make management decisions is demonstrated.
  • The application of appropriate methods and techniques to solve problems identified by students, lecturers and presented by real-world scenarios is demonstrated.
  • The ability of critically evaluate and interpret annual financial reports which have been prepared in accordance with the relevant accounting frameworks is demonstrated.
  • The ability to engage in scholarly and professional arguments on the benefits and applicability of different Financial Accounting frameworks is demonstrated.
  • The ability to use knowledge, theory and Financial Accounting frameworks to creatively solve complex real-world problems is demonstrated.
  • Legislation, case law and scholarly interpretation of a tax issue are identified, analysed and applied to solve real-world problems.
  • The ability to provide solutions or opinions relating to complex tax matters is demonstrated.
  • Understanding of tax matters is demonstrated through recommendations based on the analysis of a given tax issue.
  • Understanding of Public sector accountancy solutions to address complex and challenging problems is demonstrated to solve conceptual and real-world case studies.
  • The ability to engage in scholarly and professional debates on public sector accountancy mechanisms is demonstrated.
  • Organisational Governance solutions are critically evaluated to address complex and challenging problems in order to solve complex conceptual and real-world case studies.
  • The ability to engage in scholarly and professional debates on Organisational Governance mechanisms is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The ability to produce an acceptable business research report addressing a problem or challenge in an accounting field is demonstrated.
  • A sound contribution to the organisational environment and society is demonstrated through a business research report containing ideas and solutions to problems or challenges as a means of sharing crucial ideas with practitioners in an accounting field.
  • A business research report is prepared and presented in a language and style that is practiced in the particular accounting field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The strategic thinking of strategic leaders is critically evaluated.
  • An understanding of different perspectives on and approaches to strategy development and change is demonstrated.
  • An understanding of the role of strategic leaders in driving strategic change is demonstrated.
  • An understanding of the importance of organisational architecture in strategic management as considered during strategic planning is demonstrated.
  • The ability to critically evaluate the processes of sensing, transformation and strategic decision-making in an organisation is demonstrated.
  • The ability to make sound recommendations on organisational processes and structures for creativity and innovation is demonstrated.
  • An understanding of the innovativeness of organisations is demonstrated and recommendations made on what organisations can do to increase innovativeness are assessed.
  • An understanding of the innovation efforts of an organisation are demonstrated and recommendations made on how to improve its innovation performance are assessed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment will integrate knowledge, applied competence as well as technical and pervasive skills.

    There is regular and continuous personal interaction between the supervisor and the learner to review and evaluate progress of the learner. Working on the modules and business report in the qualification entail both summative and formative assessment. Evaluation of assignments in the modules and the supervisor's continuous input in the report-writing stage are formative, while the final evaluation of the modules and business report is summative. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Master of Professional Accounting.
    Victoria University of Wellington, Victoria Business School, School of Accounting and Commercial Law, Wellington, New Zealand.

    Coursework with the option of a research course.
    60 Credit hours per week (New Zealand credit system).

    Distance mode:
    The qualification is designed to be completed in four trimesters full time (approximately 16 months) or up to four years' part time. The qualification will equip graduates for leadership in the accounting profession through their knowledge of accounting issues and understanding of professional practice, ethics and procedures. Its graduates will have strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.

    This aim is in line with the purpose and aim of the proposed Master of Applied Accountancy, as illustrated in the sections above.

    Admission:
    Admission to the qualification requires: An undergraduate Degree with good academic performance and acceptance as a learner by the qualification director.

    A Postgraduate Certificate and a Postgraduate Diploma are embedded in the Degree. The Postgraduate Certificate requires four courses, including MMPA 501 and MMPA 502. The Postgraduate Diploma requires eight courses, including MMPA 501 and MMPA 502 and two courses from MMPA 506-510.
    Curriculum
    Fourteen core modules and either two electives or a research course.

    Core:
    1. Financial Accounting (MMPA 501).
    2. Management Accounting (MMPA502).
    3. Business Law (MMPA 503).
    4. Finance (MMPA 504).
    5. Corporations and Business Associations Law (MMPA 505).
    6. Advanced Financial Accounting MMPA 506).
    7. Statistics (MMPA 507).
    8. Economics (MMPA 50).
    9. Taxation (MMPA 509).
    10. Auditing (MMPA 510).
    11. Management (MMPA 511).
    12. Advanced Management Accounting (MMPA 512).
    13. Accounting Systems (MMPA 513).
    14. Advanced Financial Management (MMPA 514).

    Electives:
    1. Two electives (special courses - not specified).
    Or
    2. A research course.

    Master of Accountancy.
    Auburn University, Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, Texas, United States of America (USA).

    33 Credit hours (USA credit system). Coursework.

    Distance mode:
    The Master of Accountancy program is designed for working professionals. The courses provide students the additional technical skills, research and communication skills required of professionals. The online accounting courses combine traditional instruction with modern delivery methods to offer educational opportunities beyond Auburn's campus.

    The focus on working professionals in particular is strongly also aligned with University of South Africa's (Unisa's) proposed Master of Applied Accountancy, as well as the online delivery of the qualification.

    Admission:
    Admission to the online Master of Accounting qualification is limited to learners who meet the following criteria:
    1. Four-year regionally accredited Bachelor's Degree from a United States (U.S.) institution.
    2. Must be a U.S. citizen.
    3. Must meet the business and accounting foundation prerequisites.

    Curriculum:
    Five core courses and six electives of three credit hours each.
    Core:
    1. Advanced Auditing & Assurance Services (ACCT 6316) 3 Credit hours.
    2. Research in Accounting (ACCT 7116) 3 Credit hours.
    3. Federal Tax Research (ACCT 7416) 3 Credit hours.
    4. Integrated Accounting Applications (ACCT 7516) 3 Credit hours.
    5. On-campus participation in the Auburn MAcc Leadership Summit which comprises business seminars, leadership workshops, and social events (ACCT 7710). Two days.

    Electives:
    1. Advanced Accounting Topics (ACCT 6136).
    2. Income Tax II (ACCT 6426).
    3. Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting (ACCT 6616).
    4. Advanced Business Law (ACCT 6706).
    5. Financial Analysis and Valuation (ACCT 7136).
    6. Fraud Examination (ACCT 7326).
    7. Corporation and Partnership Taxation (ACCT 7426).
    8. Corporate Governance and Accounting Ethics (ACCT 7816).
    9. Advanced Special Topics in Taxation (ACCT 7976).
    10. Advanced Real Estate Finance (FINC 7626).
    11. Advanced Investments (FINC 7646).
    12. Security and Information Assurance (ISMN 6736).
    13. Information Risk Analysis (ISMN 6746).
    14. Information Technology Auditing (ISMN 6756).
    15. Advanced Management Information Systems (ISMN 7886).


    Master of Science in Accountancy.
    The University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

    180 Credits Coursework consisting 120 Credits and a research report of limited scope of 60 Credits.

    This course develops an advanced knowledge of accounting theory and practice, and prepare for a leading role in the accountancy profession by:
  • Developing an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of accounting as well as critical thinking.
  • Introducing different aspects of accounting research, and guidance in conducting the research.
  • Advance thinking and debate in contemporary issues in financial reporting, management account, auditing and governance.
  • Developing skills that are valued by employers.
  • Connecting closely with the accountancy profession.

    Focus on theory and practice and the ability to develop higher order thinking skills relates strongly to the proposed Master of Applied Accountancy.

    Admission:
    A First or Upper Second class honours degree with 60% average. A degree in accounting or overseas equivalent. Excellent results in accounting subjects are preferable, although a relevant and advanced United Kingdom (UK) professional accounting qualification (or overseas equivalent) will also be considered.

    Demonstrate a very strong background in accounting throughout your Degree, and a final year major or specialisation in accounting will also be considered.

    Curriculum:
    Four mandatory (core) courses, four elective courses and one dissertation of limited scope of 60 Credits.

    Core:
    1. Advanced Management Accounting (BMAN70232) 15 Credits.
    2. Corporate Financial Reporting (BMAN70241) 15 Credits.
    3. Qualitative Research Methods (BMAN71282) 15 Credits.
    4. Quantitative Research Methods in Accounting (BMAN73811) 15 Credits.
    5. Research Dissertation of Limited Scope 60 Credits.

    Electives:
    1. Financial Statement Analysis (BMAN71132) 15 Credits.
    2. International Accounting Practice and Regulation (BMAN71291) 15 Credits.
    3. Corporate Governance in an Accounting Context (BMAN72921) 15 Credits.
    4. Accounting and Society (BMAN73182) 15 Credits.
    5. Assurance and credible Corporate Reporting (BMAN73821) 15 Credits.
    6. Elements of Market Based Accounting Research (BMAN73842) 15 Credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Masters in Commerce in Accounting Sciences, NQF Level 8.
  • Masters in Commerce in Taxation, NQF Level 8.
  • Master of Commerce in Accountancy, NQF Level 8.
  • Master of Business Leadership, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Accounting Science, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of South Africa 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.