Undergraduate

BCom specialising in Information Systems

What does the programme entail?

Students enrolled for the Bachelor of Commerce Information Systems degree study the application and use of the computer and information systems in an organisation. The broad background in economic and management sciences gained through this programme is combined with information technology (IT) to teach students how to design and implement systems for storing and manipulating data in such a way that people can understand, use, interpret and make decisions based on that information.

The Bachelor of Commerce specialising in Information Systems programme at UP is the only degree in South Africa that is internationally endorsed by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) of the USA.

Additional information

https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/2025/pdf/programme/07130173?content=abridged

Contact information

Prof Marita Turpin / Prof Riana Steyn
Tel: +27 (0)12 420 3798
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.up.ac.za/informatics

Bachelor of Information Technology in Information Systems (BIT) 

What does the programme entail?

Students who enrol for this programme study the application and use of computer and information systems in organisations. The use of information technology by organisations is growing exponentially and new, more complex and challenging applications are being explored and developed all the time. 

Informatics specialists are trained to analyse business problems experienced by organisations and to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and control of business processes for commercial organisations, government, government departments, non-profit organisations or any other organisation where information is crucial. They therefore not only analyse the business needs, but also address them by designing and implementing information systems.

Nowadays the term information systems is used to refer to computer-based systems (including mobile applications) that store and manipulate data so that people can understand and interpret information and use it for decision-making.

Additional information

https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/2025/pdf/programme/12133215?content=abridged

Contact information

Prof Marie Hattingh
Tel: +27 (0)12 420 3798
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.up.ac.za/informatics

Program Educational Objectives

The Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) articulate the long-term professional achievements and capabilities expected of University of Pretoria Information Systems graduates.
UP Information System graduates …
• Demonstrate ethical decision-making and professional integrity and have a strong sense of social responsibility and accountability for the impact of their actions on individuals, organisations and society.
• Are able to function and operate effectively in diverse, transdisciplinary, cross-functional and multicultural environments.
• Are able to apply interpersonal skills and leadership acumen towards effective teamwork and people management.
• Are able to act agile and be adaptable in a dynamic technological environment.
• Are able to integrate technical and social skills to analyse, design and manage systems that include both people and technology.
• Demonstrate the capacity for continuous learning and effective adaptation within the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
• Are able to seize societal opportunities, enabling them to create innovative and sustainable entrepreneurial initiatives.

Program Objectives

PO_01: The Informatics/Information Systems graduate must have a broad business understanding and real-world perspective to be Information Systems enablers in organisations and understand the strategic significance of Information Systems. 
PO_02: The Informatics/Information Systems graduate must have strong analytical and critical thinking skills to be able to apply both traditional and old concepts and skills. 
PO_03: The Informatics/Information Systems graduate must design and implement information technology solutions that enhance organisational performance. 
PO_04: The Informatics/ Information Systems graduate must exhibit strong ethical principles and have good interpersonal communication and team skills. 
PO_05: The Informatics/ Information Systems graduate must have skills in basic statistical and mathematical models to be used in analyzing data. 
PO_06: The Informatics/Information Systems graduate must understand that systems consist of people, hardware, software and data. 

Student Outcomes of the Degree

The Student Outcomes of our degree are linked to the following ABET (international accreditation body) outcomes:

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.

3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.

4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.

5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.

6. Support the use, delivery, and management of information systems within an Information Systems environment  [IS].

University of Pretoria Graduate Attributes

• UPGA_01: UP graduates function autonomously/independently and confidently as individuals, within the work environment locally and globally, and as citizens in a developing country. They demonstrate initiative in overcoming life and work challenges, devise ways to improve their own performance, and take responsibility for their own decisions and development. They have a lifelong learning disposition.

• UPGA_02: UP graduates have intellectual curiosity and an inquiry-led approach to knowledge. They formulate questions and hypotheses and apply systematic and analytically rigorous methods to develop evidence; collect, evaluate, synthesize, and interpret data; and reach valid conclusions. They apply knowledge to create innovative solutions and communicate this knowledge effectively.

• UPGA_03: UP graduates are emerging or established leaders in a profession with a broad understanding of theory and practice related to their fields, who understand economic and business realities as well as their own working environment and can manage change. They behave ethically and with integrity within the profession and its culture. They promote accepted professional values. They integrate expertise or experience and communicate these in different contexts locally and globally with a view to transformation.

• UPGA_04: UP graduates are team players with the relevant intra- and inter-personal skills to work collaboratively and co-operatively in multi-disciplinary and diverse contexts. They interact constructively and create opportunities for shared learning. They have conflict management skills and negotiate constructive outcomes. They provide opportunities for and develop individuals, teams, and communities, and value networking.

• UPGA_05: UP graduates rapidly conceptualize issues and synthesize knowledge creatively to provide solutions for current and future-orientated challenges. They conduct context-focused, solution-orientated inquiries using critical, creative, and logical thinking. They use a systems approach to manage change in complex situations, using diverse global perspectives to improve understanding of causes of and solutions to local problems.

• UPGA_06: UP graduates have a sense of social responsibility, respect human rights and dignity, and exhibit informed civic, cultural, and environmental awareness. They work with value-led behaviour for public good, social justice, and environmental sustainability. They make an active social and civic contribution, and advocate transformation locally, nationally, and globally.

• UPGA_07: UP graduates communicate constructively and sensitively with a range of people and communities in diverse social, cultural, geographical, and workplace contexts using appropriate language (oral, written, and listening) as well as numerical, graphical, and presentation skills. They effectively use relevant information to advance lifelong learning and execute work tasks and are able to gather and synthesize data and summarize key issues. They have up-to-date digital knowledge and experience of technology generally and in their fields.

Enrollments and graduates

Undergraduate students by program

Undergraduate student graduates by program