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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Accountancy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124065  Master of Accountancy 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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
Registered  EXCO 0721/24  2024-01-30  2027-01-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-01-30   2031-01-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
96934  Master of Management in Management Accounting  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The intended purpose of this Master of Accountancy is to provide the learners with a professional, vocational, and sound understanding of the general theoretical principles and their applications in the field of research accountancy. The qualification will be treated according to the policies and procedures of the institution regarding master's dissertations, monitoring, and assessment of learners' progress in the qualification, provision for learners disputes regarding assessment results and Recognition of Prior Learning. The qualification aims to enhance research capacity and increase access by providing an opportunity to articulate to master's degree. The qualification will accommodate learners with a postgraduate diploma and relevant honours/qualifications on NQF level 8, a minimum of 120 credits achieved at other institutions as well as vertical articulation from relevant master's degrees.

The qualification will be inclusive because it will eliminate the barriers to access and success in higher education research especially accountancy, as well as address the needs for professionals and research in the field of accountancy. At present, learners who complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing are unable to articulate to a Master's degree as only a Master's in management accounting is offered. The qualification will be a research/professional qualification that will accommodate learners and allow for progression pathways into the field of accountancy, and articulation into a relevant Doctoral/PhD degree (for example a PhD in Accountancy).
The Master of Accountancy will accommodate learners with Postgraduate Diplomas the opportunity to articulate from the Postgraduate Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting and the Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing , as well as learners who have an Honours degree or relevant NQF level 8 qualification. It also caters for professionals in the job market who want to further their studies.

This qualification enhances possibilities for career advancement in the professional sector of accountancy. There is a demand and need in the sector for preparation and research to solve integrated problems within accountancy. Graduates of the Master of Accountancy will provide specialised accounting services to commerce and industry. Widening access and possibility for articulation into a Doctorate/ PhD research priority/need for industry/researchers / professional bodies.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply a variety of research methods, methodologies, and techniques to address/solve accountancy challenges.
  • Apply a variety of research methods, methodologies, and techniques to address/solve accountancy challenges.
  • Demonstrate competency and advanced understanding and interpretation of the critical concepts in the field of Accountancy in the global context.
  • Analyse and critically review information collection, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes in the field of Accountancy to develop innovative, creative responses to problems and issues identified.

    Rationale:
    The qualifying learner should be able to conduct research in the field of Accountancy and relevant specialization field in Accountancy and be able to make meaningful practical decisions using theory which will be attained through research, research findings and presenttation. The learners would be able to function and solve research-relevant challenges efficiently in the field of Finance and Accounting. The qualification also widens opportunity for academics at Higher Education Institutions.


    After obtaining the qualification, the learner would be able to make informed meaningful decisions that would impact positively in policy formation and implementation in the commercial industry. The programme will focus on research, the body of knowledge within accountancy, research contribution, articulation, and addressing accountancy problems/issues in society as well as the economy. Experienced auditors/accountants that wish to further their studies, and prepare for senior positions. The Masters will provide learners with the opportunity to address accountancy related research and geographical problems. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • Research by dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to apply a variety of research methods, methodologies, and techniques to address/solve accountancy challenges.
    2. Apply a variety of research methods, methodologies, and techniques to address/solve accountancy challenges.
    3. Demonstrate competency and advanced understanding and interpretation of the critical concepts in the field of Accountancy in the global context.
    4. Analyse and critically review information collection, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes in the field of Accountancy to develop innovative, creative responses to problems and issues identified.
    5. Apply a range of advanced competencies and skills to identify, analyse, and address complex or abstract problems in the Accountancy field.
    6. Exhibit sound knowledge and competence in the application of advanced Accountancy concepts, not limited to a specific sector of accountancy.
    7. Investigate, evaluate, and understand the dynamics of the accountancy/business environment.
    8. Apply professional ethics and conduct in research.
    9. Develop and exhibit advanced skills to present and communicate professional or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Exhibit the ability to select from a variety of the most applicable research methods, methodologies, and techniques, and applying these to address/solve challenges and problems within accountancy.
  • Develop and enhance applicable technologies existing within the field of accountancy.
  • Show advanced understanding and interpreting of critical concepts in the field of accountancy, within the local and global context.
  • Exhibit and apply sound knowledge and competencies in advanced accountancy concepts, not limited to a specific sector of accountancy.
  • Investigate and evaluate the dynamics of the accountancy/business environment.
  • Identify, analyse, and address complex abstract problems in the accountancy field by applying a wide range of advanced competencies and skills.
  • Display sound knowledge of research, competencies and application of professional ethics and conduct.
  • Reflect to self-direct and self-manage, as well as take full responsibility for own work, decision-making and use of resources.
  • Develop innovative, and creative response to problems and issues identified in the field of accountancy by analysing and critically reviewing information collection, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes.
  • Draft a dissertation which concludes and reports findings of the research work.
  • Utilise advanced skills to professionally present and communicate occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative assessment:
    Formative and summative assessment by regular evaluation of progress by supervisor and final evaluation of thesis by an external examiner and/or panel of selected evaluators. Theoretical aspects will be complemented by practical input, experience and expertise from industry.

    The learner must be able to identify the research problem and apply a variety of research methods, methodology and techniques. Existing applicable technologies will be applied and or developed to contribute to the broader field of accountancy.

    Summative assessment:
    A full dissertation is written and submitted as a final submission for summative assessment. Integrated assessment methods will be applied to foster the learner's competence and will be assessed by means of a research proposal and a dissertation that demonstrate:
  • An in-depth knowledge of the field of Accountancy.
  • The ability to analyse findings and make constructive recommendations.
  • Familiarity with various research methodologies in commerce particularly the Accountancy field. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Waikota (UW)
    Qualification title: Master of Professional Accounting
    Duration 12 months
    Credits 180

    Purpose/rational
    During the one-year accelerated course, you will gain applied knowledge in management and financial accounting, accounting information systems and processes, performance reporting, auditing, taxation, business law, strategic decision-making, quantitative skills for economics and finance, and economics for business.

    Entry requirements
  • Have a bachelor's degree in any subject area
    Have achieved at least a B-minus grade average in your final year of study

    Qualification structure:
    Modules:
  • Economics for Business.
  • Quantitative Methods for Business Analysis.
  • Management Accounting for Organisational Value.
  • Accounting Systems and Processes.
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting.
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting.
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting.

    Similarities
  • The University of Waikota (UW) and the South Africa (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a bachelor's degree/ honours in the relevant field.
  • Both UW and SA qualifications are offered for one year.
  • Both the UW and SA qualifications are comprised of 180 credits.

    Difference:
  • The University of Waikato (UW) qualification includes a variety of modules that are coursework, whereas the South African (SA) qualification primarily emphasizes research.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Curtin University (CU)
    Qualification title: Master of Accounting
    Duration: One year full-time
    Credits 200

    Entry requirements
    A qualification, majoring in accounting that is recognised at AQF Level 7. In addition, you must meet Curtin's English language proficiency.

    Purpose/rationale
    This program aims to develop internationally focused graduates who are working in a field that requires specialised knowledge in accounting. The course is designed for students who already have an undergraduate degree in accounting and provides tuition for subjects in the CPA Program offered by CPA Australia. Students can choose to enrol in the CPA Program subjects with CPA Australia concurrently with the CPA units offered in this course.

    Qualification outcomes
  • Apply principles of financial accounting, managerial accounting, governance and auditing to grasp the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline.
  • Extend knowledge base with research and application of business research methods.
  • Apply critical and analytical thinking to develop innovative solutions to complex problems in relevant business fields.
  • Locate, extract and critically appraise information from a range of sources and effectively communicate it using structured financial or other appropriate language to a professional audience for a range of purposes.
  • Develop ongoing professional, self-directed and reflective education relating to developments and changes in the information requirements of a global financial system that is multi-perspective in nature and applies international financial reporting standards.

    Similarities:
  • Curtin University (CU) and South African (SA) qualifications are offered for one year full-time.
  • Both CU and SA qualifications require learners who completed a bachelor/honours degree.
  • The CU and SA qualifications have comparable outcomes, enabling learners who complete them to effectively apply the principles of both financial and managerial accounting.

    Difference:
  • Curtin University (CU) qualification is offered with 200 credit points, while the South African SA qualification is offered with 180 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Accounting Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Accounting Sciences, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Business Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting Sciences, NQF Level 10.
  • 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: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.