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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Commerce in Politics, Philosophy and Economics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122861  Bachelor of Commerce in Politics, Philosophy and Economics 
ORIGINATOR
Regenesys Management (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First 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  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0527/24  2024-10-03  2027-10-03 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-10-03   2033-10-03  

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 Bachelor of Commerce in Politics, Philosophy and Economics is to provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips graduates with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of disciplines and fields of study, and to enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context. The qualification will equip learners with fit-for-future knowledge and skills to become leaders in a diverse and global economy.

The curriculum and exit level outcomes of the qualification are structured to ensure that learners will graduate as well-rounded commerce professionals with the ability to approach decision-making and problem-solving initiatives from new perspectives, whilst simultaneously being able to lead a diverse and multicultural workforce.

Successful graduates will be able to participate in a range of commercial activities many of which lie in the field of commercial expansion based on a sound understanding of political trends, philosophical theories, and the way each of these spheres interact with the economics of both a country and the world. Learners will be able to perform an effective analysis of finances from both a commercial and industrial perspective and assessed by various philosophical approaches.

Graduates will be problem-solvers adept at managing industrial relations, interpreting labour relation law, and evaluating supply chains not only within South Africa but on the global stage and to articulate into a diverse range and scope of postgraduate commerce-related fields of study.

Rationale:
The Covid-19 pandemic changed the way local and international trade takes place with digital technologies softening the barriers some enterprises faced when entering the global market. As a result of these changes, it is important for commerce graduates to be exposed to both local and international theories, to have a foundational knowledge of the role of digital concepts in business management, and to navigate various political or financial scenarios and worldwide economies through the lens of a variety of philosophies.

It is essential for institutions to produce graduates who have a firm understanding and capability in commerce to promote commercial innovation via multi-disciplinary approaches. The qualification will contribute to the growth of the national economy (GDP) and lasting international relations within the global marketplace.

The development of the qualification was influenced by the institution's strategic decision to develop leaders and organisations not only from a managerial context but to awaken potential across all professions, sectors, and disciplines. The institution envisions graduating learners who are experts at analysing economic trends, theories, and current events as they solve problems within the field of labour relations and supply chains. Graduates will have an in-depth understanding of the various labour and trade laws, further enabling them to manage the financial aspects of projects on a global scale. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution applies recognition of prior learning in the scope of the SAQA policy principles as amended in 2019. The institution's RPL Policy and Process determine the criteria and methodology used to assess prior learning. RPL offers an alternative access route into a programme of learning, professional designation, or recognition in the workplace to those who do not meet the specified qualification entry requirements. In this regard, qualifications, part-qualifications, and professional designations registered on the NQF must provide alternative entry requirements so that candidates can be admitted to the qualification, part qualification, or professional designation, through RPL.

RPL for access:
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied for by applicants who do not meet the admission criteria for any programme.
  • Admission of applicants per programme through an RPL route would not constitute more than 10 percent of the learner intake for the programme.

    RPL for credits:
    Where credit is awarded, it must be based on the assessed evidence of the knowledge and skills acquired informally and non-formally.

    The RPL process is multi-contextual and differs across contexts. It may be developed and implemented differently for recognition in the context of the three NQF Sub-Frameworks, professional designations, and recognition in the workplace. Furthermore, it is conducted using a variety of specialised learning interventions and/or assessment approaches through which the knowledge, skills and values of a person are made visible, mediated and assessed. The purposes and contexts of RPL determine the practices and outcomes of the RPL process in each case. The focus is on what has been learned, and not on the status of the institution or place where the learning was obtained.

    Assessment is an integral feature of all forms of RPL and exists in combination with a range of other strategies that allow for different sources of knowledge and forms of learning to be compared and judged. RPL includes diagnostic, formative, or summative assessments, to create opportunities for, or towards, access and/or credit.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 80 Credits:
  • Politics 1A, 10 Credits
  • Politics 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 1A, 10 Credits
  • Philosophy 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Economics 1A, 10 Credits
  • Economics 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Statistics 1A, 10 Credits
  • Statistics 1B, 10 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 5, 40 Credits (Select any four modules):
  • Commercial Law 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Commercial law 1B, 10 Credits.
  • International Economics 1A, 10 Credits.
  • International Economics 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Ethical Leadership 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Ethical Leadership 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems Management 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems Management 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Project Management 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Project Management 1B, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 60 Credits:
  • Politics 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Politics 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Economics 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Economics 2B, 10 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 60 Credits (Select any six modules):
  • Commercial Law 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Commercial Law 2B, 10 Credits.
  • International Economics 2A, 10 Credits.
  • International Economics 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Ethical Leadership 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Ethical Leadership 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Econometrics 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Econometrics 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems Management 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems Management 2B, 10 Credits.
  • Management 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Project Management 2B, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 60 Credits:
  • Politics 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Politics 3B, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 3B, 10 Credits.
  • Economics 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Economics 3B, 10 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 60 Credits (Select any six modules):
  • Commercial Law 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Commercial Law 3B, 10 Credits.
  • International Business Law 3A, 10 Credits.
  • International Business Law 3B, 10 Credits.
  • International Economics 3A, 10 Credits.
  • International Economics 3B, 10 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management 3B, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 3B, 10 Credits.
  • Econometrics 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Econometrics 3B, 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems Management 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems Management 3B, 10 Credits.
  • Project Management 3A, 10 Credits.
  • Project Management 3B, 10 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate systematic and thorough knowledge of the assumptions and theories of Economics cognisant of current political scenarios and philosophical approaches.
    2. Use knowledge and methods of quality management, to identify, analyse, and solve problems to improve the quality of work.
    3. Interpret the industrial relations framework in relation to labour-management relations, collective bargaining, and the management consultation system.
    4. Analyse and apply fundamental legal concepts, principles, theories and their relationship to international business law and practice.
    5. Discuss the classical and modern international trade theories, showing the implications of foreign trade for the domestic economy and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the political and economic institutions and philosophical discourses within the field of commerce.
    6. Display a thorough understanding of the General Principles of the South African Law of Contract when applying principles of law relating to sales, lease, and insurance contracts in the context of a selected business.
    7. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Supply Chain functions; utilising analytical skills to identify and address potential project resource problems and apply project tools to alleviate these problems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discuss the concept of the fundamental building blocks of the field of study, interrogate and engage with the concepts.
  • Relate these in the context of the broader application to the study of economics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply problem-solving skills to relevant quality management aspects relating to business and the world of work from a commercial and industrial perspective.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply the interpretation skills from a systemic and problem-solving perspective to industrial relations, labour management relations, collective bargaining, and management consulting.
  • Relate these elements within the broader system of human resources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse and apply fundamental legal concepts, principles, theories and their relationship to international business law and practice from a legal perspective.
  • Discuss how the competencies will contribute to the overall goal of qualifying as a well-rounded commerce learner who can make a useful contribution to the legal aspects of a business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Discuss with comprehension how the classical and modern international trade theories contribute to trade.
  • Illustrate the implications of foreign trade for the domestic economy on the political and economic institutions and philosophical discourses within the commerce field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Discuss the General Principles of the South African Law of Contract.
  • Apply principles of law relating to sales, lease, and insurance contracts in the context of a selected business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Explain the Supply Chain functions.
  • Utilise analytical skills to identify and address potential project resource problems and apply project tools to alleviate these problems. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification compares favourably with the Bachelor of Commerce degree offered by the following international countries.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of New South Wales
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of¿Politics, Philosophy and Economics¿
    NQF Level: AQF Level 7
    Credits: 144
    Duration: Three years full-time
    Entry Requirements: Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent)

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (BPPE) provides graduates with a uniquely powerful combination of intellectual tools with which to understand and act on the world. PPE graduates globally are recognised leaders in all aspects of public life, including the highest reaches of government, political parties and lobby groups, the public service, NGOs, and social activist organisations. It also equips learners for careers in banking, consultancy work, and strategic advising to major corporations. PPE graduates are also well-known as public commentators on contemporary issues. The qualification will bring the perspectives of three crucial intellectual disciplines to pressing contemporary national and global issues such as justice, inequality, and climate change. As well as combining a carefully chosen combination of existing courses from the Politics and International Relations, Philosophy, and Economics streams, the program will include courses specifically designed to enable learners to explore the synergies and tensions between them and assess their relevance to meeting humanity's most difficult challenges.

    The leaders of today and tomorrow rely heavily on the fundamentals of politics, philosophy, and economics, particularly how the fields relate to one another. The qualification focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to learning, where learners will be exposed to ideas that give learners the ability to weave together theory and methods from all three disciplines. In developing this qualification, top academics across two faculties and three disciplines considered a range of current social issues, global trends, and the professional demands within these areas. The qualification is built on a strong foundation across politics, philosophy, and economics, to make sure learners remain adaptable and agile in an ever-changing professional landscape.¿

    Learning Outcomes:
  • Connect the study of Philosophy, Politics and Economics to the historical and contemporary challenges of local, regional, and global contexts.
  • Explain the contested character of forms of philosophical, political, and economic inquiry and the connections between them.
  • Articulate the various processes, practices, and dilemmas of policy formation in local, regional, and global contexts.
  • Interpret and critically evaluate key concepts, theoretical perspectives, and practices of analysis in the study of social, political, and economic institutions, actors, and systems in local, regional, and global contexts.
  • Exhibit initiative and self-direction.
  • Articulate disciplinary theories and practices of politics, philosophy, and economics, and integrate them with cross-disciplinary concerns and connections.
  • Critically and creatively employ appropriate methodologies and disciplinary bodies of knowledge and appraise disciplinary perspectives on social, political, and economic problems and policies in professional practice and/or scholarship.
  • Act ethically, respectfully, and responsibly.
  • Continuously acquire knowledge and skills and reflect on existing knowledge and skills for personal and career fulfilment.
  • Communicate and debate complex ideas in a range of different contexts using a variety of suitable media.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of 24 courses, including 16 core courses, six prescribed electives and two free electives.

    Majors:
  • Economics comparable to Economics
  • Philosophy comparable to Philosophy
  • Politics and International Relations comparable to Politics

    Similarities:
  • The University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over three years full time of study.
  • The UNSW and the SA qualifications are registered at level 7 on the AQF/SANQF.
  • Both qualifications require learners who completed the Year 12 qualification or equivalent qualifications.
  • The purpose and learning outcomes compare favourably with SA qualification.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications progress to Bachelor's Honours in a cognate field.

    Difference:
  • The UNSW qualification consists of 144 credits whereas the SA qualification consists of 360 credits.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Otago
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
    NQF Level: NZQF Level 7
    Credits: 360
    Full-time: Three years
    Entry requirements:
    National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) with University Entrance (UE)

    Purpose:
    The aim of the qualification is to give a broader exposure to the range of analytical approaches in these three disciplines than would be gained within any one of the traditional single-discipline majors. There are natural affinities and common roots among several strands of philosophy, politics, and economics. For example, economics developed from the field of political economy, welfare economics utilises concepts of social justice from philosophy, and the philosophy of science has important implications for methodologies adopted in economics and politics.

    Graduates go on to apply their analytical skills in many different fields: recent graduates are working as diplomats, journalists, lawyers, project managers, academics, business executives, entrepreneurs, accountants, and policy analysts.
    There are graduates in entertainment, tourism, and information technology; those in government work at the Supreme Court and the Ministries for the Environment, Treasury, Social Development, and Inland Revenue, among others.

    Qualification structure:
    First year:100-level
  • Economic Principles and Policy comparable to Economics
  • Principles of Macroeconomics E comparable to Econometrics
  • Ethical Issues comparable to Ethical Leadership
  • One 100-level POLS paper (POLS 102 New Zealand Politics - Introduction, recommended)

    Second-year level:
  • Political Economy 1: Method, Philosophy, Applications is comparable to Economics Politics, and Philosophy
  • Microeconomics or Intermediate Microeconomic Theory comparable to Econometrics.
  • One further 200-level ECON paper.
  • One 200-level PHIL paper.
  • One 200-level POLS paper.
  • One further 200-level ECON, PHIL or POLS papers.

    Third-year level
  • Six 300-level ECON, PHIL, PHPE, or POLS papers, including at least one paper in each of Economics, Philosophy, and Politics.
  • CLAS 340 may be substituted for one 300-level PHIL paper, and CLAS 346 may be substituted for one 300-level POLS paper.
    And
  • 72 further points which may be taken from outside Arts.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Otago (UO) and the South African (SA) qualifications take three years of full-time study.
  • The UO and SA qualifications have 360 credits and are registered at Level 7 on the NZQF/SANQF
  • Both qualifications require learners who completed the National Senior Certificate granting access to university studies.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications progress to Honou's degree or equivalent in the cognate field. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Economics, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Economics, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Social Science in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Philosophy, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Economics, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Economics, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Economics, NQF Level 8.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Occupational Certificate Market Research Analysis, NQF Level 5.
  • Occupational Certificate: Bookkeeper, NQF Level 5.
  • Occupational Certificate: Management Assistant, NQF Level 5.
  • Occupational Certificate: Management Accountant, NQF Level 8.
  • Occupational Certificate: Audit Manager, NQF Level 8. 

  • 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. Regenesys Management (Pty) Ltd 



    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.